Happy New Year

As a new year is upon us, I can't help but sit and reminisce about the past year. Last year, if someone would have told me I would be where I am doing what I'm doing, I would have thought they were crazy. I've had many ups and downs, made some good and bad decision and decisions I didn't think I would have to make just yet. I can say, however, that I have definitely grown as a person and that I'm putting 2013 behind me with many lessons learned. I couldn't have made it through the year without my friends and family. It's safe to say that I am going to make 2014 MY year and live it up to its fullest. Happy New Year everyone! Here's to new beginnings, new memories and a wonderful 2014!

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 

Hope the New Year brings you everything you want! 

S.

xoxo

Is there anyone out there?

.....It's meeeeeeeee!! (said in the "How To Lose A Guy in 10 Days voice)

I hope people are still following my blog even though I have been a HORRIBLE writer ever since I left for sea. However, today I am here to update you all on what has been going on! I am at home for a bit and I fly back out to JAX on January 6th to hit the open ocean once again. I am very lucky and grateful that I am able to spend the holidays with my family. My mom is especially happy with that, that's for sure!

My experience on the ship was ... well ... different! Before I accepted the position, I did a lot of research and talked to a lot of people who were currently working on a ship or who had worked on a ship. I heard some positive things and some negative things but when in to the job with an open mind because things are different for everyone, and people experience things differently than the next person. My first day was a very long day. My flight left Buffalo at 6:30am and I didn't get to the ship in JAX until roughly 2:30pm and then it was right into things. Luckily, my room mate was someone who I knew from the interviews we had in Toronto. I definitely had a lot of "omg what did I get myself into" moments. Between having to know the layout of the ship, how to get around, dealing with being on a ship for the first time and then having all the job things on top of that! I understand why they say give it a good month and a half!

After a while I started to get the hang of some things, but then again everything does start to look the same on a ship. There were a few rough days for me where I couldn't handle the rockiness of the boat, but you eventually get used to it and I felt like I was starting to. However, when trying to sleep, the rockiness is actually kind of calming and helped me sleep. Speaking of calming, being outside at night listening to the water and waves and having that breeze - definitely calming!! It was also nice getting to know people from different countries and cultures and when I read "you're never alone for more than a few minutes" - yeah, that's 100% true as well.

When I left for the job I was leaving with the understanding that yes, ship life was different than being on land, but let me tell you, I have no idea how true that was! Like everything in life, there are some good things and some bad things about ship life. I've been home a few days now and I have found it a little difficult adjusting to things and as soon as I have adjusted to being home, I'll have to up and leave again - oh well.

So for now, I get to spend some time at home, deal with a few things and have Christmas at home. Then pack up again and hit the open ocean ....

So What Wednesday [5]

Linking up with Shannon and saying "So What" if ...

➜ I fell in love with Dunkin Donut's Red Velvet Latte today!

➜ I'm supposed to be leaving Friday and I haven't even started packing yet. I just finished buying everything tonight. Now, I'm doing all my laundry. Tomorrow is going to be a long day!

➜ We discovered Joe's Crab Shack! Even though I am not a seafood person, really enjoyed it. 

➜ I have been second guessing my decision lately. It's normal right?

➜ I think "terrified" is an understatement right now!

➜ I think the only thing keeping "happy" right now is that I will be enjoying the warm/hot weather instead of the snow and the cold.

➜ I absolutely LOVED the movie Gravity in 3D

➜ Kind of goes with being terrified but "So what" if I cry because I'm nervous. It is okay to cry!

Freak out #1

This is probably one of many freak outs I will have before Friday night. Time is going too quickly and my countdown is down to two days! I feel so unorganized as I still don't have everything I need and I still have not received my new travel details yet. 

The other day I told my dad that "I don't want to go anymore" because, truthfully, that's how I'm feeling. His response to me, "well what are you going to do? You left your job for this chance, you need to do it so you can finish school. So what would you do?"  He's right. I have no idea what I would do if I didn't go. I have a friend who did the same thing and she said she felt the exact same way before she left as well. Maybe because everything is becoming real, but as I lay here in bed wide awake, I keep asking myself if I made the right decision. If I don't go, I won't get ahead with anything, I will be further behind. I KNOW this but yet I still have feelings of uncertainty. This is definitely the most difficult thing I have ever had to do in my life. 

On a side note - saw Gravity 3D tonight, finally!! WOW!!! It is honestly one of the best movies I have seen in a very long time. Talk about an emotional roller coaster. Everytime the character was out of breath, so was I. Everytime the character was panicking, so was I. Absolutely amazing movie!!

S.

xoxo

Sunday Currently - Nov 10 v.13 (what would have been!)

This would have been my edition of TSC for yesterday, however, it was such a busy day and at the end of it, I just wanted to sleep. Better later than never, right? This may also be my last one for a while since I'm leaving for my new job on Friday! I know the places where I am going, but I'm not 100% sure on my itinerary and where I will be Sundays. If I do have a chance on a Sunday to write one up, I will post. If not, I will be trying to write them down in a journal and post whenever I can. Either way, thank you for reading and keeping up thus far :) Linking up with Lauren as usual!

C U R R E N T L Y ....

READING: I'm still on Hemlock Grove. I'm thinking I will be bringing it with me and maybe be able to finish on the plane or on my down time on board

WRITING: This post and MANY smaller lists on last minute items

MUSIC: I'm still liking Timber by Pitbull and Ke$ha!

LISTENING: To the sound of silence

GUILTY PLEASURE: Polka Dot Birthday Cake! Since I'm away for my birthday, we had my family birthday dinner this past Saturday. My mom made me a polka dot birthday cake, as per my request. It was a beautiful cake and was DELICIOUS!! I really do have the greatest parents!!

THINKING: This time next week I will be somewhere WARM where it's not threatening to ..... wait for it ....  snow! :(

NAIL COLOR: Timeless White - Sally Hansen; name says it all!

SMELLING: Nothing

DRINK: My staple - decaf orange pekoe

WISHING: For my updated travel details

FOOD: Nothing

HOPING: That everything goes well in the next couple weeks and that I settle in easily

TV SHOW: Season 3 of The Killing is now on Netflix and I have one more episode left. I really wish they didn't cancel that show!

WEARING: Pajama pants and a hoodie

LOVING: The temperature in the places I will be visiting!

WISH LIST: Gingerbread Latte and someone to pack for me! Wishful thinking huh?

WANTING: Kind of the same thing as Hoping this week - wanting everything to go well and that I settle into everything easily and that I have fun

NEEDING: To start getting everything together and organized to make packing easier

BLESSING: For my family and this wonderful opportunity that I am about to take

FEELING: Every emotion at once right now! Needless to say, I also didn't sleep last night and probably won't be sleeping much this week either

CLICKING: Keys on the keyboard

EXCITEMENT: For another dinner outing this week with my dad and brother! We are trying a new restaurant and I'm looking forward to it :)

Hope everyone has a good week!

Lest we forget

 It is Remembrance Day here in Canada and Veteran's Day in the US! If you haven't done so already, please take a moment of silence as a Thank You to everyone, past and present, who have served and fought for our freedom. 

Five on Friday - v.11

It's definitely been one of those weeks where nothing seems to go my way! Unfortunately, something else happened this morning and my mind set right now is - if ONE MORE thing does not go my way I will probably break out in a tantrum and I don't care how old I am! Therefore, tonight, I'm just going to have a "me" night and a watch a few movies.

Linking up with A Liz Adventures!

O N E - Received my ship assignment early (read all about it here) which made me a tad bit more comfortable only because I know where I will be going. My home away from home for six months, will be traveling around the Bahamas and Caribbean. It's a tough job but someone has to do it, right?!

T W O - Birthday celebrations! Since I will be away for my birthday, we have started my family birthday celebrations early. Every year on our birthday, my brother and I get to pick out any restaurant we want and my dad will so generously take us there. This year, my choice was the Mandarin. This place never fails to disappoint. Best part, the dessert of course!

T H R E E - Over the past week I have developed some thoughts and opinions towards the price of luggage and airline fees! Obv I had to shop for some luggage for my new adventure and I thought prices would be cheaper in the US! Thank goodness for sales! Regular prices for these pieces of luggage were like 400$+ ... Who would pay that?! I know these companies will get their money, but why so much?? Secondly, while I was doing research about luggage weight and size requirements, I saw that they charge you approx 75$ for an oversized bag and then another 75$ for over weight bag. For this certain airline, the price went up from 50$ to 75$. There are so many rules and regulations with flying now - and yes, I do understand why! - but no wonder a lot of people chose to drive places.

F O U R - Need I say more?

F I V E - As much as I am a night time person, it's getting dark too early and it's still throwing me off! Missing summertime already!

Have a great weekend all :)

67 Things I Wish I Had Known At 18

While browsing my Facebook feed a few minutes ago, I came across this link and I thought it was one of the best things I have read in a while. These were NOT written by me, I am just sharing them in this post and through the link. I absolutely LOVE all these points, but my favorites are the ones in bold. 


1. Boys will break your heart. Let them. Learn from it.

2. It’s so easy to become jaded, but don’t let it happen to you. Fight it.

3. Stand firm in your beliefs.

4. Love yourself. Sometimes you’re all you have.

5. Cherish the little things

6. Order pizza at 3am on a Tuesday. It won’t kill you.

7. It’s okay to laugh at yourself. Embrace the imperfections.

8. You are the rule, not the exception. Life will be so much easier if you accept this now.

9. Make mistakes. If you learn from them, they won’t be in vain.

10. He’s lying, there is no fish tank. Go anyway.

11. Classes can be retaken. Life cannot.

12. Sometimes it’s better to ask for forgiveness than for permission.

13. The world is full of cynics – don’t become one.

14. Stop calling him. Stop texting him. If he wanted you, he’d be there.

15. Apologize when you’re wrong. Just suck up your pride and do it.

16. Bellybutton piercings are a bad idea. As are tattoos.


17. No one is perfect. Stop being so hard on yourself.

18. Hug your friends. Cherish them. Hold them tight.

19. Laugh until you cry. Cry until you laugh.

20. Step outside your comfort zone.

21. Order a glass of water with every drink. It’s not lame. It’s smart.

22. A bad hair day really won’t kill you.

23. Dancing on tables should be reserved for special occasions, like birthdays and Thursday nights.

24. Don’t dumb yourself down for a boy.

25. Ignorance is not bliss. Study. Work hard.

26. Life is hard. Accept this and move on.

27. Don’t sweat the small stuff, but do sweat at the gym. Your health is your everything.

28. Tell your parents you love them every chance you get.

29. Stop caring so much about what everyone else thinks.

30. Forgive. Life is too short to be angry.


31. You are destined to be more than just someone’s wife. Act like it.

32. People will hurt you. Don’t stoop to their level.

33. Read a newspaper.

34. Sometimes the only person that you can rely on is yourself.

35. It’s okay if your thighs touch and your tummy isn’t perfectly toned. You’re still beautiful.

36. Don’t let your happiness depend on another person.

37. Push yourself. You’d be amazed at what you’re capable of.

38. Smile through the tears.

39. Don’t slut shame. Girls have it hard enough – don’t turn on one another.

40. It’s okay to ask for help

41. He’ll never change. Let him go.

42. Trust your instincts.

43. Worrying causes wrinkles and Botox is expensive. Calm down.

44. Take pictures. Lots and lots of pictures.

45. Love with everything you have.

46. Put down your phone and look around. Life is happening.

47. Stand up for yourself.

48. Confidence is everything.

49. Wash your makeup off at night. Seriously. Do it.

50. There are bad people in this world. Don’t be one of them.

51. Be honest with yourself.

52. Be honest with others.

53. You never need that last shot of vodka, but have it anyway.

54. There is a man out there who will not make you cry. Wait for him.

55. Don’t take yourself too seriously.

56. Your success will not be handed to you. Work for it.

57. Don’t waste money on expensive mascaras. Great Lash by Maybelline will always be the best.

58. Give back.

59. He does not define your self-worth. Stop letting him.

60. Life is uncertain. Tomorrow is not guaranteed; don’t take it for granted.

61. Your faith in everything you know will be tested. Push forward.

62. Be carefree, not careless.

63. It’s okay to cry.

64. You will fall, both literally and figuratively. Get back up.

65. Tequila is a bad idea, as is getting back together with an ex.

66. Fad diets never work.

67. Be gracious in all that you do.

Today I ....

....Received my ship assignment - early!

As I mentioned in previous posts, I was supposed to do my training on board the Paradise which is out of Tampa, FL, and then receive my ship assignment after I completed my training. Well, today I received an email stating that there was an unexpected project occurring on the Paradise so I will be going directly to my ship, The Fascination (out of Jacksonville, FL), where I will be spending my six months. The itinerary is mostly the Bahamas, which I have been too (well Nassau anyways) and I absolutely LOVED it there and I have always wanted to go back. I should be receiving my new and updated travel details shortly! I guess that's why we were "warned" about last minute changes at the interview. Oh well, makes everything more interesting. At least I know what ship I will be on for my contract now instead of later.

Aside from that, I had a slight luggage situation yesterday! I was sent my previous travel details and I was supposed to be flying with Southwest Airlines so I checked their weight and size requirements. Turns out, the luggage that I had purchased was 5 inches over their limit. I could pay 75$ on top of the over weight fee I know I will have to pay, but I didn't want to pay all that every time I boarded the plane. Back to the US we go! I managed to find one that was the exact requirements and then I also got a smaller one as well. Boy, this has been an interesting week so far between losing things, new travel itinerary ... I'm keeping my fingers crossed all my travel details go well!

So What Wednesday [4]

Linking up with Shannon and this week I'm saying "So what" if ....

➜ We went to the Mandarin for dinner tonight and I ate more dessert than actual food

➜ I have had enough shopping for a while. The last few shopping trips have been very stressful.

➜ I think airlines should change some rules and fees!

➜ I'm still on "AMC Fearfest" mode

➜ I am going through work withdrawal this weekend. It was my first weekend without work and it was definitely a little weird

➜ I think it's a little bit too early for Christmas songs and commercials

➜ I received my flight and hotel details today and I am getting MORE nervous

➜ I have had a mini breakdown this week - stress does that to me

Things I'm Not Good At

Some recent events have inspired me to write this blog entitled ....

➜ Remembering things!! In the last few days I have managed to lose 300$ worth of medication (glad I didn't have to pay for it!) and my health card. Luckily, I found the medication but I had no luck with the health card. Usually I am pretty good with remembering things, but lately, I have started to worry myself about the state of "memory"!

➜ Make up application - If I have to apply make up I use cover up, concealer, mascara and blush, thats it! Even when I go out for a night on the town, that's usually what I'm wearing. Everyone else has their make up all done up nicely and some times I really wish I could do that. I have tried doing it myself but it looks horrible. Maybe I'm just not used to the look and it actually does in fact look okay.

➜ Hair - Pin straight is the way I go. Every time I try to do something, it never stays. I can only remember it staying curly once for an Xmas party. Most of the time I think it's just because I'm not going anywhere special so I don't feel the need to do anything "fancy". Then when I look at pictures of friends or anyone who has their done up, I feel the need to expand my "hair horizons".

➜ Going outside my comfort zone. During my recent shopping trip, I had to buy a few dresses for my new job. I tried on a TON and my mom would compliment me on them and I wouldn't feel comfortable in them. We both agreed that it's because I'm not used to wearing "flattering" things - yoga pants and hoodies are my go-to pieces. I think taking this job will "force" me to go outside my comfort zone and I think I am ready for the change.

➜ Being patient and living for the now!

➜ Baking - It's a slow and steady progress but I am still learning.

➜ Sleeping!

➜ Sticking to diets or healthy eating - I really NEED to change this!!

Sunday Currently - Nov 3 v.12

Welcome to the first Sunday of November (my birthday month!). To me, October was here for a day or so and then left. A lot happened in October and now a new month is upon us and I welcome all the changes it will bring. As usual, I am linking up with Lauren.

C U R R E N T LY ....

READING: Hemlock Grove still ... I need to finish this book!

WRITING: This post and many other lists

MUSIC: Timber by Pitbull ft Ke$ha

LISTENING: Playlist on iTunes

GUILTY PLEASURE: Rainbow rice crispy treats

THINKING: I have a lot of work to get done today

NAIL COLOR: Same color as last week. Changing it up today or tomorrow.

SMELLING: Laundry 

DRINK: Decaf orange pekoe tea - my staple morning drink

WISHING: I could have a "cleaning and laundry" fairy 

FOOD: Nothing 

HOPING: I can get all my work done today and I can finish getting things on my list this week so I can focus on organizing and .... PACKING!! Ahhhh

TV SHOW: The new season of Mike and Molly starts tomorrow!!

WEARING: Snowman flannel pajama pants and a t shirt from high school (I'm shocked it still fits!)

LOVING: The sun is shining today!

WISH LIST: A red holiday cup filled with a caramel macchiato would be so good right about now

WANTING: To get organized and to check everything off my "purchase" list

NEEDING: To do laundry, try shorts and bathing suits on and go through those, organize everything

BLESSING: That I have had the opportunity to have one of the best jobs for the last six years. I have met and got to know 50+ people who have become a second family. I wouldn't change a thing about the last six years and I will never ever forget the job or them. Until next time!

FEELING: Positive that I am going to get a lot of work done today. Also, feeling a bit strange that it's a weekend and I am not at work watching concerts. I still feel like I have to go in but, I don't :(

CLICKING: Keyboard and different songs on the iTunes playlist 

EXCITEMENT: For my birthday dinners this week. Since I will be away for my birthday, I have to get them in before hand. 

Hope you all had a wonderful first weekend of November :)