Miami, FL. Still in bed. My last chance to go to Miami without a bunch of luggage in tow and I miss it. I got up around 8:30 and was feeling ok. I took a shower and it pretty much drained me of all of my energy. Had to have Deanna go to the buffet to grab me some food. She got me some oatmeal (couldn’t eat it), a box of cheerios, some yogurt, and bananas.
I managed to eat (throughout the day) three yogurts, the cheerios, and part of a banana. I feel like a baby working his way to solid foods.
The hilarious thing (not really) is that I was 193 when I started this adventure. I’ve been eating like crazy and going to the gym trying to put on weight. I made it to 200. Last week while I was sick (fever and phlegm…not puking) I went down to 197. I’d imagine after totally clearing out my system yesterday that I’m down to 193.
I even got out of the room! Had dinner at 5:30…rice, beans, and fries. I haven’t eaten fries almost entirely on the trip…they really hit the spot. Roman sat down with us to eat. I finished my dinner and the smell of Deanna’s food and Roman’s food started grossing me out. My sense of smell is intense right now.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Day 106
Sea Day. Oh, what a day. So, last night I grabbed some food at the buffet before our shows…it was not appetizing but I needed to eat so I kept eating it. I also had a ceasar salad after our first show. Why do I mention these two things a day after they happened? I spent all of today either in bed or puking. All of it. I’m pretty sure it was food poisoning, but it could have been GI too. I don’t think I’ve had either before. Regardless, I was in hell.
Deanna grabbed me some oatmeal in the morning but they were out of brown sugar. She added maple syrup. The smell, even though it is similar to brown sugar, did not work for me (to put it lightly). Even smelling bread had ill effects.
It was Jen’s birthday too.
I think I stopped throwing up around 8:00pm or so…maybe later. All I really had was water and Gatorade. I finally started feeling like I could maybe eat late at night, but I didn’t push it.
So, I missed a birthday dinner, birthday drinks, Liar’s club, and Ship n Males.
Deanna grabbed me some oatmeal in the morning but they were out of brown sugar. She added maple syrup. The smell, even though it is similar to brown sugar, did not work for me (to put it lightly). Even smelling bread had ill effects.
It was Jen’s birthday too.
I think I stopped throwing up around 8:00pm or so…maybe later. All I really had was water and Gatorade. I finally started feeling like I could maybe eat late at night, but I didn’t push it.
So, I missed a birthday dinner, birthday drinks, Liar’s club, and Ship n Males.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Day 105
Grand Cayman. The LAST Grand Cayman visit. What did we do with it? Well…nothing. We were woken up by an announcement saying that we would be leaving early from Grand Cayman. A storm was coming and we needed to get out early to dodge it. So, we didn’t get off the ship. Deanna and I were going to go snorkeling but neither of us were inspired.
Instead we stayed on the ship and I went to the gym. When I came back to the room Ocean’s Eleven was just starting on TNT so we watched it. I fell asleep.
Tonight was our next to last batch of improv shows. Both shows were great, and the second one was packed…standing room only. Apparently a couple got married today and their friends were all celebrating. We initially found out after our first improv show when a guy came up to us and said “Will one of you come be a minister in the Chapel? You just have to pretend.” And that was all he said. I watched them find someone else and it was simply for a photo. If he would have added “for a photo for this couple who got married” we would have probably done it. Anyway, there were about five of them dancing on the dance floor as we showed up to do our second show. Larrance told them a show was about to start and they gave him some attitude. No worries though, the music got pulled and we started a show for a crowd of people excited to see us.
Oh! We saw the NCL Jade amongst the other ships in Grand Cayman. It is the new ship in the fleet and will soon have a new Second City cast as well.
Instead we stayed on the ship and I went to the gym. When I came back to the room Ocean’s Eleven was just starting on TNT so we watched it. I fell asleep.
Tonight was our next to last batch of improv shows. Both shows were great, and the second one was packed…standing room only. Apparently a couple got married today and their friends were all celebrating. We initially found out after our first improv show when a guy came up to us and said “Will one of you come be a minister in the Chapel? You just have to pretend.” And that was all he said. I watched them find someone else and it was simply for a photo. If he would have added “for a photo for this couple who got married” we would have probably done it. Anyway, there were about five of them dancing on the dance floor as we showed up to do our second show. Larrance told them a show was about to start and they gave him some attitude. No worries though, the music got pulled and we started a show for a crowd of people excited to see us.
Oh! We saw the NCL Jade amongst the other ships in Grand Cayman. It is the new ship in the fleet and will soon have a new Second City cast as well.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Day 104
Cozumel, Mexico. The LAST Cozumel visit. Deanna and I decided to head out on our own. Jen is sick. Andy is sick. Both with the same stuff I had, so I’m probably the source. Anyhow, we went into town and rented a jeep to drive around the island. Not too bad. $55 for the jeep and insurance. We followed the road south, this is where all the snorkel hot spots are. We never ended up stopping though. Just kept driving. We made an occasional stop to check out a beach area, but the beaches got rougher as we went along.
We even stopped at the largest Mayan ruins on the island. It cost $2 to get a ticket from the main gate into a tiny area with some shops and down 20 feet of road from there. Then another $4 to walk around. We only payed the $2…well…Deanna paid for us. We took a picture from the end of the two dollar zone and headed back to get our rental returned in time. Our jeep was a little shakey the whole time. We named it Hepburn.
After returning the jeep we stopped in at the Rock’n Java where we normally get internet to get some quesadillas and say farewell to Ernesto…the guy who has been our waiter every time we’ve been there.
Tonight was also our show night. Since we’re getting closer to prime Spring Break season that means younger, more vocally appreciative crowds. That was a nice charge to our next to final shows on the ship.
We even stopped at the largest Mayan ruins on the island. It cost $2 to get a ticket from the main gate into a tiny area with some shops and down 20 feet of road from there. Then another $4 to walk around. We only payed the $2…well…Deanna paid for us. We took a picture from the end of the two dollar zone and headed back to get our rental returned in time. Our jeep was a little shakey the whole time. We named it Hepburn.
After returning the jeep we stopped in at the Rock’n Java where we normally get internet to get some quesadillas and say farewell to Ernesto…the guy who has been our waiter every time we’ve been there.
Tonight was also our show night. Since we’re getting closer to prime Spring Break season that means younger, more vocally appreciative crowds. That was a nice charge to our next to final shows on the ship.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Day 103
Sea Day. Weather, huh? It seems like this entire month has been a series of good-byes. Tim and Russ (trumpet player and bass player respectively) were supposed to sign off on Miami day…and yet they are still on the ship. We had meals with them today and apparently their replacements got caught in weather so they stayed on. They’ll be leaving on Cozumel or Grand Cayman day in theory. We also lost our sound guy, Matt. This is also Sveta’s last cruise before she settles into her and Roman’s Miami apartment to get ready for their baby.
This cruise has a lot more younger people on it. You can tell we’re getting closer to Spring Break…we’ll just be missing the height of it. I went to the gym after breakfast and it was packed so I went again after lunch. Better. More young people means more people working out.
Later I fell asleep. I was going to get dinner around 6:15 or so. Deanna asked if I could wait until 7pm. So I waited, but fell asleep. I was moody for the rest of the night. I hate naps. I’ve always been a “sleep in” guy. Why break up your day with sleep when you can get it all done in a 8-12 hour block, right? Anyway, we ate and then caught Band on the Run. A nice thing about the younger groups is that they actually cheer. As soon as the “rules of the theater” audio started playing they were cheering. Unfortunately for the JARs something major happened with the lights. I don’t think any of the audience really noticed, but the lights were all out of whack in the beginning. From that point on the light cues all seemed weird. I’m pretty sure the odd lighting throughout the show was actually manual mastery…meaning, the cues might have all been worthless so the lighting guy was working on the fly. I might be wrong. Everyone made it through the show ok and I doubt the audience had any idea.
We also checked out the Newlywed game in person tonight instead of watching on TV (they film it and show it on the ship for the rest of the cruise). Jimmy the Cruise Director asked for a couple that had been married 5-10 years and got a gay male couple. It was nice that he did it…especially with the overwhelming conservativity of passengers. It was enjoyable…until...one of the questions Jimmy asks is what is the strangest place you and your spouse have ever made whoopee. Well, one straight guy says “the bathtub”, another says “on this ship”, the other “in a semi truck”…then the guy from the gay couple says “a rectory.” The room was rendered silent momentarily. His partner didn’t match the answer when he came back in at least. Ships!
This cruise has a lot more younger people on it. You can tell we’re getting closer to Spring Break…we’ll just be missing the height of it. I went to the gym after breakfast and it was packed so I went again after lunch. Better. More young people means more people working out.
Later I fell asleep. I was going to get dinner around 6:15 or so. Deanna asked if I could wait until 7pm. So I waited, but fell asleep. I was moody for the rest of the night. I hate naps. I’ve always been a “sleep in” guy. Why break up your day with sleep when you can get it all done in a 8-12 hour block, right? Anyway, we ate and then caught Band on the Run. A nice thing about the younger groups is that they actually cheer. As soon as the “rules of the theater” audio started playing they were cheering. Unfortunately for the JARs something major happened with the lights. I don’t think any of the audience really noticed, but the lights were all out of whack in the beginning. From that point on the light cues all seemed weird. I’m pretty sure the odd lighting throughout the show was actually manual mastery…meaning, the cues might have all been worthless so the lighting guy was working on the fly. I might be wrong. Everyone made it through the show ok and I doubt the audience had any idea.
We also checked out the Newlywed game in person tonight instead of watching on TV (they film it and show it on the ship for the rest of the cruise). Jimmy the Cruise Director asked for a couple that had been married 5-10 years and got a gay male couple. It was nice that he did it…especially with the overwhelming conservativity of passengers. It was enjoyable…until...one of the questions Jimmy asks is what is the strangest place you and your spouse have ever made whoopee. Well, one straight guy says “the bathtub”, another says “on this ship”, the other “in a semi truck”…then the guy from the gay couple says “a rectory.” The room was rendered silent momentarily. His partner didn’t match the answer when he came back in at least. Ships!
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Day 102
Miami, FL. Today we started off by going through immigration. Since we started of this journey with passenger status we would just go on and off the ship with the passengers and every Miami day that meant going through immigration and customs. Well, since we signed on as crew at the beginning of our last cruise we had to go through the “new crew sign-on immigration”…something you only have to do when you sign on, sign off for your contract, and random times in between your contract. Unfortunately this meant waiting for all of the passengers to go through…and some were lollygaggin’. There were about three or four “final” announcements for passengers to please leave the ship. Once they finally did then the in-transit (a.k.a. “back to back”) passengers went through, then us. It seemed to take a while, but we made it.
We met up with Brett Lyons and Vanessa Turpentine (not her real last name…I can’t think of it) and hung out around town at our usual spots. It was great seeing familiar faces from Chicago.
I did laundry and ended up taking a nap. Still sick. Apparently this is a common flu strain going around the nation. Jen has it, I have it, I think Larrance and Deanna too. It is more annoying than anything.
It didn’t stop us from playing Settlers again…Cities and Knights. Jen dominated the game with her long road, thanks in part to what Deanna and I might call “Larrance’s favoritism”. He was really screwing us over and letting Jen run free.
We met up with Brett Lyons and Vanessa Turpentine (not her real last name…I can’t think of it) and hung out around town at our usual spots. It was great seeing familiar faces from Chicago.
I did laundry and ended up taking a nap. Still sick. Apparently this is a common flu strain going around the nation. Jen has it, I have it, I think Larrance and Deanna too. It is more annoying than anything.
It didn’t stop us from playing Settlers again…Cities and Knights. Jen dominated the game with her long road, thanks in part to what Deanna and I might call “Larrance’s favoritism”. He was really screwing us over and letting Jen run free.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Day 101
Sea Day. Typical second sea day. Gym, food, TV. Still trying to shake this cold. C’mon cold…shake already!
We had our workshop today. Deanna and I were leading it. Normally we have 45 minutes, but Wii was happening 30 minutes from our start time so we compacted it. People loved it. People are blown away by “yes, and…”…everytime.
After that…well, later after that Deanna and I joined Andy and Jon for dinner at Chin Chin’s, the Chinese food restaurant. I’ve only been there once and thought the food was terrible. But, I went again. I ordered something different and it was great! It is one of the “pay to eat” restaurants so we haven’t gone much.
We didn’t really do anything after that. I watched Transformers on DVD. I was expecting it to be awful so it was actually pretty good.
We had our workshop today. Deanna and I were leading it. Normally we have 45 minutes, but Wii was happening 30 minutes from our start time so we compacted it. People loved it. People are blown away by “yes, and…”…everytime.
After that…well, later after that Deanna and I joined Andy and Jon for dinner at Chin Chin’s, the Chinese food restaurant. I’ve only been there once and thought the food was terrible. But, I went again. I ordered something different and it was great! It is one of the “pay to eat” restaurants so we haven’t gone much.
We didn’t really do anything after that. I watched Transformers on DVD. I was expecting it to be awful so it was actually pretty good.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Day 100
Sea Day. Of which I spent almost the entire time in the cabin. I got up for breakfast, ate, and left when I was done instead of hanging out. Stayed in the room doing nothing much but watching TV and resting. Deanna turned on some Gregory Hines movie where he was portraying Bill Robinson aka Mr. Bojangles. When she flipped to it I told her to watch something else because I didn’t want to watch a tap dance movie. She didn’t. I was pretty much just playing solitaire or hearts on the computer the whole time. Well, it came to the end of the movie. Mr. Bojangles is in a hospital bed with a plastic bubble around him and his agent is there telling stories from their past. His agent tells him some other tap dancer wants to stop by and say hi. Oh…SPOILER ALERT…this is the end of the movie. So, Mr. Bojangles says “where are my shoes?”…this is moments before I look up at the screen. The agent says, “how am I supposed to know? Maybe in your closet or…” Mr. Bojangles is there and now he’s dead. I…start…BAWLING uncontrollably. Well, I managed to say “stupid movie letting Mr. Bojangles die” or something as I started crying. But it was UNCONTROLLABLE. I started laughing, Deanna started laughing, but I was still crying along with the laughing. This went on for about 3 minutes at least. It was stress relieving, that’s for sure.
Other than that we had our improv shows tonight. They were both great.
Now I’m trying to kill a cold. Deanna and I are in charge of the improv workshop tomorrow.
Other than that we had our improv shows tonight. They were both great.
Now I’m trying to kill a cold. Deanna and I are in charge of the improv workshop tomorrow.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Day 99
St. Lucia. Today was pretty rainy. Neither of us wanted to get off the ship. We went to the gym and then the spa instead. I even started writing some standup material. Deanna thought it was funny, but that some of it was creepy. To which I wrote another bit saying “my fiancée thinks my material is creepy…”
Other than that we had our shows and that was about it.
Tomorrow marks day 100…15 days left. It seems like walking in on old men in restroom stalls is a thing of the past.
Other than that we had our shows and that was about it.
Tomorrow marks day 100…15 days left. It seems like walking in on old men in restroom stalls is a thing of the past.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Day 98
Barbados…or as I called it, relax and heal. Still trying to get over that cold. Everyone else went out…most of them to a place called Folkston. Deanna came back and said it was the best snorkeling she’s ever seen…and I missed it. I guess we’re going back there next time though.
I got some sun on the ship and did some web work…real exciting stuff.
At night we went up to deck 12 in the back and watched the lunar eclipse. There were some people around talking. Mostly older. One guy kept saying he wasn’t going to make it until 11pm to which his wife would say “it’s almost done!” Just as the eclipse was nearing completion a bank of clouds covered everything…and a lady applauded thinking the whole moon went dark.
So…that’s my day.
I got some sun on the ship and did some web work…real exciting stuff.
At night we went up to deck 12 in the back and watched the lunar eclipse. There were some people around talking. Mostly older. One guy kept saying he wasn’t going to make it until 11pm to which his wife would say “it’s almost done!” Just as the eclipse was nearing completion a bank of clouds covered everything…and a lady applauded thinking the whole moon went dark.
So…that’s my day.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Day 97
Antigua. Today was a day of interneting in Antigua. Other than that it was low key. Gym, food, etc.
We had a minor game night at 8:15. I had to leave at 9:00 for an adventure though. I filmed a documentary style behind the scenes of the JARs Country Gold show. I’m not exactly sure why. It had been talked about that Country Gold gets crazy backstage because of the quick changes, and ESPECIALLY because they are changing in and out of cowboy boots. So it would be me filming an empty hallway or one person lingering waiting for their number, and then a mad rush of people coming through, ripping off clothes, throwing on a new outfit, and then running back out.
Deanna said she may edit it with her mac.
About halfway through that I started getting a cough. I had the start of a cold a few days ago and it felt like it went away, but then I just got a cough. I came back to my room as Deanna and others went off to a crew wine tasting event. Then I started getting feverish. I cranked up the heat but was still cold. Didn’t sleep very well either. It sucked. But, on the bright side, not bad for not really having a cold for the past year. I used to get colds all the time, but they have been far less frequent since I tried cutting back on high fructose corn syrup…aka soda.
So, I spent the night huddled in bed trying to get warm or at least break a sweat. Deanna got back from the wine tasting around 2:45am. Yikes.
We had a minor game night at 8:15. I had to leave at 9:00 for an adventure though. I filmed a documentary style behind the scenes of the JARs Country Gold show. I’m not exactly sure why. It had been talked about that Country Gold gets crazy backstage because of the quick changes, and ESPECIALLY because they are changing in and out of cowboy boots. So it would be me filming an empty hallway or one person lingering waiting for their number, and then a mad rush of people coming through, ripping off clothes, throwing on a new outfit, and then running back out.
Deanna said she may edit it with her mac.
About halfway through that I started getting a cough. I had the start of a cold a few days ago and it felt like it went away, but then I just got a cough. I came back to my room as Deanna and others went off to a crew wine tasting event. Then I started getting feverish. I cranked up the heat but was still cold. Didn’t sleep very well either. It sucked. But, on the bright side, not bad for not really having a cold for the past year. I used to get colds all the time, but they have been far less frequent since I tried cutting back on high fructose corn syrup…aka soda.
So, I spent the night huddled in bed trying to get warm or at least break a sweat. Deanna got back from the wine tasting around 2:45am. Yikes.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Day 96
Tortola…or for some of us, Virgin Gorda. We had heard about Virgin Gorda from many people, but never got around to actually going. The past few times we’ve been in Tortola the weather hasn’t been that good, but it was great today. Virgin Gorda is a 30 minute ferry ride away. There are big boulders that form natural caves, and great beaches. Just a nice place to hang out. It was just Deanna, Andy, John and I. Keeva was also there with her visiting boyfriend.
That took up most of the day. We normally go to the café and use internet until 3pm or so. But after a day of snorkeling and nearly fighting roosters we wanted some food. We got back and headed to Pussers for lunch/dinner before getting back on the ship. Just a nice day to sit outside. There are less than 20 days before we go back to Chicago and I think we’re all feeling it…relishing in our last days of warmth, trying to see the things we haven’t seen.
That night we saw Team Rootberry…a juggling duo. They were much more entertaining and appealed to a younger crowd. After that…we were beat. Gooooooood night.
That took up most of the day. We normally go to the café and use internet until 3pm or so. But after a day of snorkeling and nearly fighting roosters we wanted some food. We got back and headed to Pussers for lunch/dinner before getting back on the ship. Just a nice day to sit outside. There are less than 20 days before we go back to Chicago and I think we’re all feeling it…relishing in our last days of warmth, trying to see the things we haven’t seen.
That night we saw Team Rootberry…a juggling duo. They were much more entertaining and appealed to a younger crowd. After that…we were beat. Gooooooood night.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Day 95
Samana. We went on a whale watch today…or as Deanna calls it, a whale wait. It was rough seas, but not super bad. All of us were on this one. There were two levels and maybe 30 people. We lucked out and got on the top level. After a long time we finally saw one whale and headed towards it. It was playing and breaching and having a blast…until we got up to it. Then it would come up for air and go back down.
An ongoing joke with us was that one of us would go down to use the restroom so that the whale would come out. Someone always had to miss the whale. After a while I figured I would bite the bullet and attempt to get the whale out by going to the restroom. I got down there and someone was in the restroom. So, I waited and looked around. There was a lady waiting by me who had just asked for some Dramamine. People on the lower deck looked awful. I saw an older lady with a full barf bag and asking for another while shaking her head as if to say “well, you better get me another one…there is more coming.” I turned away from her just in time to see a 6 year old boy puke on his chair. He didn’t heave or anything, just a steady stream falling out of his mouth. It looked like a soft-serve ice cream machine. I quickly turned away from that. The Dramamine lady and I looked at each other for a few seconds and then started giggling. I didn’t even go to the bathroom, I just went back up top to tell the story. “It is a nightmare down there everyone.” I couldn’t say much because the story was making people queezy.
It gets better. They started playing a recording of a whale song. It was very repetitive. After about a minute of one repetitive part it switched to something like this…high pitched sound, sound similar to someone puking, high pitched sound, sound similar to someone puking. This repeated for awhile and had us and others up top laughing.
I only got a few shots…they were ok. Between the rockiness of the boat and spray hitting my lens it was difficult.
Tonight was one of two new acts on the ship. A comedian. I can’t remember his name. It was more jokes and impressions that really appealed more to a 50+ crowd. So, for me it wasn’t the best…for the older people sitting around us it was a regular laugh riot.
An ongoing joke with us was that one of us would go down to use the restroom so that the whale would come out. Someone always had to miss the whale. After a while I figured I would bite the bullet and attempt to get the whale out by going to the restroom. I got down there and someone was in the restroom. So, I waited and looked around. There was a lady waiting by me who had just asked for some Dramamine. People on the lower deck looked awful. I saw an older lady with a full barf bag and asking for another while shaking her head as if to say “well, you better get me another one…there is more coming.” I turned away from her just in time to see a 6 year old boy puke on his chair. He didn’t heave or anything, just a steady stream falling out of his mouth. It looked like a soft-serve ice cream machine. I quickly turned away from that. The Dramamine lady and I looked at each other for a few seconds and then started giggling. I didn’t even go to the bathroom, I just went back up top to tell the story. “It is a nightmare down there everyone.” I couldn’t say much because the story was making people queezy.
It gets better. They started playing a recording of a whale song. It was very repetitive. After about a minute of one repetitive part it switched to something like this…high pitched sound, sound similar to someone puking, high pitched sound, sound similar to someone puking. This repeated for awhile and had us and others up top laughing.
I only got a few shots…they were ok. Between the rockiness of the boat and spray hitting my lens it was difficult.
Tonight was one of two new acts on the ship. A comedian. I can’t remember his name. It was more jokes and impressions that really appealed more to a 50+ crowd. So, for me it wasn’t the best…for the older people sitting around us it was a regular laugh riot.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Day 94
Sea Day. Jimmy is back, so things are back normal around here. We found out our running order for this 9-day cruise. Today is Saturday….our show is on Thursday. I think that is 6 days. 6 DAYS OF ANNONYMITY! Our improv show is on Friday and our class is on Saturday. Bam! Boom! Pow!
Deanna and I got to watch one of our favorite shows today. It’s called “Massimo and Alesia.” It’s really nothing more than sharing a meal with them and watching them interact. They are great.
We haven’t seen Andy much, his boyfriend is here…so I’ve been told.
OH! I saw about ONE MILLION (20 or so) FLYING FISH today. I was in the gym and didn’t have my camera, so, bummer. I saw a bird flying by the ship…and we’re not that close to land, so I knew something was in the water. I saw one little flying fish pop up and fly. Then later a wave hit the ship and out of the wave flew at least 20 fish (flying away from the ship…not attacking). It was cool, folks.
Tonight’s Band on the Run show was my favorite yet. Deanna and I were front and center. The JARs were doing secret bits full steam. The best of them was when all the women were singing the bad girls song with “toot toot! Hey! Beep beep!” Sometimes Candi will say “De de!” instead of the beeps. She didn’t this time. BUT…there is a part where she normally says, “Hey mister! Yeah, you! Have you got some tiiiiiiime for me.” Nice and loud. Only this time instead of saying “Mister” she said “Rance.” I was caught of guard and loved it. Massimo also peeked around David in one number. Great stuff. I will miss them.
Deanna and I got to watch one of our favorite shows today. It’s called “Massimo and Alesia.” It’s really nothing more than sharing a meal with them and watching them interact. They are great.
We haven’t seen Andy much, his boyfriend is here…so I’ve been told.
OH! I saw about ONE MILLION (20 or so) FLYING FISH today. I was in the gym and didn’t have my camera, so, bummer. I saw a bird flying by the ship…and we’re not that close to land, so I knew something was in the water. I saw one little flying fish pop up and fly. Then later a wave hit the ship and out of the wave flew at least 20 fish (flying away from the ship…not attacking). It was cool, folks.
Tonight’s Band on the Run show was my favorite yet. Deanna and I were front and center. The JARs were doing secret bits full steam. The best of them was when all the women were singing the bad girls song with “toot toot! Hey! Beep beep!” Sometimes Candi will say “De de!” instead of the beeps. She didn’t this time. BUT…there is a part where she normally says, “Hey mister! Yeah, you! Have you got some tiiiiiiime for me.” Nice and loud. Only this time instead of saying “Mister” she said “Rance.” I was caught of guard and loved it. Massimo also peeked around David in one number. Great stuff. I will miss them.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Day 93
Miami, FL. Well, we’re officially crew. In our world (entertainers) there used to be white cards (full-time crew) and blue cards (sort of like crew with perks). They got rid of blue cards and made any entertainers who would have been blue cards into passenger status. This was great for a lot of reasons, but cut off crew access like the crew bar and crew store. We have been lucky enough to be allowed access to those areas as it is a ship-by-ship discretion. NOW we are YELLOW cards…supernumerary crew. What is the difference between yellow and blue? I have no idea. I think the biggest change is that we now get off through the crew entrance in Miami instead of with the passengers. Any other differences I guess I’ll figure out in the less-than-a-month that we’re here.
That whole change meant we had to be back on board by 11:30am as I mentioned. So it was an early morning. I had all the laundry done before the safety drill even began.
Other noteworthy events: we played Settlers last night and I dominated…DOMINTATED!!! (well…I won.)
That whole change meant we had to be back on board by 11:30am as I mentioned. So it was an early morning. I had all the laundry done before the safety drill even began.
Other noteworthy events: we played Settlers last night and I dominated…DOMINTATED!!! (well…I won.)
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Day 92
Sea/Valentine’s Day. Happy Sea/Valentine’s Day! Today was a mix of the gym, dance lessons, and eating at Cagney’s Steakhouse (finally).
Deanna and I have nearly gotten to the point with swing dancing that we can just dance to a song. Progress!
While walking to a meal today a lady stopped us and said “Hey! We’re from Chicago!” She then said to me, “You’re much better looking in person!” To which I replied, “Yeah, I’m really ugly on stage.” This is the first time I’VE gotten something like this. Usually Jen gets that she looks younger in person. So, basically, the stage makes us gross.
So, tonight we went to Cagney’s for dinner. We had to make reservations…which you can make between 7am-5pm on the day you would like to eat. I set my alarm for 7:00am…and then reset it for 10:00 hoping I would wake up naturally early like usual. I woke up at 7:13…thirteen minutes after the start time for reservations. I got up, I called, it was booked up until 9:30pm. I took it. Everything from 5:30-9:30 booked in 13 minutes? Insane. Anyhow, we got there and there were a lot of loud talkers. It was seeming like it would be an awkward dinner at best…until magic happened.
There were two couples sitting together at a table near us. Out of the blue I hear something hit the table, like silverware dropped in disgust. One guy (youger couples…in their 20s) stands up and his chair falls back onto the ground. He exclaims to the restaurant, “Love sucks, everyone! Valentine’s Day is shit!” and walks out. The woman pauses just a moment and then walks out after him. The look on her face was not of sadness nor anger, but of “huh?” It quieted the place down, that’s for sure. After a long 60 seconds the guy remaining at the table with HIS date said “Everything is okay with Love.” Good times.
Tomorrow we have to get up early to hit Miami. We have to be back on the ship by 11:30 to sign off as passengers and sign ON as CREW!
Deanna and I have nearly gotten to the point with swing dancing that we can just dance to a song. Progress!
While walking to a meal today a lady stopped us and said “Hey! We’re from Chicago!” She then said to me, “You’re much better looking in person!” To which I replied, “Yeah, I’m really ugly on stage.” This is the first time I’VE gotten something like this. Usually Jen gets that she looks younger in person. So, basically, the stage makes us gross.
So, tonight we went to Cagney’s for dinner. We had to make reservations…which you can make between 7am-5pm on the day you would like to eat. I set my alarm for 7:00am…and then reset it for 10:00 hoping I would wake up naturally early like usual. I woke up at 7:13…thirteen minutes after the start time for reservations. I got up, I called, it was booked up until 9:30pm. I took it. Everything from 5:30-9:30 booked in 13 minutes? Insane. Anyhow, we got there and there were a lot of loud talkers. It was seeming like it would be an awkward dinner at best…until magic happened.
There were two couples sitting together at a table near us. Out of the blue I hear something hit the table, like silverware dropped in disgust. One guy (youger couples…in their 20s) stands up and his chair falls back onto the ground. He exclaims to the restaurant, “Love sucks, everyone! Valentine’s Day is shit!” and walks out. The woman pauses just a moment and then walks out after him. The look on her face was not of sadness nor anger, but of “huh?” It quieted the place down, that’s for sure. After a long 60 seconds the guy remaining at the table with HIS date said “Everything is okay with Love.” Good times.
Tomorrow we have to get up early to hit Miami. We have to be back on the ship by 11:30 to sign off as passengers and sign ON as CREW!
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Day 91
Grand Cayman. Well, it is day 91 and it has finally happened. I caught a cold. Today I didn’t get off the ship. I stayed in and rested. We had our improv shows tonight and I didn’t want to spend too much energy on the island. Which also means I didn’t do a whole lot.
I was feeling ok by the time we had shows. We had a fun scene where the suggestion was something about teenage penguins. Jen was a peguin in a high school and she was trying to pretend to be a girl, but Deanna called her out on it. I figured I would be a seal trying to be a boy who was in love with Jen’s character…not realizing she was a penguin and therefore, dinner. So, I entered the scene in a seal-like manner asking Jen out to the dance. One of them called me a walrus, so I stayed a walrus. Later Deanna (the human in the scene) said she had a ball and through it to me (wanting me to catch it on my nose). I watched the ball go by and said “what the hell do you think I am? A seal?!” I mean, the nerve! Right?
After that I pretty much went back to my room and attempted to sleep…but The Prestige was on…so I was up until 2:00.
I was feeling ok by the time we had shows. We had a fun scene where the suggestion was something about teenage penguins. Jen was a peguin in a high school and she was trying to pretend to be a girl, but Deanna called her out on it. I figured I would be a seal trying to be a boy who was in love with Jen’s character…not realizing she was a penguin and therefore, dinner. So, I entered the scene in a seal-like manner asking Jen out to the dance. One of them called me a walrus, so I stayed a walrus. Later Deanna (the human in the scene) said she had a ball and through it to me (wanting me to catch it on my nose). I watched the ball go by and said “what the hell do you think I am? A seal?!” I mean, the nerve! Right?
After that I pretty much went back to my room and attempted to sleep…but The Prestige was on…so I was up until 2:00.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Day 90
Cozumel, Mexico. Internet at a café. We had our shows later that night. Another combo where the crew show was crammed in between our two shows. That meant our 9:45 show was light and full of lethargy. The people who go to the crew show either leave right after because they are now too tired to stay for our show, or they stay for our show…and find out they’re tired.
Oh, well.
Oh, well.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Day 89
Sea Day. I write this at the end of the day and things are hazy. We finally got some new movies on the passenger movie channels. David got me Hot Rod on DVD yesterday and it couldn’t have been better timed…Hot Rod is off the ship’s channels.
Gym, eating, VIP party…blah, blah, blah. I DID get to meet Christopher’s parents, so that was nice. Rumor has it that Christopher was always a bright young boy and he played Abe Lincoln when he was 7 years old.
Mike has some people visiting this cruise so he’s off with them. My brain is already shifting over into “pack your stuff up” mode. We have four cruises left, including this one. That’s two more shots at each port. We have shows on both of the port days this cruise. I have no idea what we’ll be doing.
Gym, eating, VIP party…blah, blah, blah. I DID get to meet Christopher’s parents, so that was nice. Rumor has it that Christopher was always a bright young boy and he played Abe Lincoln when he was 7 years old.
Mike has some people visiting this cruise so he’s off with them. My brain is already shifting over into “pack your stuff up” mode. We have four cruises left, including this one. That’s two more shots at each port. We have shows on both of the port days this cruise. I have no idea what we’ll be doing.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Day 88
Miami, FL. Well, I’ve gone and done it this time. Loyal readers will know that Hot Rod is a movie that grows on you if you’re me. Deanna can’t stand it (I think it is a façade). Today I downloaded the soundtrack on iTunes. Great purchase. Cool beans remix? C’mon!
I looked at the weather for Chicago. -2. Yike! Deanna and I are screwed. We spent three years getting acclimated to winters in Chicago and now a breeze on a 72 degree day sends us running for jeans and sweatshirts. Guess who didn’t bring a coat with them? Me…that’s who.
I’ll probably buy one in Miami on our last day if the weather in Chicago looks bad.
I also downloaded Oxygene by Jean Michael Jarre…it is an album that my parents had when I was growing up. It’s all synthesizer, new-agey stuff…but I listened to it a lot. One of the songs was in the house music for Cirque Bijoux. That inspired me to look for it again, and there it was.
We ended up seeing the folks who are starting up on the NCL Dawn today. Brett and Vanessa are the two we know. I feel like I’m missing one name of the other folks, but they are Molly, Matt, Craig, and Jesse. Any of those could be wrong. If they’re all right then I am awesome with memory. We only got to see them briefly as they were coming in with luggage and confusion. The first day is always the hardest because of so many factors. Right now we are technically passengers. This was a change that happened right before we got on board. Now NCL is making us Blue Cards again…crew, but not crew…but definitely not passengers. We haven’t switched over yet, but two other ships have and the Dawn crew is coming in as crew. So we have that to look forward to.
Tonight we had a baby shower for Svetlana and Roman. It was a fun thing to do and they seemed to love it. Home away from home.
I looked at the weather for Chicago. -2. Yike! Deanna and I are screwed. We spent three years getting acclimated to winters in Chicago and now a breeze on a 72 degree day sends us running for jeans and sweatshirts. Guess who didn’t bring a coat with them? Me…that’s who.
I’ll probably buy one in Miami on our last day if the weather in Chicago looks bad.
I also downloaded Oxygene by Jean Michael Jarre…it is an album that my parents had when I was growing up. It’s all synthesizer, new-agey stuff…but I listened to it a lot. One of the songs was in the house music for Cirque Bijoux. That inspired me to look for it again, and there it was.
We ended up seeing the folks who are starting up on the NCL Dawn today. Brett and Vanessa are the two we know. I feel like I’m missing one name of the other folks, but they are Molly, Matt, Craig, and Jesse. Any of those could be wrong. If they’re all right then I am awesome with memory. We only got to see them briefly as they were coming in with luggage and confusion. The first day is always the hardest because of so many factors. Right now we are technically passengers. This was a change that happened right before we got on board. Now NCL is making us Blue Cards again…crew, but not crew…but definitely not passengers. We haven’t switched over yet, but two other ships have and the Dawn crew is coming in as crew. So we have that to look forward to.
Tonight we had a baby shower for Svetlana and Roman. It was a fun thing to do and they seemed to love it. Home away from home.
Saturday, February 09, 2008
Day 87
Sea Day again. Apparently we missed seeing some whales yesterday. Ryan’s (JAR) dad and step-mom are on board and saw the whales breaching and playing. Nuts!
I’ve been working getting my website ready again for photo work. Deanna and I also had dance lessons with Svetlana again. Great. I’m getting better at dancing and actually having fun with it.
Apparently I need to keep up this blog when I get back into Chicago. Johnny (JAR) already said he couldn’t wait to keep up on things when we get off the ship. I doubt it will be a daily thing, but who knows. Not me…you? I don’t.
I hope Keelan and Charlotte aren’t in Camden Market. They went home for a couple corporate gigs for two weeks. CNN has had breaking news that there is a major fire there. Also hope that Phillippa’s parents don’t live there…they are on the ship right now so at least they’re safe if they do.
By the way…CNN Dr. Sanjay Gupta is talking about healthcare in the US. There is something proposed or already happening (I was typing as the story was on TV) where you will be penalized $219 this year if you don’t have healthcare (meaning private healthcare if none is provided by your employer) and $1000 in 2009. They were interviewing to rap artists (Smoke and Miles I think) who were talking about how they don’t pay for healthcare because it is so expensive and now they’re going to be penalized for that. What are they going to do, send the FBI or CIA after them? How are they supposed to provide food for their kids? Meanwhile, he is wearing HUGE diamond earrings and gold necklaces. Either the bling was fake or I just thought of a way for him to get food for his kids. Crazy rappers and their bling.
I’ve been working getting my website ready again for photo work. Deanna and I also had dance lessons with Svetlana again. Great. I’m getting better at dancing and actually having fun with it.
Apparently I need to keep up this blog when I get back into Chicago. Johnny (JAR) already said he couldn’t wait to keep up on things when we get off the ship. I doubt it will be a daily thing, but who knows. Not me…you? I don’t.
I hope Keelan and Charlotte aren’t in Camden Market. They went home for a couple corporate gigs for two weeks. CNN has had breaking news that there is a major fire there. Also hope that Phillippa’s parents don’t live there…they are on the ship right now so at least they’re safe if they do.
By the way…CNN Dr. Sanjay Gupta is talking about healthcare in the US. There is something proposed or already happening (I was typing as the story was on TV) where you will be penalized $219 this year if you don’t have healthcare (meaning private healthcare if none is provided by your employer) and $1000 in 2009. They were interviewing to rap artists (Smoke and Miles I think) who were talking about how they don’t pay for healthcare because it is so expensive and now they’re going to be penalized for that. What are they going to do, send the FBI or CIA after them? How are they supposed to provide food for their kids? Meanwhile, he is wearing HUGE diamond earrings and gold necklaces. Either the bling was fake or I just thought of a way for him to get food for his kids. Crazy rappers and their bling.
Friday, February 08, 2008
Day 86
Sea Day. Did I mention there are less than 30 days until I’m back in Chicago? ‘Cause there are. Time flies when you’re having fun. Sorry, Ben Johnson.
Today was day two of a new workout program I’m trying. It is a 12-week program…so I guess I’ll be going to the gym in Chicago. I am excited that I’ve been working out enough to A) see results and B) feel like it has become a habit…so I’ll probably keep at it. For those of you keeping score, no…it wasn’t a New Year’s resolution.
After my workout I did something I don’t normally do. I came back to the room and crashed…hard. I was watching Bourne Ultimatum again…it was even in the middle of an action packed chase…and I fell asleep. For three hours.
I got up in time for us to go to the first Cirque Bijoux show. We keep trying to sit in the 6th row in the center so we can make faces at David on the bungee cords. That theater packs quick. We’ve never been in the 6th row…EVER. David was out though. He hurt his back and was sitting in our row to watch the show. They did great. We went back to the 9:30 show too, but missed the 6th row again. We sat upfront and Deanna was giggling at something. I looked up and Christopher was nearly breaking on stage…well, pretty much breaking. That weird face when you’re trying not to laugh, but people can tell that you are trying not to laugh. Another thing that happened was a chunk of this diamond necklace prop fell off. A chunk big enough to hurt if stepped on and possibly easy to slip on. The ballroom number happened and Roman and Sascha came close to stepping on it. Then the ladies from the Emerald Isles came out. Keeva was right by it. There is one move where they are near the floor and gracefully bring one arm down. Keeva did this and gave a quick and short swat at the necklace piece. It was barely noticeable and I only saw it because I was in the front row and focused on the necklace. It was cat-like and swift.
After the shows I came right back here and relaxed and slept. It is the last cruise for Gym Tim and Gym Chris (there are two Tims and multiple Chrises). Both leaving early from their contracts. The gym and spa workers are hired through and work for a separate company from NCL. When we first got here in November is was supposed to be Chris’ last cruise, but he decided to stick to his contract. They’re both great and will be missed. It is also Ana Panic’s last cruise before she transfers to the Sun. She is saucy and was one of the first people we met because Matt knew her. I’m hoping it won’t be a month of goodbyes.
We will be attempting to say hello to Brett and Vanessa from Chicago. They are on the new cast of the Dawn and will be coming in on Sunday while we’re in port. I feel like I may have said this before. It will just be nice to see some faces from home.
I don’t remember if I have mentioned this either…Deanna and I will be taking a writing class that we’ve been DYING to take since before we left. More on that as we go.
Today was day two of a new workout program I’m trying. It is a 12-week program…so I guess I’ll be going to the gym in Chicago. I am excited that I’ve been working out enough to A) see results and B) feel like it has become a habit…so I’ll probably keep at it. For those of you keeping score, no…it wasn’t a New Year’s resolution.
After my workout I did something I don’t normally do. I came back to the room and crashed…hard. I was watching Bourne Ultimatum again…it was even in the middle of an action packed chase…and I fell asleep. For three hours.
I got up in time for us to go to the first Cirque Bijoux show. We keep trying to sit in the 6th row in the center so we can make faces at David on the bungee cords. That theater packs quick. We’ve never been in the 6th row…EVER. David was out though. He hurt his back and was sitting in our row to watch the show. They did great. We went back to the 9:30 show too, but missed the 6th row again. We sat upfront and Deanna was giggling at something. I looked up and Christopher was nearly breaking on stage…well, pretty much breaking. That weird face when you’re trying not to laugh, but people can tell that you are trying not to laugh. Another thing that happened was a chunk of this diamond necklace prop fell off. A chunk big enough to hurt if stepped on and possibly easy to slip on. The ballroom number happened and Roman and Sascha came close to stepping on it. Then the ladies from the Emerald Isles came out. Keeva was right by it. There is one move where they are near the floor and gracefully bring one arm down. Keeva did this and gave a quick and short swat at the necklace piece. It was barely noticeable and I only saw it because I was in the front row and focused on the necklace. It was cat-like and swift.
After the shows I came right back here and relaxed and slept. It is the last cruise for Gym Tim and Gym Chris (there are two Tims and multiple Chrises). Both leaving early from their contracts. The gym and spa workers are hired through and work for a separate company from NCL. When we first got here in November is was supposed to be Chris’ last cruise, but he decided to stick to his contract. They’re both great and will be missed. It is also Ana Panic’s last cruise before she transfers to the Sun. She is saucy and was one of the first people we met because Matt knew her. I’m hoping it won’t be a month of goodbyes.
We will be attempting to say hello to Brett and Vanessa from Chicago. They are on the new cast of the Dawn and will be coming in on Sunday while we’re in port. I feel like I may have said this before. It will just be nice to see some faces from home.
I don’t remember if I have mentioned this either…Deanna and I will be taking a writing class that we’ve been DYING to take since before we left. More on that as we go.
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Day 85
St. Lucia. Today was action packed! And by that I mean, we didn’t do much because we packed away action in a bag or something. We were at a different port though, so that was slightly exciting. It was just on the other side of this little bay, but there were shops and such that we had never been to because they were always on the other side of the bay. This time WE were on that side. I was hoping to find coffee an/or internet. Last time I went searching for both and found neither. This time, same story. No coffee? Geez Louise.
It was pretty mellow from there on out. We had our workshop, which went great, and played Settlers of Catan. At night Andy was one of the dancers in Ship n Males…the male strip dance show. He used an idea I came up with way at the beginning when he was thinking about doing it. He did the whole dance backwards with the help of Deanna, Jen, and Star the youth counselor. He started off in his underwear with some $$ in them and danced backwards. He gave a dollar to one lady, then another, then a guy. Deanna came out screaming with some socks and put them on him. Star came out screaming with pants and put them on him. Jen came out screaming with a shirt and put it on him. His dance was over when he was dressed. Also he picked a Britney Spears song and played it backwards to the whole thing. Well done.
Christopher also vented about some obnoxious people who were talking all through their Band on the Run show. It was one of those moments that was great because he was calling them out, but awkward for all of us because we were worried he would get in trouble. In the end the audience was on his side and the Hotel Director (who was there and is a very important person) thought it was great.
Let the sea days begin!
It was pretty mellow from there on out. We had our workshop, which went great, and played Settlers of Catan. At night Andy was one of the dancers in Ship n Males…the male strip dance show. He used an idea I came up with way at the beginning when he was thinking about doing it. He did the whole dance backwards with the help of Deanna, Jen, and Star the youth counselor. He started off in his underwear with some $$ in them and danced backwards. He gave a dollar to one lady, then another, then a guy. Deanna came out screaming with some socks and put them on him. Star came out screaming with pants and put them on him. Jen came out screaming with a shirt and put it on him. His dance was over when he was dressed. Also he picked a Britney Spears song and played it backwards to the whole thing. Well done.
Christopher also vented about some obnoxious people who were talking all through their Band on the Run show. It was one of those moments that was great because he was calling them out, but awkward for all of us because we were worried he would get in trouble. In the end the audience was on his side and the Hotel Director (who was there and is a very important person) thought it was great.
Let the sea days begin!
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Day 84
Barbados. Today we went to a place called The Blue Monkey. We were told by the excursion people that you could see turtles there…TURTLES! What they didn’t tell us is that you get harassed every 5 feet to buy necklaces, get a chair, got Jet Skiing and what not. We even had two guys trying to get us to go in their cab right from the port. Barbados went down a few notches today. Lighten up, Bajans!
Anyhow…we went. It was a bit of a swim out to get where the turtles were. We knew where they were because there were 5 boats constantly going out there with people to snorkel or view via glass bottom boat. The swim out there was a vast expanse of nothing. Remember how you start seeing life about 3 feet out at Cemetary beach? Not here. Even once we got out there it was sparse. There were two turtles though…so we did see some. We also saw a couple blowfish and some weird thing. I haven’t checked my pics yet. I’m hoping they all come out. It was cloudy as usual so the light wasn’t cooperating.
Other than that…not much. Oh! Sascha, Sveta, and Roman were with us. Sascha borrowed Deanna’s mask and went swimming out there to see the turtles. Later we see one of the tour boat guys swimming her back to shore. His words as she got into safe water…”Next time bring fins”.
She has a sore knee from dancing and it apparently started acting up once she got out there.
Tonight was another crew party…this time outside. I was there briefly. Once the loud music gets even louder I’m out of there. Otherwise it is just me smiling and nodding pretending I can hear anything. I think these parties are great for the crew…just not for me.
Anyhow…we went. It was a bit of a swim out to get where the turtles were. We knew where they were because there were 5 boats constantly going out there with people to snorkel or view via glass bottom boat. The swim out there was a vast expanse of nothing. Remember how you start seeing life about 3 feet out at Cemetary beach? Not here. Even once we got out there it was sparse. There were two turtles though…so we did see some. We also saw a couple blowfish and some weird thing. I haven’t checked my pics yet. I’m hoping they all come out. It was cloudy as usual so the light wasn’t cooperating.
Other than that…not much. Oh! Sascha, Sveta, and Roman were with us. Sascha borrowed Deanna’s mask and went swimming out there to see the turtles. Later we see one of the tour boat guys swimming her back to shore. His words as she got into safe water…”Next time bring fins”.
She has a sore knee from dancing and it apparently started acting up once she got out there.
Tonight was another crew party…this time outside. I was there briefly. Once the loud music gets even louder I’m out of there. Otherwise it is just me smiling and nodding pretending I can hear anything. I think these parties are great for the crew…just not for me.
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Day 83
Antigua. Today had a 10% chance of beach…but it didn’t happen. I slept in a little later and missed breakfast. Second day in a row missing the main buffet at breakfast and it sucks. For some reason I woke up every two hours during the night, and not just tossing and turning, but as if I had come out of a good sleep and was ready for the day. Every two hours until my 10am alarm, that is.
We went to get free internet again and sort out our return trip home a bit more. We have a place to stay for a couple months (thanks, Rene) if we like. That’s enough to give us a “sort things out” buffer. I’m going to need to get the photo biz cranking again. I’m just waiting to hear back from the studio I used.
On our way back from hanging out at Coast for internet we stopped to get coffee. Candy and Matt were outside so we went out to talk with them. I feel kind of bad because Candy was talking about our show, I was listening, I moved a chair to sit and a bright green gecko moved a couple inches then stopped. I thing I said “Nobody do anything!” interrupting Candy, and started taking pics. So…sorry, Candy. But the gecko was cool. It was…look at the pics.
Got back to the ship to get in a workout. Found out that Jimmy, our Cruise Director, had to go to the hospital to get his appendix out. So, he’s off the ship for a few days. That means Jon is the Cruise Director (you heard me mom and dad).
Tonight we had dinner with Michael Rossman and his son, Ethan. It was Ethan’s birthday. Michael is the juggler + (some magic, some other forms of entertainment…a well rounded act). He leaves on Thursday, but someone was chatting with him and dinner came up, so Second City went to eat with him and his son. It was great. Nice stories and food.
After that it was time for another Liar’s Club. Jen and Mike were the Second City representatives this time and they were great. That is all I can say about this.
Monday, February 04, 2008
Day 82
Tortola. I feel terrible saying this…especially for anyone in Chicago who might be reading this. We’re getting beached-out. Today we basically went to town to use free internet in the one place we know of that has it. Word has gotten around the ship…at least around the JARs. I think we had Deanna, myself, Andy, Jen, Larrance, Christopher, Jon Paul, Candy, Keeva, Stevie, and Tim there…and Star (youth counselor)…maybe a couple others. I took a picture. We basically keep this place busy when we’re there.
I left early from there to head back to the ship. Earlier Jen had warned us that they would be testing the electricity and that we should unplug anything valuable. I got back on the ship just in time to hear an announcement that all power would be shut off in 5 minutes to test the emergency power. I then watched people get on the elevators. I thought to myself “You guys are idiots! You’re going to get stuck on the elevator!” I then walked to the buffet…closed. Then to the pool deck for burgers…closed. So I went to my room. Then I went into the bathroom. Right as I lifted the toilet seat…power outage. It was pitch black in there. I guess the only thing worse would have been if I was in the middle of going to the bathroom. I walked out to see all the hallways with their emergency lighting on. Exciting.
Later on in the day we had rehearsal and then shows. The first show was by far the most exciting yet. I start the show. I’m the first person on stage who talks and I’m by myself (Andy is technically the first to talk, but from backstage with a “welcome to the show” greeting). I go out there…my mic is off. So I’m basically shouting my lines hoping the acoustics will at least work. It is a short scene. Then there is a short scene that I’m not in. During this the tech, Alex, was frantically testing things to get my mic working. It ended up that the connection was unscrewed. We also switched mic packs. By the time it was fixed I had missed one scene that I was in, but luckily it was just as a background body and probably the best thing for me to miss. We got it plugged in and working and on my belt with just enough time to hide the cord in my jacket before I had to go back out. It was four or five more scenes before I had a chance to actually hide the cord right. In the end it all worked out. Sure pumped the adrenalin though. This is the second time this has happened to me, but the first time it happened right from the start. These mics we use are nice and lightweight…but very fragile.
Other than that it was eating and all that other stuff. Tomorrow is SUPER TUESDAY in the states. We’re watching via CNN…Europe CNN. A decent amount of coverage and then a little “email us with questions and we’ll try to help you make sense of American politics” interjection.
I left early from there to head back to the ship. Earlier Jen had warned us that they would be testing the electricity and that we should unplug anything valuable. I got back on the ship just in time to hear an announcement that all power would be shut off in 5 minutes to test the emergency power. I then watched people get on the elevators. I thought to myself “You guys are idiots! You’re going to get stuck on the elevator!” I then walked to the buffet…closed. Then to the pool deck for burgers…closed. So I went to my room. Then I went into the bathroom. Right as I lifted the toilet seat…power outage. It was pitch black in there. I guess the only thing worse would have been if I was in the middle of going to the bathroom. I walked out to see all the hallways with their emergency lighting on. Exciting.
Later on in the day we had rehearsal and then shows. The first show was by far the most exciting yet. I start the show. I’m the first person on stage who talks and I’m by myself (Andy is technically the first to talk, but from backstage with a “welcome to the show” greeting). I go out there…my mic is off. So I’m basically shouting my lines hoping the acoustics will at least work. It is a short scene. Then there is a short scene that I’m not in. During this the tech, Alex, was frantically testing things to get my mic working. It ended up that the connection was unscrewed. We also switched mic packs. By the time it was fixed I had missed one scene that I was in, but luckily it was just as a background body and probably the best thing for me to miss. We got it plugged in and working and on my belt with just enough time to hide the cord in my jacket before I had to go back out. It was four or five more scenes before I had a chance to actually hide the cord right. In the end it all worked out. Sure pumped the adrenalin though. This is the second time this has happened to me, but the first time it happened right from the start. These mics we use are nice and lightweight…but very fragile.
Other than that it was eating and all that other stuff. Tomorrow is SUPER TUESDAY in the states. We’re watching via CNN…Europe CNN. A decent amount of coverage and then a little “email us with questions and we’ll try to help you make sense of American politics” interjection.
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Day 81
Samana. We did another “sea day drill” while in Samana. That is…we stay on the ship and pretend it is a sea day. Eating and working out…web work and video games…good times. I think I made it to 200 pounds. We were anchored and it wasn’t wavy…the scale said 200.3 and then 201.1…so I’m right around there. I’ve only been over 200 one time, the first time we went to Maine. We came back from there and I was 205…only I wasn’t working out or trying to gain weight.
CSz Chicago is opening up in there new space (929 W Belmont) on 2/14, so that is exciting. It has been a long time coming with a lot of city hurdles (inspections and whatnots), but it will finally be open.
Today was also the Super Bowl. We watched the first half and then went to check out the new juggler…Michael Rossman I think was the name. Very good. Very funny too. He has a bit I’ll call “Sara! Sara!” that I want to use at ComedySportz…so someone from Csz remind me of it when I’m back. Say “Sara! Sara!” to me like you’re chanting. By the time his show was over I had to get my camera. I took pictures of David doing his straps routine (similar to silks) at 10:30. They came out great and I’ll have some up eventually.
Neither of us (Deanna and I) feel like going to the beach tomorrow. We’ll either stay on the ship or go to the coffee place for free internet.
CSz Chicago is opening up in there new space (929 W Belmont) on 2/14, so that is exciting. It has been a long time coming with a lot of city hurdles (inspections and whatnots), but it will finally be open.
Today was also the Super Bowl. We watched the first half and then went to check out the new juggler…Michael Rossman I think was the name. Very good. Very funny too. He has a bit I’ll call “Sara! Sara!” that I want to use at ComedySportz…so someone from Csz remind me of it when I’m back. Say “Sara! Sara!” to me like you’re chanting. By the time his show was over I had to get my camera. I took pictures of David doing his straps routine (similar to silks) at 10:30. They came out great and I’ll have some up eventually.
Neither of us (Deanna and I) feel like going to the beach tomorrow. We’ll either stay on the ship or go to the coffee place for free internet.
Saturday, February 02, 2008
Day 80
Sea Day. Chillllllllll. Deanna and I didn’t do a whole lot. I didn’t make it to the gym much while my parents were here so I have been diligent. For three days in a row now. After 80 days I’ve probably put on 3 pounds…maybe 5. It is hard to tell because of the scales they have here…especially if the ship rocks. Today has been pretty rocky and according to the scale I’m anywhere between 192 and 210 pounds. I bought a muscle magazine of some sort because it had a fitness and nutrition guide for beginners. I ate every 3 hours today…except for dinner. Everyone was ready for dinner 2 hours after I ate and I was stuffed.
What else? Hmmm…Oh! We went to see Band on the Run. There were two couples in the third row on the left side that were talking extremely loud. EXTREMELY. To the point that JP and Christopher were staring them down at times to clue them in…they were clueless. The nice thing is they were drinking a lot and the ship is probably rocky enough to make for interesting hangover conditions. KARMA.
Phillippa and Ryan both have parents on this cruise. Bianca has guests. The remaining cruises for us will have visitors almost always. That will be fun.
Tomorrow is Samana day…a.k.a. Web work and jack squat day.
What else? Hmmm…Oh! We went to see Band on the Run. There were two couples in the third row on the left side that were talking extremely loud. EXTREMELY. To the point that JP and Christopher were staring them down at times to clue them in…they were clueless. The nice thing is they were drinking a lot and the ship is probably rocky enough to make for interesting hangover conditions. KARMA.
Phillippa and Ryan both have parents on this cruise. Bianca has guests. The remaining cruises for us will have visitors almost always. That will be fun.
Tomorrow is Samana day…a.k.a. Web work and jack squat day.
Friday, February 01, 2008
Day 79
Miami, FL. The day started off with our parents spending their last moments on the ship and then hopping in a shuttle. Everything else was pretty standard. Eat, laundry, gym.
Deanna and I watched No Country For Old Men. It is good…but not as good as Eric Lindberg led us to believe. Eric is a major liar when it comes to movies. If he says the movie was fantastic, it probably sucks. If he says that it is the best movie ever made, than it is probably good with some good acting…but let’s not get crazy here. Settle down, Eric.
Oh…and I got a haircut. So…EVENTFUL!
Deanna and I watched No Country For Old Men. It is good…but not as good as Eric Lindberg led us to believe. Eric is a major liar when it comes to movies. If he says the movie was fantastic, it probably sucks. If he says that it is the best movie ever made, than it is probably good with some good acting…but let’s not get crazy here. Settle down, Eric.
Oh…and I got a haircut. So…EVENTFUL!
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