One of the things I do at work is manage the College Critics Association. The Association sponsors an annual Top College Critic contest, and three finalists get to go on the Ebert & Roeper Film Festival at Sea in October. And guess who else gets to go too?

YES, ME!

I’ve had some pretty awesome work perks in my day … free parties, free music, free movies, free Uniball pens (cough cough). I’ve had some awesome free travel. But never have I gotten a free four day cruise in the Bahamas, where I can drink bevvies on the beach during the day, and then watch awesome movies with Ebert at night. Sure, I’ll be by myself (Dre could come with, but we can’t afford it), but that’s almost sweeter: it’s like a little retreat.

Well, on a Disney Cruiseliner. I’m not sure if it’ll really be my scene, but hey: I’m bringing my yoga mat and my books and my swimsuit and squeezing every drop of enjoyment from the freebie.