Sea Day. A.K.A. Zzz Day. So…New Year’s Eve. Happy Birthday Jeremy! Today started with a breakfast, a plan, “a nickel and a wish”*. We were going to have dinner with Sveta at 8:30. This would be after our VIP party chat and after the Band on the Run show that Sveta would be seeing. The first sea day is usually sea food/lobster in all the restaurants in one form or another. Sveta loves her some lobster. Last time we went to Tsar’s Palace and we were going to go there again. They didn’t take a reservation from us…they said to just show up. It was packed because of NYE. We weren’t to upset because we also found out it wasn’t sea food night. Oh well.
We then watched Band on the Run, but from further back. Normally we sit in the front or up in the closest balcony booth. I caught two of the JARs looking up into the booth expecting to see us. Keeva saw us later on, so our presence didn’t go undetected. We met with them up on the pool deck for the countdown. So, there will be a lot of pics of JARs on the flickr come Friday.
On a totally separate note, they switched up the movies that cycle on the movie channels a couple cruises ago. For the worse, I think. A lot of sappy romance right now. No Reservations is the one that pops in my head because it is on right now. My other option is some Richard Gere/Winona Ryder flick…August in New York or something like that. Other crap includes The Invisible, High School Musical 2, and more. One movie that has grown on me is Hot Rod with Andy Samberg (burg?) from SNL. Seeing it in pieces made it go from terrible to funny. There are a lot of little cheesy moments in it that make me laugh more than they probably should. I recommend renting it and watching it three times for full effect.
*David Cross
Monday, December 31, 2007
Day 46 Pt. 2
Miami. Another lazy catch up day. I bought some shirts today…that is the exciting thing. We, as a cast, barely saw each other today. We saw Jen and Larrance at the end of the day and felt like we hadn’t seen them forever.
That’s pretty much it. Take a breather from reading, everyone.
That’s pretty much it. Take a breather from reading, everyone.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Day 46 Pt 1
Happy Birthday Seana!
This last 9-day felt extra long. It is nice to get out in Miami and do a little shopping. More later. I have updated my photos and will try to get some more videos online while I'm here at the hotel.
This last 9-day felt extra long. It is nice to get out in Miami and do a little shopping. More later. I have updated my photos and will try to get some more videos online while I'm here at the hotel.
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Day 45
Sea Day. I can feel everyone’s cold trying to take me…I’m fightin’. Today I relaxed to try to build energy and keep away from people. Deanna has been photo happy lately. She is easily the most recognized in our ensemble. For whatever reason everyone in the world thinks she look familiar…be it from a movie, childhood friend, relative, neighbor…whatever. She wanted to go out taking pictures of old people sleeping. I told her she was on her own. It is too hard to be inconspicuous when everyone recognizes her instantly. She asked for some technique pointers…I’m very sneaky when I take some of my photos. We crossed paths at one point, and someone said “great show last night” so I ditched her.
Since I was still feeling like I could get hit by the cold I went to work out. Sweating felt like it purged some germs. I then showered, ate, went to a show and then watched Deanna eat. This was at about 8pm. The whole time she was eating I felt exhausted. Just as we were leaving the buffet we saw pretty much everybody fun on the ship coming in for dinner. Deanna went back to hang out with them. I went back to the room. Shrek was on TNT. I turned on the TV, lied down, and almost immediately fell asleep. Around 9:15 I woke up and decided that if I was going to sleep I may as well get ready for bed and sleep for real. As soon as I got in bed I couldn’t sleep.
Deanna came back around 10:30 with lots of little tid bits. The biggest one being that the Quest…that crazy game show I keep talking about? Yeah…it is now PG because some cast (not Second City, but other entertainment) played it on another ship and had some crew on their team. This apparently ruined things for all the NCL ships as far as the Quest is concerned. I don’t feel bad for missing it tonight at least.
Today I calculated that there are 115 days in our contract on the ship.
Since I was still feeling like I could get hit by the cold I went to work out. Sweating felt like it purged some germs. I then showered, ate, went to a show and then watched Deanna eat. This was at about 8pm. The whole time she was eating I felt exhausted. Just as we were leaving the buffet we saw pretty much everybody fun on the ship coming in for dinner. Deanna went back to hang out with them. I went back to the room. Shrek was on TNT. I turned on the TV, lied down, and almost immediately fell asleep. Around 9:15 I woke up and decided that if I was going to sleep I may as well get ready for bed and sleep for real. As soon as I got in bed I couldn’t sleep.
Deanna came back around 10:30 with lots of little tid bits. The biggest one being that the Quest…that crazy game show I keep talking about? Yeah…it is now PG because some cast (not Second City, but other entertainment) played it on another ship and had some crew on their team. This apparently ruined things for all the NCL ships as far as the Quest is concerned. I don’t feel bad for missing it tonight at least.
Today I calculated that there are 115 days in our contract on the ship.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Day 44
Sea Day. Sea days on holiday cruises are a subtle game of hide and don’t seek. Last night before going to bed I watched my DVD of Bourne Ultimatum. Today I woke up and watched Bourne Ultimatum on one of the ship’s movie channels. I also managed to get some choice pics of “the passenger element”…go to flickr and check it out.
It was pretty easy going today up until night time. We had two improv shows and headed down to the Fyzz lounge. That place was happenin’. A lot of the JARs were down there and Deanna and I were pretty sure that was why it was so packed…it just had the air of “place to hang out” because of them. We had a lot of people come chat with us. My favorite thing was a kid who was 12 or 13 dancing with a girl. He had one move and that was it, but he was the most confident kid. I got him on video and may get it up on youtube.
The teens are getting more and more restless. 5 day cruises are for teens. Keep that in mind if you’re bringing teens on a ship…7 days max.
It was pretty easy going today up until night time. We had two improv shows and headed down to the Fyzz lounge. That place was happenin’. A lot of the JARs were down there and Deanna and I were pretty sure that was why it was so packed…it just had the air of “place to hang out” because of them. We had a lot of people come chat with us. My favorite thing was a kid who was 12 or 13 dancing with a girl. He had one move and that was it, but he was the most confident kid. I got him on video and may get it up on youtube.
The teens are getting more and more restless. 5 day cruises are for teens. Keep that in mind if you’re bringing teens on a ship…7 days max.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Day 43
Castries, St. Lucia. I did not feel like getting off the ship today. There has been a cold that everyone but Larrance and I seem to have been plagued with. Well…I feel like I’m starting to get it. However…this is the last port before two days of sea and nothing but. Andy, Deanna and I decided to head in. We had been to Reduit. We had been to Pigeon Point. There is a bartender on the ship named Michael…he is from St. Lucia. We saw him on our way out from breakfast and asked where a good beach was that was close…he pointed out the window. Bagshaw was the destination.
We got there and it was a little beach connected to a Sandals resort. We thought they might kick us out, but they were fine. The waves were the biggest we have dealt with. The water would pull you out just as a wave would form. I ran away from one wave and turned around to see Deanna lifted in the air and Andy knocked on his butt. Fun times!
There are these things called Neti Pots…you fill them with salt water and poor it directly into your sinuses through your nose. We get hit by Neti pot waves every so often. I was actually hoping for one today because of the oncoming cold and I lucked out and got one.
In other events, there is a phenomenon on the ship with the teens. They travel in packs and usually sit on the stairs. Of all the places to go hang out, they pick stairs. There are tons of places with tables and chairs…they pick stairs.
Deanna and I had a late night meal and a couple said hi and said they liked the show. Deanna asked them what their favorite port was and they said Samana. We were both stunned and excited to hear what they did. You may remember that Samana is a pretty poor town and kind of sad. So here was an opportunity to find out what was so great about it. I asked, “What did you do?” He said, “We went and rode on the ATVs. It is such a poor town that it really hit home with me how truly fortunate I am to be living the life I am.” It wasn’t the cool port, it was the life reflection port. This guy seemed very wise for a guy in his 20s…hell, for a guy in his 50s.
The sea days are a-comin’.
We got there and it was a little beach connected to a Sandals resort. We thought they might kick us out, but they were fine. The waves were the biggest we have dealt with. The water would pull you out just as a wave would form. I ran away from one wave and turned around to see Deanna lifted in the air and Andy knocked on his butt. Fun times!
There are these things called Neti Pots…you fill them with salt water and poor it directly into your sinuses through your nose. We get hit by Neti pot waves every so often. I was actually hoping for one today because of the oncoming cold and I lucked out and got one.
In other events, there is a phenomenon on the ship with the teens. They travel in packs and usually sit on the stairs. Of all the places to go hang out, they pick stairs. There are tons of places with tables and chairs…they pick stairs.
Deanna and I had a late night meal and a couple said hi and said they liked the show. Deanna asked them what their favorite port was and they said Samana. We were both stunned and excited to hear what they did. You may remember that Samana is a pretty poor town and kind of sad. So here was an opportunity to find out what was so great about it. I asked, “What did you do?” He said, “We went and rode on the ATVs. It is such a poor town that it really hit home with me how truly fortunate I am to be living the life I am.” It wasn’t the cool port, it was the life reflection port. This guy seemed very wise for a guy in his 20s…hell, for a guy in his 50s.
The sea days are a-comin’.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Day 42
Barbados. It is a show night so I didn’t go into town. We were all a little tired after doing a crew show at midnight the night before. I don’t think I went to bed until 3:30 or so. So…we stayed on the ship. I’m really stretching to remember things. I forgot to write at the end of the day.
Deanna went up to deck 14 outside and sunbathed…or “sun baked” as the Aussies call it.
She got back to the room around 2:30 or so and fell asleep. We had a 4:30 rehearsal. I was watching Casino Royale extras and really started to crash. I set my alarm…barely…and was out.
We rehearsed, we did shows. The first one was my particular favorite this time around. Tomorrow we teach a workshop.
Pretty easy.
Deanna went up to deck 14 outside and sunbathed…or “sun baked” as the Aussies call it.
She got back to the room around 2:30 or so and fell asleep. We had a 4:30 rehearsal. I was watching Casino Royale extras and really started to crash. I set my alarm…barely…and was out.
We rehearsed, we did shows. The first one was my particular favorite this time around. Tomorrow we teach a workshop.
Pretty easy.
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Day 41
St. John’s, Antigua. Merry Christmas Everybody! Today was filled with many splendors and glories. Late last night Deanna and I exchanged presents and it was a ship-bound success! She got me DVDs and a man-bracelet (Kenneth Cole…look for it on my right arm in future pics). What DVDs? Well, let me start off by saying I’m not the easiest person to buy gifts for. For the past few years I haven’t liked having “stuff”…anything that added to the clutter of stuff we already had was more than what we needed. Especially if it is something just bought out of feeling like a gift needs to be bought. So…that being said…I think I told everyone (because we had a secret santa pre-meeting where we all answered questions about what we wanted) that I wanted Borne Ultimatum on DVD and man-jewelry. Deanna got me those, plus Casino Royale (007) and Band of Brothers (HBO series on DVD). I’ve never seen Casino Royale (until now) or Band of Brothers, but they were excellent guesses on her part. Casino Royale had me at the opening credits graphics…plus they went to Atlantis Casion in Nassau which is where we went on our first cruise of this contract. So all that was good.
As we headed off the ship to see what was up in St. John’s there were people already coming back on saying “town’s closed.” Some with a little bit of anger in their voices…well, what stays open in your town? Movie theater…right? All the duty free stuff was open, so there was that. I had one goal…get to the internet café. I hadn’t been there but the speed was rumored to be fast. As Deanna and I walked toward it and saw all the closed shops I said “well, if it is closed they may have left the signal on.” It was an open-air bar and…yes…they left the wireless on. Deanna and I were the only ones there…then Sascha showed up…then Andy…then Roman and Sveta…then Jen and Larrance. That was it. All us. Oh, and one guy who was just there to watch over the place. I plan to buy that guy a drink in two weeks when we’re back.
Tonight we also had our crew show. It started with a dance by 8 of the JARs…a super sexy dance. Then we did a 40 minute set with a few things from our main show and some other things that probably wouldn’t fly with passengers. We had a really good turn out and they were very appreciative. I got to enter a scene bare-chested as the Lord of the Dance and that was a big hit. I also was the voice of the captain on the intercom at one point. The captain was in the audience an we were a little worried, but we heard he loved it.
The show started at midnight so that more crew could be available to see it. After that we went to “the Goon” to eat. Keelan and Charolette (magician and assistant…they do some great illusions and some great quick-change) joined us, which was nice. Roman and Sveta showed up right around 2:45am as well. Our meals have gotten into the habit of starting as a table of four and growing quickly to 8-10 people. Six of us, then usually Roman and Sveta, and now sometimes Mossimo and Allisia and Sascha. These people are great. This job is like summer camp for adults.
As we headed off the ship to see what was up in St. John’s there were people already coming back on saying “town’s closed.” Some with a little bit of anger in their voices…well, what stays open in your town? Movie theater…right? All the duty free stuff was open, so there was that. I had one goal…get to the internet café. I hadn’t been there but the speed was rumored to be fast. As Deanna and I walked toward it and saw all the closed shops I said “well, if it is closed they may have left the signal on.” It was an open-air bar and…yes…they left the wireless on. Deanna and I were the only ones there…then Sascha showed up…then Andy…then Roman and Sveta…then Jen and Larrance. That was it. All us. Oh, and one guy who was just there to watch over the place. I plan to buy that guy a drink in two weeks when we’re back.
Tonight we also had our crew show. It started with a dance by 8 of the JARs…a super sexy dance. Then we did a 40 minute set with a few things from our main show and some other things that probably wouldn’t fly with passengers. We had a really good turn out and they were very appreciative. I got to enter a scene bare-chested as the Lord of the Dance and that was a big hit. I also was the voice of the captain on the intercom at one point. The captain was in the audience an we were a little worried, but we heard he loved it.
The show started at midnight so that more crew could be available to see it. After that we went to “the Goon” to eat. Keelan and Charolette (magician and assistant…they do some great illusions and some great quick-change) joined us, which was nice. Roman and Sveta showed up right around 2:45am as well. Our meals have gotten into the habit of starting as a table of four and growing quickly to 8-10 people. Six of us, then usually Roman and Sveta, and now sometimes Mossimo and Allisia and Sascha. These people are great. This job is like summer camp for adults.
UPDATED LINKS
If you look over to the right there you will see links to all the posts. Below that is "Non-Blog" links. I've added links to my youtube, flickr, and Second City's NCL page.
Check 'em out!
Check 'em out!
Monday, December 24, 2007
Day 40
Road Town, Tortola. Christmas Eve. Yes…Christmas Eve. We did what anyone would do on Christmas Eve…head to the beach! We went back to the beach we were on when I first tried snorkeling. I did much better, but that didn’t change the snorkeling. There were a lot of Pelicans diving into the water…why? Because there were THOUSANDS of little tiny fish swimming around. They were an inch to two inches long and they were everywhere. When I first headed out I didn’t se anything but them. The water was also cloudy with sand because there are some decent waves on that beach. And the first thing I saw that wasn’t little fish? A Stingray. Now, the mask adds 25% magnification so this stingray in actuality was probably 2-2.5 wide and 4 feet long including tail. Still a decent sized ray. My camera wasn’t on and by the time I turned it on, gone. I saw it again later and took a picture with flash. The flash reflected off all the soot in the water and I got nothin’. I never saw it again. I DID see some angel fish and got some pics of them. So, fairly good snorkeling day, but lackluster because of the photo conditions.
After snorkeling I got out to try and ride some waves…just body surfing. Deanna, Jen, Larrance and I were out there. A huge series of waves came out of nowhere. I rode the first one and got rolled by the next three. I got rolled a lot by these. Larrance would body surf and then disappear, only to reappear lying on shore as the wave went back into the ocean. The ocean is also a little perverted in that it kept taking the tops of Jen and Deanna.
Our cab driver was meeting us at 3:30. We went in to get some food at a little food shack right there on the beach. You know how some people just seem to be blessed with something odd? Like maybe one person always has butterflies land on their head. Or maybe you’re a person who finds money on the beach out of the blue. Well, I’m discovering my gift is to open unlocked doors (with working locks) to find old men pooping inside. Yep. It happened again at the food place. They have one bathroom with no stall. The clincher here? The door to the bathroom wasn’t even shut all the way. Just opened a crack (no pun intended for “clincher” or “crack”).
OLD MEN! LOCK DOORS IN BATHROOMS! The next time it happens I hope to do the following:
1) take a picture
2) point out the door
3) do a tutorial on the wonders of locking mechanisms
4) inform them that they have inspired a new website called stupid-poopers and they will be seen there.
Later at night some of us went to the Christmas sing-a-long. It was…odd. The pianist is Russian and learned the songs this week. They had a song book with words to the songs…kind of. Twelve Days of Christmas had 2 turle doves, 3 french horns, and 4 turtle doves. Someone called out the number for Hark, The Herald Angels Sing and he started playing Gloria…people sang the song for a couple lines before realizing it was the wrong song..
After that we had our Secretest of Santas gift exchange. Everyone won.
Tomorrow is Christmas!
After snorkeling I got out to try and ride some waves…just body surfing. Deanna, Jen, Larrance and I were out there. A huge series of waves came out of nowhere. I rode the first one and got rolled by the next three. I got rolled a lot by these. Larrance would body surf and then disappear, only to reappear lying on shore as the wave went back into the ocean. The ocean is also a little perverted in that it kept taking the tops of Jen and Deanna.
Our cab driver was meeting us at 3:30. We went in to get some food at a little food shack right there on the beach. You know how some people just seem to be blessed with something odd? Like maybe one person always has butterflies land on their head. Or maybe you’re a person who finds money on the beach out of the blue. Well, I’m discovering my gift is to open unlocked doors (with working locks) to find old men pooping inside. Yep. It happened again at the food place. They have one bathroom with no stall. The clincher here? The door to the bathroom wasn’t even shut all the way. Just opened a crack (no pun intended for “clincher” or “crack”).
OLD MEN! LOCK DOORS IN BATHROOMS! The next time it happens I hope to do the following:
1) take a picture
2) point out the door
3) do a tutorial on the wonders of locking mechanisms
4) inform them that they have inspired a new website called stupid-poopers and they will be seen there.
Later at night some of us went to the Christmas sing-a-long. It was…odd. The pianist is Russian and learned the songs this week. They had a song book with words to the songs…kind of. Twelve Days of Christmas had 2 turle doves, 3 french horns, and 4 turtle doves. Someone called out the number for Hark, The Herald Angels Sing and he started playing Gloria…people sang the song for a couple lines before realizing it was the wrong song..
After that we had our Secretest of Santas gift exchange. Everyone won.
Tomorrow is Christmas!
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Day 39
Samana. We didn’t even get off the ship today. Major highlights were a 3:00 rehearsal for the upcoming crew show, seeing a huge shooting star, and playing Settlers of Catan (Cities and Knights add on).
People wanted snacks for playing the game. I bought four different types of Pringles from the crew store. I feel like I might puke right now. They have a pizza flavor that tastes really good, but makes me sick. I probably eat them once a year because it takes me a year to forget how gross they make me feel.
Deanna was hilarious in the game. She was bored from the get-go. Check out the pics for 12/23 on flickr when I get them up…there are a few of her in different states of boredom.
Tomorrow is Christmas Eve…we’re going to the beach.
People wanted snacks for playing the game. I bought four different types of Pringles from the crew store. I feel like I might puke right now. They have a pizza flavor that tastes really good, but makes me sick. I probably eat them once a year because it takes me a year to forget how gross they make me feel.
Deanna was hilarious in the game. She was bored from the get-go. Check out the pics for 12/23 on flickr when I get them up…there are a few of her in different states of boredom.
Tomorrow is Christmas Eve…we’re going to the beach.
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Day 38
Sea Day. And pretty relaxed at that. We’re on a 9-day cruise and don’t have our normal show until Wednesday. Usually this means we’re anonymous all that time, but there are some people doing the 14-day cruise who were with us on the last 5 day as part of that. Like Alice, who is very nice and loves us. She says hi whenever she sees us. And a couple that has been married for 42 years. We recognized them because they played in the Newlywed/Not-So-Newlywed game on the last cruise, and that shows up on channel 30. They were hilarious. We got to chat with them at the VIP party tonight.
Who else did we get to chat with? A very interesting couple from England who ghost wrote a book for a spiritual medium. I believe it was called Host of Voices. They were great. The guy actually followed the medium around for months and kept a careful eye on her. He said some “mediums” would research the obituaries in a town they were visiting, but she never did. He understood how she did most of it and said he could probably pull it off. But…”there is 5% of it that was impossible. I didn’t understand it. It was only 5%, but it was a scary 5% and that was enough for me.”
In other news, we will be doing a crew show this week…Christmas night. This is a late night show just for crew members. This (I’ve been told) is a good thing to do early on in the cruise because it lets crew who normally have to work during our real show know who we are, and it usually involves free beer. It is a mostly different show with a lot of blackouts. It should be a blast.
Who else did we get to chat with? A very interesting couple from England who ghost wrote a book for a spiritual medium. I believe it was called Host of Voices. They were great. The guy actually followed the medium around for months and kept a careful eye on her. He said some “mediums” would research the obituaries in a town they were visiting, but she never did. He understood how she did most of it and said he could probably pull it off. But…”there is 5% of it that was impossible. I didn’t understand it. It was only 5%, but it was a scary 5% and that was enough for me.”
In other news, we will be doing a crew show this week…Christmas night. This is a late night show just for crew members. This (I’ve been told) is a good thing to do early on in the cruise because it lets crew who normally have to work during our real show know who we are, and it usually involves free beer. It is a mostly different show with a lot of blackouts. It should be a blast.
Friday, December 21, 2007
Day 37
Miami, FL. Rough morning. We got up at 7:30 to get off the ship early. That’s 6:30 to you Chicago folk, and 4:30 to Oregonians. It is a necessity to get breakfast on these days. Unfortunately the same goes for everyone else. Buffet nightmare. The phenomenon I call the “buffet shuffle” was in full effect. This is when people are constantly in a state of almost making up their mind. It results in a lot of starts, stops, turns and barely any looking for who is around you. The more kids in the equation for this dance of death, the worse.
I got oatmeal and yogurt and made a bee line for a table. Worse yet is that people are in travel mode, so they might have luggage with them, or strollers, or other things they might want to carry and stop mid-walkway with.
Around 8:30 we made it. We started our journey off the ship with the memory of getting screwed in the customs line. Last time there were four lines…two of these lines went to one agent each and the other two went to two agents each. We were in a “one agent” line and it took forever. This time I was looking for the best line. Andy was already in line three and held up a single finger. No, he wasn’t flipping us off, he was letting us know #1 was the fast lane.
We got through and headed to town. Christmas cards are out! If you don’t get a card it is either on the way or we don’t have your address. There are a couple of cards here with “near-addresses” on them…yours will be late or never get to you. Maybe you are someone we hate (probably not)…you can pretend you are in the “near-address” pile and then feel instantly loved by us on these holidays.
Last Sunday was the Johnny Roast Beef xmas party. They hinted that they may have called and left a voice message or two. Thirty-three…that was the number of messages I had. To be fair, two were from my dad. If you get a chance, go see Johnny Roast Beef on Wednesdays at iO.
While getting things done (blog, flickr, youtube vids…more on that later) at the hotel…HOLD ON! As I’m typing this I’m watching the Strongman Competition on ESPN and there is a competitor from Norway named Odd Haugen. Anyway…I was at the hotel. There was a family there. Dad (steven), 13-ish year old son (Jason), and mom. Why do I know their names except mom? The kid was tired but didn’t want to fall asleep in the lobby. So he was walking around. “What are you doing, Jason?!” He didn’t want to sleep. He went to sit on a suitcase so he wouldn’t be comfortable and thus not fall asleep. “Don’t sit on the suitcase, Jason!” He wanted to know what time they were going to leave to go get on their cruise. “If we leave now we’ll just be waiting there in a line.” Mom suggests “Read your book.” “I’ve already read 6 chapters since we’ve left.” “Just read your book!” He didn’t feel like it. Later he grabs a book. I think, good he is going to read and shut his mom up. “What are you doing Jason? Read your required reading! If you’re going to read, just read your required reading! Steven. Steven! Tell him he needs to read his required reading!” Did I mention Steven and Jason both had minor colds? Just enough to be stuffy and coughing the whole time. Did I also mention that Steven was sitting in a chair 4 feet to my left and mom was sitting in a chair 4 feet to my right? Jason would pace back and forth between them…right in front of me. I called Jen in the middle of another mom bitch-out and said “The cruise is over.” I hope these people aren’t on our ship. They’ll never make it.
Tonight there is a new comedian on the ship. We’re going to check him out.
(later that evening)
Crap. Well, first…the comedian (David Naster) was pretty good. The act was billed as family-friendly, and he did a good job of just skirting the line sometimes. The other thing I liked was that he rolled with it. By this I mean he had a good enough amount of material in his brain that he could take his act with the crowd instead of hoping they stayed with him. Well done. However, in the first few moments before the show started Jen pops up by me and says “you’ll never guess who I just saw in the crowd!” I had no idea. Turns out it was Jason and mom. They’re on our ship. Glad I didn’t chance the hope that they wouldn’t be and say something stupid in the hotel.
I got oatmeal and yogurt and made a bee line for a table. Worse yet is that people are in travel mode, so they might have luggage with them, or strollers, or other things they might want to carry and stop mid-walkway with.
Around 8:30 we made it. We started our journey off the ship with the memory of getting screwed in the customs line. Last time there were four lines…two of these lines went to one agent each and the other two went to two agents each. We were in a “one agent” line and it took forever. This time I was looking for the best line. Andy was already in line three and held up a single finger. No, he wasn’t flipping us off, he was letting us know #1 was the fast lane.
We got through and headed to town. Christmas cards are out! If you don’t get a card it is either on the way or we don’t have your address. There are a couple of cards here with “near-addresses” on them…yours will be late or never get to you. Maybe you are someone we hate (probably not)…you can pretend you are in the “near-address” pile and then feel instantly loved by us on these holidays.
Last Sunday was the Johnny Roast Beef xmas party. They hinted that they may have called and left a voice message or two. Thirty-three…that was the number of messages I had. To be fair, two were from my dad. If you get a chance, go see Johnny Roast Beef on Wednesdays at iO.
While getting things done (blog, flickr, youtube vids…more on that later) at the hotel…HOLD ON! As I’m typing this I’m watching the Strongman Competition on ESPN and there is a competitor from Norway named Odd Haugen. Anyway…I was at the hotel. There was a family there. Dad (steven), 13-ish year old son (Jason), and mom. Why do I know their names except mom? The kid was tired but didn’t want to fall asleep in the lobby. So he was walking around. “What are you doing, Jason?!” He didn’t want to sleep. He went to sit on a suitcase so he wouldn’t be comfortable and thus not fall asleep. “Don’t sit on the suitcase, Jason!” He wanted to know what time they were going to leave to go get on their cruise. “If we leave now we’ll just be waiting there in a line.” Mom suggests “Read your book.” “I’ve already read 6 chapters since we’ve left.” “Just read your book!” He didn’t feel like it. Later he grabs a book. I think, good he is going to read and shut his mom up. “What are you doing Jason? Read your required reading! If you’re going to read, just read your required reading! Steven. Steven! Tell him he needs to read his required reading!” Did I mention Steven and Jason both had minor colds? Just enough to be stuffy and coughing the whole time. Did I also mention that Steven was sitting in a chair 4 feet to my left and mom was sitting in a chair 4 feet to my right? Jason would pace back and forth between them…right in front of me. I called Jen in the middle of another mom bitch-out and said “The cruise is over.” I hope these people aren’t on our ship. They’ll never make it.
Tonight there is a new comedian on the ship. We’re going to check him out.
(later that evening)
Crap. Well, first…the comedian (David Naster) was pretty good. The act was billed as family-friendly, and he did a good job of just skirting the line sometimes. The other thing I liked was that he rolled with it. By this I mean he had a good enough amount of material in his brain that he could take his act with the crowd instead of hoping they stayed with him. Well done. However, in the first few moments before the show started Jen pops up by me and says “you’ll never guess who I just saw in the crowd!” I had no idea. Turns out it was Jason and mom. They’re on our ship. Glad I didn’t chance the hope that they wouldn’t be and say something stupid in the hotel.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Day 36
Really? Five days until Christmas? Yikes.
This morning was a morning that made me appreciate old people. Why? I went up to get breakfast around 10:15 (buffet closes at 10:30) and I couldn’t find a table…I ALWAYS find a table. We always find the SAME table in the back…always. Not today. Deanna had gone up 5 minutes before me and was nowhere to be found. I was walking around with a bowl of oatmeal and finally sat down at a table that had empty plates still on it. Finished my oatmeal and yogurt and walked around a little more. Didn’t see Deanna or anyone else, so I went back to my room to wait it out until 10:55 (way-back buffet closes at 11:00am). Everyone but Mike was at the usual table. So…why do I appreciate old people? They go to bed around 9:00pm and wake up at something like 4:00am to eat breakfast. Thus leaving it clear for us 10:00am-ers.
We were probably at breakfast chatting until noon. Decided to leave and ran into Chris and JP from JARs about to eat lunch. It’s called the two hour breakfast. Finally we headed to our room. On the way down the stairs we heard a thud above us and then a woman saying “Are you ok? Someone call 911!” An old guy fell over. Deanna and I rushed up and then scrambled to find a house phone. Luckily one of the staff with a phone showed up and took over. The guy was responsive and said “I felt lightheaded” but didn’t make an effort to get up. We then heard “Code Alpha. 10. Midship.” That is the medical emergeny code…Bravo is fire.
At 1:30 we had another hacky sack meeting and then it was pretty easy going until The Quest at 10:45. I have some photos of the final quest where a couple from each team has to change outfits on the stage. They get to change in the dark, but they don’t know what the challenge is until one man and one woman get to the stage from each team. Usually it is a huge guy and a tiny lady. The lady’s clothes are usually 2-3 sizes bigger by the end.
This morning was a morning that made me appreciate old people. Why? I went up to get breakfast around 10:15 (buffet closes at 10:30) and I couldn’t find a table…I ALWAYS find a table. We always find the SAME table in the back…always. Not today. Deanna had gone up 5 minutes before me and was nowhere to be found. I was walking around with a bowl of oatmeal and finally sat down at a table that had empty plates still on it. Finished my oatmeal and yogurt and walked around a little more. Didn’t see Deanna or anyone else, so I went back to my room to wait it out until 10:55 (way-back buffet closes at 11:00am). Everyone but Mike was at the usual table. So…why do I appreciate old people? They go to bed around 9:00pm and wake up at something like 4:00am to eat breakfast. Thus leaving it clear for us 10:00am-ers.
We were probably at breakfast chatting until noon. Decided to leave and ran into Chris and JP from JARs about to eat lunch. It’s called the two hour breakfast. Finally we headed to our room. On the way down the stairs we heard a thud above us and then a woman saying “Are you ok? Someone call 911!” An old guy fell over. Deanna and I rushed up and then scrambled to find a house phone. Luckily one of the staff with a phone showed up and took over. The guy was responsive and said “I felt lightheaded” but didn’t make an effort to get up. We then heard “Code Alpha. 10. Midship.” That is the medical emergeny code…Bravo is fire.
At 1:30 we had another hacky sack meeting and then it was pretty easy going until The Quest at 10:45. I have some photos of the final quest where a couple from each team has to change outfits on the stage. They get to change in the dark, but they don’t know what the challenge is until one man and one woman get to the stage from each team. Usually it is a huge guy and a tiny lady. The lady’s clothes are usually 2-3 sizes bigger by the end.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Day 35
George Town, Grand Cayman. Holy crap! We did it! We got of the ship and went snorkeling! We found a nice quiet beach that is small, but perfect for snorkeling. I took my camera and pics will be up on flickr.com soon. Saw some new fish…I have no idea what they were. I also did a head on collision with another snorkeler. It was by far my grandest swim. I saw Andy at one point and he directed me over to a cool area. When I popped my head out of the water I was far away. There was a rumor of an eel somewhere but I never saw it.
I was in charge of the line ups for the improv/scriptless shows this week. I tried to put people in places where I knew they were strong and play games that we kicked butt at. I think both shows were a big hit. We had a huge turn out for the late show. The Cruise Director has been pushing our shows as the 8:45 Second City Scriptless show and the 10:45 as Second City Unplugged: Adults Only. We don’t get super dirty in that we try to stay away from swearing, but Deanna and Jen are pros at innuendo.
I was in charge of the line ups for the improv/scriptless shows this week. I tried to put people in places where I knew they were strong and play games that we kicked butt at. I think both shows were a big hit. We had a huge turn out for the late show. The Cruise Director has been pushing our shows as the 8:45 Second City Scriptless show and the 10:45 as Second City Unplugged: Adults Only. We don’t get super dirty in that we try to stay away from swearing, but Deanna and Jen are pros at innuendo.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Day 34: pt 2
Cozumel, part two. Well, we rehearsed and headed into our two shows. One of the blackouts (quick scene that ends with the lights going out right after the “punch line” or “blow” as we call it) didn’t hit as well with this crowd…they are a much younger crowd because of college break and the Christmas holiday. It doesn’t hit as hard because you would need to have grown children to really understand it. It still hits, but not as hard.
We cut one of the sketches this week. We had been running at around 55 minutes when we should have been running around 50 max. So…a sketch got cut. I think the show runs a lot smoother now. However, we were surprised to find they were squeezing the crew show (sort of a talent show where crew members perform) in between our two shows. Normally the 9:30 show is our best attended and it was by far our least attended for the entirety thus far.
There were JARs watching in both shows. I feel like we’ve really lucked out in that our cast gets a long, their cast gets along, and they both get along with each other. From what I’ve heard, that isn’t always the case.
Tomorrow we go snorkeling…right? So far that is not always the case.
We cut one of the sketches this week. We had been running at around 55 minutes when we should have been running around 50 max. So…a sketch got cut. I think the show runs a lot smoother now. However, we were surprised to find they were squeezing the crew show (sort of a talent show where crew members perform) in between our two shows. Normally the 9:30 show is our best attended and it was by far our least attended for the entirety thus far.
There were JARs watching in both shows. I feel like we’ve really lucked out in that our cast gets a long, their cast gets along, and they both get along with each other. From what I’ve heard, that isn’t always the case.
Tomorrow we go snorkeling…right? So far that is not always the case.
Day 34: Pt 1.5
PS. I just put a bunch of photos up on my Daily Photo blog (link over there to the right...see?). Through 12/3. As always you can view all the photos at flickr.com.
Day 34: Pt 1
Cozumel, part one. Hey! Guess what! We didn’t go snorkeling. It was cloudy and a chilly 76 degrees. Plus, we have to be back for a 3:00 rehearsal. We heard of a coffee shop with internet access and we are now here. Originally my idea was to come here, check email, and then catch up on Survivor, Kid Nation, Heroes, or Last Man Standing. Apparently American TV stations hate Mexico. I can’t get any of the shows to stream. I COULD download episodes on iTunes for $2 each, but I’ll wait and see what happens in other ports. Antigua is supposed to have fast internet.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Day 33
Sea Day. Well…here is my normal routine for blogs. I let the day happen, I blog before I go to bed. Technically it is the next day right now, so I’ll try to remember what happened.
No dice.
I know I must have done something…I think I wrapped presents. I know I took a nap accidentally.
We went to the VIP party at 7:00, dinner at 8:30 with Svetlana. That’s something. We found out that Roman and Svetlana were on the Star with Piero, Mike, Jet, and all them. So that was a fun little connection. We finished dinner just in time to catch Band on the Run from the front row, house left. Always fun. They make faces at us when they can.
From there we went to check out the 70’s party and then down to the crew bar. None of the dancers showed up. We left and walked by The Blue Lagoon (restaurant) and they were all there eating. We went to bed.
If I actually wrote this at the end of the day I would say “Tomorrow we are going to go snorkeling in Cozumel!” Let’s see if I’m right! (remember…this is actually tomorrow)
No dice.
I know I must have done something…I think I wrapped presents. I know I took a nap accidentally.
We went to the VIP party at 7:00, dinner at 8:30 with Svetlana. That’s something. We found out that Roman and Svetlana were on the Star with Piero, Mike, Jet, and all them. So that was a fun little connection. We finished dinner just in time to catch Band on the Run from the front row, house left. Always fun. They make faces at us when they can.
From there we went to check out the 70’s party and then down to the crew bar. None of the dancers showed up. We left and walked by The Blue Lagoon (restaurant) and they were all there eating. We went to bed.
If I actually wrote this at the end of the day I would say “Tomorrow we are going to go snorkeling in Cozumel!” Let’s see if I’m right! (remember…this is actually tomorrow)
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Day 32
Miami, Fl. What? It was cloudy and rainy today. We went into town and tried to find stamps for our Christmas cards. Walgreens didn’t have them and said “they’ll have some at the Walgreens three blocks down the street.” So we went. On the way there a one-armed man said “can you spare some change for food?” I said, “Sorry.” To which he angrily said, “If you’re sorry, why don’t you help me get some food!” That’s a pretty good tactic to get someone to help you…right?
We made it to the other Walgreens and they were out of stamps also. They ALSO recommended an even bigger walgreens to go to. We didn’t. I headed back to stop by Starbucks and then holiday inn. I kind of hoped I would cross paths with the beggar again. A lot of scenarios passed through my head. Would he ask me for food again? If so, what would I do? Crap on the sidewalk and offer him that? Say “follow me”, have him watch me order lunch and also watch me walk off with my lunch? Take a $20 and throw it down a sewer drain? This guy may have been in need, but he was an asshole.
Anyway…I did some work, some shopping, and then got back on. Called my dad and answered some questions about their upcoming cruise. They will be on at the same time as Deanna’s mom. We got things settled for her today as well. They will all be on the same flights to and from the cruise.
Tonight was casual. We went to check out another performer we haven’t seen. A musician. At the beginning of the shows a generic announcement plays with info like no cell phones and what-not. Someone took a picture of the peacock curtain on the stage…their flash went off less than a second before the “no flash photography is allowed” part and all of us SC people cracked up.
More photos are online…flickr.com, search for “Rance Rizzutto Photography”. If everyone who reads this has looked at the pics, then I know 4 people read this. Thanks you 4.
We made it to the other Walgreens and they were out of stamps also. They ALSO recommended an even bigger walgreens to go to. We didn’t. I headed back to stop by Starbucks and then holiday inn. I kind of hoped I would cross paths with the beggar again. A lot of scenarios passed through my head. Would he ask me for food again? If so, what would I do? Crap on the sidewalk and offer him that? Say “follow me”, have him watch me order lunch and also watch me walk off with my lunch? Take a $20 and throw it down a sewer drain? This guy may have been in need, but he was an asshole.
Anyway…I did some work, some shopping, and then got back on. Called my dad and answered some questions about their upcoming cruise. They will be on at the same time as Deanna’s mom. We got things settled for her today as well. They will all be on the same flights to and from the cruise.
Tonight was casual. We went to check out another performer we haven’t seen. A musician. At the beginning of the shows a generic announcement plays with info like no cell phones and what-not. Someone took a picture of the peacock curtain on the stage…their flash went off less than a second before the “no flash photography is allowed” part and all of us SC people cracked up.
More photos are online…flickr.com, search for “Rance Rizzutto Photography”. If everyone who reads this has looked at the pics, then I know 4 people read this. Thanks you 4.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Day 30
Sea Day 1 of 2. Really? A month already? This is going by fast for us. We are really lucky to be with this cast on this ship. There isn’t a lot of drama, we enjoy going out on excursions together yet don’t feel pressured to do so, and we communicate well.
Today was a typical sea day. We got up just in time for breakfast. I worked on making sure my address book was correct. I FINALLY worked out again after 3 days of not. We had a rehearsal at 4:00…an improv rehearsal. Since we only do improv shows on one night we decided to have a rehearsal to keep fresh. From there we had a little time before dinner and then our two improv shows.
I had three little adventures with passengers today. 1) someone said they had a crush on me, 2) a lady in the laundry room called me “adventure dude” because I used the iron with water inside instead of spraying the water on, and 3) I walked in on an old guy pooping because he didn’t lock the stall doors. You can’t see under the walls on the stalls…lock the doors. There is a lock on them…for locking…the doors. I know this is a sweet gig…let’s not dampen the effect by throwing old guys pooping into the mix.
Our shows were great tonight. Our new cruise director really liked them. We also went to Cirque Bijoux in between our shows. It was Nate’s last show. He is one of the gymnasts and was here when Greg Hess was. I have a picture on my phone that I don’t think is up on flickr yet. On one of our rehearsal days in Chicago we crossed paths with Beth and Brendan, Steve, and Greg. Them combined with us equals four generations of Nowegian Jewel casts…If Jen, Larrance, or Andy would have been in the photo it would have been 5. Anyhow, we sat in “Box 5” (that’s what I call it)…the upper level seats at the very front of house-left. These are the best seats, why? They are the only seats where you can see what the dancers do with their faces when their backs are to the audience. One guy ends a big number with his back to the audience and he stuck his tongue out at a dancer about to come on…that kind of thing.
Christmas is coming fast. We have one full day to get Christmas cards ready to go and we don’t have enough envelopes. That means a crappy day in Miami on Sunday.
I’m glad things haven’t become too repetitive. Hopefully my blog hasn’t either.
Today was a typical sea day. We got up just in time for breakfast. I worked on making sure my address book was correct. I FINALLY worked out again after 3 days of not. We had a rehearsal at 4:00…an improv rehearsal. Since we only do improv shows on one night we decided to have a rehearsal to keep fresh. From there we had a little time before dinner and then our two improv shows.
I had three little adventures with passengers today. 1) someone said they had a crush on me, 2) a lady in the laundry room called me “adventure dude” because I used the iron with water inside instead of spraying the water on, and 3) I walked in on an old guy pooping because he didn’t lock the stall doors. You can’t see under the walls on the stalls…lock the doors. There is a lock on them…for locking…the doors. I know this is a sweet gig…let’s not dampen the effect by throwing old guys pooping into the mix.
Our shows were great tonight. Our new cruise director really liked them. We also went to Cirque Bijoux in between our shows. It was Nate’s last show. He is one of the gymnasts and was here when Greg Hess was. I have a picture on my phone that I don’t think is up on flickr yet. On one of our rehearsal days in Chicago we crossed paths with Beth and Brendan, Steve, and Greg. Them combined with us equals four generations of Nowegian Jewel casts…If Jen, Larrance, or Andy would have been in the photo it would have been 5. Anyhow, we sat in “Box 5” (that’s what I call it)…the upper level seats at the very front of house-left. These are the best seats, why? They are the only seats where you can see what the dancers do with their faces when their backs are to the audience. One guy ends a big number with his back to the audience and he stuck his tongue out at a dancer about to come on…that kind of thing.
Christmas is coming fast. We have one full day to get Christmas cards ready to go and we don’t have enough envelopes. That means a crappy day in Miami on Sunday.
I’m glad things haven’t become too repetitive. Hopefully my blog hasn’t either.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Day 29
Castries, St. Lucia. Holy crap! We had good weather! Today we all went with Roman, Sascha (the ballroom dancers) and Svetlana (Roman’s wife and previous dance partner, now on hiatus with baby in belly). We were set to go to some place that is supposed to be beautiful. So beautiful that it is used in a lot of movies because it is “typical beautiful Caribbean.” Well, the taxi drivers told us that it didn’t have a beach, it had a port. So we went to Pigeon Island, a national park that had a nice, long, sandy beach…according to the post card the driver showed us. Once we paid the $5 to get into the park we had Atlantic Ocean on one side (big waves and no sand), and the other side of the island had the Caribbean sea (calm, and sand). However, this beach was only about 100 feet wide. It did not match the photograph we saw.
I just basically got a deck chair and tanned/napped. Deanna came back at one point and said “you missed the show.” I asked what happened and she said there was a woman sun bathing topless. I saw her later. And even later than that an off-duty tour guide said “hey lady. I want to find a two-piece swim suit like yours.” She scoffed. He looked at me and said “She’s the only one with her top off. C’mon. She wants attention.”
We got back to the ship and chilled before our workshop tonight. We didn’t know what to expect for that. It was at 6:45pm…prime dinner time. We ended up with about 15 people, but they were very much into it. Andy did a great job coming up with a running order.
Later tonight we were in the Garden. I heard the cutest thing in the world. The kids usually spend all day with youth counselors so the parents can do other stuff. Well, it was late and the kids were probably on their way to bed soon. There was a mom with a daughter at a table by us. Another little girl was near the ice cream and in sight of the table. Both girls probably 3 or 4. The girl at the table said “Hi, Amy!” and what did little Amy reply? Not “hi”…but “I miss you.” No lead up, just flat out I miss you. Then she said it again.
In other news, it’s official…my parents have booked their cruise and will be out here in the end of January. Huzzah!
I just basically got a deck chair and tanned/napped. Deanna came back at one point and said “you missed the show.” I asked what happened and she said there was a woman sun bathing topless. I saw her later. And even later than that an off-duty tour guide said “hey lady. I want to find a two-piece swim suit like yours.” She scoffed. He looked at me and said “She’s the only one with her top off. C’mon. She wants attention.”
We got back to the ship and chilled before our workshop tonight. We didn’t know what to expect for that. It was at 6:45pm…prime dinner time. We ended up with about 15 people, but they were very much into it. Andy did a great job coming up with a running order.
Later tonight we were in the Garden. I heard the cutest thing in the world. The kids usually spend all day with youth counselors so the parents can do other stuff. Well, it was late and the kids were probably on their way to bed soon. There was a mom with a daughter at a table by us. Another little girl was near the ice cream and in sight of the table. Both girls probably 3 or 4. The girl at the table said “Hi, Amy!” and what did little Amy reply? Not “hi”…but “I miss you.” No lead up, just flat out I miss you. Then she said it again.
In other news, it’s official…my parents have booked their cruise and will be out here in the end of January. Huzzah!
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Day 28
Bridgetown, Barbados. Today was pretty overcast. I think we’re chasing bad weather. I hear rumor that there is a tropical storm or something but don’t want to use the bandwidth to look it up online. We were supposed to go hang out at a place called the Boat Yard today but one look at the weather had us changing plans. We decided to just walk into town. I didn’t even get off the ship last time we were here so I was determined to at least do that. Barbados puts us on a long pier…they have a shuttle to get you to the end. I guess last time the shuttle was mandatory, but it was optional this time. Deanna, Jen, Larrance and I walked. Before even reaching the end of the pier both Deanna and I started feeling odd.
We called it Land Sickness, but it was different. We both sat down and took it easy and then got some almonds and Powerade in the mall at the end of the pier. Still land sick-ish. We kept walking. Looked in a couple of shops but that was about it.
Tonight was a show night for us…and things were rocky. The rockiest they’ve been so far. It didn’t effect the show at all, but it was rocky. Actually, it seemed like more people than usual were leaving the show and I wonder if it was because of the rockiness. I know I tend to feel worse when I’m sitting in the audience on rocky nights. People get up a lot during any given show. Maybe they don’t speak English and it doesn’t make sense, maybe they expected the show to be shorter and they had made dinner plans, maybe they didn’t like it. Whatever the reason, any show can count on people showing up late and people leaving early.
After the show we grabbed some food and headed to a crew party in Spinaker. I have trouble getting into the vibe of these things, but this one was easier because it was in Spinaker and not in the low-ceilinged crew bar. The crew does a lot of work regardless of their specific job, and the parties are huge for morale. Why? There are cheap drinks, music, dancing, etc. It was enjoyable at the beginning. Then it got louder. Maybe I’m getting older but there are four things that make this situation less than desirable: I don’t drink, I don’t care for cramped spaces/crowds, once it gets loud enough for me to not hear it is useless for people to try to converse with me, and I don’t enjoy dancing. What do I enjoy in these situations? Watching. People watching. Watching people I don’t know act like idiots, watching people I do know have fun. I like to sit back and take it in. Usually that isn’t enough for people though. “Come dance!” “Get up and dance!” “You HAVE to dance to THIS song!” All said good-naturedly, but ease up. If a song comes on that I feel like dancing to (there are one or two), I will get up and dance. If I’m up and it isn’t a song I feel like dancing too I’m going to either A) be taking pictures or B) do bits.
I don’t know if it is because he is a little older or because he never really listened to pop-music, but Larrance seems to be immune to this problem. I don’t see anyone egging him on. I will have to figure out his secret.
Tomorrow is our last port on this cruise before two sea days…and it is supposed to be raining or cloudy. We are going to attempt to go to some beach in St. Lucia, if nothing else because it is our last port before two sea days. Two. We’ll see. This cruise has gone like this (at night) “Let’s do this awesome thing tomorrow!” (next day with bad weather) “oh…well? Next time?”
We called it Land Sickness, but it was different. We both sat down and took it easy and then got some almonds and Powerade in the mall at the end of the pier. Still land sick-ish. We kept walking. Looked in a couple of shops but that was about it.
Tonight was a show night for us…and things were rocky. The rockiest they’ve been so far. It didn’t effect the show at all, but it was rocky. Actually, it seemed like more people than usual were leaving the show and I wonder if it was because of the rockiness. I know I tend to feel worse when I’m sitting in the audience on rocky nights. People get up a lot during any given show. Maybe they don’t speak English and it doesn’t make sense, maybe they expected the show to be shorter and they had made dinner plans, maybe they didn’t like it. Whatever the reason, any show can count on people showing up late and people leaving early.
After the show we grabbed some food and headed to a crew party in Spinaker. I have trouble getting into the vibe of these things, but this one was easier because it was in Spinaker and not in the low-ceilinged crew bar. The crew does a lot of work regardless of their specific job, and the parties are huge for morale. Why? There are cheap drinks, music, dancing, etc. It was enjoyable at the beginning. Then it got louder. Maybe I’m getting older but there are four things that make this situation less than desirable: I don’t drink, I don’t care for cramped spaces/crowds, once it gets loud enough for me to not hear it is useless for people to try to converse with me, and I don’t enjoy dancing. What do I enjoy in these situations? Watching. People watching. Watching people I don’t know act like idiots, watching people I do know have fun. I like to sit back and take it in. Usually that isn’t enough for people though. “Come dance!” “Get up and dance!” “You HAVE to dance to THIS song!” All said good-naturedly, but ease up. If a song comes on that I feel like dancing to (there are one or two), I will get up and dance. If I’m up and it isn’t a song I feel like dancing too I’m going to either A) be taking pictures or B) do bits.
I don’t know if it is because he is a little older or because he never really listened to pop-music, but Larrance seems to be immune to this problem. I don’t see anyone egging him on. I will have to figure out his secret.
Tomorrow is our last port on this cruise before two sea days…and it is supposed to be raining or cloudy. We are going to attempt to go to some beach in St. Lucia, if nothing else because it is our last port before two sea days. Two. We’ll see. This cruise has gone like this (at night) “Let’s do this awesome thing tomorrow!” (next day with bad weather) “oh…well? Next time?”
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Day 27
St. John’s, Antigua. We were going to go on a tour of the island today. Sometime in between my leaving the breakfast table and my going back to the breakfast table an hour later, things had changed. I got all ready in my swimsuit and totally sunscreened. Apparently after I left the table it started to rain. People decided against the tour and remained at the table chatting with some JARs. Apparently the rockiness that kept us away from their show last night also proved for difficult dancing. It was a hard show for them…so I heard.
I went into town and found Jen. She showed me where the IGA was so I could get some Ting soda. I bought 4 bottles. Once I got back on board I was very active…more Smallville. AND I drank three Tings. I felt sick by the time we were off to dinner, but getting out and burping a lot made everything a-ok. We had dinner in Tsar’s Palace (or as I now call it “JARs Palace”) with Roman, Sascha, (ballroom dancers) and Svetlana (Roman’s wife). Nice food, nice times.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, Lois just had her red kryptonite aphrodisiac lipstick counteracted by a green kryptonite perfume and Clark’s mom got him close to green kryptonite to make him sweat and get the residual red kryptonite from Lois’ kiss out of his system.
I went into town and found Jen. She showed me where the IGA was so I could get some Ting soda. I bought 4 bottles. Once I got back on board I was very active…more Smallville. AND I drank three Tings. I felt sick by the time we were off to dinner, but getting out and burping a lot made everything a-ok. We had dinner in Tsar’s Palace (or as I now call it “JARs Palace”) with Roman, Sascha, (ballroom dancers) and Svetlana (Roman’s wife). Nice food, nice times.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, Lois just had her red kryptonite aphrodisiac lipstick counteracted by a green kryptonite perfume and Clark’s mom got him close to green kryptonite to make him sweat and get the residual red kryptonite from Lois’ kiss out of his system.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Day 26
Tortolla. Today was rough weather. So, we went looking for a beach with waves. Jen and Larrance heard that a place called Apple Bay was good for that. We took a cab and found out that it was good waves…crashing into a wall with no beach. We settled for a place called long bay. After body surfing a while we were done. It was cloudy and started to rain once we went into the restaurant.
Today was supposed to be the JARs show Country Gold…well…it was supposed to be a day that we went to see it. The conditions were still rocky so we decided not to go. You’ll never guess what I did. Did you say watch Smallville? Then I guess you guessed it.
Today was supposed to be the JARs show Country Gold…well…it was supposed to be a day that we went to see it. The conditions were still rocky so we decided not to go. You’ll never guess what I did. Did you say watch Smallville? Then I guess you guessed it.
Sunday, December 09, 2007
Day 25
Samana…right? We stayed on the ship today. Dedicated readers know Samana has kids selling shells and good coffee. But we stayed on board. I had web work to do (I’m still doing web stuff for CSz) and we relaxed. Later on in the day Deanna went to the library for the first time and I went to the crew video store (commonly called “Jewel-busters”, but I prefer Nord-flix). I checked out Smallville season 6. I was initially a huge fan of the show. Now I like it…it’s ok. About the time that Season 6 came on the air I was too far into The Office and Survivor. Tivo can only record so many things at a time.
So, now I’m watching Smallville. Also, the ship is pretty rocky. Probably the rockiest it has been, but still not too severe.
Gotta go…important Smallville plot point is about to be revealed.
So, now I’m watching Smallville. Also, the ship is pretty rocky. Probably the rockiest it has been, but still not too severe.
Gotta go…important Smallville plot point is about to be revealed.
Saturday, December 08, 2007
Day 24
Sea Day. Boy…talk about lazy. I slept until 10:30. The only reason I got up was to try and get to the buffet in time for breakfast. My usual breakfast has become an eggwhite omelet with ham, spinach, and cheese, a bowl of oatmeal, and some yogurt. Today was no different.
After that I got online to see if I could put a dent in Christmas stuff. Two words: Bah Humbug.
It is the end of the day and I really can’t remember what I did today. Ironed some shirts. Ate. Ate. Man, what did I do today? I at least know that I saw the JARs show again. It is fun to see their show from the front row. It is pretty rocky right now and tomorrow will be an early start. We are tender boating so we will hear the winches kick in as our alarm.
After that I got online to see if I could put a dent in Christmas stuff. Two words: Bah Humbug.
It is the end of the day and I really can’t remember what I did today. Ironed some shirts. Ate. Ate. Man, what did I do today? I at least know that I saw the JARs show again. It is fun to see their show from the front row. It is pretty rocky right now and tomorrow will be an early start. We are tender boating so we will hear the winches kick in as our alarm.
Friday, December 07, 2007
Day 23
Miami, FL. America! Today was a typical Miami day except we got off the ship later than we should have. This meant going through customs with a lot of people. We took a cab across the bridge and camped out in the hotel. We had to be on by 3:30. We were.
Today was spent doing research for my parents who will be coming out in January.
I also heard from a few people via email. I think I even managed to get Tara to get a CSz buyout cast to play “Hey, Fred Schneider, what are you doing?” but to play it as “Hey, Rance Rizzutto, what are you doing?”
Today was more of the usuals once we got back. I ate, started laundry, worked out, threw clothes in the drier, finished my workout, ate, showered…blah, blah, blah. We got ready and headed out to see Edge’s last show at 7:30. Only…there is only a 9:30 show on the first day. So…we ate…again. Finally we got to the 9:30. It is Edge’s last show in that this is his last cruise with NCL. I have no idea who will come here in his place but they have big shoes to fill.
Right now I’m looking at Deanna’s pics as she scrolls through them. She has some great ones. Deanna wants me to tell you I’m awesome because I do the laundry. You know what, America? She’s right. Laundry was “my chore” at home. She would do dishes probably at least a 60-40 split with me being the 40%, and I rarely deep cleaned the bathroom or kitchen. Well, of laundry, dishes, kitchen cleaning and bathroom cleaning, guess which three you don’t need to worry about on ships? Here’s a hint: laundry isn’t one of the three. The nice thing is that it works nicely with my workout. I put in laundry, I work out, and they’re ready for the dryer.
I had three soft serve ice creams today. One was in honor of the CSz buyout. The other two were safety cones incase CSz needed more honor.
Today was spent doing research for my parents who will be coming out in January.
I also heard from a few people via email. I think I even managed to get Tara to get a CSz buyout cast to play “Hey, Fred Schneider, what are you doing?” but to play it as “Hey, Rance Rizzutto, what are you doing?”
Today was more of the usuals once we got back. I ate, started laundry, worked out, threw clothes in the drier, finished my workout, ate, showered…blah, blah, blah. We got ready and headed out to see Edge’s last show at 7:30. Only…there is only a 9:30 show on the first day. So…we ate…again. Finally we got to the 9:30. It is Edge’s last show in that this is his last cruise with NCL. I have no idea who will come here in his place but they have big shoes to fill.
Right now I’m looking at Deanna’s pics as she scrolls through them. She has some great ones. Deanna wants me to tell you I’m awesome because I do the laundry. You know what, America? She’s right. Laundry was “my chore” at home. She would do dishes probably at least a 60-40 split with me being the 40%, and I rarely deep cleaned the bathroom or kitchen. Well, of laundry, dishes, kitchen cleaning and bathroom cleaning, guess which three you don’t need to worry about on ships? Here’s a hint: laundry isn’t one of the three. The nice thing is that it works nicely with my workout. I put in laundry, I work out, and they’re ready for the dryer.
I had three soft serve ice creams today. One was in honor of the CSz buyout. The other two were safety cones incase CSz needed more honor.
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Day 22
Sea Day. Today was a mish-mash of activities. I slept in after not being able to sleep much the night before. I managed to get myself out of bed to grab a bite, work out, and grab a bite.
At 3:00 Deanna and I went to Swing Dance lessons. That was pretty fun. Andy and Mike were there too.
Later Deanna and I had a sea day dinner with Jon Paul, Johnny, and Candy from the JARs. That was fun. They’re all fun to hang out with.
I feel like this is one of my worst recaps.
We’re trying to get some Christmas cards out. No promises. I doubt we’ll actually get any out tomorrow while we’re in Miami, so that means we probably won’t get any our until the 16th. Also, good luck to us getting your cards if you sent one. Mail isn’t the best.
Robyn Norris is now living in Las Vegas. She performs for Second City at the Flamingo. If you go out there, please see their show and bring her a can of Coke. She says pepsi is everywhere out there and boy does she hate pepsi.
At 3:00 Deanna and I went to Swing Dance lessons. That was pretty fun. Andy and Mike were there too.
Later Deanna and I had a sea day dinner with Jon Paul, Johnny, and Candy from the JARs. That was fun. They’re all fun to hang out with.
I feel like this is one of my worst recaps.
We’re trying to get some Christmas cards out. No promises. I doubt we’ll actually get any out tomorrow while we’re in Miami, so that means we probably won’t get any our until the 16th. Also, good luck to us getting your cards if you sent one. Mail isn’t the best.
Robyn Norris is now living in Las Vegas. She performs for Second City at the Flamingo. If you go out there, please see their show and bring her a can of Coke. She says pepsi is everywhere out there and boy does she hate pepsi.
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Day 21
George Town, Grand Cayman. Today was great. Last night was not. It was a fitful night of sleep. By the time I felt like I could fall asleep, it was too late. Tender boats. Around 9am the sounds of tender boat winches, announcements of which ticket holders can now board the boats…plenty to keep a guy awake. Our plan was to go into town and go snorkeling. My last attempts at snorkeling had been between mediocre and disastrous. I wasn’t looking forward to it. Add to that that we had improv shows to do at night. I felt like takin’ it easy and debated heading in at all.
I decided to go, and there was mention of snorkeling so I brought my stuff. We went to a place called Cemetary Beach.Why? There is a cemetery right there. Supposedly there was good snorkeling there. Yeah, right…right? I grabbed my snorkel stuff and headed down to the water. I figured I would at least just practice breathing in the shallow areas while everyone else had fun.
At about 5 feet out…about 1 foot deep…I could see a couple fish swimming around. Then a big school of really tiny fish. Then a group of bigger fish coming out. I yelled up to Mike to grab my camera for me (in its waterproof case). I started shooting like crazy. Within a few moments I realized my breathing was normal, I was floating, and I had been out there a while. Apparently I just needed a camera in my hand to help me out.
My camera has a special “underwater mode” that color balances things. Unfortunately the switch is easy to hit with my thumb and that usually puts it in video mode. I took a lot of little video clips thinking it was taking photos. So I have photos and videos from my first successful snorkeling. I saw a lot of different things. The best was a huge lobster that I have an ok photo of. I dove down to get a better photo of it when it went under a rock and my batter died. Nuts!
Shows were good tonight. The exact right amount of “adult material” in the late show. Deanna was on fire. Afterward we ran into JAR Christopher in Fyzz and he danced with Deanna to “Raining Men”…I got it on video and will youtube it eventually.
Hopefully I’ll have more time in Miami to download videos. Eventually I’ll add links over on the side there.
I decided to go, and there was mention of snorkeling so I brought my stuff. We went to a place called Cemetary Beach.Why? There is a cemetery right there. Supposedly there was good snorkeling there. Yeah, right…right? I grabbed my snorkel stuff and headed down to the water. I figured I would at least just practice breathing in the shallow areas while everyone else had fun.
At about 5 feet out…about 1 foot deep…I could see a couple fish swimming around. Then a big school of really tiny fish. Then a group of bigger fish coming out. I yelled up to Mike to grab my camera for me (in its waterproof case). I started shooting like crazy. Within a few moments I realized my breathing was normal, I was floating, and I had been out there a while. Apparently I just needed a camera in my hand to help me out.
My camera has a special “underwater mode” that color balances things. Unfortunately the switch is easy to hit with my thumb and that usually puts it in video mode. I took a lot of little video clips thinking it was taking photos. So I have photos and videos from my first successful snorkeling. I saw a lot of different things. The best was a huge lobster that I have an ok photo of. I dove down to get a better photo of it when it went under a rock and my batter died. Nuts!
Shows were good tonight. The exact right amount of “adult material” in the late show. Deanna was on fire. Afterward we ran into JAR Christopher in Fyzz and he danced with Deanna to “Raining Men”…I got it on video and will youtube it eventually.
Hopefully I’ll have more time in Miami to download videos. Eventually I’ll add links over on the side there.
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Day 20
Cozumel, Mexico. We made it into town today before a rehearsal. Mostly shopping. I needed a pair of sunglasses and ended up doing my first haggling. I wanted a pair of silver aviator glasses. One of the vendors there said they had some in their store. I went in, asked how much and he said $35. I think I laughed. I was looking to spend $10 for a cheap pair, and these were cheap. I said $10. He said “Come on…I can give you these [other ones] for $10.” So I left. On my way back past that same shop an older guy said “you wanted glasses, right?” I said yes. He said $15. So if you let them know you want something specific your best tactic is to then walk out and walk back by.
We had rehearsal and two shows. Edge and some of the dancers (Jon Paul and Christopher for sure) were at the 9:30 show. We all (us and the people just mentioned) went out for drinks and had a fun time.
Other than that, pretty tame.
We had rehearsal and two shows. Edge and some of the dancers (Jon Paul and Christopher for sure) were at the 9:30 show. We all (us and the people just mentioned) went out for drinks and had a fun time.
Other than that, pretty tame.
Monday, December 03, 2007
Day 19
Sea Day. I’m sitting here looking at a screen trying to think about what I did today. Deanna and I have been trying to check out some of the additional activities. Today we made origami flowers and went to a guitar class.
We also got together for a good old fashioned game of hackey sack. Mike really pushes this. There is a netted in area with a tennis/basketball court that we were going to play on, but it was being used. I suggested the golf practice area because it is netted as well. Mike found an area that was dangerous in that the only thing stopping the sack from going in the water was an 8ft high metal wall. Yep, I kicked it over. Yep, it went in the water. I was going to post about how Jen is the All-American athlete of our group because she kicked butt at Wii boxing and hackeysack, but we didn’t get to play long enough for me to give her a 100% vote of confidence. Although she did try to kick the sack when it was about head-level for her.
Other than that we ate and worked out and saw the JARs in Band on the Run again. This time from the 2nd row.
In other news, Happy Birthday Blaine. Also, look out America…Ben Johnson is coming back to take advantage of your exchange rate he’s heard so much about.
We also got together for a good old fashioned game of hackey sack. Mike really pushes this. There is a netted in area with a tennis/basketball court that we were going to play on, but it was being used. I suggested the golf practice area because it is netted as well. Mike found an area that was dangerous in that the only thing stopping the sack from going in the water was an 8ft high metal wall. Yep, I kicked it over. Yep, it went in the water. I was going to post about how Jen is the All-American athlete of our group because she kicked butt at Wii boxing and hackeysack, but we didn’t get to play long enough for me to give her a 100% vote of confidence. Although she did try to kick the sack when it was about head-level for her.
Other than that we ate and worked out and saw the JARs in Band on the Run again. This time from the 2nd row.
In other news, Happy Birthday Blaine. Also, look out America…Ben Johnson is coming back to take advantage of your exchange rate he’s heard so much about.
Sunday, December 02, 2007
Day 18: For Reals
Miami, FL. Nothing much to talk about today…I think. We went into Miami and took care of some shopping and business. I was jonesin’ for some TV so I camped out in the gracious Holiday Inn and caught up on Beauty and the Geek. I think there is only one more episode of that show remaining. I picked that one because they only keep two episodes online at a time. I also need to catch up on Survivor: China, Kid Nation, The Office, Heroes, and Last Man Standing.
Typical cruise start. Everyone on a shiny new ship and they don’t know where they are…but they soon find the ice cream and all hell breaks loose! This cruise seems a little younger than the last one. Apparently the older people go on the 9-day cruises and the younger ones hit the 5-days.
Tomorrow is a sea day and then Cozumel the next. We perform on Cozumel day. Now that we’re repeating cruises I can’t guarantee that these will remain daily, but I have gotten used to sitting down and writing at night. So, maybe?
Right as I started typing this the news was on with “entertainment” as the current segment. Christina Agulera finally comes out about her pregnancy. She finally did! I don’t know what took her so long! Oh, wait…WHO CARES?! People, I beg you…stop. Why do we care? Christina is right on the edge of the group of blondes…she at least seems to have some sanity and intelligence. Paris Hilton, Nicole Ritchie, Lindsay Lohan, Britney Spears…am I missing anyone? Please, stop caring about these girls so they’ll go away. In my “biz” I take a lot of suggestions for improv. When I ask for celebrities I need to add a caveat because 90% of the time it is one of them or Michael Jackson.
I digress.
Typical cruise start. Everyone on a shiny new ship and they don’t know where they are…but they soon find the ice cream and all hell breaks loose! This cruise seems a little younger than the last one. Apparently the older people go on the 9-day cruises and the younger ones hit the 5-days.
Tomorrow is a sea day and then Cozumel the next. We perform on Cozumel day. Now that we’re repeating cruises I can’t guarantee that these will remain daily, but I have gotten used to sitting down and writing at night. So, maybe?
Right as I started typing this the news was on with “entertainment” as the current segment. Christina Agulera finally comes out about her pregnancy. She finally did! I don’t know what took her so long! Oh, wait…WHO CARES?! People, I beg you…stop. Why do we care? Christina is right on the edge of the group of blondes…she at least seems to have some sanity and intelligence. Paris Hilton, Nicole Ritchie, Lindsay Lohan, Britney Spears…am I missing anyone? Please, stop caring about these girls so they’ll go away. In my “biz” I take a lot of suggestions for improv. When I ask for celebrities I need to add a caveat because 90% of the time it is one of them or Michael Jackson.
I digress.
Day 18: Prelude
We're in Miami. The bandwidth flows like wine. Photos have been updated on flickr.com (search Rance Rizzutto Photography...it's really easy and it is free to sign up). More as the day unfolds.
Saturday, December 01, 2007
Day 17
Yet again at sea. We will be in Miami tomorrow and pick up a new crew. There may be a few people staying on, but not many. We do 5 and 9 day cruises…if you do them both in a row, congrats. You’ve just done a 14 day cruise.
Not much going on today so we kept a sharp eye on activities. After eating and going to the gym we went to the 3:00pm crew show. This was mostly various crew members singing songs. Imagine singing karaoke, but you don’t get to see the words, you have a live band playing the music, and there are 1000 attentive viewers. That is what it was like. At the end the cruise staff did a show called “Fountains”. There are about 8 people on the cruise staff. They were all dressed in toga-esque clothing and came out with water pitchers. The gist is they put water in their mouths and spit it on each other. It is much more entertaining than the gist makes it feel. I video-taped it and will hopefully get it on youtube.
The next big event on the agenda was Wii Boxing from 6:30-8:00. I let everyone know about it. Jen showed up. Wii games are great. After an 8 year old and his dad/grandfather played it was time for Jen and I to play. She destroyed me. If you don’t know what Wii is like, you have a control in your hand that I think they call a wand. You have to actually move the wand to play. As in, when I punch in real life my character punches as well. Well, while playing Jen the kid kept saying “you’re getting beat by a girl!” so I said “you play her next.” He lost too. I got beat twice by Jen and twice by the kid. Finally, in my last match against Jen, I won. It was my first win! I played for the first time about a week ago and had the idea that we should try to arrange it so that it is “Play Wii against the Second City!” Well, when Jen and I were playing, and Mike and Andy (who showed up and played after my victory) we really got the crowd going. It will work after people have seen us do a show.
I went straight from there to the show. It was a combo of Andre & Cirell and Edge. Then I pretty much ate and came back to the room. Tomorrow is Miami day and I want to catch up on some TV via the intertnet.
Not much going on today so we kept a sharp eye on activities. After eating and going to the gym we went to the 3:00pm crew show. This was mostly various crew members singing songs. Imagine singing karaoke, but you don’t get to see the words, you have a live band playing the music, and there are 1000 attentive viewers. That is what it was like. At the end the cruise staff did a show called “Fountains”. There are about 8 people on the cruise staff. They were all dressed in toga-esque clothing and came out with water pitchers. The gist is they put water in their mouths and spit it on each other. It is much more entertaining than the gist makes it feel. I video-taped it and will hopefully get it on youtube.
The next big event on the agenda was Wii Boxing from 6:30-8:00. I let everyone know about it. Jen showed up. Wii games are great. After an 8 year old and his dad/grandfather played it was time for Jen and I to play. She destroyed me. If you don’t know what Wii is like, you have a control in your hand that I think they call a wand. You have to actually move the wand to play. As in, when I punch in real life my character punches as well. Well, while playing Jen the kid kept saying “you’re getting beat by a girl!” so I said “you play her next.” He lost too. I got beat twice by Jen and twice by the kid. Finally, in my last match against Jen, I won. It was my first win! I played for the first time about a week ago and had the idea that we should try to arrange it so that it is “Play Wii against the Second City!” Well, when Jen and I were playing, and Mike and Andy (who showed up and played after my victory) we really got the crowd going. It will work after people have seen us do a show.
I went straight from there to the show. It was a combo of Andre & Cirell and Edge. Then I pretty much ate and came back to the room. Tomorrow is Miami day and I want to catch up on some TV via the intertnet.
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