Friday, August 29, 2008

My Love Boat Triangle Has Become A Square

28 Aug 08

Apparently I was bored .. so I needed to add another guy to my Pot o' Men! LOL So it was me, Richard and Boogie .. a triangle. Now add in Keenan. And if you want, throw in Angela to the mix and a hexagon it is! :) Ok, I am cracking myself up on that .. LOL

Keenan works on the cruise staff is well; he is hilarious. And I am such a sucker for a guy who is cute and can make me laugh! Had me in hysterics last night as he ran down the M1 draped in the Australian flag yelling "I am a superhero, I am ... Ozzie Man!" I had to stop walking b/c I was laughing so hard, I needed to pee .. and to do all that at the same time wasn't good. I was afraid I would pee my pants! Then when we took the lift up, he sat down in it b/c he was tired from running. I nearly died with laughter.

Anyway .. we all drank too much at the Aussie Beach Party in the wardie, then we went back to Keenan's cabin to drink more and watch Flight Of The Concords (HBO show - which is absolutely brilliant!!) and I didnt crawl back to my cabin (from one deck up thank god) till 4.30am. (and had to be at work at 8)

Needless to say I was looking a little worse for the wear today. Worked on crew computers till noon, went for lunch upstairs, called Mom and then went for a long nap. I am still quite pooped out - so I am happy that it is "hour forward" night and no one goes out. I will be in bed ... maybe I will watch a little "House"; I am already several episodes in .. had to take a break from CSI Miami .. didnt want to tire of it - but have watched most of the season already :)

Here are some pics from last night at the party: (the first pic is me with Boogie - since you guys said you wanted to see a pic of him)
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.5ukcqh17&x=0&y=-vefcaj&localeid=en_US

Tonight I got to watch most the South Carolina game - I was thrilled!! I have been bummed out that college football season is starting and I wont have the same Saturday rituals that I had at home! :( But I looked at the schedule and there are some good games on ESPN - which we get most of the time. And Monday night the Tenneessee game is on ESPN - and it will be on when i am on break - sooooo excited woooo!!!
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Monday, August 25, 2008

It's Like Summer Camp

25 Aug 08
At Sea - heading for Ketchikan

Saturday night in Victoria was a lot of fun. A bunch of us went into Victoria for dinner - Richard didn't invite Angela - which was smart of him LOL. Anyway, we ended up having a really great night out - the weather was good, we had dinner at a pretty place that over looked the marina and we got to sit outside and listen to live music. I really liked Victoria - much different area than I had stayed in when I signed on. This was of course touristy, but I like that most of the time.

After dinner we walked around the town - it was a Sat night so of course it was pretty lively. There were also 3 cruise ships in as well. We found a cool Irish/Scottish bar with live music and went in for a few more drinks. The band was really good (it was all cover music) and we were there for a while. About 10.15 or so we decided to head back to the ship; I was glad we did. When we got to the pier, there were all these people standing around and Jemma remembered there was going to be a fireworks display to celebrate the opening of a new pier they are building for the cruise ships. Just as we started to walk towards the terminal - the music started! So we were just in time (we thought we missed it) We walked quickly over to where they were to get a better view. There was a great soundtrack to them; and I am such a sucker for fireworks too. Its like in Disney, I always wanted to go to see them no matter if I saw them the night before or not.

When the show was over, there was a small fair set up so we wandered through the local vendors selling hand made arts and crafts and food. Some of the booths had these amazing masks - I would never buy one to wear, but they are really cool to hang on the wall in your house or something (I have liked them since I met Kir - who has one on her wall in her house) Anyway, I am trying to be better about spending money this contract, so I decided against even asking how much they were. (b/c then if they were cheap - I wouldnt say no to buying one LOL)

When we got back on the ship, everyone headed to the Wardie - but I needed to go and close the cafe (we close it at 11pm so there is no more charges on the last night after 11pm) so I worked for about a half hour and then went to the Wardie as well. It ended up being a fun night up there - lots of people came back from town and went right up there. Went and stayed with Richard but just wasn't "feeling it" as much, so that might be my last time. I still think something is going on with Angela; even though he denies it and said he wouldn't do that to me behind my back.

AND ... I am still having a major crush on Boogie - but I dont understand him. He used to come in and visit me often; now I have only seen him twice in passing since 'the incident' :) He hasn't been out at all either - which is wierd for him. Tonight is disco night and everyone goes to that - so hopefully he will be there. Though I am not going to chase him. A few of the girls think he felt rejected when I told him to leave (though I said it nicely) the night he was over; silly men! If I can just hang out with him as usual, I can still play it cool and yet let him know I am interested. I hate to do it, but I certainly know how to "play the game"
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Saturday, August 23, 2008

My Very Own Love Boat

23 Aug 08
approaching Victoria BC

Here is a little update on my social life on the ship:

Ok, so Wed night there was that party given by the Cruise Staff backstage - I mentioned all that 2 posts ago (Touring Juneau) What I didn't mention then was - when Boogie and I were talking, he had kissed me. :) So yeah .. a little shocked on that. He is a cutie too. I wasn't sure if I should just forget about it or what. He had kissed me again before he left - and I think I liked it LOL Obviously Richard wasn't around; he had gone off in another group.

So after that I didn't see Boogie all day Thursday or Friday; damn big ship! It is possible to avoid someone you dont work with for quite some time. Last night was a repeat of the Cruise Staff party, only it was in the Wardroom this time so no one could complain about the noise. :P I was on my way there and just as I got to the steps, Richard was leaving. And who was on his tail? Angela (the girl who seems to be everywhere with him) I asked if he was coming back and he said he wasn't sure. I raised an eyebrow at him LOL I was not impressed!!

I went in to the Wardie and since it was still early - a few people (Terri, Woody, Alan, Victor) were playing Taboo and asked me to join. That was fun! Then the party got underway at about midnight. I noticed the Cruise Staff starting to trickle in around 12.30 or so - but no sign of Boogie. Hmmmm

Since I told Terri about the kiss from Boogie - she has taken it upon herself to try to get us together. So after several more drinks, and still a no-show from him, she dialed his cabin and made me talk to him. Yeah - drunk dialing .. not good LOL I asked him why he wasn't at the party and he said he was tired. I asked if he normally kisses girls and then hides from them for 2 days, then blows them off LMAO!!! He said "no baby - not at all"

Needless to say I am a little confused by both of these guys and their actions. MEN!!!

I think I am going to tell Richard to bugger off; he may be telling me nothing is going on with Angela, but unless I am with him every night (and I am not) then one never actually knows - do they? And I still don't know him well enough to trust him that much. A group of us are supposed to go out tonight in Victoria for dinner - Richard being among them. If Angela shows up, I am done! (its an open invite - whoever wants to go - but still!)

In the meantime - I did see Boogie at lunch and as I was walking out of the mess, said Hi and (quietly) apologized for last night. He just smiled and said no worries. We will see what happens there. Wish me luck!! :)
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Friday, August 22, 2008

Ahoy Mateys

22 Aug 08

Hold on to your hats - we seem to have hit a storm my friends! We have strong winds from the south and are unfortunately sailing right into it. The pax are cranky, the weather is crap - its a hell of a day at sea!

(yes I am fine - it is not bothering me; other than my bathroom door slamming once, I slept great for my nap LOL)
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Thursday, August 21, 2008

Touring Juneau

21 Aug 08
Skagway, Alaska

So yesterday was a GORGEOUS day! Woke up to lots of sunshine in Tracy Arm, so it looked like a good chance we would get the same in Juneau later on. We pull into Juneau about 1pm, but slowly go up the harbor and then come back because we need to wait for another ship (the NCL Sun) to leave so we can take the berth. So I had gone out on the porch and called Mom while we were tying up. It was so wonderful to feel the sun on my face and the warm breeze - it was like a June day - just perfect!!

I had planned to go up to the top of Mt Roberts if the weather was good; so since it was I wasn't missing a clear day to take some pics. I tried to recruit some friends - but most people had already done it. (it is the popular thing to do) So I went myself, no big deal. Ran into a few people I met on the ship, but no one I am friendly with so I went up and wandered around. Sometimes I like that anyway (no one to want to go here or there and have to compromise with!)

It was soo lovely up there - the views were spectacular!! I tried to get some good shots, but I had a hard time adjusting the exposure - so some of the pics are a little over exposed. It was so quiet and peaceful too. I walked around some of the trails, but I didn't go far. There was a trail that was 2 miles down to the city center. I would have loved to do it, but I didn't trust myself (and my aching feet) nor did I want to do it alone. But I have been losing some weight and doing the stairs, so maybe I will see if I can try it before we leave Alaska. It will also depend on the weather (rain doesn't make for good downhill hiking - lots of mud!)

They had a cool nature center which had a bald eagle! She is in captivity as she was injured and she can't fly more than 5 ft high and she is blind in one eye. (she was shot) I got some good pics of her too. Then I watched a short movie on the native americans who had occupied the land; very interesting culture up here! I wish I would see more totem poles, I think they are so cool!

Here are the pics:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.1v4520rn&x=0&y=qjj9gd&localeid=en_US

When I came back down the mountain, I tried to go on another tour (there are lots) but most of them were booked up for the day. Good thing as it was starting to get overcast and it looked like the weather was certainly changing. I walked around town and then headed back to the ship about 5.30. Went up to Horizon Court for an early dinner then went back to my cabin to relax; I had to be back at work at 9.30pm. Plus there was a Scavenger Hunt in the crew bar and a "Rave party" somewhere (you have to call between certain hours to find out the location - I didn't call; I knew Terri would tell me LOL) so I needed my nap!!

I went down to the Scavenger Hunt about 11.45 but it was cancelled as Sheryl (who was running it) was sick with a bad migraine. So I hung out there for a bit with Terri, Jemma, Richard and a handful of others before we headed down to the rave party (which was on deck 6 - backstage of the princess theater) It was a really cool setup and just like a small nightclub. Only problem was that at about 1.15 they shut it down since pax could hear it and were complaining. Sigh. Damn pax .. can't they just let us have some fun! We headed back to the crew bar, but the bar had already closed. Then my neighbor Alex, invited a few of us back to his cabin to hang out. (he is the Sr 1st Engineer, so he has a big cabin!!) Me, Jemma, Woody and Boogie went up; we just sat around and talked. Turns out Woody was on Artemis and got off ONE week before I got on it!! How wild! So we talked a lot about who we knew from there.

We left Alex's about 2.30 - but then Boogie and I started talking in the hall and ended up talking in my cabin till after 4am! Holy moly .. so needless to say I am tired!! I had to be up at 7.30 for work at 8 .. so this morning it is coffee, coffee, coffee! :)
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Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Finally made it into Ketchikan!

19 August 08
Approaching Fjords

Today, after being here two times before, I finally got off the ship in Ketchikan! I was almost tempted to stay onboard - I have figured out the reason for my laziness; it is all this gloomy, wet weather!

Anyway I paged Jemma and asked if she wanted to at least pop ashore for lunch; we met at 12.30 at the gangway and then walked into town. We dock right along side the town, so we don't have to actually walk to it. It was raining lightly and cool out - same weather as the last 2 weeks :(

She has been on ships for years - so she knows most ports like the back of her hand. She took me to Creek Street. It literally is a creek as the street and there is a little boardwalk you walk down. All the houses are actually shops. It is so adorable! We stopped at a Fish and Chips place and I had the best popcorn shrimp. I splurged and had some french fries and they were sooo good - like McDonalds! Not the thick, potatoey ones - I dont like those anymore; I am just sick of them from the Artemis

After lunch we walked down Creek Street and popped in and out of some of the shops. Lots of interesting jewelry with little nuggets from the gold mining they still do. The "Gold Rush" was a very big thing up here .. and there are lots of places that still mine for it. That and for Opal (I learned today) as well.

Here are the pics I took today:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.4yo4ntc3&x=0&y=aw4ish&localeid=en_US


We headed back to the ship around 2 as Jemma needed to go back to work around 3 - I napped for a short time but it wasn't enough :( I am not going out tonight, if anything I will just go over to Richard's (if he isn't asleep already LOL) to watch a movie or something. If not, then I will head right to bed. Only 20 more mins of work.
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Tuesday, August 19, 2008

White and Write Party Pics

19 Aug 08
Ketchikan Alaska


Here are the pictures from the White and Write party:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.7zvf237n&x=0&y=-wkq38o&localeid=en_US

First pic is of me and Richard :)
Terri
Richard writing on Jemma
Me and Lee (nurse)
Me and Adriano (SETO)
Terri writing on people
Richard and Jemma
The DJ's
the bar (but notice my Artemis lighter!! LOL)
Jemma writing on ____ (I forget his name)
Me and my cabin neighbor
Vicki and Marina
Val writing a book on that guy
Me and Marina
Richard and Marina
Terri getting more use out of her shirt
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Pictures - Space Needle

19 Aug 08

Here are the Space Needle Pics:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.6gtviqqb&x=0&y=u5o9lx&localeid=en_US

Pics are:
Me on the monorail, Terri and Dave, scenic stuff blah blah, Terri and Me at the Sky City restaurant, Sheryl and Dave, more scenic stuff, etc

These took forever to load last night - so I didnt get the White and Write party ones done yet; hopefully today

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Seattle Sunday

17 Aug 08

What a nice day today! The weather was lovely; warm, sunny .. nice change from rainy, cold Alaska this week.

Last week we made a plan to go to lunch for my birthday (since we didnt do much last week) and I thought it would be cool to have lunch at the restaurant at the top of the Space Needle. Yes I know I am afraid of heights, but doing this type of thing (and getting through it) is liberating!! (Btw, I actually did great - must be all those drugs I am taking!! LOL just kidding)

So Terri and I went into town - I need to do *another* toner run (what a pain in the ass!) before we met up with Sheryl and Dave. We met them at 11am (they had errands to run as well) and then we took the Monorail (think Disney, but smaller) to the Space Needle. It was really cool. Because I made a reservation (they only take ressies) we didn't have to wait in any lines, just walked right up to the restaurant check-in desk and up we went! Our table wasn't ready right away, so they took us up one level to the Observation Deck first. It was pretty awesome to see our very large ship, looking so tiny from up there :)

Our table was ready and back down one level we went to the restaurant. VERY COOL!!! Almost every table was near the window and those that weren't were up higher than the ones that were; so everyone got a great view. And of course - the restaurant turned 360 degrees, so from start to finish, you got to see it from every angle possible.

Yes I took pics - but the net is running really really slow tonight, so I will upload them tomorrow when it gets a little better once we are out in the open seas.

Oh and did I mention the food was FABULOUS. I figured it would be overpriced so-so food. It was $45 per person for brunch and it was a scrummy meal. I had New England Clam Chowder to start, Pancakes that were to die for and a delish NY style cheesecake; and a Mimosa to top it off. YUM YUM YUM

After that, everyone had a few things to do before we headed back to the ship - so we went our seperate ways. I got back on the Monorail and went over to Ross (the monorail is across the street from where the shuttle drops us off - Ross, Rite Aid and Office Depot are one block over) I was looking for a pair of dressier shoes than my fancy crocs heels. I found a really cute pair, but the queue for the cashiers was ridiculous. I wasn't in the mood - so I put them back and headed back for the shuttle. I will go over next week when I have more time. Just as I got to the shuttle stop, I ran into Terri and then we ran into Gemma (good friend of Richard's from another ship they were on) and we shared a cab back.

I got back to my cabin - made my phone calls to the parents and then went for my nap :) That's all for now; hopefully I will get all the pics posted from the party the other night as well as the Space Needle tomorrow. Stay Tuned :)
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Saturday At Sea

16 Aug 08
Approaching Victoria BC

Well last night was a "White and Write" party in the Wardie (Wardroom – officers bar) – I wasn’t sure what that was going to be like, but it ended up a lot of fun! (the wardie here is so much better than Artemis!!) Basically, you wear a white tee shirt to get in and then anyone can write on it. The later it got, the more people had to drink, so you were just walking up to people you barely know and writing on them. I took some pics, but I left my camera in Richard’s cabin and I haven’t seen him yet today to get it.

Yes – I know.. most of you are asking ‘who the hell is Richard??’ Richard is one of the first guys I met onboard. 43, British (can’t get away from them! Ha ha) 3 stripe engineer (ie: Sr Officer). He introduced himself like the 2nd day I was here; We became buddies really quickly as he had only gotten on the week before me and was also a “newbie” to this ship. Well, since then we hang out often and we kind of have a ‘thing’ going. No definition really. We have been honest with each other and it will only be for while we are onboard – nothing more. Onboard companions, friends, lovers (sorry Mom I know you don’t want to read that LOL) Everyone gets lonely out at sea – so there is no reason not to have someone to talk to, have a drink or dinner with and even have a nice cuddle from. We sign off on the same week in November, so it works out really well.

ANYWAY :)

So today was really busy for me; Saturdays always are. We are still at sea until 5pm, so the natives are getting restless and cranky since they are bored. They are packing their stuff, then coming down here and printing boarding passes for their flights; of course they have no patience and there are swarms of them doing it all at once, so I run ragged all day.

Today at lunch I got to see Orca whales! Supposedly the straights we come into the Victoria area in is known for spotting the orca’s, so a few of the guys in the mess kept looking out the windows and Phil, the SECO (Security Officer) spotted them! It was sooo cool. Of course I wish I had my camera with me – but how was I to know. Sigh – oh well. My pics wouldn’t have been that good anyway, since they were not that close (its not like they came up to the side of the ship to say hi! Ha ha).

I didn’t get off tonight – I like my Saturday nights onboard. I get finish around 5, then I can chill out and do anything I want till about 9.30 or 10pm. I have to work since I need to shut down the café at 11pm, and I always have last minute stragglers to print boarding passes or to complain (Oi!). I watched a little Jeff Dunham (needed the laughs) then did some laundry (it is so nice b/c it is only up one floor so it is very close!) and took a short nap. Had a late dinner and now I am in the café for the next 45 mins or so.

Whoa! For a nice change of pace to my shitty work week, I just had a passenger come in to get my last name so she could submit a COMPLIMENT form for me. I had helped her out and did her a small favor by letting her use my laptop to access a University site that she couldn’t get to using our workstations. She had been so nice but so stressed, that I felt bad for her. So I had her come back on my evening shift when it was less busy (and less pax would see what I am doing (b/c they would want me to do it for them too!)) and I logged in and let her use my laptop in the café. She was so delighted that she was able to post her homework and enjoy the rest of her cruise without worry. So that, my friends, makes up for the crappy attitude I have been getting from the officers on board. The purser can take the complaints from last cruise and SHOVE THEM :)
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Friday, August 15, 2008

I Love Drugs

14 Aug 08

Hee hee

Well, in a way .. I do! I knew I was feeling way too sad, and I know how I get; sometimes the sadness just gets worse and snowballs; so I needed to kick that in the butt before it got to that point! So I popped a Happy Pill (Wellbutrin) and off I went.

Ahhhhh, I do feel a lot better now. I am still not 100%, but it is a far cry (ha ha CRY! ok, no pun intended) from where I was last night. Plus I think going ashore with my friends helped too; sometimes just getting off the ship (I hadn't been off since Seattle) helps to put things in perspective.

Funny thing happened today - and this is why karma is a bitch! The 1st Purser (who yelled at me on Mon about the 2 bad comments) paged me today and told me that the Computer Officer might have to go home and would I be able to help them on turnaround day?? Ha ha ha ha!! I said I would. And you know what? I will smile and do a disgustingly good job :)
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Thursday, August 14, 2008

Eh

13 Aug 08
Tracy Arm Fjord

Well this week doesn't seem to be going any better than last!! I think I have the billing problem sorted out enough that I can at least balance my numbers with the ship; I have met some more people and feel a bit more comfortable in the crew bar and wardroom (and Sheryl doesn’t have to babysit me as much LOL) and I am getting settled in the job itself. (not that it is any different than last time, but the pax are different and you have to adapt your “spiels” accordingly) So yes, those things are good things.

I did get 2 bad comments from pax last week and the 1st purser gave me a bollocking about it. I knew who they were from before he even told me. (one was a drunk woman who wanted all her money refunded as well as anything in the future credited back as well – just b/c it was slow; the other was a “telecomm engineer” and wanted to just argue about the satellites) It is a shame that the cruise lines take the pax word as the law, when we are all VERY well aware that pax will lie, cheat and steal to get a refund on something. (and sometimes they will bitch and moan about $2!!) So I was really upset about that on Monday. However, I felt better after talking to some of my other counterparts on other ships, as well as Sheryl and Susie onboard. I did tell my shoreside manager so she was aware of it. She re-confirmed that she knows I do a good job and to take it in stride.

Anyway … time for my lunch break so I will be back later on

Jeesh – no one is cutting me any slack on this ship!! WTF!?!? So today I am just in my cabin chilling out and watching some CSI:Miami; I decided to go call my Mom and stepped out on the “porch” for a little while to call her. When I came back to my cabin, my pager had gone off. I returned the call and it was the Sr Communications Officer who yelled at me for not returning his page quick enough. Now mind you, it is a port day and it is not during my working hours – so I could have very well been OFF THE SHIP (durr, like everyone else who isn't working!!) Anyway, so supposedly there was a MTN tech onboard (though when I emailed the office – no one seemed to know about it) and he needed me. Turns out he really didn’t and told me he could have easily emailed me when he got back to the office. But whatever .. I am so tired of being yelled at. Give me a fucking break! These Italian officers are such ego-maniacs .. grrrrrrrrr.

At least the internet is working tonight.

Oh and for those of you who keep asking – technically I have a roommate, Sheryl. But she lives with her longtime boyfriend, Dave, on deck 4. So I have the cabin to myself until Sheryl signs off in Sept. Then I will get her replacement as my roommate; if I last that long!
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Tuesday, August 12, 2008

My Hours In The Cafe

12 Aug 08
Ketchikan, Alaska

Many of you have asked me when I work - so that way you know when I am online. So I will give you the timetable (and it is the same every week) I know I gave you my itinerary, but not my hours, so here they are:

Sunday - Seattle - 7pm to 10pm (3 hrs behind East Coast)
Monday - At Sea - 9am to 12n, 1 to 4pm, 7.30 to 10.30pm (3 hrs behind East Coast)
Tuesday - Ketchikan - 8 to 10am, 4 to 6pm, 7.30 to 10.30pm (4 hrs behind East Coast)
Wednesday - Juneau - 10am to 1pm, 9.30 to 11.30pm (4 hrs behind East Coast)
Thursday - Skagway - 8 to 10am, 4 to 6pm, 7.30 to 10.30pm (4 hrs behind East Coast)
Friday - At Sea - 9am to 12n, 1 to 4pm, 7.30 to 10.30pm (3 hrs behind East Coast)
Saturday - Victoria - 9am to 12n, 1pm to 4pm (3 hrs behind East Coast)
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Sunday, August 10, 2008

Ship Webcam

10 Aug 08

For those of you who asked and who liked watching last time :)

Here is the webcam link from the bridge of the ship:

www.princess.com/bridgecams/tp/star_bridgecam.html
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Happy Birthday To ME

10 Aug 08
Seattle

Thanks to you all for sending me e-cards and texts and for the phone calls .. this is the first time I have been away from home for my birthday I think ever. So it was nice to hear from so many people and feel so loved!

Friday night the Medical team threw a party in their ward (officers only). What a blast I had!! Oh my .. I ended up being out way to late, drank way to much, etc. HOWEVER ~ it proved to be good because I bonded with those I had already met, got to meet many more people and bonded with them (you know how everyone becomes BFF's when you are drunk) We were out till way past my bedtime and into the wee hours of the morning - I do believe I saw morning and some of you know how much I hate that!! :) Needless to say, yesterday was a struggle to get in the shower, nevermind come to work. I hadn't even remembered that there were Kahlua shots in plastic syringes, punch in the IV bag, etc. And that was on top of the drinks I had - holy! I had a mother of a headache and if it wasn't for Jacques on the Ventura keeping me awake in the morning by chatting with me on IM, I might have not made it! I felt a little better after lunch and then went for coffee to get those blood vessels in my head opening .. whew! I have to remember how well it worked for me yesterday .. and get it in my system sooner.

Anyway so after I finally finished work at 5 - I dragged my bum up to my cabin and into bed. Watched a little bit of 13 Going on 30 and then went to sleep. Got woken up by the Comp Officer who called the wrong cabin (shakes fist at Rich!) but by then I had slept for almost 2 hrs and was awake. Was hungry so I got dressed and went up to Horizons Court for something to eat. Had a little more bread than normal - pasta - but figured I needed it :) Back to work at 10 to finish help printing boarding passes (pax printer was down) and then back to bed at midnight.

Woke up today forgetting all about my birthday - it was only when I turned on my phone and got a whole bunch of texts did I remember. I guess that means I am getting old?? And it is a double number .. 33 .. maybe that will be good luck for me. Went and did my morning reports and then went back to get showered and ready to go out for 10.30. We (Sheryl, Dave (her bf) and Terri) were planning to go to the Space Needle - but it looked too overcast - so we changed our minds and just went into town. It worked out since I needed to get toner for the printer and pick up a prescription at Rite Aid. We decided since it got nice out right after we left, that we will do the Space Needle next week and I am going to try to make a reservation for lunch at the top. That will be cool!

That's all for now - I am at work this evening getting the new pax set up and answering questions. Supposed to be going to the Wardie for Quiz Night when I am done with work at 10.

Oh and here are some more pics:

Juneau evening:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.4ppmfhrn&x=0&y=-54r6bo&localeid=en_US

Skagway:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.3ahgumpf&x=0&y=gcop06&localeid=en_US

The itinerary is the same every week - so I am not sure you will be getting as many pics as you are used to on the Artemis, when we had different ports every cruise. Sorry!! :( Just so you have it, here is my itinerary:

Sunday - Seattle (turnaround)
Monday - At Sea
Tuesday - Ketchikan
Wednesday - Tracy Arm Fjord (am), then Juneau (afternoon and evening)
Thursday - Skagway
Friday - At Sea
Saturday - At Sea (am), then Victoria Canada (evening)
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Friday, August 8, 2008

What You've All Been Waiting For

PICTURES!!!

Here are what I have taken so far - up till Wednesday afternoon:

Seattle Sailaway:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.bkj81vk3&x=0&y=5b37tr&localeid=en_US


Cabin:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.bznnrq4j&x=0&y=50fqoz&localeid=en_US


Ketchikan and Ship Pics:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.1ek37lhf&x=0&y=36wlzr&localeid=en_US


Tracy Arm:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.85rk97ur&x=0&y=yivc3r&localeid=en_US

Didnt take many pics of Juneau - mostly of Sheryl and the ridiculous amounts of movie popcorn she got (when she told them we can't go to the movies because their showings are too late (we sail at 10, but crew has to be onboard by 9) they felt bad and gave her extra popcorn. So I will get those and the pics from Skagway from yesterday done soon.
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Yes, I am here!

7 Aug 08
Somewhere between losing my mind and jumping over board!!


Wow – I am having a hell of an afternoon!! The satellite connection has been pretty bad so of course I am taking all the heat. Whew!!

Any hooo …. I digress

So let me back up .. yesterday we had a “cruise-by” in Tracy Arm fjord. It was gorgeous there! Kind of like a cross between Norway and Antartica. As I said to one of the girls I met, it is ‘Norway with Ice’. LOL I had woken up early (not sure why) and so I turned on my porthole (which means I put on the tv to ch 31 which is the view from the bridge) and since it was so pretty, I couldn’t resist getting out to take some pics. Luckily I don’t have far to go as 3 doors from me is a door to the “porch” which is a deck on the front of the ship; and since no pax can go out there, it belongs to only crew. And there aren’t many crew members living up that way, nor were they even awake! So I had the place to myself. Of course I took lots of good pics – but with this satellite connection being so bad – I might actually have to go ashore in ports to do my uploads. Sorry! I am currently trying to get them online now and I will see how it works out. If not, I will ask around to some of the other managers who are in this area where I can get some free wi-fi.

We arrived in Juneau yesterday afternoon and Sheryl was planning to go to Costco and Fred Myers (Target or Walmart – but better!). I figured I would tag-along so 1) I knew where it was, etc and 2) I needed a few snacks for my cabin. There is a shuttle for crew that takes us to the above as well as Wal-Mart and the local mall. It is $10 roundtrip which was cool. So I got a few books, cereal bars and my favorite trailmix in Costco; then in FM I needed a few little odds and ends. I could have spent more time in there, but I was afraid to miss the last shuttle, so I wanted to go out and wait for it while Sheryl and Jo (from the casino) finished up.

We got back to the ship, unloaded our stuff and then Sheryl and I headed back out for some dinner. She said she was in the mood for Chinese and knew of a great place in town. The town was adorable! We took the shuttle in, since our ship was farthest from town and it is quite a little hike; then we walked over to the Chinese place and YUM! I was even good LOL though I did have rice. Oh well. After dinner, we passed by a ‘really good shoe store’ as per Sheryl. Ha ha I say! I spent more than normal on a really good pair of shoes. Good arch, soft heel, etc (since when did I get so old sounding?!?) The cool thing is – I can wear them around the ship and they won’t look “worn” so if it turns out I don’t like them – I can return them! There are definitely some perks to doing the same run week after week.

We got back shortly before 9 and then I had to get to work for 9.30; after work there was going to be a live band in the crew bar, so I made my way down there around 11.45. I definitely don’t like being new! I was waiting for Sheryl, had gotten a drink at the bar (but you cant sit at the bar like you could on Artemis) and felt out of place. I didn’t see anyone I knew well enough to go over and sit with and anyone else that was there was more like someone I had met once in passing. So I was relieved when Sheryl got there; I feel bad that she is kind of like my babysitter, but she says she doesn’t mind and remembers what it is like to be new to a cruise line and not know anyone. It sucks!! But she introduced me to some more people and as the days go on I get a little more comfortable with people; today the Comp Officer and I were joking around about my lack of experience with using the manuals to open a door (he was teasing me), one of the shoppies and I had a giggle over something, etc. So hopefully it just takes time. Everyone who knows me, knows I am not quiet and shy. But I certainly am not able to be myself just yet and it is weird!!

Today we were in Skagway, Alaska. I had made plans to meet the MTN manager from the Island Princess (Jelena) for breakfast. We met about 10.30 by her gangway (she docks in front of me on the pier) and then we walked the short way into the little town. It was cute. It was like the mid-west meets Alaska. We wandered over to a restaurant Jelena thought would be open, but they weren’t. However, a few doors away there was a rustic little coffee shop that had a good menu (breakfast sandwiches on bagels!) and nice smelling coffees! So we grabbed a booth and chatted away for a while. It is always nice to catch up with other managers and talk about things; whether it is directly involved with work or just ship life. And I know our managers shore-side love it too. (they also love when we send a pic – which we took) After we finished up we walked around the town and then she was going to meet a friend at Starbucks. I was going to treat myself to a Caramel Macchiato, but I decided that since I already had one cappachino I didn’t need to be bouncing around the ship! So I went for a fruit smoothie instead. Jelena and I parted ways and made a date for 2 weeks from today (our ships are only in every other week together).

I had a nice leisurely walk back to the ship where I took some great flower pics and came across a creek that had salmon swimming up it! It was soo cool!! I even got some pics of a fisherman trying to reel in ‘the big one’. LOL

Unfortunately, by the time I finished writing this post, not one single pic was uploaded. So it looks like it might need to wait till I get to port. I will try again tomorrow – but please be patient; I am here every week, so you won’t miss out on anything – ha ha
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Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Welcome to the Last Frontier!

5 aug 08

Aww, bless her .. Mom Mom (Scott's grandmother) had always wanted to come to Alaska on a cruise as she said (all the time, mind you) that "Alaska was the last frontier". So I thought of her today; poor thing never did make it up here before she passed on.

Anyway!

We were in Ketchikan, Alaska today; I opted to stay onboard. I wanted to wander the ship on my own without so many pax on board (watching me get lost LOL) and figure out some more crew passages, etc. Besides, Sheryl and Dave were just going into town to wander. So nothing I can't do next week (or the week after ..) Basically I have heard that if you aren't on a tour - there isn't much to do other than shop and dine. So I could skip both most times! Lastly - my ankles are swollen again so I need to keep off my feet when I can. (No I am not having ANY salt, yes my BP is fine) Its because of all the steel I am surrounded by, as well as being on my feet A LOT. It will go down; like last time. Its just that I am not used to being on my feet, around all this steel, walking this much and climbing so many stairs!

The stair thing is good though; gives me exercise. I am still doing great with my eating. (yes I know it has only been a few days - but a challenge nonetheless) I will not eat bread itself; or rice. I only allow myself a starch (potatoes or pasta) once a day. I dont count cereal in that b/c it is high fiber with low fat milk and a banana. I have fruit as my "dessert" and allow myself a 1" chunk of cheese after dinner with some cantaloupe. Once I am comfortable with my eating habits, I will cut down on the actual portion sizes. (I eat a normal sized salad, as well as my meal) I went topside today and found the pax buffet called Horizons Court (it was called the Conservatory on Artemis) and wow - the food options are sooo much better! Full salad bar .. YUM! I had a beautiful salad of lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, grated cheese and then low fat italian dressing. I then had a piece of turkey with green beans for my meal. Dinner was a caesar salad and veal scallopine w/veggies; delish! I think I can do this - someone is actually doing all the cooking for me, so why not?! And now that the food options are better, I am going to give it 110%.

Ok - enough about my diet and food! :)

Last night was the disco; Sheryl and I went to the Wardroom first for a bit, then headed to the crew bar. WOW - it was like a small nightclub. Not anything like the Artemis'a tiny crew bar disco's (though I missed all my friends last night) I met some more people (friends and acquaintances of Sheryl's) so I hope soon enough I will be making my own friends. We hung out there for a while and at about 2am, I called it quits. Even though it was clocks-back, I still had to get some rest and be at work for 8am. I am so tired. But not to worry; I think it is the time change, the fact that I am working hard and then running all over this ship to get anywhere! I am sure I will be good by next week.

Took lots of pics of the ship, the view from topside into town, etc. I am going to work on getting the pics uploaded and resized on my laptop tonight; if we have a satellite connection tomorrow morning, then I will get them online. If not, it will have to wait till Juneau tomorrow afternoon.
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Tuesday, August 5, 2008

First Sea Day

4 Aug 08 ~ Happy Birthday Mom!!!

Today has been a long day; but a good one. I feel a little more at home on the ship as well as with the process of the Princess systems. I have been here most of the day, sans my lunch break and of course my nap break LOL. I am off from 4pm till 7.30 on sea days so it allows me for my nap before I head to dinner :) (though I woke up late and skipped dinner at 6.30 and went to work instead and then took a half hour to eat later on)

I am delighted with the food options - I can eat off the pax menu from upstairs, and it also offers the spa menu so I can order from that. I had a salad and a burger (no fries!) at lunch and a salad, soup and turkey for dinner. And I am trying hard to stick to my new rule: NO DESSERTS Since that is hard, I have been having lots of fruit instead and I will allow myself a little cheese once a day.

Our laminex cards (ID) were issued today and man, they put everything on them - hair, eyes, height, WEIGHT, date of birth .. Oi! I told them that I wanted a new one when I lost some weight :) The guy told me I was gorgeous the way I was (silly indian boys) LOL but it was still nice to hear!

I never made it out last night with Sheryl - I was too exausted by the time I left work. I went right into my bed around 10.30 and slept like a rock till 7.45! I certainly have missed the gentle sway of the ship (and the dark room too!) it is DE-LITE-FUL for sleeping!!! I promised I will go out tonight .. though I am already struggling and it is only 10.15pm. I will be here another 15 mins or so and then I will go back to my cabin and change. We can wear jeans and such to the crew bar, which is SWEEEET. Plus, since it is smoking in there, I dont want any of my work clothes to get stinky. There are so many nicer "perks" on here than on P&O for us; which I am loving!

That's all for now
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Monday, August 4, 2008

My Address On The Ship

4 Aug 08

I know how some of you have already asked me for the address at the ship (Kelly wants to send me year old raisins and some Nerds from Cupcake!) so here it is:

Stacy Mihalik, Internet Manager
Star Princess, Cabin 10123
Quay Cruise Agencies
21905 64th Avenue West Suite 301B
Mountlake Terrace WA 98043 USA
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Day 1

3 Aug 08
Seattle, WA


So much for a lie in! Someone forgot to tell me I needed to clear immigration at 7am today – so I got a nice wake up call from the Crew Supervisor to get my bum out to the terminal. Oi!

Anyway once that was over, I figured I would get my morning stuff out of the way and settle the balances with the Accounts Purser; I am not sure I got all of my reporting correct, but I am sure my shore side will let me know if I didn’t.

I tried to go back to sleep – but by then my mind was buzzing with questions I had for Talia (the previous ICM) as well as Maria (my shoreside manager). So I couldn’t sleep and instead got up and starting making notes. It was a good thing I was up since my “roommate” came by. She didn’t realize I was getting on last night and thought she would re-organize her stuff before I got there. She is really cool – her name is Sheryl, she is American (YAY) and she is from Philly!! (double YAY) She actually grew up in Plymouth Meeting so it was so cool to be able to chat with her about where I have lived and she actually knows where it is!! We chatted for what seems like forever, then she left and I chilled out for a bit and “decorated” a little. Got more organized as well. Then started the process of getting in the shower, getting dressed and trying to figure out where everything is! I didn’t do too bad – I have a good setup I think.

So I went down for an early lunch since I skipped breakfast. Of course, prior to leaving I needed to consult my ship map so I knew where I was going. Wow – this thing is big – it takes me almost 10 mins to get from my cabin down to the officer’s mess! But I found it with no problem, which was relieving. Man, the food is MUCH better. I had a nice salad to start and then a piece of fish and some peas, with fruit to finish it up. I am really going to try to be healthy. I definitely will get more exercise!! After that I slowly made my way up to Deck 7 just to get my bearings some more. I had to go to Watertight Door training at 1pm so then I headed back up to my cabin for a few before I had to go to the Crew Bar. (you should see the size of the crew bar – it is huge!) After training, I had to get ready for work at 2, so then I made my way to the café from the cabin. I did well getting there with no problems. So I can get to the major places now. Hopefully no one asks me to go someplace I haven’t been yet LOL.

I was at work until the Muster Drill; it was nice because I didn’t need to do it this time around. On Princess we are considered Guest Lecturer’s – so we don’t participate in drills! Yahoooooey! I know the girls from Artemis are going to be jealous about that one; sorry ladies. After the drill was over I went out on the front of my “balcony” and watched us sail away. Basically the balcony is the little area on the forward part of Deck 10; but since I am all the way up front (I am right under the bridge) I only have to walk a few feet to go out there. So its nice to have. Being out there I also discovered the hot tubs and pool for the crew below me on Deck 8. So that is good too! I took some pics of the Seattle skyline but I don’t have my manager account yet to take the time to load them. So I will take some pics of my cabin tonight (so you can see it) and hopefully will have my account tomorrow to get them loaded up.

I think that is all for now – my shift is almost over and I am going to go up to my cabin and change and then head over to the Wardroom for a drink with Sheryl. I am still pooped out, so it wont be a late night. (Besides, there is a disco tomorrow – need to be on my game for that!) LOL
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Sunday, August 3, 2008

I'm Baaaack!

2 Aug 08
Ogden Point - Victoria, Canada

Well I have been on the ship since 5pm and I have already worked what feels like a full sea day!

I have been all over this ship 3x at least and I still have no idea where anything is other than my cabin and the pax cafe; but I guess that is ok. Not sure I can find the mess - but that might help me with my diet! LOL

I unpacked a lot tonight and now I am in the cafe - the connection here is AWFUL!! I have been working my ass off and I have only been here for an hour and a half .. UGH .. I hope the connection isn't like this all the time - I might go overboard!

Anyway - my last pax is *finally* leaving, so I am closing the cafe and heading right to my bed!! I am freaking exausted .. I will write more tomorrow, I promise!