Well I'm officially in the middle of the ocean and I have figured out that I do have internet access 95% of the time, my cell phone is working but it's roaming so I won't be using that until we get to Alaska tomorrow, and I have not yet found my equilibrium (is that right? haha). In other words I'm still REALLY nautious most of the time, which could be good or bad because it means that I'm not really hungry...so, I guess there's no chance of stuffing my face constantly and gaining weight...but I'm not sure if that would be an issue anyway because the Crew Mess food is questionable at best! haha
So far I've been in safety training most of the time, but we will go full force with rehearsals for the next 3 days in order to be ready to open with our first show Wed. night. Basically during "install" (which is approx. the first 3 weeks of our contract on board) we will be starting with one show this week and continuing to add shows until we have officially performed all 3 shows plus "Welcome Aboard" & "Farewell" shows. During this time guests are on the ship, but instead of seeing all of our shows the cruise director has filled in the gaps with comedians, magicians, or other musicians to headline until we are comfortable with our shows.
For those of you that will be coming aboard the ship at some point or another - news flash: Alaska is cold! hahaha :) The weather change is definitely a rude awakening, but the view pretty much makes it worth while.
We have some really good shopping on board, the guest areas are beautiful, and even though my room is a shoe box, it's cozy and I have managed to find a place to stick everything I own.
I can't post pictures today because I'm on the ships computer - the internet is much cheaper if I don't use my own laptop - but I promise that I will be adding some as soon as I get a chance. The view is incredible so I can't wait to show you what I see everytime I walk outside. I'm finally getting used to the time changes - we will be gaining and losing and hour every week depending on where we are in Alaska - that will be odd, but hopefully I can manage...
Oh, by the way - Mrs. Stricklin you are cracking me up!! hahaha I love everything you're telling me though so please don't stop!
Yes, I will be able to check everything I have on the internet - so facebook, myspace, email etc.
I can't remember the other questions right now, but hopefully I'll be able to answer them next time around. I'm off to another rehearsal, but hopefully this one will be short and sweet. I love and miss everyone, so please keep me posted with things on your end!!!
His,
Kristian
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9 comments:
I'm sure that it won't take too many days before the motion of the boat just seems natural. However, I guess that the waves are higher there than in the Gulf. The only cruise that I have taken has been in the Gulf and I think that is the only other place that you have been. The one you took for your senior trip would have been there. I can't wait to see you. 1 month and we will be there.
Love,
Dad
Hi Kristian,
We hope you have your sea legs now! Wow, what an adventure. Know that we are praying for you--and the cast. We are SOOO excited to see you. Can't wait.
Is the nausea that bad? Do you take anything for it? Or wear a patch? Have you made friends with the captain yet?? Ha ha.
Stay warm.
Beverly
Wow! You most definitely are finding your sea legs! I'm so sorry that you are nauseous most of the time. Have you tried Dramamine? I do believe you'll become accustomed to the moving of the ship, but Dramamine would help in the meantime, unless it has no affect on you. Have you checked with the ship's medical personel?
That is incredible that you are AT SEA!!! I have never been on an Alaskan Cruise, but I have driven to Alaska with my parents when I was in my late 20s. What a blast it was! You will be seeing what I did not see! I most definitely want to see pictures. The Stricklins have been a time or 2 on this particular cruise and neighbors up the street are taking a cruise to Alaska sometime in July, I think. I don't know what cruise line. Their names are Eric and Becky Wilson and you can pick them out of the crowd by their Southern drawls! They have a son TJ's age - Josh and a daughter a little younger -Jaelyn. (Like you are actually going to remember that with all that is going on in your mind) If you run across anybody that fits that description and is from Jacksonville, Alabama, ask them if they know TJ.
You are right- Alaska is a shock to the system, no? My parents and I drove to Alaska in 1986 and took the ALCAN highway. It was August, just sultry hot in Alabama and we had to wear coats in Alaska. I can only imagine what it is like now, when the temperature is just beginning to rise here.
There is no doubt that the view in incredible! I can't wait to see pictures!
I'm glad you have some privacy, even though your space is small. It is great that you can get internet on the ship. I am happy communicating like this. I can say everything I want to say and read what you say several times to get everything. Plus, you can write when you have the time and I won't be interrupting a rehearsal and it won't cost either of us an arm and a leg.
I cannot imagine rehearsing while you don't feel so well. I hope that is not happening. I know that on large cruise ships, you don't feel the waves so much. What is it like to rehearse while the ship is moving? Are you aware that you are moving or is the rehearsal just normal? I don't remember walking around and feeling anything at all on our cruise ship. But then, I wasn't performing on it.
I am so curious. I can just imagine what you are seeing and experiencing. I'll be anxious to hear about the upcoming rehearsals, the show and what you think of Alaska once you really get there. We drove on the only highway there was in Alaska at that time - highway 1. :) We went to Fairbanks (inland) and Anchorage (port in the South shore of Alaska's mainland). You will probably port in all the places I did not see. I have read a book about Alaska from a writer's perspective who actually hiked throughout Alaska and wrote about his journey. It was fascinating! Some of the places you will port, I know I will remember from the book. Please give me names of the places you go. How neat it would be if you actually go to some of the same places I have been!
I know that you are primarily interested in performing, but at some point, you will actually get off the ship and see some things. How cool it would be if you could go do things with your family on your off day. I hope that can be arranged. Wish I could be there! Too bad I can't split into 2 people, one to go everywhere I want and do everything I'd like and the other one to stay at home and experience family life! Ah well, such is life!
Chuck has gotten up and it won't be long until the neighborhood boys hit my house. Have a wonderful Memorial Day and keep me posted!
Love, Mrs. Stricklin
Hi Kristian!
Its me, again. I reread your blog - I have to with my short term memory beginning to fail me these days -age, you know - anyway, I was curious as to what might be cracking you up about my blogs. I went back and read them. I see what you mean! Tee hee! Do you think I'm a little bit excited that you are doing this or what?
More later...
Love, Mrs. Stricklin
Hi Kristian!
As I was going about my cleaning, (on Memorial Day, no less - see what you are missing?) I was thinking about the fact that you have been rehearsing for some time now.
My thoughts turned to the opera, which opened in Pell City this past Friday Night. I didn't go, because with me having to leave to emcee Miss Alabama on June 1-8, I decided I needed to stay home some so that Chuck & TJ wouldn't picket.
Anyway, during one the the rehearsals last week, I nearly fell out of my seat when Chad Miller was on stage. I am assuming you know Chad Miller, because if you don't, this story will not be nearly as humorous as if you did.
Chad plays the Lord High Executioner in The Mikado and is the comic relief in the opera (surprise, surprise). Dr. Wight has him make his entrance onto a built up part on the stage. As he says his lines, he steps off the built up part and instead of walking down steps, he steps on the backs of "servants", bent over like stairsteps. Dr. Wight had staged this so that each guy grunts as Chad steps on his back. One of the guys crouched down a little too far. On the second step, Chad lost his bearings and fell flat on his face, right on top of all the guys, creating a pile of characters, all facing the same direction with headdresses rolling all over the place. It was perfect. It was just like it was out of a 3 stooges show. Chad was totally caught off guard and it was hysterical. I thought I would wet my pants. This is probably one of those "I guess you had to be there" kind of stories, but it was so funny. I just died! I thought I would share it with to give you a chuckle.
The opera PR is finished for me except for a radio interview on Wednesday morning. Then, I will go see the opera, TJ will have baseball games and a baseball awards party, then Haley and I will be off to Miss Alabama! I asked Dr. Wight to let Haley out of the performance on Saturday night and Sunday afternoon in order for her to get some rest and have time to pack for Miss Alabama. She has to be in Birmingham at 8:30am on Sunday morning. I have to be there sometime Sunday, but I don't know when, yet. Juliet (Jackson), her understudy, will do the last two performances. I am so glad that it worked out this way for both of their sakes.
OK, I have to get back to work. Just know that I am thinking of you and am praying for you and the entire cast to be able to get these shows up and running!
Love, Mrs. Stricklin
Hey Kristian!
How did the first run-through of the show go? What were the reactions of the crowd and of your employers? I would be willing to bet that you are celebrating right now! I hope that all went well and that congratulations are in order. When you get a chance, let us know how it went!
I had lunch today with Pam Shirley Lawrence and she sends her best! She PASSED Piano Proficiency, which could have held her back a year if she had not passed it. They have to play scales, chordal progressions and The National Anthem. She was petrified, but she passed!
Pam is really excited for you. I told her all about your adventures on the ocean. She just grinned!!! She is expecting a call of yea or nay from Disney next week. I will just "bust my buttons" if both of you are hired as professional entertainers with a year contract! Jamie is already Miss Alabama and if Haley were to actually make it to top ten, maybe even top 5 and if she were to win, Chuck might as well plan my funeral right now, because I am quite sure that I would keel over and die right then and there. They would have to carry me off the Miss Alabama stage - right after Haley is crowned! It never hurts to dream, does it? If anyone had told me that the deaf girl who was standing in my office with her hair in a pony tail wearing no makeup would become Miss America, I would have just rolled my eyes and said "dream on". But, God willed it and it happened. I have since learned that "all things are possible with God".
On that note, I sign off for the evening. When you get a minute, let us know how it went.
Sleep well tonight! You've earned it!
Love, Mrs. Stricklin
Hey Sweetie: Waiting for another blog!! We hope you love Alaska like we did.. It's truly the most beautiful place I've ever seen. Almost wish I could live there in the summers.
Sounds like your shows are going fantastically. I'm so jealous of your dad and the bunch who are coming to see you. Still working on your Uncle Larry to come too!
Be sure and send pictures when you can. Grandmother still wants to know if you are getting paid to be on the ship! ha! Better watch her; she may go driving in your car. Love you lots, stay in touch.
Aunt Margaret and Uncle Henry
Hey Girl!
Just touching base before I leave to emcee Miss Alabama. Jamie will be giving up her crown and Haley will be competing, along with others you will remember. 6 out of the top 10 are returning. Competition will be steep. I am also a Scholarship Judge as well, so I am doing double duty.
I'll be anxious to hear from you when I return in 7 days. Hope you have time to get some photos on your blog by then. I know you are up to your ears in work and performance. Let us hear from you when you have time! Still haven't heard how the first show went - and all the others.
Have fun and work hard! I'll check back in with you next week with news of a new Miss Alabama!
Love, Mrs. Stricklin
hey sis! sounds like youre having a great time. Hang in there cuz that nausea will pass soon.You look great in all your pics and the smile on your face looks like your having lots of fun. Well nothing has changed much here its still hot and muggy so enjoy that cool refreshing air, but stay away from those ESKIMOS! They are scarry looking people. Remember don't go anywhere by yourself and be careful. You are in our prayers each day(remember this is your mission field so spread the love)Larry says HI! We love you Ging& Larry
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