Miami HR Conference

Just finished a wonderful week in Miami for the conference. It was so amazing to catch up with old friends; friends that no longer work for my company, friends that I trained before who have risen through the ranks and other Directors who I have handed over to and from. Aside from that, it is so nice to be able to talk to people that face the same challenges and struggles as I do. Being at the top can be lonely and you can't talk about any of the things you deal with to anyone else. Lets just say we are a rowdy and talkative bunch! We have to be so reserved and proper onboard, it was really nice to let loose and be ourselves.

Some people I knew for a decade and some people I met for the first time but it was such a pleasant experience. Our department has grown tremendously from it's inception and so many more incredible things are on the way.  We did a lot of learning but we also did some fun team building activities.  I spent a week in Miami and it was pretty busy.

The hotel was pretty nice and close enough that I could uber to see my favorite peeps; Brandon and Kyle.

The first night I got in, seven of us headed down to South Beach. I've been to SoBe a million times but for some of the new joiners it was a first time event. I always love it there!

And this is my twin; polish-canadian-latina Blondies who set ships on fire (well not literally but each one of us were on our respective ships when they had unfortunate incidents that led each one of us to be stranded at sea for 5 days).

Spent some quality time with my faves; had an amazing day at the pool and barbecue.  These are the things you never get on the ship.

We did 5 days of full learning and I won't lie, after a busy contract it was tiring. But we also did some amazing team building activities. One of them was a top chef cooking event and another was dinner at Smith & Wollensky's in South Beach.

and my lovelies cooked my a nice dinner in their downtown apartment, then we watched the day turn into night on their balcony. What a view.

At the end all I can say this; I am Natalia. I am Carnival.

Spent

I am absolutely and completely spent!

After 4.5 months I am off the ship and in my hotel in Miami for the next 7 days for a conference.  This is the shortest contract  I've done and the hardest and busiest so far. I am completely spent and exhausted.  Audit after audit, drama and more drama and HR disasters.

Now I have 7 days to recuperate and then I am off to cruise as a passenger with my family. Most of my friends have signed off now so the last few weeks have been just me and my insomnia.

It's been a while since I posted but here are a few photos to catch you up.

The Entertainment Director and I headed the Oscar Committee and we put together a most epic night. We organized an Oscar Night for the crew. It took us a whole month to do it but the event was epic and I am sure no one will forget it.

The rest of my contract was spent battling insomnia and trying to deal with all the audits and office visits.   Truth be told that I had very little time for social activities this time around. We did have a Bollywood party which by the way I totally rocked in my gorgeous sapphire blue sari.

I also finished teaching the College of Management. It is so much work but so rewarding and I just absolutely love facilitating classes!

10 years at sea

I can't believe I have been at sea for 10 years! Here's to me!

Distraction

My Dad is out of the hospital now and recovering at home. I am so relieved. But it was so difficult to be here not knowing what is happening back home. I tried to stay as positive as I could but my mind was wondering too much. The only way I could distract myself was to go out in port.  I visited some friends in San Juan, Puerto Rico and went to a resort in Curacao.  I also threw myself into work, a little too much I think and co-created the Oscars.  At the end of it all I got sick and felt pretty bad but that's a whole other post on its own.

I also celebrated my 10 year anniversary at sea. I can't believe it's been 10 years already!!!  My team was so sweet and they threw me a surprise party. I also accepted the 10 year pin from my favorite Captain. I feel so accomplished!

Here are some shots from San Juan, PR:

my favorite: mofongo

with my Puerto Rican family

 I also spent the day decomposing in beautiful Curacao. What a pretty little Dutch island:

Being a sailor isn't always all that it's cracked up to be...

I know that to many the life of a cruise ship crew member seems glamorous and it many ways it is. Especially for me since I'm a senior officer. I see beautiful and exotic places, I  meet amazing people. I'm in a well respected position. I have a housekeeper, someone does my laundry, someone cooks for me, someone serves me food. I enjoy my friends while we enjoy the ship entertainment and dine in fine restaurants and drink expensive  cognacs and wines on our executive cards. And on top of that I get paid for it. Sounds good Doesn't it?

It does. But you know what doesn't sound good? When you get a phone call or email from home and something has gone wrong. And something IS wrong at home.

My Dad had been admitted to the emergency room and waiting for heart surgery.  He had always taken good care of himself, always active and keeping a good diet. Routine tests showed he had a serious problem.

I know he is in good hands. He's at one of the best cardiac hospitals in the province. I know the surgery is a standard one there are minimal chances of death. But being so far away makes me nervous and emotional.  Dark thoughts come into mind and I try my best to push them away. But it's hard. So hard. I try to look at what is good; he is healthy, this is preventative, he is in good hands, he is in Canada. 

There were a few days that I was a mess.     I locked myself in the cabin and cried. I tried my best to stay mindful and renown present but it wasn't easy.

Should I go or should I stay? 

I started to get really bad headaches and insomnia. 

After a few days I calmed down. I started to busy myself with work and friends. I went out a few times, the sunshine always makes me feel better. Kept my schedule full so not to think about Dad.

His surgery is tomorrow, please keep him in your prayers and your positive thoughts.