What a wonderful topic! I've loved reading about you all. I'll try to make this brief (but probably won't succeed).

(Petlover) Marcie & Tom Matassa
Fullerton, CA
marciematassa@adelphia.net

I had a very traditional "Leave it to Beaver" up bringing. Born in Memphis,TN and grew up in Tulsa, OK. On my Father's side.I actually have kind of a blue ribbon pedigree - I had nothing but a wonderful life! My Father was a senior Captain with American Airlines so I virtually grew up traveling. I took my first airplane ride when I was only 3 weeks old.

Due to the airlines and the fact that my Father was a U.S. Air Force Lt. Colonel, we moved often eventually settling in Southern California. I graduated from Palos Verdes High School in 1967, and from Colorado State University in 1971. My only real claim to fame (all by myself) was my success selling real estate in Southern California for 25 years where I was ranked amongst the top realtors in California.

I'm happily married to Tom, my soul mate and my best friend. We had completely different upbringing, he from Manhattan, NY and me from Tulsa, Ok. Tom worked for many years as a management consultant through out the U.S. and the world. We spent months apart from each other but were always in touch (Andi and Doug have it easy compared to the years we went through with me in California and him in places like Bombay, India for 6 months!). Luckily, due to Tom's job we were able to travel and see the world. We visited fabulous places such as Hong Kong, Bangkok, Indonesia, Spain, and France. As for cruising, this was brought about by me. I wanted to give it a try so in 1992 (?) we went on a fabulous Mediterranean cruise on Orient Lines. Our first Radisson cruise was VOF (Voyager October 1 ' 03 from Venice to Rome)

In 2003 Tom retired. Upon his retirement, I did the same. For the past few years I have spent most of my free time caring for my wonderful Mom who suffered from dementia and my love and devotion to animals. Unfortunately, my Mom passed away on May 1, 04. This has freed up a lot of my time allowing us travel that we could never have considered before. Daughters Gina (27) and Jill (24) are grown. Gina is happily married and doing well living in San Jose. Jill graduated in 2003 from the same college as Gina (U.C. Santa Barbara) and is now gainfully employed and living back home. Jill's moving back home put a new twist to our lives.We were getting pretty comfortable living with just us and our pets but all and all.it's working out great. She is a marvelous house and pet sitter while we're away! Without Jill living at home, this would not be possible as there are few people I would consider trusting our pets with!

I'm blessed to be married to a fabulous man who puts up with my whims. I'm the planner who plans the trips and cruises. He has an easy-going disposition and great sense of humor....living with Tom is never dull! Our hobbies are simple and consist of watching the Lakers, U.S.C. Trojans, and the California Angels, and of course some fine dining, good wines and our after dinner Sambuca! Tom enjoys playing poker at local casinos, day trading and golf in-between our travels . Our HUGE upcoming once in a lifetime trip is in January when we will be on the Voyager Around the World Cruise for 3 1/2 months!

Life is good! I feel very blessed to have a loving husband, 2 wonderful daughters, 5 critters (2 dogs: Mattie & Mr. Magoo and 3 cats: "Famous Amos"-my avatar, Bo & Barney). I'm thankful for our good health and the ability to travel and meet so many great new friends! Our door is always open to anyone who is in our neighborhood