When my roommate asked if I wanted to join him and his family on a cruise a couple of months ago, I said yes immediately.
It’s been way too long since I’ve had a proper getaway, and a four-night roundtrip to Mexico sounded like exactly what the psychologist ordered. And when I found out how cheap the all-inclusive cruise was, I knew my accountant would approve too.
Not only do I love my roommate’s brother, his kids are hilarious young adults who make being the honorary gay uncle an absolute blast. I spend most of my time watching them argue over stuff I don’t care about…or understand. Kids!
Our cruise is officially one week away, so the countdown is on and the pre-vacation excitement is mighty real.
We’ve been mentally packing for weeks. Next, we’ll start the literal packing. I will be taking my swimsuits, sandals, sunscreen…and maybe a costume. Because this isn’t just any cruise: IT’S A HALLOWEEN CRUISE!!! 🎃⚓
There’s something so fun about celebrating spooky season at sea. Instead of handing out candy at home, we’ll be watching moonlight shimmer on the open sea and sipping “witches’ brew” at the ship’s bars.
Costumes and cocktails instead of cobwebs and candy corn?
That’s my kind of adult Halloween.
I can already picture it: themed parties, ghostly décor, and a sea breeze adding just the right amount of drama to my still-undecided costume.
Between all the onboard activities and our stops in Mexico, there’ll be plenty of chances to explore, eat amazing food, and soak up sunshine before winter hits.
Over the next few days, I’ll be finalizing my packing list, debating drink packages, and counting down the minutes until we board.
This Halloween is all about tricks, treats, a little family time, and a lot of rest and relaxation. I can’t wait!
Keep calm and sail away…
Clint 🌈✌️
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FYC = FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION
ON THIS DAY = OCTOBER 24
BIRTHDAYS
51 = Domitian = Roman emperor 🌈
1796 = August von Platen-Hallermünde = German poet 🌈
1859 = Lucy Elmina Anthony = American activist 🌈
1891 = Brenda Ueland = American journalist, author, and educator
1895 = Prince Pierre, Duke of Valentinois = French aristocrat 🌈
1915 = Bob Kane = American author and illustrator
1930 = The Big Bopper = American singer-songwriter
1932 = Stephen Covey = American author and educator
1936 = Bill Wyman = English singer-songwriter
1939 = F. Murray Abraham = American actor
1939 = Paula Gunn Allen = American writer, critic, and activist 🌈
1947 = Kevin Kline = American actor and singer
1960 = BD Wong = American actor 🌈
1980 = Zac Posen = American fashion designer 🌈
1986 = Oliver Jackson-Cohen = English actor
1989 = David Castañeda = American actor
EVENTS
1861 = The first transcontinental telegraph line across the United States is completed.
1926 = Harry Houdini‘s last performance takes place at the Garrick Theatre in Detroit.
1929 = On “Black Thursday“, the New York Stock Exchange lost 11 percent of its value at the opening bell on very heavy trading, marking the beginning of the Great Depression.
1934 = “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town” is first recorded by Harry Reser and His Orchestra, featuring Tom Stacks on vocals.
1947 = Famed animator Walt Disney testifies before the House Un-American Activities Committee, naming Disney employees he believes to be communists. (“Uncle Walt” was imo a pompous asshat.)
1966 = Paul Lynde makes his first appearance on The Hollywood Squares.
1978 = The Wiz is released in theaters.
1986 = Soul Man is released in theaters.
1997 = Gattaca is released in theaters.
2002 = Pioneering gay activist Harry Hay dies in San Francisco at the age of 90.
2008 = “Bloody Friday“ saw many of the world’s stock exchanges experience the worst declines in their history, with drops of around 10% in most indices.
HOLIDAYS + OBSERVANCES
Ace Week (October 19-25)
LGBTQ History Month (October 1-31) 🌈🧐📚
PORTRAITS + QUOTES OF THE DAY
“I’m passionate about politics, but when it comes to political parties, I’m despondent. I’m disappointed at the absence of a sense of humanity and struggle to not become a cynic.”
F. Murray Abraham
“Don’t worry about what’s cool and what’s not cool. Authenticity is what’s cool.”
Zac Posen
Also of course in the FYC section about birthday corn I had/have an old friend who enjoyed cannabis as a relaxant for his HIV so birthdays/Christmas were easy to buy for 😎👍Me, it's not my thing at all but I'm non judgemental about it. Cheers DougT 🇫🇴🇬🇧
Oops THAT kind of cruising ISN'T for me, no way Jose but my brother and SIL love their cruises. They are due to take 2 in 2026. The Caribbean fly cruise in late summer 2026 is to mark their 60th wedding anniversary! Now when I get home from the local bodega (the pub) I have an ace Richard YT to send you.....a bit apt! Cheers DougT 🇫🇴🇬🇧