I know, I know....

I know, I know that I promised that I would write more often and not fall into the "ignore the blog" trap when I onboard. BUT if you have ever worked a day on a ship, then you would understand.

I have been onboard nearly a month now and this has been the busiest first month I have ever had.  Not that there's a lot of BIG things happening but more like 1000 small thins happening ALL THE TIME.  And if you are in HR then you know that means a pile of paperwork sky high. It is super nice to see my dear friends again who have helped me to mend myself together after an emotional vacation. But it has also been difficult to see them. By the time 8pm rolls around and I am almost done work, I have little desire to do anything but sleep.

I have not been reading, I have not been meditating, I have not been working out. I don't like this. I am finding it harder and harder to balance my time with my workload.  I had a few opportunities to go out and hang with friends but this usually leaves me very behind in my work.  I still do not understand how I can possibly receive 50 emails an hour?! Don't people sleep?

But I need to find a way to get to the gym and read because i NEED to nourish my soul. Lucky for me this will be a short contract and I will have the whole summer off :)

Here's some photos of my contract so far.

On  my way, Toronto to Miami

Flying into Miami, overlooking South Beach

When in Miami I can never pass up the chance to catch up with good friends

Sweet Valentine message from an orphanage in Bali, Indonesia

A view I will never get sick of

One of my faves; Key West

Key West

Key West

At Fat Tuesday's in Cozumel, Mexico with my two good ol' friends DJ Billy and Christie

Christmas ornament from my favorite Texan Christie

Welcome aboard flowers from another ship

Curacao

Dinner out in Curacao with my ladies

Sorting crew mail, can you find me?

One of my favorite people; Chanel from South Africa

And I finally took a day off in Cozumel, Mexico. It rained cats and dogs but I still enjoyed it.

2 months in....

I know  I promised to keep y'all updated but it's not so easy.  The internet is not so cheap and not always reliable and when I go out in port I would rather enjoy time out then search for wifi.

Like I said, this contract has been a positive one. New friends and old friends and a great team and I feel alive again. Let me share some photos with y'all.

Upon flying to Miami I of course had to make my way to Lincoln Road and hang out with 2 of m favorite Miami people, old friends who also used to work for the same company as myself. We ended up taking a late night dip in the pool as we watched lightning in the distance.

The next day I hopped on the bus for the 45 minutes ride to Fort Lauderdale. Stepping on my ship I felt so welcome, felt like home. I was getting love and hugs from everyone and I truly felt so special and lucky.  The stress of my tough and emotional vacation just melted right off.

I think us Seafarers fall so deep in love with the sea that we can never leave her. Watching the sea through my port hole or going for a morning run on the jogging track brings me such peace.  I mean, just look at these photos.

There is no doubt that one of the best perks of being a seafarer is being able to see beautiful ports of call.  Curacao has become a favorite, its so colourful and charasmatic. Lovely place for hanging out at resorts and watching the sunset as you enjoy dinner and some wine with friends.

A good old favorite of course is St. Maarten. Love this island, always have. I celebrated my first ship birthday there 9 years ago.

Aside from shore fun, we also have fun on the ship although I don't attend all the crew parties as my work schedule is too demanding. Here's a few from our Uniform Swap Party.

BUT believe it or not I do actually work. Haha I won't put up photos of my many meetings and things but i will share with you a few photos of our Social Duties.