crazy days

September 12, 2012
I didn’t stay off the ship for very long in Sydney. Kayley and I went to a café for internet for almost two hours before getting back on the ship and changing to go lay out in the sun (possible pool since we are allowed to use the back pool on port days up until 30 minutes before all aboard). We soaked up the sun for a while and it was amazing. I really miss spending time in the sun, seeing the sun from windows even. Oh the things you take for granted living on land like seeing the sun and feeling it’s warmth often.
The HAL Cats had a set by the Lido pool as we left Sydney, so I changed and went up to eat some snack/dinner (it was about 4 and I’d had a late breakfast before getting off the ship) and listen to them play and sing. I went walking around Deck 12 after that, following where the sun was shining, enjoying the beautiful day as much as possible. I worked the night shift with Jacob; the kid and Jacob beat me pretty badly at Sorry a few times. We got off early and I was very excited to go see people. I met up with Brandi and the two dancers on the way to the room and hung out with them for a bit, changed and then went back to the Mix to hang out with them some more. The four of us went to the show together. I’d seen the show before, but it was fun meeting Terry and Allison, and finally seeing Brandi when we both are off-duty for a while.
I met up with the rest of the group at late night snack, I had even more food; I guess it was kind of my dinner. I still finished before some of the others though. Kayley and I went to the OB to play Rummy (she and Edison wanted to learn how to play), and told everyone that we’d be there if they wanted to come, but we were going to go ahead and start. We played for a long time, Andy joined us for a while, but then Kayley and I realized how tired we were and went to bed.
September 13, 2012
I slept in later than anticipated this morning. I wanted to get up by 9, so I could get to breakfast and get off the ship at least by 10. That didn’t happen. I heard Alyssa get ready for work and leave, but then somehow fell asleep. I only woke up when she called at almost 10 asking if I’d heard an announcement in the crew area (she didn’t hear what they said in one). Oh, random bit of information. Crew areas and guest areas don’t necessarily get the same announcements. Some are just for guests, while others are for everyone. I’m not sure if they can make announcements just for crew. That’s kind of frustrating on tender port days because we don’t hear them announce open tendering. Anyway, that woke me up for sure.
I did get off the ship by 10:45 at least, giving me 45 minutes to enjoy the sun some more (there was beautiful weather in Halifax!) We were in port with another ship for the first time today. We were docked somewhere different, so it was a slight maze to get from road to ship, but it was nice to see another ship somewhere again! I just sat on the boardwalk next to the water, loving the warmth.
I had lunch in Club HAL and we watched a movie while we both ate. Then, he wanted to play games, so we played Connect 4 and some others before he left and I had two hours to myself this afternoon. I played Lego Harry Potter and managed to get all the way through Year 4, so now I can go through and free play through Hogwarts now; there’s still enough to do.
I walked around on Deck 12 for a while, then came down to the room and finally got to start laundry. I still think it’s ridiculous that they only have 5 washers and dryers (one of each not working) for ALL crew! I guess I could send use the drycleaning/laundry provided by housekeeping, but I prefer to do that myself. Even if most people did get housekeeping to take their stuff, 4 washers and dryers?! There’s around 400 people working on this ship!
Alyssa and I went to dinner kind of early so we could sit around and chat for a while; I hadn’t seen that many people all day (it’s not like the other day when I worked the whole time and did everything alone; today I mostly chose to be somewhat alone, I got off the ship by myself). Jacob, Alyssa and I were working in Club HAL tonight. The four of us played Sorry and Cranium and had a 30 minute snack break; and I explained Quelf.
After work, Alyssa and I went for a walk on Deck 6, then I came back down to the room to type this up. I’m getting to sleep at a normal hour tonight! I’m free until 7 tomorrow, so I get to actually go into Bar Harbor! Back in the States again finally! It’ll be nice being able to actually see the city, unlike the one other time (in 3 weeks) I got off when I only stayed off for an hour because plans had been messed up.
I’m definitely getting into the swing of things here finally, not feeling so confined to my room, I’ve made friends in various departments and have stuff to do with them (cards or board games from Club HAL). I know for certain that I’m not changing rooms again, and I’ve figured out how most everything works here. I had the realization yesterday that I’m on a cruise ship, in Canada! It really hit me then, sunbathing by the back pool in Sydney. That is just amazing, I can’t believe that I actually get to do this and I get paid for all this! Visiting cities I would never have gone to otherwise, hanging out with kids, meeting people from all over the world in all sorts of occupations, speaking French when I’m in some ports AND they pay me for doing this?! God really did bless me with this job, doing all sorts of things I love. If I start feeling negative again at any time, feel free to remind me of all this, remind me that I’m on the ship to make sure the kids have a good time officially and to be a witness to guests and crew alike for God. God place me here for a reason, and I’m glad He did!