It just keeps getting better....

Lets see, where to start.  Honestly I feel like it’s been a lifetime since I last wrote…feels like I’ve done and learned more in the past 6 months than I have in the last 27 years.   Reality has sunk in, and I know it sounds silly and maybe even a little egocentric to say but I’ve come to terms with the fact that people, friends, ex’s, Minneapolis and life in general has carried on fine without me.  The first year of my adventure seemed like just that, a temporary journey – something that would last for 365 days, something I would return from, a period of time that would end and allow me to resume my ‘normal’ life.  Now it’s been 16 months and this life (yachting, flip flops vs. heels, new friends & new zip codes) – has become my new reality.  I’m starting to realize that my “plan” is slowing taking a direction of it’s own, and for the first time in a long while I’m letting my head take a rest and I’m following my heart.  And I'm happy... happier than I've been in a very long time :)

So here’s a VERY quick recap of the past 6 months.

City under water

- The boat I joined in South America turned out to be quite an interesting (hellish doesn't begin to describe it) situation so after we got back to the U.S I decided I needed a break.  I was approaching my 1 year mark but didn't feel like I'd gotten everything I needed out of this experience and so I bought a ticket to Thailand.  I packed my bags, flew home for Thanksgiving and then off to Bangkok I went.  I had the whole flight, 23 hours, to plan my 6 week itinerary and here’s where I’ll insert my first of many kudos to The Lonely Planet – that book saved my life, literally!  I flew in right when the flooding began so you can imagine the grief I got from my parental units (love you Linda and Dougie :).  So after a day of touring the city I booked another flight up to Chiang Mai (buses & trains had stopped going in/out of the city).

Sukhothai

Full Moon Party 2011

 I could go on for 100 pages about each of the 16 cities I visited (honestly, my journal was my best friend throughout those 6 weeks and I filled well over half) but in the interest of time I’ll spare the details and just say this – holy hell what an experience!!!  It’s hard to explain the perspective and appreciation I was able to gain  being alone in a 3^rd world country thousands of miles away from home… it was life changing to say the least.  From the full moon party (20,000 people on one beach celebrating for 24 hours straight), to diving with whale sharks, riding elephants through the mountain, cuddling baby tigers, and hiking to Temples so beautiful they literally took my breath away.  Renting a bike and cycling through the most desolate, poor city you can imagine, sharing rooms with complete strangers who have now become close friends - I look back on the emails I sent while I was away and can't help but get a little choked up.  I've never felt more alive and I will never, ever forget that trip!

Diving with a whale shark in Koh Tao

Koh Phangan Full Moon Party

Lithuanian bestie
  

Ko Phi Phi - The Beach

So after my trip I spent a week at home, catching up on sleep and attempting to figure out my life.  Should I go back to FL and look for another boat or should I appreciate that year for everything it was, stick to my original plan and jump back into the real world??  After a lot of thought and a lot of journaling I decided to go for the first option, pack my bags yet again, and head back to FL.  I spent a week with friends, lounging pool-side and soaking up some rays before starting my job search.  I posted my resume on a Monday, started interviewing Tuesday, accepted my DREAM boat Wednesday (Chief Stewardess on a high profile charter boat), moved aboard Thursday and was off to the Caribbean on Friday!!

Little did I know when I took the job I'd be spending New Years with the greatest NBA player of all time, Michael JORDAN and crew (some of which also happened to be professional athletes)!!!!  Unfortunately I signed a lengthy confidentiality agreement which means I have to save the details for later but let me tell you, it was a once in a lifetime opportunity!   And now, after 16 months away from everything I know and love I feel like it's all been worth it.  I have achieved everything I could hope to achieve from this experience...I started as the most Jr person and am now running the interior, have traveled to South America, Thailand, and almost every single populated island in the Caribbean, removed myself from everything that was comfortable and finally found figured out who I am (without friends, family, and work to define me), and have kissed Michael Jordan (twice!) on the cheek :)   Had you asked me when I was little who I "loved" it would have been Michael Jordan so although a kiss is no proposal I'm still crossing it off my bucket list!

So yeah, that's where I'm at!  110% thrilled with my decision to come back for one more season...I never expected to be Chief Stew on a mega yacht, entertaining celebrities all over the Caribbean, but then again I didn't expect a lot of what's happened over the last year and half.   With that said it's becoming clear to me that it's time to start thinking of coming home.  I mean I've seen pigs fly for christ sake, er no wait swim...either way,  I think I can say I've just about seen it all!

Three little pigs, swam all the way home

BuT in saying that (there's always a but with me), I look back to the reasons I choose to do this in the first place, and I'm left with a feeling of uneasiness.  I thought I'd outgrown Minneapolis before, and now 16 months and 29 countries later I'm realizing just how small that city really is.  Yet in the same breath I think of the people who are dearest to my heart, a career I've spent the past 4 years building, and a condo that has become my comfortable little nest, and I'm left in the same position I was before this crazy ass adventure began.  I know if I were to walk into the Loop next weekend I would see the same 50 faces...sure some of them have gotten engaged, married, or pregnant, but it's still the same scene with the same people doing the same lame shit.  And although Minnesota is the only home I've known, I'm starting to wonder if comfort will equate to happiness.  Either way,  I've committed to this season (and I'm a woman of my word) which means I have four more months to figure it out :)   

As always, it feels good to write!  

xoxoxo,

mE

  

i'd rather lose one shoe than one earring

The title has little to do with the content of this post.  In fact, I'm beginning to realize how completely unconventional this whole blog thing has become!  I suck at things involving "routine"...and although I'd love to pray every night before bed, run every morning before work, or blog on a regular basis, I'm also a realist and have come to terms with the fact that it's juts not gonna happen.  I am, however, a decent e-mailer and am doing my very best to keep my close friends/family in the loop on life.  Since this blog has become more of a diary to me, here are some of the recent e-mails (and responses) I've sent out.

Life Update

Sun, Jun 5, 2011 at 4:16 PM

Hey guys!!

So I'm on day #3 and although I can't feel my calves, my back pains could no doubt be mistaken for an 89 year olds, and I've easily gained 5 lbs, I'm really enjoying it!!  I got into Columbia and onto the boat around 9pm Thursday night, unpacked my things and crashed.  Woke up Friday morning and the boss came on a few hours later...talk about a "quick transition".  So far I really like all the crew  - of course there are a few odd balls (the engineer seems to be a very angry little man but he helped fix my computer and got my earring out of the drain so he's alright in my book) but all in all it's a good group!  My chief stew seems a bit anal and rarely smiles, but if I have my way with her she'll be all smiles and laughing so hard she pees by the end of this trip :)  It's different having someone "underneath me" but I'm liking the new challenge and if I do say so myself, I think I'm a pretty cool "boss".  And other than her (Linn) it's all guys, which as most of you know works well for me (in a non-sexual way)...honestly, I enjoy working with guys - it's less drama and less headache.  OH, and it turns out this is a DRY boat meaning NO DRINKING ALLOWED ON BOARD which I'm still trying to wrap my brain around...at first I was shocked and kind of pissed but as the initial sting wears off I'm starting to think it may be a good thing!  Less boozing means less hangovers, which means more workouts and and less fat, which as we all knows makes for a happy Linzers!!   

So our first round of guests get off tomorrow and we're left with Mr., Mrs. and Mrs. daughter Maxie (who is 25 but eats, talks, and acts like she's 10).  And from here (which is Cartagena) we're heading to the Sand Blast Islands - BEAUTIFUL - and then from there we'll be heading to Panama City and through the canal (literally a once in a lifetime opportunity for me!!).  We pick up another round of guests on the 12th, go to a few others spots, and we end this trip in Costa Rica.  Guests get off and we have 12 days between trips - sounds like we'll be able to have 4 days off in Costa and 6 days off in Aruba :)  Then we have another guest trip through the ABC islands, Bonaire, and a few other countries I'm not too familiar with and that's it - end of season!  We'll have about 2 weeks off in South America and then start our crossing back up to FL.  

I completely forgot to tell you about this owner - holy HELL is he different than my last one.  He is SO friendly and outgoing, loves to laugh and interact with us.  His girlfriend is absolutely stunning (it's her daughter that's on board right now) and ridiculously easy going...not demanding or high-maitanence at all - we don't even unpack their things, they do it all themselves!  So all in all, there's been a lot to digest in a short amount of time but I'm adjusting well (getting along great with the guys and already feel like I can be myself) and definitely feel like I'm doing a good job (with work).  We've got another 20 days so I'm sure I'll be dragging by then, but for now all is good and I definitely feel like I made the right decision!

Miss you all, love you tons!

mE

P.S  The security guard we have on board is OUTSTANDING and has the craziest stories - he just left this 2 year assignment guarding some Prince of Israel (the shit he did over there is unreal) and before that he was one of the three guards Britney Spears had working for her.  He's built like a brick shit house and goes every where with us...kind of like celebrities :)  He's gone running with me the past two days and thank god he has!  I have no doubt I'd be mauled, robbed, or kidnapped here if I didn't have him!! Oh, and I love dolphins!! K, that's all the typing I've got left in me...adios!

Life Update

Mon, Jun 27, 2011 at 11:37 PM

Missing you guys, a lot today.  I'm trying to figure out exactly what I'm feeling and I'm having a hell of a time deciding what direction to go.  I'm feeling a mix of regret, loneliness, excitement, curiosity, and determination...but no one emotion outweighs the other.  Here's where I'm at physically and mentally... I'm on a boat called Libra III and the owner is AMAZING!  He says I'm his favorite and every time I hear him talking to my Captain he's praising him on "the new hire."  With that said, my chief stew became chief by default and is absolutely insane.  Our owner got off yesterday and after hugging me goodbye he looks at Linn (that's my boss) and says "you need to slow down" and walked off the boat.  She is on a complete power trip, talks just to hear her own voice, has no education, and communicates through condescending undermining comments.  Everyone on the boat seems to despise her but fortunate for them, they all work outside while Linn and I run the interior.  I miss my friends.  I miss laughing, dancing, lounging, driving/singing, Cross Laking, making memories with my REAL friends.  We're en route to Aruba...a place I've always wanted to go, but not with these people.  I feel lost and completely confused.  I feel like I'm missing out on things back in Mpls, but when I think back to why I decided to originally do this it was because I felt like I was missing out life by BEING in MN.  So what the fuck?  Deep down I know I'm meant to explore the world...to learn how to function in uncomfortable situations...to work on myself, develop my coping skills, and realize what's really important in life.  But I fucking miss you guys.  I miss being myself and laughing....not those courteous, short & sweet laughs that I've become accustomed to - but my REAL laugh...the one you can hear from down the block.  I feel like I'm learning so much about myself, but at the same time I feel like I'm losing a part of myself.  I can actually feel myself growing up, but not the way I want to.  Like when I think of who I am, I'm proud of the carefree, playful, uninhibited, casual, honest, and real person I am.  But over the past 9 months I feel like this industry is slowly changing me...I don't say what's on my mind, I rarely laugh, and I go to crew dinners and watch movies with people who are literally unbearable insane aliens.  I take orders from people I'm 10 times smarter than and I clean toilets with fucking toothbrushes.  Although it's humbling, it's also causing me to question who and what I am. 

But even with all that, I want to keep going.  Why?  What am I looking for and when in the hell am I going to find it??  And what if I wait too long?  What if I'm looking for something I never find, and what if by the time I'm ready to come back I'll have nothing to come back to?  I just wish I could pause life back in MN, continue this whole self-discovery thing, and when I'm ready to come back everything & everyone will be the same.  Dear God...I hear myself write that and realize what a big fat unrealistic baby I am.  Here's the deal - at the end of the day I know I'm meant to be here, doing this, but that doesn't take away the waves of overwhelming "missingness"...see, I'm getting dumber by the minute (doesn't help that I just got off watch and am running on Oreos and coffee).   So that's it in a nutshell.  The 26 day owner's trip is done and I'm surprised these 8 psychopaths didn't kill each other. We've traveled through Colombia, the Panama Canal (which is an unforgettable experience...making the transition from the Atlantic to Pacific Ocean is unREAL!), 


and we ended the trip in Costa Rica.  We're now en route back up to Panama - should be crossing back over to the Atlantic on Wednesday, and then Aruba for the next 3 weeks...owner's get back on July 14th and the circus continues until Aug 6th.  Sounds like the plan is to hang out in Aruba for awhile - the Hurricane season is just beginning so weather back up to FL may be tricky.  As it stands I 100% plan to get on a different boat this Fall...head to Europe for the winter/spring then spend a month in South Africa and then COME HOMEEEEEEE!!   But as you guys know, my mind changes like the wind so who the hell knows where I'll be in 2012...all I know is that the curiosity of what lies ahead and my stubborn/determined mind is what's keeping me going, that and the love & support I get from you guys on a daily basis :)  It's crazy what this time away has done to make me realize what an amazing life I have, and how lucky I am to have friends and family like you.

So with all that said it's time for bed...the Pacific Ocean is extra calm and the sky is extra bright tonight - wish you could be here with me!  I love you guys so much and no doubt will have a lot more updates in the coming months.  Keep me posted on life back in Minnie...not a day goes by where I don't think of you guys so do me a favor and let me know you're alive and well (minus Dad and Chilly, you guys are good :).

xoxxoxoxox,

mE

Life in Woggie's world

Thursday, July 7, 2011 10:09 PM

My first 'free' ascent

It's crazy what a few days off (and away) can do to lift a girls spirits.  We pulled into Aruba late Sunday and time-off started early Mon :)  I didn't have a lot of time to plan my week but scub diving has been towards the top of my list for quite a few years so I figured where better to get my certification than scuba paradise!  I spent two days doing shore dives and today was my final day - we went 2 miles out and 70 ft down and I got to see the largest wreck in Aruba...Antilla (which is more than double the size of my yacht) was a WWII freighter sunk by it's own Captain - the story behind the wreck is actually pretty crazy!  Anyway, I passed my written exam and with 4 dives under my belt I'm now an official diver!!  Check!

Life on the boat hasn't changed much, my Chief is still a loony tune and my Captain is a Napoleon hillbilly, but my spirits have been lifted and I think I'll make it through this next trip alive :)  The guests come back next Thursday so we've got a lot to do, but I've reserved a private horse tour on Saturday - galloping across the island (Aruba is relatively small), exploring desolate beaches, etc so I'm very excited for that!  And the guys are dragging me along on an ATV excursion...not so into that but it's a way to get out and see places off the beaten path (and get away from the boat) so I'll let you know how that goes :)  

Other than that, I don't have much news.  I'm planning to head over to Thailand (one-way ticket style) in November and will probably be there a month or so before heading to Bali.  I have no plans other than to dive....I guess the South Pacific has some CRAZY beautiful waters with great dive sights, and the more I look into Bali the more I'm starting to think about a spiritual advisor.   There was one other person in my dive "class" - an Arubian native who's currently doing her residency in Amsterdam but did a lot of studying in Bali.  She gave me a contact there and her stories were nothing short of amazing...inspiring would be an understatement.  As my inhibitions and fear of being (traveling) alone subside I'm starting to see a whole new world of possibilities.  I know my Peter Pan stage will have to come to an end sooner or later, but until that time comes I've decided to cease every opportunity I can to make me a better person.  If that's sending an e-mail to Casey after 5 years just to clear my head and close a chapter than so be it....P.S I did, and he responded.  Or if that means making a conscious effort to do the things I say "I've always wanted to do"...regardless of time, money, or geography.  

All in all, I've definitely learned that 4 weeks on a boat - even if it's a Super Yacht - is too long and can definitely alter my perspective on things.  I am happy and confident in my decision to leave home, but I'd be kidding myself if I said there aren't times I want to pack my Northface duffle bag and crawl home.   I think about you guys every night before I go to bed and unless my asshole Chief steps on me getting down from bed, you're the first thing I think of when I wake up.  I love you more than you know!

With all my love -

mE

Reply:  June 30, 9:30am 

Lindsay ~

You are beautiful, talented, amazing and passionate about life.  Never lose sight of any of those wonderful qualities you have.  You are exactly where you should be, experience a journey unique to you with friends and family who love you dearly and will always be here for you.

Just breathe my dear!!  Breathe in the fresh air of freedom, of laughter, of adventure, of a course unmapped but one that will provide so much to you upon discovery.  

When you are ready to take on something new, that new will be here for you.  You will be radiant and enter into that new journey (however scary it might be) having gone through something so incredible.  

I love you, I miss you and I believe in you my friend.

Until your next note, I'm sending you love and hugs!

Reply:  June 9, 12:40pm 

Linds - I am so proud and jealous of you. Live every moment. The good and the bad. And know they are helping to shape one of the worlds most beautiful people. You amaze me. I have never felt more proud of someone. Live. Your. Life. We are the lucky ones. My heart is with you always. If you are ever sad or lonely know I am feeling or have felt the same. You are my sister. Here for you forever. Xxxxxx.

Columbia here I come!

I officially take credit as the worst blogger ever.  One would think when exciting, blog-worthy events occur I would WRTIE about them but no…if you know me, you know blogging isn’t my style and thus should not be disappointed by the 4 month gap.

Moving on…holy hell a lot has happened!  To make an extremELY long story short some shit went down on Inception, antics among crew that I didn’t agree with so I spoke my mind and was off the boat a week later.   I mean it was a bit more complicated than that, and definitely a blow to the boat - but after a kickass farewell booze fest I said goodbye to Adventure part I. and started looking for part II.  I literally went on 4 interviews a day for a week straight…was offered all but one and after several morning of getting dressed in the 17^th Street Office Depot bathroom I’d had enough.  So I settled…I accepted a job that was WAY over my head, on a 19 year old Charter boat (that looked more like 30), with a crew that hadn’t been hired yet…i.e I was about to embark on 4 months of hell.  Anyway, I accepted the job Friday morning so I could have some peace of mind…go home to Minneapolis for Memorial Day weekend and go back to FL with a job and a place to sleep.   Booked a ticket Friday night, flew home Saturday morning and spent the next 4 days with the worst anxiety – knowing what I was going back to made me physically sick.  BUT I’ve started living with the mentality that what is meant to be will be, so I started making provision lists and mentally preparing myself for this next adventure. 

By the way, insert here – I literally have the most amazing friends on this planet.  If it weren’t for them I would’ve had an official mental breakdown…God bless them for putting up with my anxious moody ass!  No clue if you guys read this anymore but if you do….Mom, Dad, Jenna, Shelly, Jean, Lissy O and Lyssie K.– THANK YOU and I love you guys. 

K, so back to life, back to reality (sing it, out loud, I dare you).  I’m on a plane headed back to FL yesterday and while I was in Chicago (on my 5 HOUR LAYOVER) I got a message from a Captain I’d spoke to briefly.  We talked a little more and he offered me a job…the exaCT kind of gig I’d been waiting 2 weeks to get.  2^nd stew on a 157ft Trinity that travels the world!  Of course I was taking him at his word but he said the crew got along great and if I was interested he’d fly me down to Colombia the very next day.  I accepted on the spot but it was bittersweet…although I had NO interest in the job I’d accepted Friday, the Captain is an amazing guy and I knew the bind I was about to put him in.  But I gave Andy (my new Captain) all my info and got a confirmation “Spirit Airlines" e-mail shortly thereafter.  But if I may…and I feel as though I should clear my name for a sec.  Even before I heard of this new job I’d been talking to this chic Katie who was WAY more qualified than me to see if she’d be interested in the Chief role (that I’d accepted) and I would be her 2^nd.  Not sure if that makes sense to any of you…but I’d been doing the leg work even before this switcharoo took place, to find a Chief Stew to replace me…I just had no idea I’d be off that boat completely.

Anyway, after I hung up with Captain Andy I called Captain Lee to regretfully rescind my acceptance.  I was totally honest about the anxiety that position was creating for me and how I felt like I’d be doing myself, the crew, and the guests a disservice by taking on a role I wasn’t qualified for...being the amazing guy he is, he understood and wished me luck.

So here I am, just got off a layover in Medellin en route to Cartagena, Colombia to meet my new boat :)  I am so excited my cheeks literally hurt from smiling!  It’s been a hell of a long day (I didn’t mention my layover was 6 hours) but I can’t wait to shake my Captains hand and meet my new family.  I haven’t hashed out our exact itinerary for this season but I know it includes Aruba, Colombia, Bonaire, Puerto Rico, Panama, and the ABC Islands.

The flight attendants are babbling something really fast in Spanish so I can only assume we’re starting our “decent” so I should run but there ya go – the quickest 4 month summary EVER!!  I promise to write within the week and let you know how it’s going…until then wish me luck!!

Xoxo,

mE

900 Horsepower and SPF 70

So here I am in bed, 45 minutes into my tossing/turning episode…so physically depleted but so mentally stimulated.  I just had the most amazing weekend, literally the most exhilarating & memorable experience I’ve had thus far.  We pulled into St. Thomas late Friday night/early Saturday morning and because of our last few owners trips the majority of my crew was owed vacation….some took their time in FL and the others (myself included) decided to take my vaca down here in the BVI’s – duh!  My crewmate Bobby and I are on the same page in terms of ‘taking advantage of our surroundings’ so we pulled out the Lonely Planet book and got to work.  It wasn’t long before we had a rough draft itinerary which included but wasn’t limited to: St John’s, Virgin Gorda, Norman Island, Jost Van Dyke, and Tortola (a necessary stop to clear customs), and after asking our Captain’s permission Bobby, Ziggy, Mark and I packed up the Intrepid with beers, pillows, sunchips and protein bars and hit the open sea.
Mind you this “tender” is a  $1/2 million, 900 horsepower beAst and there are maybe 2 boats in all of yachting who would allow their crew to “over night”.  So…as we pulled out of our Marina I looked at my friends and in unison said “IS THIS REAL LIFE??!!??”

Backtracking to the day before, the first night Bobby was on watch so we had him drop us off in St. John’s where we spent the day scuba diving, soaking up rays at Cinnamon Bay beach, and eating and drinking at the best local (non-touristy) spots.  We met a lady whose lived on the island for 15+ years and showed us the most intimate, beautiful spot to watch the sunset.

Haley found us a sweet, cheap little “apartment” about (pic) about 10 mins outside of town so at the end of the night we meandered back to our spot and crashed.   With the excessive rooster crowing and excitement for the adventure that was to come we woke up early to catch the Ferry back to ST Thomas to meet Bobby for Part II.  After Ziggy, Mark, Bobby and I cleared customs in Tortola we headed to the Baths in Virgin Gorda.  Hit in 2 days what takes most people a week, and the best part was it was all FREE!!   I caught myself at several points throughout the journey looking around thinking what did I do to deserve such greatness?  Some people go their whole lives dreaming about going to a deserted Caribbean island, tying up to some random mooring buoy just so they can jump out and swim to shore to watch the sunset – just so happens that was/is my life.  All in all, my new ‘family’ and I had a great little adventure and I can’t wait for more to come.  Literally exhausted but just had to share….nighty night from the Caribbean.

Xoxo,

mE

Paradise Island...

The last month has been a whirlwind of trips, beach parties, and laughs…and in the midst of it all I’ve apparently forgotten about my blog so here’s a quick (or not so quick) recap of the last 5 weeks of life :D .... 

So shortly after my last entry I got some pretty interesting news – my boss Kevin, from Pacioli put in his notice after 9 years with the company, his dad was the founder some 27+ years ago.  Kev called so he could A) give me the news himself and B) let me know that the VP of our region would be giving me a call to offer me his position…Managing Director of the Minneapolis office.  You can imagine my surprise; not only was the “home” I was planning on coming back to about to change completely by Kevin's departure, but a once in a life-time career opportunity was being hand-wrapped in glittery paper and given to me, at the most inopportune time eVer!  Long story short, as expected his boss gave me a call and offered me the position.  I gave myself the weekend to think it over, and after three revised pros and cons lists and a lot of parental advice I decided to stick with my original (however insane, unpredictable, or irresponsible) plan of adventure.  I had a conference call with two of the higher-ups Monday morning and told them had this come at a different time in my life I’d be all over it…they understood and told me they’d have a spot (of some sort) waiting for me when I was ready to come “home”.   The only problem with that plan is that home looks a lot different now.  Kevin wasn’t only my boss and mentor…after four amazing years he became like a brother to me and I can’t imagine our office without him.   Although Kev’s departure and this sudden job opportunity caught me completely off guard, the fact that my gut told me I had to keep exploring has definitely helped me realize what a great decision I made in leaving MN.  Here I am, two “once in a life-time opportunities” to choose from, both leading in opposite directions (career/responsibility vs. adventure/freedom) and I was finally able to give my brain a rest and follow my heart.  Leaving Pacioli was the hardest thing I’ve done in my adult life but this decision was a  close second…and after 5 weeks I haven't looked back!  After all, it's hard to open you're eyes while you're basking ;-)

Harbor Island

So enough of that boringness, back to the sandbox!  Life is starting to settle down and Lauderdale is definitely starting to feel like home.  My"one new friend" has turned into a handful and between the beach, our bicycle gang, Thursday night crew outings and A1A Saturdays there's never a dull moment.  My old roommate and close friend Shelly came to visit a few weeks ago, and I was shocked at how many people & places I had to introduce to her!  It was so great seeing her and getting that taste of home, but after drilling her on the latest gossip I definitely realized I'm not missing anything.  Minneapolis is a great city full of great people but my GOD does it feel good to get out!  Although I miss my friends, my real "couch buddies" who can recognize my laugh from a mile away, who know me inside and out and love me just the same...this change of scenery has been crucial.  As always it was hard to say goodbye to Shell, but deep down I know it was harder for her than it was for me...she got a taste of how exciting life can be and for the first time since moving down here it felt good to be 'home'.  

In terms of life at sea, we've been on 3 trips in the past 5 weeks and heading to the British Virgin Islands on Tuesday.  We're currently anchored at Harbor Island in Devil's Backbone and heading back to Paradise Island tomorrow (Albany marina) and let me tell you the name does not disappoint...it's nothing short of Paradise!   If you're considering a Bahamas getaway weekend you HAVE to check this place out (and no, they're not paying me for this advert)!  It's T Wood's new resort/marina and apparently his hangout "hot spot"... we saw his boat in Miami a few weeks ago and again when we pulled in on Thursday, pretty sure he spotted the three blond stewardesses on board Inception and has been following us ever since ;)  Either way, he's managed to build one hell of a marina and I can't wait to get back to it.

Tiger's boat

Honestly the gym looks like a place where the Biggest Loser contestants would work out - it's got a climbing wall, one of those ropes you shimmy up in 6th grade, a boxing ring, palates, yoga, and karate studios.  There are like 8 pools (not including the water park), a full spa, great bars & restaurants, and of course a golf course - Tiger style...all I can say is Woody did good ;-)  

Paradise

Island...

And as if  these amenities aren't enough, throw in the big man himself.  We were only docked in Albany a few days before our owners came onboard, but with the number of Tiger run-in's I'd say were practically best friends ;-)   I can tell you he works out in cut offs and baggy tank tops, is a lot taller and thinner than he looks on TV, and my Captain plays better golf (on the same hole out of the same bunker) than Tiger does...all in all it's been a fun & entertaining couple of days.  

Painful

My captain and I picked Mr. & Mrs (and Joe, their chef from NYC) up from the airport Friday afternoon and we headed out to sea shortly there after.   A plane met us this morning to bring us through the reef (he had to fly in, land, and come aboard to navigate our yacht) and we spent the rest of the day at anchor...swimming and fishing while the guests went ashore.  It's now 1:28am and I'm sitting in the bridge watching three little circles...  my eyes feel sandy, my mouth completely dry, and 2am feels like it's 6 days away!  So that about sums it up...life's been a roller coaster (nothing new there) and I'm enjoying the hell out of this ride.  I miss you guys like crazy but the warm weather and gorgeous views are helping :)  Promise to write again soon...

xoxoxox,

mE

First day of school...

I made a new friend today!  I literally feel like a kid again, an overly excited, anxious, geek waiting at the bus stop for her first day of school!  If there’s one thing people know about me, it’s that I’m rarely (if ever) by myself, so you can imagine what a culture/social shock this move has been for me.  I had a few goals in mind when I decided to take this leap of faith, coincidently the thought of being alone in a city where everyone knows everyone hadn’t crossed my mind.  When I think back to the last time I was thrown into a situation like this, and by “this” I mean the uncomfortable feeling of knowing no one but wanting so desperately to have that comfort of a friend, I think of horse-camp in 3^rd grade.  

So let me lay my life out quick for you here, thinking it might help clear up a few things.  I’m on a 164 foot private yacht called ‘Inception’ which has 10 amazing crew (myself included).  Nick’s married, Mike’s married, Pete mine as well be, Zahraa has an amazing bf who’s in yachting and ported across the way from us, Nina too has a bf in yachting (his boat’s next door), Haley also, also has a bf in yachting (although he’s in West Palm so she’s onboard most nights), which leaves me, Bobby, and Mark.  Bobby’s a native Floridian (actually grew up 11 miles from our boat) which excludes him from this “trying to make friends” situation, so really it’s Mark and myself who are left.  Mark’s amazing but he’s not the most social person in the world, and contrary to popular belief, when I’m riding solo I’m not the most outgoing/confident person either.  I never realized how much I thrive off the comfort of being around my friends…humor is easy when you have Shelly, Erin, Lissy, and Jenna to bounce it off of.  I feel like a kid who’s lost her training wheels but isn’t quite ready…it’s a feeling that’s hard to describe any other way.  Coming down to FL was easy because I was thrown into a classroom (with Becca by my side) where everyone was doing the exact same thing as us, everyone was looking for friends, and it was almost impossible NOT to make them.  But as those friends started accepting jobs and their boats slowly started making their way to other countries, reality hit like a ton of bricks and suddenly weekends at the beach didn’t seem so appealing. 

But anyway, back to the point of this blog…my new friend (I’m such a dork)!  I just hope to God she doesn’t browse through my Facebook, see my blog, and read this entry ;-)  Her name is Ashley and she’s a blond, bubbly, super fun Californian yachtie who has vowed to make the next 3 months (we leave for Europe in May) unforgettable! 

In fact, we’re already signed up for a speed-dating adventure in Boca tomorrow night (I can hear you laughing, but before you grab your side let me just say it’s for a good cause.  My crewmate Bobby has a friend who’s hosting it as a charity event).  Either way, I finally feel a sense of “settling in” going on here in FL and I like it!  That’s all for now, short and sweet.   I have ZERO idea of what to expect tomorrow but I anticipate an interesting blog to follow.

Xoxoxo

mE

Dear Diary...

So I’ve been on this quest for adventure for four months now and am more confused than when I first began.  That thrill of the unknown is starting to wear off and the reality of this new life has definitely set in.  I booked a flight back to Minnie this past weekend hoping to go home, get my fix, and hop back on this rickety SouthWest plane reassured that I’d made the right decision to leave that life…but as I sit here trying to sort through the mess that is my brain, I’m more bemused than ever.    Is there some guidebook, some manual people have been secretly using that I’m unaware of?   How is everyone around me so content, living these blissful lives full of certainty while I’m traveling the globe desperately searching for it?   I had a great life… rewarding & fulfilling career; a group of friends that can only be classified as thoroughly entertaining and amazing; a cozy little condo that in the past 3 years has redefined the meaning of “home”, but that wasn’t enough…there was a void I was constantly trying to figure out, and an adamant and persistent voice telling me there was something more.  I was happy but I wasn’t content.  So I set out on the most unconventional adventure I could think of and here I am, four months later missing the very things I thought I was sick of, ok, minus the shit storm frigged Minnesota winters.   I miss lazy geek-out hungover sessions with the girls and all the laughs and memories those days entailed.  I miss walking into my bank & being greeted by my first name. I miss people holding the door for the person behind them and saying please, thank you, and excuse me.  I miss Pacioli and the personal rewards and relationships that went along with that job.  I miss RiverStation’s courtyard, my oversized amazing couch and my gigantic cloud of a bed, my piano (and the 3:30am performances I would put on for Shelly), and the man in the 5^th Street Market (who finally got a RedBox, no doubt based on the endless number of weekends I spent begging) - for those of you reading this, I take full credit for Zing Zang and dollar movies being provided there…feel free to thank me in person ; -)

But even with that laundry list of “misses”, I have no desire to pack up and come home.  I’m seeing the world on someone else’s dime, living with and meeting SOOOO many amazing new people, being exposed to cultures, foods, religions, ideas, and experiences that I would NEVER have the balls to seek out and try on my own.  And as I sit here on this plane that’s heading back to that beautiful mega-yacht, writing this blog, I realize how insane I sound.  But I can’t help it…I’m overwhelmingly confused and wondering when, if ever, I’ll figure it all out.  Where am I supposed to be and what am I supposed to be doing?  Home is where the heart is, but if my heart’s all over the map then does that classify me as homeless?  I love my crew, I’m seeing the world, I can walk outside in flip-flops 365 days a year without snow seeping into my shoes getting my socks all wet while the tips of my toes turn blue and feel like they’re going to fall off (they’re defrosting as we speak/type).   But my heart hurts knowing I’m not going to be around for Jenna’s engagement, or Lissy’s and my 9^th consecutive Easter Bunny photo shoot, or my annual family Porky trip.  I don’t want to miss out on memories that in 5 years I’ll wish I’d been there for. 

So anyway, that’s where my crazy ass is at with things.  I come home for four days, expecting 100% clarity and I leave with turrets.  

But just so we’re clear, I am in no way complaining about my current state of uncertainty, I’m simply using this opportunity to lay out my thoughts and maybe at some point, if I’m lucky, find some resolve in it all.  High-school was tough, college was even tougher...and although I haven't yet defined this whole  “adult-hood” thing, if I had to choose one word to describe it, I'd choose “innately-difficult-scary-but-fun” (it’s one word if I hyphenate it…I’m not kidding, look it up). 

And although I’d love to dig into the topic of men and the chaos and influence they’re having on my 8lb head, I’ve had 9 hours of sleep over the course of a 4-day weekend and my mind is mush, not to mention my fingers are typing about as well as my toes, so that’ll have to wait until next time.   I love you guys more than words can describe, and the support you’ve given me (despite my manic blogging episodes) ...means more than you’ll ever know.   We’ve got a lot of trips coming up and I’m hoping for new & more amazing pics to boot :) Until next time, bye bYE.

Xoxoxo,

mE

Love them :)