VACATION!

Most of you would probably say that my life is a vacation. Yes, I get to see tropical islands on the daily, and I live at sea for the most of the year, but I do work my butt off believe it or not. And I too enjoy a good vacation once in a while. Even if it is a 'stay-cation' and I'm working during it …

Most people who go on vacation from working on a cruise ship, will be home for 6-8 weeks, enjoying their friends and family, and living off the money they saved whilst working on the ship. I, on the other hand, take quite long vacations because 1) I like spending time with my family at home 2) there are usually a few major family oriented events that happen while I'm home that I make sure I schedule my vacation around.

This vacation for me consists of me being part of a musical that my Aunt is directing, and my Mum is stage managing with our local theatre group called the Mississippi Mudds. Normally, I'm one of the people on stage doing some singing, or acting or tap dancing, but this I'm backstage doing the make-up and some of the set changes. Totally different realm of what I'm used to so it's a fun new challenge for me. Doing the set changes really does make me appreciate the ASM's backstage.

I'm also working at my beloved Hallmark. I've been working there since I was 16 and the manager is a great lady who always tells me to let her know when I'm home and she puts me on the schedule to help out. This is great because not only does it keep me from lying in bed 24/7 while I'm home on vacation, but I also get to make some money while I'm here because, well, I'm not the best with saving money. (re: my Michael Kors watch collection -_-)

I'm lucky enough to be able to go to a few concerts while I'm home too! Some friends and myself managed to score GREAT seats to Ed Sheeran in June so I'm pretty pumped for that. If anyone knows me at all, knows how much I LOVE gingers (weird, I know) and I've always enjoyed his music. I saw him at the MMVA's at Perez Hilton's after-party a few years ago and of course, my love only grew deeper from there. I also get to go see Kenny Chesney thanks to my friend Jamie - she got tickets for my sister and I and her to go see as a birthday celebration for my sister. The concert is ON her birthday, so that worked out quite well.

Another reason I'm staying home for so long - my Poppa, he's turning 90! NINETY!! What?! I love him so much and I'm so glad I get to be here to help him celebrate that. Such an incredible milestone that not many can say they've met. But this ninety-year-old, I get to call him my Poppa.

And also, last but not least the reason I'm staying home for SO long, until September in fact, one of my best friends Laura is getting married and I'm lucky enough to be one of her bridesmaids. With only another 4 ish months to get everything done, things are getting down to the wire. There's a bridal shower to plan, there are centrepieces to be made, there is a dance to perhaps choreograph. I'm excited for it all! Most of the wedding party was able to do a joint bachelorette/bachelor party in Las Vegas back in February where we went to a few shows and got wasted .. what else do you do in Vegas? Good times! And I know only better times are up ahead and I can't wait for the big day to get here!

Well, come September 7th, I'll be on my way to Seattle to join the Carnival Legend where I will get to embark on a journey from Seattle to Alaska and then Vancouver. And then from Vancouver I get to do something that not many people have been able to do - I get to do the crossing from North America over to Australia!! From there we'll be making stops in Hawaii, Tahiti, Bora Bora, New Caledonia and then finishing off in Sydney, Australia where that will be our homeport until April. I'll only be on there until March so I'll get to spend the entire Australian summer down under. I hope you are all ready for some more burnt Jodi pictures because you KNOW they're going to happen!

Chat soon!!

Oh p.s. I'm blonde now :)