Ma Vie

Juneau May 17

Here’s to one of the coolest things I have done (and that’s saying a lot since I have been to some amazing places these past few months) today my parents and I went trekking on a glacier….but we had to take a helicopter to get there. We first hopped in a van with a driver who looked like he wasn’t old enough to drive, and then we went to get geared up. I was not expecting to need anything but a jacket and some boots, but I was wrong! They gave us boots, pants, a backpack, a jacket and a snack. We were so lucky too because we didn’t have anyone else with us on the tour, it was just us! I couldn’t believe no one else signed up for this! We then got onto the helicopter and our pilot told us we needed to put on our headsets and microphones so we could hear each other…man it was loud in there! But take off was by far the coolest part. Those helicopter propellers going incredibly fast gave me such a thrill. Then, it felt like we were just lightly floating. The ride was so smooth. We looked around at the incredible beauty of the snow capped mountains and the glistening water and I just took it all in. I felt like we were on another planet. I could not believe this beauty was so close. We were floating above the mountains, getting this insane view that only took 5 minutes to get to. We looked down at what looked like ants at a dog sledding park. I could not believe the scale of things.  We then landed and our guide strapped some spiky shoes on us so we wouldn’t slip and slide around the glacier. The ice was so blue. We got an amazing hike and had an opportunity to drink the freshest water I have ever tasted, and walk on the water as well (I know crazy right) haha the ice was just so clear, you looked like you walked on water. The day was fabulous and I am so thankful I got to experience this.

Anchorage May 20^th

Today we got up early to see the town of Anchorage by taking a train in the wilderness. It wasn’t the best tour I’ve taken, to be honest. But it was a day for reflection. It was really rainy and the land is incredibly marshy and wet. I guess it was better to be inside and looking out, than trying to get on out there and hike. I just took my book and my journal, and enjoyed a peaceful day of relaxation with the parents. The funny thing about this train ride is that it was 7 hours and it didn’t take us anywhere except around anchorage. Twas a good day though.

Homer May 21^st

Today my parents and I took a tour Kayaking in the bay area of Homer. The day started out really nice and I was looking forward to working out my arms for the day. Our tour guide for the beginning part of the day, that took us to the island, was originally from Homer and he was a very experienced Kayaker. Is that a word? I guess so since the little red squiggly line didn’t show up on my computer. J Well, he didn’t end up taking us out on the water because he had to go sing at a wedding. Haha how fitting…we had a long talk about how as soon as someone finds out you’re a singer, they ask you to sing something. It’s not like with any other job you have people ask you to perform right on the spot. Haha it’s only cause our job is portable J well, we got to the island, and our cool guide had to set sail back to main land. But we got two other really nice guides. It was rare to have two guides, but today was the first one and there were only 4 of us, so they wanted to have more people. It was really gorgeous, but I was really slow at kayaking and I kept getting flustered cause I kept thinking about being that one person holding the group up. Or being the slow person in front of people (which I am well aware of the GLACIAL speed of some of these passengersJ) I was getting angry haa. So, I worked extra hard to get my speed up to the group. We then took a break on land for a brief period on a separate private owned island. Boy! That owner of the land mad! He did not like people stopping on his beach front. I get it, I do, but the guides should have known not to take us there. He was pretty creepy and he might have had a shot gun….who knows. Haha My Dad was being so polite and immediately said “I hope we’re not trespassing”, but the guy was NOT happy and he said in a stern voice “OH YOU ARE”. Haha my dad just laughed it off. This man looked a little crazed, with his long gray beard and coffee cup…..we didn’t want to mess with him, so we paddled away to the next destination to eat our sacked lunches. We also saw some adorable sea otters playing in the kelp! The rest of the day got extremely cold and difficult to paddle. But after three hours, it feels like it’s enough. But this tour did not kid around. This was for serious Kayakers. 6 hours of kayaking is a little too much. I thought for sure I would be sore the next day, but I wasn’t! A little let down I must say! Haha I was hoping to get some arm definition from all that work J

Sitka May 24^th

Wow, what a gorgeous day! I could not believe how warm it was in Alaska today! The town of Sitka is just the quintessential charming Alaska. It was amazing. The sun was shining and the weather was phenomenal. My mom and I took a scenic boat ride for the morning. We saw sea otters, beautiful views, seals and whales! Several gorgeous, magnificent whales. I know I have stated that I am kind of afraid of whales, for those of you who know me. But my fear is a very irrational one. I think they are awesome creatures. But just imagine this. Say you are swimming in the ocean, and all of a sudden, a whale comes up under you or beside you….I would probably pass out in the water….I know. It’s a really dumb fear cause I am never swimming that far out in the ocean. But overall this tour was awesome. We then got back to land and explored Sitka for a while longer. We got an amazing seafood lunch and stared at the gorgeous day. Then after the day was over, I probably had the best meal of my life on the ship. I died and went to heaven. It was an amazing day!

Victoria, Canada May 26

What a pretty day! I had no idea how gorgeous Canada was. Right off the boat, there were amazing flowers and parks. I cannot wait to spend the whole summer exploring these awesome places. My parents and I went on a tour of Buschart Gardens. Oh my gosh. I am not sure if I can even describe the beauty of this place. It is magical. I felt like I was in a Monet painting. It’s so full of beauty, it can make you cry. I did, I think (I’m a sap) I loved spending this day with my parents because I got to be inspired again. I am not sure what my plans are for right after this contract, but I know that I am going to be doing something I love. And singing is something I will never give up doing. I want to write and play and meet people and continue to do something that I love. It can be stressful going in to a new stage of life. I mean, I was so fortunate to have had this experience. I have traveled the world, I have met amazing people, and I have saved (some) J. Really, I could not have asked for a better job right out of college. But I have to start thinking about what I want to do with my life after this job. Put on the big girl panties and think about the future. But the greatest thing about life is that it is so unpredictable. And if you just sit back and take it one day at a time, the magic happens. Just let it! Something good is coming. I know that, for you and for me J Life is truly a gift.

Seriously......Into the Wild hahaha

May 15

My Big ALASKAN adventure

Ketchikan

Ok, I had imagined ever since watching Into the Wild (I know I am obsessed…I’m ok with that) that I would be heading to Alaska one day. I didn’t know it would first be on a cruise ship, but I would have to say, it’s a pretty awesome way to see it. From the moment I woke up this morning and stepped outside….my heart leaped with excitement. Even the air was so different. It was more crisp. More Fresh. I felt like a new journey is on its way. I was ready for it.

My parents are on board this week, so I am really lucky to get to spend some time with them. My brave Dad, who gets sooooo seasick, decided to chance it and hop on the shop with me. I am so thankful. We all booked a tour for today to go zip lining in the rain forest.  I’ve gone zip lining before in Costa Rica, but the last time I went, I had to go with someone…..so this time it was even more thrilling. Our guides were so much fun and really made the whole experience worth it. The zips were so fast… I could have done it all day. Hanging from trees like that for a job, would be such a thrill! I am happy too, because I think I would like to hang out with these people next time I am in town. Every two weeks we will be coming back to Ketchikan. It’s an amazing place. There were trees, creeks, bald eagles and all sorts of wild life everywhere. This is my kind of place. Give me the nature….and I am a happy gal. And the day could NOT have been more beautiful. It was sunny, in a place that rains 90% of the time. I think my parents brought the sunshine with them from California. I cannot wait to see the rest of Alaska. Juneau is next. I think we are doing a helicopter tour of the glaciers. Oh my gosh! We have a show tonight, and then the day off tomorrow. Here’s to the next chapter of my journey and experiencing it with great friends and family!

The rest of the Panama Canal Cruise

May  2

Puntarenas, Costa Rica

Today was very pleasant I must say. I got off the ship and jumped in the water. It was cool to be back here since I went when I was 13….or 15 I think… haha I can’t remember. We had virtually no time to really do anything adventurous such as zip lining or feed monkeys, so we went to the beach and then wandered around the market. It was beautiful, and I would have to say, uneventful….haha.

May 3

Corinto, Nicaragua

I think the main attraction for going to Nicaragua is to see the rainforest, not too far from the port. The port in itself was really dirty and broken down. There were guys bicycling 4 seaters just to make ends meet. I heard that they only get visitors once a month. So that must be really hard if they depend on ships for tourism. I felt bad. We basically just went swimming, and headed back to the ship, but I remember thinking how adorable the children were. I got so excited because I know in a short amount of time; I get to squeeze my adorable nieces. Oh I cannot wait to see my family in San Diego!!!!!

May 6, 2011

Puerto Vallarta

Today was so relaxing! From the minute I stepped onto the beach, I felt like I was home again. The architecture is a lot like San Diego here…makes sense. It was a huge resort area, so Eli and I walked through a hotel and went right to the beach. Then after a long walk, we took a taxi to a restaurant called Pipis where we were going to meet some friends. There was amazing sand castle architecture everywhere in this area. There was even a huge sand copy of the last supper. It was pretty phenomenal. Then, because the restaurant was closed, we stopped and got massages for an hour for 25 bucks each……incredible, but a little sketchy too. Haha. Then we ate the most amazing Mexican food, (fresh guacamole made at the table) and swam in the ocean….what a day.

May 9 SAN DIEGO!!!!

Ok, yes I was home for a day, and usually it is not something to blog about, but I just have to tell you what a refresher it was to see my amazing family. And, a tad but stressful too trying to organize it. The morning of San Diego, we had something called Coast Guard, which is like the FBI of cruise ships, come and test us on our safety knowledge. I mean, I hate being put under pressure, especially when it could be a big scary police man drilling me, so I studied. I know, ridiculous. Eli and I were basically quizzing ourselves the night before on the basic stuff they might ask us. It turns out, in the morning, I didn’t even see them. Phew! But at that time, I had cell service, and my Mom tells me that Goldie is not on the list to come on and visit with the whole family on the ship. Here’s the thing. I can only have 4 visitors on the ship at 1 time to visit me. So, I had my friend David sign on 4 people, and I signed on the babies and my parents. I guess Davids paperwork didn’t go through, so my brothers and the girls didn’t make it on. Oh I was so mad, but it worked out that the girls got to take a tour of the ship. They were amazed. It was adorable to see their faces and Kaela asked “is this where Captain Hook lives?”….I seriously cried when I got to hug my family. I am so blessed. We had such a nice day out in San Diego, I just had to share it with you.

May 12

Vancouver, Canada.

Today, I hung out with my guitar player friend, Dan. He is leaving in Seattle, so we got to basically say goodbye today. It was so nice. Vancouver is so gorgeous, it’s a shame we don’t get to go back after today. We talked about our futures and dreams and it really hit me that this contract is only 4 more months….and then what? Dan and I have been playing and singing together and sharing our music, he made me feel confident in my continuous pursuit of music. Vancouver is a big music area, it would be interesting to go back and check it out. In fact, that is something I have been giving a lot of thought to recently. I have saved a good amount (haha, gotta keep saving) and I think what would be good for me is to look at cities that might suit me after this. I don’t want to move permanently right now anywhere…but I want to explore. I was thinking of traveling and staying with people in Portland, New York, Asheville, Nashville, Vancouver, and Seattle. Maybe even Texas. I don’t know…but there are a lot of places I need to check out. I’m just keeping my mind open to all the possibilities life holds.