This morning, I got up around 10ish, and did a couple template order recordings, and then took a shower, and watched “Foo Fighters Live”. At about 12:10, Cha-Cha called me and told me to meet her in the I-95.
We met up with a couple other techies, Wes and Brad. We got off the ship together. I went to get money out of the ATM, but of course there was a problem, and the working ATM was out of money. So.. Cha-Cha lent me some money for the day.
We caught a taxi which was a VW Beetle. This car, I wanted VERY badly as a middle schooler. And riding in it made me want it just to have it. Ran real smooth, and it was small.. But you have a better feel for how it can move. The taxi guy tried to get 15 dollars out of us, but Cha-Cha stuck to her guns and said she wouldn’t pay more than 10, which he agreed too. So we were taken to Paradise, a club/outside restaurant.
We got a table out on the beach for 6 bucks with an umbrella. So we sat down, and just like any other place in Mexico, we were approached hundreds of times by people trying to sell necklaces, cigarettes, gum, kids belly dancing and singing, rings, masks, ice cream, massages, bracelets, jet-ski riding, bung-jee jumping salesman, and a lot more. We rarely went 5 minutes without having to say no to someone.
Two ladies came over to our table and offered me and Cha-Cha a massage. We both said no at first, but then they said the first 2 minutes are free, so they gave us a back massage, which was truly amazing, since I haven’t had one since I last had a girlfriend (and because I’m cheap.) After she gave it, I needed more, so I got a 30 minute massage for 15 bucks. So as I ate chips with guacamole, I was getting a back, arm, neck, and head massage, which was just so great. Cha-Cha told the lady to come back in an hour and she’d have one.
After my lady finished, we ordered food. I got orange juice, and a romanian mixture of seafood which included octopus, shrimp and scallops. Then Jon, me and Cha-Cha just hung out and talked, while Wes went over to hang out with some of the dancers. This was most of the entertainers’ night off so a lot of them were on the beach getting drunk. At some point some guy came over and asked for our names to write down. So Cha-Cha made up names for us. Wes was “Sloth”, She was Sarah, Brad was “Steve” and I was “Frank.” Turns out the guy painted shells with our names in it. Looked neat.
As I was talking to Cha-Cha, the massager came back and offered to let her lay omn her stomach in which she said she couldn’t. So, smartass wise, I asked if she was pregnant, in which she said yes. I first thought she was joking.. Turns out she wasn’t. She was pregnant. So we talked about all that. She’ll have her baby in May.
So we hung and talked through out the day. The sun seemed to just stay in front of us all day. Being that close to the equator makes sense for that reason.
Brad told me a bit about what he’s done in the past, which included running lights for Leigh Anne Rhymes, Brian Johnson, and WWE.
At the end of the day, we caught a taxi who also quoted us 15 dollars, and Cha-Cha talked him down to 10. That guy drove crazy fast, maneuvering through the roads. No cops pulled him over... It was insane...
We got back to the ship, and then I got ready to go to supper club. Dinner was pretty delicious. I got Surf and turf which was plenty for me.
Afterwards, we made our way down to the crew bar which was relatively empty. But after about an hour, karaoke was set up and it was packed full of terrible singers. I talked with Glenn, Aaron, Irynia (bar waitress in the casino this week), Katerina and her boyfriend Manuel. After I heard the terrible singing for a few minutes and got burned out and went back to my room, and here I am! So, I’ll work on some music things until I get tired and do more tomorrow.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Black Friday and practicing..
San Diego day started off with SCC class.. or rather, the test. Marco told us to be there at 9 sharp. So I got there at 8:45 because I’m punctual like that. 9 o’clock comes around, and it’s a ton of people who are leaving the ship that show up. Class doesn’t start until 10ish because the instructor didn’t get on the ship until roughly. Which really sucks because that’s another hour we have to stay on the ship. My one day off a week is San Diego and I like to enjoy it.
The instructor comes in, and tells us we’re taking a written test, and then some f us randomly will be asked questions, and then we’d demonstrate an evacuation drill.
He gave us the tests, and it was actually the exact same test we had for the practice test.. Just in a different order. So I breezed through it. He asked 6 people random questions, that were actually pretty tough. Luckily I wasn’t called on. We then made our way up to 3rd deck, and did the demonstration. He picked four people to be the evacuators, and the rest of us were “passengers.” So it went over well. Then he asked a couple people some questions about the liferafts. But we didn’t finish ‘til 11:30 am, and with it being Black Friday, I had to make my way out there!
So I grabbed my computer and phones and got going. Called Nick, but he was working I imagined.. Then called my Dad, and filled him in on stuff. Went up and got my usual sushi, and teriyaki chicken. Then went down to Starbucks, got a carmel latte and worked on some internet stuff.
Afterwards, I went into Sam Goody to see if they had any good deals. They had a lot of good movies for 4 dollars, so I got “Evan Almighty”, “Man of the Year”, “Something’s gotta give” “Borat” “Watchmen Motion Comic”, “Foo Fighters Live,” “Kings of Leon Live”, “Pay it Forward” and “Once.” Also got a guitar techniques book. Really wanting to teach myself to do leads better.
Talked with Felicia on the way back to the ship. Then got on the ship, dropped my stuff off, went to boat drill. Afterwards, we had a quick meeting. I got a positive comment card that Stu read aloud which was cool. Then I went back to my room and put on Evan Almighty. I practiced some scales. Over and over and over again. Then got cleaned up and played.
I had a few people that were very interested in what I’m doing, but overall it was a very dead night. I went to my room and finished Evan Almighty and continued practicing. Then I went to sleep to have a pretty bad nightmare. The ship sank in it so fast, I didn’t have time to help anybody, and I was nearly sucked under water. It was really intense and insane.
I woke up the next morning at 12. I put on the Watchmen Comic, and practiced a ton until Gabe came over and we went over some guitar stuff. Then Dinner, and then had work. Work was dead again, and I finished early. I went back to my room and watched more of the Watchmen, and practiced more.. Then fell asleep after taking my pain meds. That knocked my out until 2 pm today. I got up and did some laundry, and finished Watchmen. Then I put on Man of the Year, and kept practicing guitar. Cleaned my room at some point.
Then went to work, and it again was very VERY dead. I feel like it’s Alaska all over again. Now I’m in my room watching Kings of Leon live. So far, they are really REALLY awesome live. I’m very impressed. Tomorrow, I’m going to the beach with some friends in Acupulco, and then going to see “2010” and THEN have that thanksgiving dinner with all my friends up in the supper club! So it will be a good day tomorrow! I’m excited. Got two template orders and an original song order to write. So, I’ll get to it!
The instructor comes in, and tells us we’re taking a written test, and then some f us randomly will be asked questions, and then we’d demonstrate an evacuation drill.
He gave us the tests, and it was actually the exact same test we had for the practice test.. Just in a different order. So I breezed through it. He asked 6 people random questions, that were actually pretty tough. Luckily I wasn’t called on. We then made our way up to 3rd deck, and did the demonstration. He picked four people to be the evacuators, and the rest of us were “passengers.” So it went over well. Then he asked a couple people some questions about the liferafts. But we didn’t finish ‘til 11:30 am, and with it being Black Friday, I had to make my way out there!
So I grabbed my computer and phones and got going. Called Nick, but he was working I imagined.. Then called my Dad, and filled him in on stuff. Went up and got my usual sushi, and teriyaki chicken. Then went down to Starbucks, got a carmel latte and worked on some internet stuff.
Afterwards, I went into Sam Goody to see if they had any good deals. They had a lot of good movies for 4 dollars, so I got “Evan Almighty”, “Man of the Year”, “Something’s gotta give” “Borat” “Watchmen Motion Comic”, “Foo Fighters Live,” “Kings of Leon Live”, “Pay it Forward” and “Once.” Also got a guitar techniques book. Really wanting to teach myself to do leads better.
Talked with Felicia on the way back to the ship. Then got on the ship, dropped my stuff off, went to boat drill. Afterwards, we had a quick meeting. I got a positive comment card that Stu read aloud which was cool. Then I went back to my room and put on Evan Almighty. I practiced some scales. Over and over and over again. Then got cleaned up and played.
I had a few people that were very interested in what I’m doing, but overall it was a very dead night. I went to my room and finished Evan Almighty and continued practicing. Then I went to sleep to have a pretty bad nightmare. The ship sank in it so fast, I didn’t have time to help anybody, and I was nearly sucked under water. It was really intense and insane.
I woke up the next morning at 12. I put on the Watchmen Comic, and practiced a ton until Gabe came over and we went over some guitar stuff. Then Dinner, and then had work. Work was dead again, and I finished early. I went back to my room and watched more of the Watchmen, and practiced more.. Then fell asleep after taking my pain meds. That knocked my out until 2 pm today. I got up and did some laundry, and finished Watchmen. Then I put on Man of the Year, and kept practicing guitar. Cleaned my room at some point.
Then went to work, and it again was very VERY dead. I feel like it’s Alaska all over again. Now I’m in my room watching Kings of Leon live. So far, they are really REALLY awesome live. I’m very impressed. Tomorrow, I’m going to the beach with some friends in Acupulco, and then going to see “2010” and THEN have that thanksgiving dinner with all my friends up in the supper club! So it will be a good day tomorrow! I’m excited. Got two template orders and an original song order to write. So, I’ll get to it!
Friday, November 27, 2009
Scc training... Back spasms, and "To The Echo"
Wow... 7 days have passed pretty quick. And surprisingly there’s not a lot to talk about. The first three days were very good gigs. Except that my voice was terribly squeaky. I met a couple couples. One of which had been to a lot of concerts, and they loved all the 90’s stuff I did. We talked about a lot of career stuff, and all that. On the 2nd sea day, Another couple came to see me play, but at that point my voice was gone, so I just did instrumentals. I ended up talking to them for a bit. They were scientists for pharmaceuticals. They lived in San Diego. They were really cool.
Acapulco day, I got up pretty late for I had class at 2 for SCC. That day we were going to inflate a life raft in the pool. I got to lido deck about a half hour early, and got a cheeseburger, then saw Nina and the other spa girls so went over and chatted with them. Marco, the instructor showed up with the safety officer, and after a few moments of standing around, we all took off our shirts and put on our lifejackets. Every commented on how white I was. Lots of comments like “get a tan” were heard.
We got in the shallow part of the pool and Marco instructed what would be done. He asked me to help another person lift the life raft shell and put it in the deep end of the pool. As I lifted, I felt my lower back muscle strain. Luckily it was only a second I had the thing, before it was dropped in the pool. Marco called Noochie over to pull the painter line, which inflates the life raft. She tugged it hard, and the shells popped off and the life raft inflated. It was a lot smaller than I pictured. Noochie nudged my shoulder and pointed at the max capacity saying 12 persons. The ship has 35 person life rafts... being why it was a lot smaller.
We all got in the water, and marco capsized the life raft, and he called on me to right it. In the instructions, it tells you to stand on the CO2 tank and use your weight to flip it over. But because the life raft was so small, that wasn’t the case. I tried anyways, and the CO2 tank almost broke off... So... I just backed up, and three other guys just pulled some cables over. Then they got in and had to practice pulling people in. I was # 2 in line. As they pulled me, one got my arm, and the other grabbed my lifejacket... which was really choking me. So I just got myself in.. I sat in the back and we went through all the discussions of the life raft.
We got a group picture, and then said our goodbyes.
Before I left, I asked Aaron about the supper club, and if we were still going. Apparently, the Supper Club won’t open if they only have reservations for crew members... So I didn’t get to have that meal. As the day went on, my back started to hurt horribly. Sitting in the chair was painful, laying down in one position was comfortable, but everything else hurt. I had no desire to want to go to the bathroom. I tried to get up and walk, but the pain almost made me pass out. So I just went to sleep.
The next morning, I got up early and went to the infirmary. Turns out I got back spasms.. The doctor signed me off, gave me IBUPROFEN and tylenol. I went to my room and really just laid down all day. Got up to eat and suffered the walk. Towards the end of the day I started feeling a bit better. I went to sleep pretty late, since I kept taking naps all day.
The next day, I got up and went again, and found the pain was worse than the day before, so the doctor signed me off again. Which meant I couldn’t drive the lifeboat... which blows because that was the whole reason I signed up for the class. So I stayed in my room all day... But instead of feeling useless, I picked up my guitar and wrote a new song called “To the Echo (Here I Am)”. Then I took it easy.
The next day, I went again to the doctor, and I was signed off again. I didn’t want to miss another SCC class since I only had two classes left, so I went. It was a mere review. At some point I was having a conversation with Noochie, and I was joking about writing songs for girls, but a lot of them don’t like it, and she said she did, and asked me to write her a song. So I took her up on her dare.
I went to lunch and met up with Glenn to discuss our show. He wants to shorten it to a few minutes just to see if we can do it. If people like it, we’ll make more.
I went back to my room, and pulled out the ES-335 and started hacking away at Noochie’s song. Within a half hour, I had written it, and then I went and demoed it which took about three hours. Once I was satisfied, I started a new project in logic, and started on “To The Echo”. The song was originally a driving electric guitar song, but I experimented with electric pianos, and various effects, and came up with a cool idea. So, that became my mission and I recorded and mixed it until it was done. At about midnight, I took a muscle relaxer.. but got hungry so I went to get a quick bite to eat. Noochie was working behind the buffet. I told her her song was done, and she wanted to hear it, but I said I’d show her in the morning.
I went back to my room, and the medicine kicked in and I got very tired and dizzy. So I went to bed. At some point in the middle of the night, I remember being confused and I threw my shirt across the room in a fit of anger... But I don’t know why..
I woke up at 7:30 and got dressed and went to the doctor. She gave me the option to take the day off but in doing so, I wouldn’t be able to get off in San Diego. So I said I was ready to go back to work. I wasn’t 100% if that was true, but I didn’t want to be stuck.
I went to my last day of class, and of course the first person there was Noochie, waiting for her song. So I gave her the CD, and moments later class started. We went over our practice test. I got an 87%. Afterwards, we were given a break, so I took Noochie back to my room to show her her song on my speakers. Before I started it, the phone rang, and it was Stu checkin in on me. He told me I wasn’t in the Capper because they weren’t sure if I was playing. He told me not to worry about taking it easy, or not play as long.
So I showed Noochie her song and she laughed a lot and really enjoyed it. Then we went back to class.
After class, I went to my room and then lunch. Came back to room and checked my email to find I had two template orders, so I did those up real quick and sent them in for a quick 80 bucks. Afterwards, I watched some of The Office until dinner, which I went too. And it was a thanksgiving feast! Turkey, Lamb chops, shrimp, salmon, beef, desserts of all sorts. So I ate a bunch of good food.
Afterwards, I got my computer, and went to get set up in the Casino. A lot of people seemed excited I was back. My large crowd came back to listen to me, and I ended up playing most of the night, with one break in the middle. A lot of people told me they missed me a lot because I was the only one who doesn’t play Country on the account the most of the soloists do country. So, I had a great time, made some good tips and sold some CDs. I had a great time, and my back didn’t give me any problems.
Now I’m in my room, getting ready to sleep, and then have my SCC test tomorrow... then SAN DIEGO!!!!! I can’t wait! Black Friday.. which means nothing to me... because I have everything I could want. So.. yep! And on another note, I was talking to Kelly, the girl from the last cruise on Facebook, and it turns out she got another cruise to come back out on the spirit during Christmas. She asked if would be weird, because she didn’t want to look like a stalker. I told her she has to worry about that social host more than me.. Sooo.. yeah.
Acapulco day, I got up pretty late for I had class at 2 for SCC. That day we were going to inflate a life raft in the pool. I got to lido deck about a half hour early, and got a cheeseburger, then saw Nina and the other spa girls so went over and chatted with them. Marco, the instructor showed up with the safety officer, and after a few moments of standing around, we all took off our shirts and put on our lifejackets. Every commented on how white I was. Lots of comments like “get a tan” were heard.
We got in the shallow part of the pool and Marco instructed what would be done. He asked me to help another person lift the life raft shell and put it in the deep end of the pool. As I lifted, I felt my lower back muscle strain. Luckily it was only a second I had the thing, before it was dropped in the pool. Marco called Noochie over to pull the painter line, which inflates the life raft. She tugged it hard, and the shells popped off and the life raft inflated. It was a lot smaller than I pictured. Noochie nudged my shoulder and pointed at the max capacity saying 12 persons. The ship has 35 person life rafts... being why it was a lot smaller.
We all got in the water, and marco capsized the life raft, and he called on me to right it. In the instructions, it tells you to stand on the CO2 tank and use your weight to flip it over. But because the life raft was so small, that wasn’t the case. I tried anyways, and the CO2 tank almost broke off... So... I just backed up, and three other guys just pulled some cables over. Then they got in and had to practice pulling people in. I was # 2 in line. As they pulled me, one got my arm, and the other grabbed my lifejacket... which was really choking me. So I just got myself in.. I sat in the back and we went through all the discussions of the life raft.
We got a group picture, and then said our goodbyes.
Before I left, I asked Aaron about the supper club, and if we were still going. Apparently, the Supper Club won’t open if they only have reservations for crew members... So I didn’t get to have that meal. As the day went on, my back started to hurt horribly. Sitting in the chair was painful, laying down in one position was comfortable, but everything else hurt. I had no desire to want to go to the bathroom. I tried to get up and walk, but the pain almost made me pass out. So I just went to sleep.
The next morning, I got up early and went to the infirmary. Turns out I got back spasms.. The doctor signed me off, gave me IBUPROFEN and tylenol. I went to my room and really just laid down all day. Got up to eat and suffered the walk. Towards the end of the day I started feeling a bit better. I went to sleep pretty late, since I kept taking naps all day.
The next day, I got up and went again, and found the pain was worse than the day before, so the doctor signed me off again. Which meant I couldn’t drive the lifeboat... which blows because that was the whole reason I signed up for the class. So I stayed in my room all day... But instead of feeling useless, I picked up my guitar and wrote a new song called “To the Echo (Here I Am)”. Then I took it easy.
The next day, I went again to the doctor, and I was signed off again. I didn’t want to miss another SCC class since I only had two classes left, so I went. It was a mere review. At some point I was having a conversation with Noochie, and I was joking about writing songs for girls, but a lot of them don’t like it, and she said she did, and asked me to write her a song. So I took her up on her dare.
I went to lunch and met up with Glenn to discuss our show. He wants to shorten it to a few minutes just to see if we can do it. If people like it, we’ll make more.
I went back to my room, and pulled out the ES-335 and started hacking away at Noochie’s song. Within a half hour, I had written it, and then I went and demoed it which took about three hours. Once I was satisfied, I started a new project in logic, and started on “To The Echo”. The song was originally a driving electric guitar song, but I experimented with electric pianos, and various effects, and came up with a cool idea. So, that became my mission and I recorded and mixed it until it was done. At about midnight, I took a muscle relaxer.. but got hungry so I went to get a quick bite to eat. Noochie was working behind the buffet. I told her her song was done, and she wanted to hear it, but I said I’d show her in the morning.
I went back to my room, and the medicine kicked in and I got very tired and dizzy. So I went to bed. At some point in the middle of the night, I remember being confused and I threw my shirt across the room in a fit of anger... But I don’t know why..
I woke up at 7:30 and got dressed and went to the doctor. She gave me the option to take the day off but in doing so, I wouldn’t be able to get off in San Diego. So I said I was ready to go back to work. I wasn’t 100% if that was true, but I didn’t want to be stuck.
I went to my last day of class, and of course the first person there was Noochie, waiting for her song. So I gave her the CD, and moments later class started. We went over our practice test. I got an 87%. Afterwards, we were given a break, so I took Noochie back to my room to show her her song on my speakers. Before I started it, the phone rang, and it was Stu checkin in on me. He told me I wasn’t in the Capper because they weren’t sure if I was playing. He told me not to worry about taking it easy, or not play as long.
So I showed Noochie her song and she laughed a lot and really enjoyed it. Then we went back to class.
After class, I went to my room and then lunch. Came back to room and checked my email to find I had two template orders, so I did those up real quick and sent them in for a quick 80 bucks. Afterwards, I watched some of The Office until dinner, which I went too. And it was a thanksgiving feast! Turkey, Lamb chops, shrimp, salmon, beef, desserts of all sorts. So I ate a bunch of good food.
Afterwards, I got my computer, and went to get set up in the Casino. A lot of people seemed excited I was back. My large crowd came back to listen to me, and I ended up playing most of the night, with one break in the middle. A lot of people told me they missed me a lot because I was the only one who doesn’t play Country on the account the most of the soloists do country. So, I had a great time, made some good tips and sold some CDs. I had a great time, and my back didn’t give me any problems.
Now I’m in my room, getting ready to sleep, and then have my SCC test tomorrow... then SAN DIEGO!!!!! I can’t wait! Black Friday.. which means nothing to me... because I have everything I could want. So.. yep! And on another note, I was talking to Kelly, the girl from the last cruise on Facebook, and it turns out she got another cruise to come back out on the spirit during Christmas. She asked if would be weird, because she didn’t want to look like a stalker. I told her she has to worry about that social host more than me.. Sooo.. yeah.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Last day of an awesome cruise
The last day of the cruise started off with me being 20 minutes late for class, which ultimately started at that moment, so everything was fine. My alarm turned off instead of snoozing... After class, I slept from 11- nearly 3. I was very tired. Afterwards, I played games until it was time to get ready for work.
I went to play at 8 and it was pretty dead until about 9:30 then from there on it picked up and was busy and fun until 1 am where I finished with the week favorite “Wonderwall.”
I gave out business cards to everyone, and thanked them all. Kelly and I hung out for a bit and I showed her my two gibson guitars which she fell in love with. She told me one of the social hosts was extremely flirty with her, but beyond just talk. He was very forward with wanting to bring her below decks, or meet her outside to get together, which she said no to both. At one point as she was getting on an elevator he went out of his way to jump on, put his arm around her chest the other hand on her butt... Which is EXTREME sexual harassment. She didn’t know what to do. I suggested she told someone, because if he’s doing that in his 1st two weeks on the ship, he will do it more, and make that many more people uncomfortable.
I made up some funny songs and all that, and she said she liked me a lot more than him because I was easy to talk too and was in no way pushy about getting together.. Which really wasn’t the goal. Just being cool and friendly.
Afterwards, I walked her to her hallway, she hugged me goodbye and I went to bed.
My alarm went off at 9 AM, where I got up quickly and went for a walk, calling Nick. Then went to Starbucks and did the online thing. Continued downloading the office episodes I bought last week. Then I got situated with the site Sellaband.com which gives regular people a chance to donate money to a band to record an album, and they get royalties, a CD and perks in return.
After that, I went and got some Japanese food which was delicious. Text talked with my friend Monica in Texas. She’s busy doing her little projects. For those who don’t remember, she was the girl who went to the Whittier bar with me before Whittier's revenge.
Then went to Sam Goody and got John Mayer’s new cd, Foo Fighters concert DVD, and Star Trek on blu ray. Then I went to the music store to get 5 packs of strings, and a new capo, since mine has been buzzing strings.
Called and talked with Felicia for a bit, and my dad. Had kind of a bathroom problem from something I ate.
Watched the new episodes of The Office I got, listened to some of John Mayer’s new album, which sounded cool. Then I fooled around on my guitar until boat drill. There were a LOT of kids running around. SOOO many...
After drill, we had a quick meeting, then I went to my room to practice some new songs until dinner. I went and ate and got ready for work, and went and played. The crowd was pretty laid back, but it is only the first night. A lot of teenagers on the ship too.
I got out around 12, and came back to the room and now I’m debating sleep. Got class tomorrow, and work at 7:30 tomorrow night!
I went to play at 8 and it was pretty dead until about 9:30 then from there on it picked up and was busy and fun until 1 am where I finished with the week favorite “Wonderwall.”
I gave out business cards to everyone, and thanked them all. Kelly and I hung out for a bit and I showed her my two gibson guitars which she fell in love with. She told me one of the social hosts was extremely flirty with her, but beyond just talk. He was very forward with wanting to bring her below decks, or meet her outside to get together, which she said no to both. At one point as she was getting on an elevator he went out of his way to jump on, put his arm around her chest the other hand on her butt... Which is EXTREME sexual harassment. She didn’t know what to do. I suggested she told someone, because if he’s doing that in his 1st two weeks on the ship, he will do it more, and make that many more people uncomfortable.
I made up some funny songs and all that, and she said she liked me a lot more than him because I was easy to talk too and was in no way pushy about getting together.. Which really wasn’t the goal. Just being cool and friendly.
Afterwards, I walked her to her hallway, she hugged me goodbye and I went to bed.
My alarm went off at 9 AM, where I got up quickly and went for a walk, calling Nick. Then went to Starbucks and did the online thing. Continued downloading the office episodes I bought last week. Then I got situated with the site Sellaband.com which gives regular people a chance to donate money to a band to record an album, and they get royalties, a CD and perks in return.
After that, I went and got some Japanese food which was delicious. Text talked with my friend Monica in Texas. She’s busy doing her little projects. For those who don’t remember, she was the girl who went to the Whittier bar with me before Whittier's revenge.
Then went to Sam Goody and got John Mayer’s new cd, Foo Fighters concert DVD, and Star Trek on blu ray. Then I went to the music store to get 5 packs of strings, and a new capo, since mine has been buzzing strings.
Called and talked with Felicia for a bit, and my dad. Had kind of a bathroom problem from something I ate.
Watched the new episodes of The Office I got, listened to some of John Mayer’s new album, which sounded cool. Then I fooled around on my guitar until boat drill. There were a LOT of kids running around. SOOO many...
After drill, we had a quick meeting, then I went to my room to practice some new songs until dinner. I went and ate and got ready for work, and went and played. The crowd was pretty laid back, but it is only the first night. A lot of teenagers on the ship too.
I got out around 12, and came back to the room and now I’m debating sleep. Got class tomorrow, and work at 7:30 tomorrow night!
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Attack of the Cougar
Yesterday was quite an interesting day. Especially towards the end. After boat drill, and playing Madden, and hanging out in my room, I eventually took a nap. Which became a very very weird dream saga.
In the dream, it started off with three dancers from the ship in three cars trying to run me over. But like a joke. But they were cramming me against walls and such. Afterwards, one of them took me to a building I was looking to go to because they felt bad. When I got to the top of the building, it was night time and people started jumping off the building to kill themselves. Very confused, I just stood there. But after a few more people jumped, the first person that jumped came up the stairs broken and cut up and angry. He then accused me of taking something that kept them from dying. And they all came after me, eventually throwing me off the building.. but I lived. So I got up running from the area, and bumped into some girl who was in love with me, and wanted a kid. I didn’t know how to escape that, but it eventually I found myself going back to my room to sleep, and someone knocks on the door. I open it, and it’s just two guys who want to see the bathroom. Then they inform me the ship is sinking because we were in a terrible storm. I turn around and notice my room is abnormally huge, with a couch and access to other rooms in the ship. I open the door up, and look out and there’s hundreds of people walking in this large tunnel. I go out, and there are hundreds of thousands of people cheering for me to play. But the place I would be playing is in front of this little restaurant in what looked like Paris for 2 old ladies. Then I woke up. Definitely freaked me out.
I took a shower and got dressed in my clothes and I went up to Lido deck at 5 for the sail away concert. That went over pretty well. Only 3 interruptions.
Afterwards, I went to dinner, and sat with Glenn, Chris and Aaron. Talked more about the cartoon. Showed Aaron his cartoon self. After I ate, I went to get tea, and sat and talked with Natalia (CTC girl) and the new CTC girl, Kerrie. She’s pretty cool too, which is good. Simon was a pretty awesome guy. But she’ll do for a replacement I suppose.
After that I went to my room and played some Madden until 8:30, and then went up and got an iced mocha to wake myself up. Then set up all my stuff in the Casino and started playing for NO ONE. It was pretty dead the whole night (which I credit to the party on lido deck under the stars with all you can eat mexican food.) At 12:10 this girl Kelly and her mom came and watched. Kelly stands out quite a bit from the rest of the passengers because on her left arm she has a lot of highly detailed tattoos. Very pretty then. A tattoo of her grandfather and grandmother were there as well.
Then a woman showed up at around 12:45 who I’ve seen the last two or three nights I’ve played. She was very drunk, and kept calling out to ask if I wanted a drink, which I did not. When I finished up I sat at the bar to talk to some of the people. The woman who I found out was named Thoa, (pronounced Twah) put her arm around mine and kept asking me if I wanted a drink. I kept refusing and then she leaned in close to whisper but she was so drunk she was practically saying it out loud, that she never buys drinks for guys unless she plans on sleeping with them. Trying to find a nice way to respond to that, I thanked her for the compliment but told her I would be fired if I did anything like that. She kept pushing and offering. She asked a couple people to take a picture of the both of us, and she kissed me on the cheek during one of them. That made me slightly nervous, and I was looking around to make sure security wasn’t there, because I could see them blaming me for being in the situation. Kelly asked the bartender to pour me a glass of water in shot glasses, so that Thoa thought I was drinking, but that only made her want me to drink more. Eventually I got caught in conversation with Kelly, the Thoa walked off and went to bed. Though, I did find out Thoa was a pharmacist manager for all the Pharmacist in her city for a particular company. So that was my first real attempt from a cougar to get me.
Now as I’ve written, I got my hair cut and highlighted... Either that has caused the sudden interest in me from people.. Or it’s the Axe deodorant, Axe spray, and Axe body wash that’s doing it (for those who don’t know, AXE promotes that their products will make girls fall for you and lead to late nights). Next time I’ll have to do a controlled variable, and figure out my hypothesis.
Kelly and I got to talking the rest of the night. She’s in cosmetology school. She’s from Orange county. She plays some guitar, and all that. She’s 21. So after we got talking I went to bed, to sleep in for the first time since I was sick. I slept in until 1:30, which was great!
Then I worked on a template song order, and sent that off. Then I played more games, took a shower, got dressed in my nice clothes for formal night, and am writing this now. Got dinner, and my show from 8-1. I’m the most popular musician with the younger crowd by far. I’m the only one doing new music, so that’s cool! Hopefully tonight’s a good night!
In the dream, it started off with three dancers from the ship in three cars trying to run me over. But like a joke. But they were cramming me against walls and such. Afterwards, one of them took me to a building I was looking to go to because they felt bad. When I got to the top of the building, it was night time and people started jumping off the building to kill themselves. Very confused, I just stood there. But after a few more people jumped, the first person that jumped came up the stairs broken and cut up and angry. He then accused me of taking something that kept them from dying. And they all came after me, eventually throwing me off the building.. but I lived. So I got up running from the area, and bumped into some girl who was in love with me, and wanted a kid. I didn’t know how to escape that, but it eventually I found myself going back to my room to sleep, and someone knocks on the door. I open it, and it’s just two guys who want to see the bathroom. Then they inform me the ship is sinking because we were in a terrible storm. I turn around and notice my room is abnormally huge, with a couch and access to other rooms in the ship. I open the door up, and look out and there’s hundreds of people walking in this large tunnel. I go out, and there are hundreds of thousands of people cheering for me to play. But the place I would be playing is in front of this little restaurant in what looked like Paris for 2 old ladies. Then I woke up. Definitely freaked me out.
I took a shower and got dressed in my clothes and I went up to Lido deck at 5 for the sail away concert. That went over pretty well. Only 3 interruptions.
Afterwards, I went to dinner, and sat with Glenn, Chris and Aaron. Talked more about the cartoon. Showed Aaron his cartoon self. After I ate, I went to get tea, and sat and talked with Natalia (CTC girl) and the new CTC girl, Kerrie. She’s pretty cool too, which is good. Simon was a pretty awesome guy. But she’ll do for a replacement I suppose.
After that I went to my room and played some Madden until 8:30, and then went up and got an iced mocha to wake myself up. Then set up all my stuff in the Casino and started playing for NO ONE. It was pretty dead the whole night (which I credit to the party on lido deck under the stars with all you can eat mexican food.) At 12:10 this girl Kelly and her mom came and watched. Kelly stands out quite a bit from the rest of the passengers because on her left arm she has a lot of highly detailed tattoos. Very pretty then. A tattoo of her grandfather and grandmother were there as well.
Then a woman showed up at around 12:45 who I’ve seen the last two or three nights I’ve played. She was very drunk, and kept calling out to ask if I wanted a drink, which I did not. When I finished up I sat at the bar to talk to some of the people. The woman who I found out was named Thoa, (pronounced Twah) put her arm around mine and kept asking me if I wanted a drink. I kept refusing and then she leaned in close to whisper but she was so drunk she was practically saying it out loud, that she never buys drinks for guys unless she plans on sleeping with them. Trying to find a nice way to respond to that, I thanked her for the compliment but told her I would be fired if I did anything like that. She kept pushing and offering. She asked a couple people to take a picture of the both of us, and she kissed me on the cheek during one of them. That made me slightly nervous, and I was looking around to make sure security wasn’t there, because I could see them blaming me for being in the situation. Kelly asked the bartender to pour me a glass of water in shot glasses, so that Thoa thought I was drinking, but that only made her want me to drink more. Eventually I got caught in conversation with Kelly, the Thoa walked off and went to bed. Though, I did find out Thoa was a pharmacist manager for all the Pharmacist in her city for a particular company. So that was my first real attempt from a cougar to get me.
Now as I’ve written, I got my hair cut and highlighted... Either that has caused the sudden interest in me from people.. Or it’s the Axe deodorant, Axe spray, and Axe body wash that’s doing it (for those who don’t know, AXE promotes that their products will make girls fall for you and lead to late nights). Next time I’ll have to do a controlled variable, and figure out my hypothesis.
Kelly and I got to talking the rest of the night. She’s in cosmetology school. She’s from Orange county. She plays some guitar, and all that. She’s 21. So after we got talking I went to bed, to sleep in for the first time since I was sick. I slept in until 1:30, which was great!
Then I worked on a template song order, and sent that off. Then I played more games, took a shower, got dressed in my nice clothes for formal night, and am writing this now. Got dinner, and my show from 8-1. I’m the most popular musician with the younger crowd by far. I’m the only one doing new music, so that’s cool! Hopefully tonight’s a good night!
Monday, November 16, 2009
Hair Cut, Loud Crowds and Cartoon
The last few days have been pretty decent! My day off in Acapulco was fairly laid back after class. I got my hair cut, dyed darker and highlighted. Then I worked more on the cartoon. At 3, I met up with Glenn and we discussed the details of the cartoon, and characters.
Afterwards, I went to my room and continued working on the cartoon until late at night, where I went and ate a bowl of noodles… Since I missed dinner.
The following day, went to class, and a lot of people liked my hair. I worked more on the cartoon for a few more hours, watching the office in the process. I had dinner, talked more with Glenn about the cartoon, and then I got ready for work.
I played my set to a small group of people the first set. Sold a CD. THEN every set after that was very busy and I had a big group screaming for me the rest of the night. I mean.. they were LOUD. Lot of fun though. More compliments on the hair.
Afterwards, I went to my room and played some Madden '10 until I fell asleep.
I woke up this morning to boat drill. Afterwards, I went to lunch and now the rest of the day I'll be working on the cartoon, and play tonight! Checked my email, and Robby Takac of the goo goo dolls said I could send him my CD to listen too. Cool stuff!!
Afterwards, I went to my room and continued working on the cartoon until late at night, where I went and ate a bowl of noodles… Since I missed dinner.
The following day, went to class, and a lot of people liked my hair. I worked more on the cartoon for a few more hours, watching the office in the process. I had dinner, talked more with Glenn about the cartoon, and then I got ready for work.
I played my set to a small group of people the first set. Sold a CD. THEN every set after that was very busy and I had a big group screaming for me the rest of the night. I mean.. they were LOUD. Lot of fun though. More compliments on the hair.
Afterwards, I went to my room and played some Madden '10 until I fell asleep.
I woke up this morning to boat drill. Afterwards, I went to lunch and now the rest of the day I'll be working on the cartoon, and play tonight! Checked my email, and Robby Takac of the goo goo dolls said I could send him my CD to listen too. Cool stuff!!
Friday, November 13, 2009
San Diego, New Cruise Director, and song on the Today Show!
San Diego day.. well.. it started off with waking up after an hour of sleep. I got up quickly and ran up to where I would need to be standing to get through immigration. Sure enough there were already 30 people there. But that was fine. At least I had a good spot. As I stood in line, I turned my iphone on and it worked just fine, I had internet access and all that, so I diddled with the for a bit. But at some point a terrible smell hit my nose and made me want to gag... The smell was unbearable. I came to the conclusion that it was one of the philopinos around me. Hadn’t showered or something, but it was absolutely terrible. I didn’t do much to hide my reaction. Just put my nose in my shirt, and prayed the smell wouldn’t eat through that.
After about 30 minutes, the line behind me was 150 people long. Growing by the second. Because the line was going into guest areas, the head people “moved the line” in the crew stairwell. I was in the line facing out, and the line behind me wrapped around where they were beside us. And for the few minutes I was worried because it seemed like, it would be easy for them all to just cram and butt all of us. And sure enough, that’s exactly what they did. So I went from being 30th to around 80th, because of a bunch of immature assholes can’t be patient and wait their turn. Fortunately, a girl from china was very stern to make sure I was in front of her, so she grabbed my shirt and pulled me in front of her. The crowd eventually bottle necked into a line, and within a few minutes I was out of there.
The night before I had seen the day’s capper, and it said Marky Mark would be the cruise director this week. Confused, I asked Stu what that was about. Stu’s going out of town in Acapulco for a Cruise Director conference, so Marky Mark would be cruise director for two weeks. I was slightly confused because Marky Mark signed off like 3 weeks ago, and we have another assistant cruise director. But I guess the reason for bringing MM back to the ship was that he had been here so long and he knew the ropes a lot better than the assistant. Which is fine by me. I personally like Mark a lot. Good guy, and he’s funny and informative.
So I went to my room and showered up and got my phone and Iphone and went up to deck B and waited patiently until the ship would let us off. I emailed some people, and texted a few friends.
Then I went down to Deck A to see the line to get off was already crowded. I thought it would only be a matter of minutes before I got off.. But alas... it took 45 minutes. Time I could have been sleeping. I saw Eric walk by, so did the handshake good bye again. I saw Nunik, the bar waitress from when I worked in the piano bar. She was signing off today too. Which reminds me, the night before, Agnes stopped by and gave me a huge hug goodbye because she was leaving. So I gave her my info, and told her to stay in touch.
After the 45 minutes went by, I got off the ship and called Nick, and talked with him about his wedding, a funny commercial skit idea he had “Don-Don”. Um, Christmas, and some other various things. When we finished up, I went into starbucks, got a Eggnog, and got online and started downloading updates for my computer and such, and talked with some friends.
Afterwards, I went up to the sushi place and got some sushi... Which was delicious. Then I went to gamestop and traded in 3 games to get Modern Warfare 2. THEN I went to Sam Goodys to get Switchfoot’s new album. As I paid for it, the lady asked me if I saw them in concert yesterday. I told her no. She said they set up right in the store I was at and played for a couple hours. DAMNIT. I missed it by ONE DAY! The band is from San Diego, so, it’s pretty crazy that I was that CLOSE!
After that, called Dad, and went back to the ship. I was delayed a bit by a veterans day parade. I made it back to the ship, played my game for a little bit, and took a nap until boat drill. Had boat drill, and went to our meeting, where Stu explained the situation of the cruise director stuff to everyone.
Then we split up and I went and played more of the game until 7ish, and went and restrung my guitar. At 7:30, I got playing, and within moments it was a busy bar, and I was having the best time I’ve had since the large group my first rivera run. A couple girls Anna and Megan were watching me and they said I was the best on the ship from what they gathered, so I played lots of new songs and got a good reaction. I talked to them during the break. Anna’s birthday was the reason they were here on the ship. She was turning 18.
After my gig, I went to my room and watched the Switchfoot dvd, and fell asleep.
My alarm went off at 8 AM. I felt fine, but decided I didn’t need an hour to get ready so I went back to sleep until what I hoped would be 8:30.. But was 9:02, so I jumped up and quickly got dressed, and ran to class. We went to the bow of the ship and practiced some techniques one of the release cables for the lifeboats. We also examined the shell of the life rafts.
I went back to my room, and started working on a song recording for a special event I can’t mention here.
Then I got dressed up and had to play 5-6, 7-8, and 9:30 to 12ish. The crowd was off and on, but still better than the last 3 cruises. Megan and Anna bumped into me while I was at the Cafe, and I asked what they did for the day. They said not much of anything. There wasn’t much to do during the day. Which is kind of true...
They came back and watched me play for a bit, and then they went to see the jazz hot show. Then came back and asked if I wanted to see the comedian. I said if I wasn’t busy, I would. Sure enough, the business had died so I was able to go. On another note, ANOTHER person won 25k or the BMW. She took the car. That’s two 25k prizes and and 14k in 4 days. That’s insane!
I went to the comedian and sat with them. Tom was funny. I’d seen him before but he’s a funny guy.
Afterwards I talked with the girls and Anna’s brother for a bit. Showed them some pictures of my travel thus far, and clips of my album. Which they both really wanted afterwards. So, that’s neat!
They went to bed, and on my way to my room I bumped into Jackob, the trombone player, who was pretty tanked... And Anna, the room service waitress. I talked with them for a bit, then made my way to bed, where I eventually fell asleep.
I got up this morning at 8:30 and took a shower and got ready for class. When we got there, we had a few test questions. I think I got all mine right. We discussed them in class, and we were free. I then went to my room to work on the song more. Had lunch, and went and got an internet card, since I hadn’t been online in a couple days. Wanted to see what I missed. Turns out my song Stay or Leave was used on the Today show for one of their segments. Though it was just the intro, that’s still really cool! I continued working on the song, and now I’m a break from it to clear my ears. Then I’ll go back to it, eat dinner, work 8-1, and catch some zzzs for class, and my day off!!
After about 30 minutes, the line behind me was 150 people long. Growing by the second. Because the line was going into guest areas, the head people “moved the line” in the crew stairwell. I was in the line facing out, and the line behind me wrapped around where they were beside us. And for the few minutes I was worried because it seemed like, it would be easy for them all to just cram and butt all of us. And sure enough, that’s exactly what they did. So I went from being 30th to around 80th, because of a bunch of immature assholes can’t be patient and wait their turn. Fortunately, a girl from china was very stern to make sure I was in front of her, so she grabbed my shirt and pulled me in front of her. The crowd eventually bottle necked into a line, and within a few minutes I was out of there.
The night before I had seen the day’s capper, and it said Marky Mark would be the cruise director this week. Confused, I asked Stu what that was about. Stu’s going out of town in Acapulco for a Cruise Director conference, so Marky Mark would be cruise director for two weeks. I was slightly confused because Marky Mark signed off like 3 weeks ago, and we have another assistant cruise director. But I guess the reason for bringing MM back to the ship was that he had been here so long and he knew the ropes a lot better than the assistant. Which is fine by me. I personally like Mark a lot. Good guy, and he’s funny and informative.
So I went to my room and showered up and got my phone and Iphone and went up to deck B and waited patiently until the ship would let us off. I emailed some people, and texted a few friends.
Then I went down to Deck A to see the line to get off was already crowded. I thought it would only be a matter of minutes before I got off.. But alas... it took 45 minutes. Time I could have been sleeping. I saw Eric walk by, so did the handshake good bye again. I saw Nunik, the bar waitress from when I worked in the piano bar. She was signing off today too. Which reminds me, the night before, Agnes stopped by and gave me a huge hug goodbye because she was leaving. So I gave her my info, and told her to stay in touch.
After the 45 minutes went by, I got off the ship and called Nick, and talked with him about his wedding, a funny commercial skit idea he had “Don-Don”. Um, Christmas, and some other various things. When we finished up, I went into starbucks, got a Eggnog, and got online and started downloading updates for my computer and such, and talked with some friends.
Afterwards, I went up to the sushi place and got some sushi... Which was delicious. Then I went to gamestop and traded in 3 games to get Modern Warfare 2. THEN I went to Sam Goodys to get Switchfoot’s new album. As I paid for it, the lady asked me if I saw them in concert yesterday. I told her no. She said they set up right in the store I was at and played for a couple hours. DAMNIT. I missed it by ONE DAY! The band is from San Diego, so, it’s pretty crazy that I was that CLOSE!
After that, called Dad, and went back to the ship. I was delayed a bit by a veterans day parade. I made it back to the ship, played my game for a little bit, and took a nap until boat drill. Had boat drill, and went to our meeting, where Stu explained the situation of the cruise director stuff to everyone.
Then we split up and I went and played more of the game until 7ish, and went and restrung my guitar. At 7:30, I got playing, and within moments it was a busy bar, and I was having the best time I’ve had since the large group my first rivera run. A couple girls Anna and Megan were watching me and they said I was the best on the ship from what they gathered, so I played lots of new songs and got a good reaction. I talked to them during the break. Anna’s birthday was the reason they were here on the ship. She was turning 18.
After my gig, I went to my room and watched the Switchfoot dvd, and fell asleep.
My alarm went off at 8 AM. I felt fine, but decided I didn’t need an hour to get ready so I went back to sleep until what I hoped would be 8:30.. But was 9:02, so I jumped up and quickly got dressed, and ran to class. We went to the bow of the ship and practiced some techniques one of the release cables for the lifeboats. We also examined the shell of the life rafts.
I went back to my room, and started working on a song recording for a special event I can’t mention here.
Then I got dressed up and had to play 5-6, 7-8, and 9:30 to 12ish. The crowd was off and on, but still better than the last 3 cruises. Megan and Anna bumped into me while I was at the Cafe, and I asked what they did for the day. They said not much of anything. There wasn’t much to do during the day. Which is kind of true...
They came back and watched me play for a bit, and then they went to see the jazz hot show. Then came back and asked if I wanted to see the comedian. I said if I wasn’t busy, I would. Sure enough, the business had died so I was able to go. On another note, ANOTHER person won 25k or the BMW. She took the car. That’s two 25k prizes and and 14k in 4 days. That’s insane!
I went to the comedian and sat with them. Tom was funny. I’d seen him before but he’s a funny guy.
Afterwards I talked with the girls and Anna’s brother for a bit. Showed them some pictures of my travel thus far, and clips of my album. Which they both really wanted afterwards. So, that’s neat!
They went to bed, and on my way to my room I bumped into Jackob, the trombone player, who was pretty tanked... And Anna, the room service waitress. I talked with them for a bit, then made my way to bed, where I eventually fell asleep.
I got up this morning at 8:30 and took a shower and got ready for class. When we got there, we had a few test questions. I think I got all mine right. We discussed them in class, and we were free. I then went to my room to work on the song more. Had lunch, and went and got an internet card, since I hadn’t been online in a couple days. Wanted to see what I missed. Turns out my song Stay or Leave was used on the Today show for one of their segments. Though it was just the intro, that’s still really cool! I continued working on the song, and now I’m a break from it to clear my ears. Then I’ll go back to it, eat dinner, work 8-1, and catch some zzzs for class, and my day off!!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
A few days... Eric's last night
When I started playing at 8, some drunk ladies were hassling me about not knowing songs they requested. They requested a lot of older country music, which isn’t my style at all.. So I didn’t feel bad saying I didn’t have them. They eventually left and I just did my set until 9, where I went and sat and talked with Maria for a bit. Then some future car show on the Discovery channel in the break room.
My second set was quiet, and uneventful. I went down to the mess and ate some noodles, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich (Haven’t had one of those since Delaware,) and a tiny bit of icecream. I went back up and played another set. Stu stopped by and asked for me to play “Say it Ain’t So” by Weezer. Afterwards he told me he wasn’t coming up to check on me just to check on me. He really liked my music and thinks I’m really awesome.He said he’d buy a couple CDs in the coming days.
I took a break and talked with a couple that had been out to see me a couple times. We talked about my career choices and school and all that stuff.
Afterwards, I went to my room to drop off my computer. I bumped into Eric, who was looking to get the girl he liked down to his room. I told him I was going to the party to tell Michelle happy birthday.
I went to the crew bar because she said that’s where they’d be, and sure enough, Michelle, Rezalee, and Michael were there. As the night progressed the whole casino staff was there. Lots of pictures were taken. Michelle was turning 35. I couldn’t believe it! She doesn’t look a day over 25! I talked with Ruxandra and Rezalee the most.
After a couple hours, I was getting tired and decided to go to bed.. Got class in the morning!
The next day, we had class out on deck. We witnessed the lowering of a lifeboat. At one point there was a technical difficulty and the boat jerked back and forth throwing the guy inside around, and the guy outside lost his hard hat. Pretty crazy stuff. Made it a little more real for me.
I went back to my room and worked more on the cartoon. I had my meals and kept low until 4:30. I went up on Lido and set up and got playing for my hour. The crowd was very receptive and I had a great time. I played mostly 60’s and 70’s music. An older lady came to me and told me she knew all the songs but could never understand the words but I sang so clearly she could understand everything and she thanked me for that.
After playing I dropped my stuff off and ate dinner with Eric, Thomas and Claire... then it was just Eric and I. He and I talked about the stuff that went on the night before. Which apparently nothing did. He went to her (Lauren) room, but lots of little things went down where nothing but making out happened.
After dinner, I went and played 9-1. I had a good time, thought it was kind of dead. I’ve been feeling kind of out of it lately. Not much of an audience...
When I was done with my gig, I went to my room to go to sleep, but a knock at the door came. It was Eric, who needed my assistance with his girl.
So we all went up for some pizza. We talked about lots of stuff. We decided that Lauren was the girl version of me. She’s real down to earth, and had Eric’s and my personality. Lots of “that’s what she said” jokes. Cool girl. We were up late and I helped get them to their destination.
The next morning we had an hour and a half of class. I was very VERY tired. So when I got back to my room, I planned to take an hour and a half nap and meet Glenn for lunch to talk about our show. Unfortunately I was so tired, I slept until 3. I felt great for it though. I just worked on the show more. Drew more characters and sets. Played 8-1 and then Eric,Lauren and I did the same tango as the night before. Though, my steelers played the Broncos last night, and the Steelers KICKED ASS. We won 28-10. I managed to watch the first half before work, and finish the 4th quarter during my break.
Today, I woke up at 8:50 and went to class. We finished the book, and I came back to my room and continued more on the cartoon and watched more of The Office. I managed to talk with Eric, and he called to tell me he did the practical joke I asked him to do to Lauren. He called her by my name.. Haha... In the right context it’s funny. It’s sad because this is his last night on the ship. So I told him we had to hang out during breaks and at the end of the night.
I did my first hour, which I felt very upbeat and into the music, which showed because people got into it. On my break I went up to see Eric in the piano bar. His bar was pretty busy. I sat with Lauren and her friend. Her and I talked about some various things, my album, and such. Eric announced over the mic he would come hang out with me in a moment. Everyone assumed we were gay. But believe me.. that’s not the case. Not after what I helped him through yesterday for Lauren.
I played my second hour and it was a bit better. Then I made my way back to the Piano bar, and sat with Lauren again. Then Eric came over and we chatted about various stuff.
Then I did my last couple sets. At the end of my last set, Eric and Lauren came to watch me. I sold 3 CDs tonight. I did all of Eric’s requests, since he’s leaving. Then we all went up and ate pizza, and I showed Lauren some of the cartoon, and stuff.
We all said our goodbyes on the 1st floor. I announced it was kind of sad, because it’s all like this is a dream, because tomorrow, they’ll both be gone, and I’ll be on my own again. I won’t be up to meeting new people at this point because I have school to focus on in the coming months.
Eric came to the room and we said our goodbyes, and got the business cards, and we both said we’d stay in touch. I’d definitely call him for a tour.
And now... I’m going to get an hour sleep before Immigration. San Diego day!
My second set was quiet, and uneventful. I went down to the mess and ate some noodles, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich (Haven’t had one of those since Delaware,) and a tiny bit of icecream. I went back up and played another set. Stu stopped by and asked for me to play “Say it Ain’t So” by Weezer. Afterwards he told me he wasn’t coming up to check on me just to check on me. He really liked my music and thinks I’m really awesome.He said he’d buy a couple CDs in the coming days.
I took a break and talked with a couple that had been out to see me a couple times. We talked about my career choices and school and all that stuff.
Afterwards, I went to my room to drop off my computer. I bumped into Eric, who was looking to get the girl he liked down to his room. I told him I was going to the party to tell Michelle happy birthday.
I went to the crew bar because she said that’s where they’d be, and sure enough, Michelle, Rezalee, and Michael were there. As the night progressed the whole casino staff was there. Lots of pictures were taken. Michelle was turning 35. I couldn’t believe it! She doesn’t look a day over 25! I talked with Ruxandra and Rezalee the most.
After a couple hours, I was getting tired and decided to go to bed.. Got class in the morning!
The next day, we had class out on deck. We witnessed the lowering of a lifeboat. At one point there was a technical difficulty and the boat jerked back and forth throwing the guy inside around, and the guy outside lost his hard hat. Pretty crazy stuff. Made it a little more real for me.
I went back to my room and worked more on the cartoon. I had my meals and kept low until 4:30. I went up on Lido and set up and got playing for my hour. The crowd was very receptive and I had a great time. I played mostly 60’s and 70’s music. An older lady came to me and told me she knew all the songs but could never understand the words but I sang so clearly she could understand everything and she thanked me for that.
After playing I dropped my stuff off and ate dinner with Eric, Thomas and Claire... then it was just Eric and I. He and I talked about the stuff that went on the night before. Which apparently nothing did. He went to her (Lauren) room, but lots of little things went down where nothing but making out happened.
After dinner, I went and played 9-1. I had a good time, thought it was kind of dead. I’ve been feeling kind of out of it lately. Not much of an audience...
When I was done with my gig, I went to my room to go to sleep, but a knock at the door came. It was Eric, who needed my assistance with his girl.
So we all went up for some pizza. We talked about lots of stuff. We decided that Lauren was the girl version of me. She’s real down to earth, and had Eric’s and my personality. Lots of “that’s what she said” jokes. Cool girl. We were up late and I helped get them to their destination.
The next morning we had an hour and a half of class. I was very VERY tired. So when I got back to my room, I planned to take an hour and a half nap and meet Glenn for lunch to talk about our show. Unfortunately I was so tired, I slept until 3. I felt great for it though. I just worked on the show more. Drew more characters and sets. Played 8-1 and then Eric,Lauren and I did the same tango as the night before. Though, my steelers played the Broncos last night, and the Steelers KICKED ASS. We won 28-10. I managed to watch the first half before work, and finish the 4th quarter during my break.
Today, I woke up at 8:50 and went to class. We finished the book, and I came back to my room and continued more on the cartoon and watched more of The Office. I managed to talk with Eric, and he called to tell me he did the practical joke I asked him to do to Lauren. He called her by my name.. Haha... In the right context it’s funny. It’s sad because this is his last night on the ship. So I told him we had to hang out during breaks and at the end of the night.
I did my first hour, which I felt very upbeat and into the music, which showed because people got into it. On my break I went up to see Eric in the piano bar. His bar was pretty busy. I sat with Lauren and her friend. Her and I talked about some various things, my album, and such. Eric announced over the mic he would come hang out with me in a moment. Everyone assumed we were gay. But believe me.. that’s not the case. Not after what I helped him through yesterday for Lauren.
I played my second hour and it was a bit better. Then I made my way back to the Piano bar, and sat with Lauren again. Then Eric came over and we chatted about various stuff.
Then I did my last couple sets. At the end of my last set, Eric and Lauren came to watch me. I sold 3 CDs tonight. I did all of Eric’s requests, since he’s leaving. Then we all went up and ate pizza, and I showed Lauren some of the cartoon, and stuff.
We all said our goodbyes on the 1st floor. I announced it was kind of sad, because it’s all like this is a dream, because tomorrow, they’ll both be gone, and I’ll be on my own again. I won’t be up to meeting new people at this point because I have school to focus on in the coming months.
Eric came to the room and we said our goodbyes, and got the business cards, and we both said we’d stay in touch. I’d definitely call him for a tour.
And now... I’m going to get an hour sleep before Immigration. San Diego day!
Saturday, November 7, 2009
New guitar and 2 months to go!
What a busy few days. It’s been a week since I updated! So, remembering certain days in exact detail will be harder. After the halloween party, the rest of the cruise was just laid back and boring. Not much going on the last few days.
SAN DIEGO DAY, which was Tuesday, I was VERY excited about getting my guitar. I didn’t know when it would be delivered the day but I was going to get it no matter what.
I went into town to Starbucks, called Nick, and downloaded some updates for my software I’d been meaning to update. Got the very first Eggnog of the season from Starbucks they said. So, that was a neat fun fact. After being there for an hour and a half of updating and catching up with friends, I went to the music store to get more strap locks, and strings. The guy said he had a bunch of ES-335s coming in and If I wanted to check them out to come by later in the day. But I explained I have no more cash for huge purchases like that. I’ve bought all the guitars I could want for the next couple years.
As I was walking back I decided to get some lunch from the Japanese place with Sushi. On my way over, I saw a Fed Ex Ground truck (which my guitar should be on.) As I walked up to it, I saw Aaron, the trumpet player (whose also in my SCC class.) I told him the situation. He didn’t think I should ask the driver because it might seem too pushy. But alas, I did anyways. The driver said he didn’t deliver in that particular area of the ship, but he tried calling the driver who did, who didn’t pick up unfortunately.
He told me to keep an eye out for a smaller Fed Ex truck in the area. So, I went and ate my quick lunch. On my way out I called Felicia and talked with her for a few minutes as I made my way down towards the ship. When she hung up, I bumped into Chris, the new Bass player, I talked with him for a bit. Chris is a real funny guy. At various times at dinner when I’ve sat with him, I laugh to tears almost every time.
I dropped my computer and strings off at the ship, and went back outside in search of my guitar! I kept checking the FED EX website to see if it had been delivered, which it had not been. So, I flagged down a taxi, and had him drop me off at the place where they accept our deliveries. I went inside and asked if they had it, and they searched for a few moments and let me know they did not. I asked the taxi driver for his number so I could call him back when it had gotten there. So he drove off, and I went outside and called my dad and filled him in on everything. I hadn’t talked with him in a couple weeks, but there wasn’t that much to fill him in on. Just the guitars, and work.
Then, mid-conversation, the Fedex ground truck came driving down the street. I quickly got excited. Then he kept going. I was a little bummed, but then he turned around and came back to the building and sure enough had my gibson ES-335 guitar.
So, I called up the taxi guy, whom came and picked me up, and dropped me off at the ship. Midway there though, Don, the salesman from Sweetwater that sold me the guitar, called and told me it had been delivered and asked if I had received it. I informed him I did, and he asked how I liked it. I let him know I hadn’t seen it yet, but he asked me to drop him an email and let him know what I thought of it. He said it was a wonderful guitar.
I ran to my room and tore that box open and saw it. It had one of the case covers that keeps dust off of the guitar. I removed that, and I looked at the new guitar. Absolutely gorgeous. Great playability.
I went up stairs, and talked to my dad a little longer, then I had boat-drill. So I went and did that. Then we had a meeting (the entertainment staff). Stu told us about a new head of Entertainment department of the cooperation, and said we really had to give 100% at each show. Then he asked for the musicians and I to stay behind.
He told us that we really need to start doing the 5 hours fully. We had a little pow wow of questions and comments. A lot of people seemed upset they have to do 5 hours, but honestly, I’ve been doing 5 hours most nights as it is already, as I was told by Chuck and Gerhard when I first came on the ship. So nothing’s really changing for me.
I ran to my room and got my guitar and went to work at 5:30 pm. I did ask Stu and Peter if I could not play that early during the day because it truly is a waste of my time. Nobody can gamble that early and most people don’t unless it’s a sea day. Night time is where I belong in there.
On breaks I would take my guitar to the break room in the Casino and just play along. I actually came up with a cool riff on it. So I recorded it on my Iphone to keep.
Maria, one of the Casino dealers had nobody at her table when I started so I played all her favorite songs, which made her very grateful. She would wink at me and smile and do little silent claps. She asked me for some lyrics to the songs she likes, which I still need to do.
I finished up at 10:30, and I went back to my room and took it easy.
First seaday, Wednesday, November 4th, my voice was rough from just lack of sleep I suppose. I went to SCC class. That was long... I started working on a song, and managed to write it and it’s called “Polar Opposite”. I tracked the song and got it about 80% finished, and the program froze and crashed... and I hadn’t saved anything.... So... very PISSED OFF, I laid down about 60% of it again, and took a break from it. I practiced some spanish. Eric came over and I gave him some suggestions on some recording equipment he should get while he’s out on the cruise ship.
He showed me some original songs that will be coming out on his new album. They were actually very impressive. I gave him my little critiques on the production stuff, but otherwise, very strong songs.
I had work at 5-6, 7-8, 9:30 to 12:30. So I did my sets. Around 10:30, I was starting to shake a little. Not too sure from what that was from. My voice hadn’t been able to do much of what I wanted. At 12, Stu and this other gentleman came up, and Stu asked for Foo Fighters. So I played “Times like these”, but he wanted “Everlong.” I had just played that song a couple songs before he walked in. But since it was kind of dead, I did, and he was overjoyed. He hung out until I was done. Then Eric came down and talked with me, and these two girls I had seen came over. They were from Chicago, but they asked if we wanted to go to disco. We did. One of the girls had a boyfriend back home. Her brother came along too. The other one was flirting heavy with Eric. The girl Eric has kind of had a thing for was in the Disco too, so he had me distract the girl while he snuck over and talked to the girl.
After about an hour of waiting, I decided to go to bed, since I had class at 9 am. Clocks were going forward too.. Soo.. I ran to my room and passed out.
At 8:45 I was sooo tired, but I got up and went to class. As 9 o clock came around, I noticed no one was there... Then a girl came in... And we waited until 9:05 then she said “Oh yeah! We don’t have class today!” I was a little aggravated because I don’t remember him telling us that. But I went to bed for another 3 hours and got awesome sleep. Some strange dreams, but otherwise good. I got up and worked on my recording and cartoon stuff. I had work at 8. It just wasn’t very busy. I played and played. At 12, Stu walked by with a couple people, and he saw me. I was just starting “Leaving on a Jetplane” and he did the cut it look. Which was fine.. It was dead. So I played “Everlong” again, and he was just really happy about it.
Then they made their way. NOONE was watching except dealers. So I just played songs they wanted to hear. Then I finished, and Peter came by. I guess they’re being more strict to see if we’re playing as much as we say we are. Luckily I do! I went to my room, and worked on more drawings and went to bed.
The next day, I went to class, and had two hours of that. Sasima asked me to massage her hand, so I did, and she did mine for like 5 seconds.. But my hands really need it!
After class, I went to my room, and just drew more characters, watched the Office and just took it easy on my voice. Started work on the rock version of “Scissors and Razors”. Experimented with that for a bit with the Robot Guitar. Went to dinner, and was there for about an hour and a half. Sat with three generations of eaters. First, myself, then Aaron, then Aaron and Glenn, Then Glenn and Chris.
I went back to my room and worked more and more on the cartoon and watched more of the Office.
At about 12 AM, Eric called and he told me about his date with the girl he liked. Afterwards, I went to bed because I wanted to be ready for class at 9 am.
At 8 AM, I got a phone call from the teacher of the SCC class. Class was cancelled! So, I slept until 12:30. Then worked on another scene for the cartoon and watched even MORE of the Office. I play tonight at 8! Soooo.. and also a day less than two months and I'm home!
SAN DIEGO DAY, which was Tuesday, I was VERY excited about getting my guitar. I didn’t know when it would be delivered the day but I was going to get it no matter what.
I went into town to Starbucks, called Nick, and downloaded some updates for my software I’d been meaning to update. Got the very first Eggnog of the season from Starbucks they said. So, that was a neat fun fact. After being there for an hour and a half of updating and catching up with friends, I went to the music store to get more strap locks, and strings. The guy said he had a bunch of ES-335s coming in and If I wanted to check them out to come by later in the day. But I explained I have no more cash for huge purchases like that. I’ve bought all the guitars I could want for the next couple years.
As I was walking back I decided to get some lunch from the Japanese place with Sushi. On my way over, I saw a Fed Ex Ground truck (which my guitar should be on.) As I walked up to it, I saw Aaron, the trumpet player (whose also in my SCC class.) I told him the situation. He didn’t think I should ask the driver because it might seem too pushy. But alas, I did anyways. The driver said he didn’t deliver in that particular area of the ship, but he tried calling the driver who did, who didn’t pick up unfortunately.
He told me to keep an eye out for a smaller Fed Ex truck in the area. So, I went and ate my quick lunch. On my way out I called Felicia and talked with her for a few minutes as I made my way down towards the ship. When she hung up, I bumped into Chris, the new Bass player, I talked with him for a bit. Chris is a real funny guy. At various times at dinner when I’ve sat with him, I laugh to tears almost every time.
I dropped my computer and strings off at the ship, and went back outside in search of my guitar! I kept checking the FED EX website to see if it had been delivered, which it had not been. So, I flagged down a taxi, and had him drop me off at the place where they accept our deliveries. I went inside and asked if they had it, and they searched for a few moments and let me know they did not. I asked the taxi driver for his number so I could call him back when it had gotten there. So he drove off, and I went outside and called my dad and filled him in on everything. I hadn’t talked with him in a couple weeks, but there wasn’t that much to fill him in on. Just the guitars, and work.
Then, mid-conversation, the Fedex ground truck came driving down the street. I quickly got excited. Then he kept going. I was a little bummed, but then he turned around and came back to the building and sure enough had my gibson ES-335 guitar.
So, I called up the taxi guy, whom came and picked me up, and dropped me off at the ship. Midway there though, Don, the salesman from Sweetwater that sold me the guitar, called and told me it had been delivered and asked if I had received it. I informed him I did, and he asked how I liked it. I let him know I hadn’t seen it yet, but he asked me to drop him an email and let him know what I thought of it. He said it was a wonderful guitar.
I ran to my room and tore that box open and saw it. It had one of the case covers that keeps dust off of the guitar. I removed that, and I looked at the new guitar. Absolutely gorgeous. Great playability.
I went up stairs, and talked to my dad a little longer, then I had boat-drill. So I went and did that. Then we had a meeting (the entertainment staff). Stu told us about a new head of Entertainment department of the cooperation, and said we really had to give 100% at each show. Then he asked for the musicians and I to stay behind.
He told us that we really need to start doing the 5 hours fully. We had a little pow wow of questions and comments. A lot of people seemed upset they have to do 5 hours, but honestly, I’ve been doing 5 hours most nights as it is already, as I was told by Chuck and Gerhard when I first came on the ship. So nothing’s really changing for me.
I ran to my room and got my guitar and went to work at 5:30 pm. I did ask Stu and Peter if I could not play that early during the day because it truly is a waste of my time. Nobody can gamble that early and most people don’t unless it’s a sea day. Night time is where I belong in there.
On breaks I would take my guitar to the break room in the Casino and just play along. I actually came up with a cool riff on it. So I recorded it on my Iphone to keep.
Maria, one of the Casino dealers had nobody at her table when I started so I played all her favorite songs, which made her very grateful. She would wink at me and smile and do little silent claps. She asked me for some lyrics to the songs she likes, which I still need to do.
I finished up at 10:30, and I went back to my room and took it easy.
First seaday, Wednesday, November 4th, my voice was rough from just lack of sleep I suppose. I went to SCC class. That was long... I started working on a song, and managed to write it and it’s called “Polar Opposite”. I tracked the song and got it about 80% finished, and the program froze and crashed... and I hadn’t saved anything.... So... very PISSED OFF, I laid down about 60% of it again, and took a break from it. I practiced some spanish. Eric came over and I gave him some suggestions on some recording equipment he should get while he’s out on the cruise ship.
He showed me some original songs that will be coming out on his new album. They were actually very impressive. I gave him my little critiques on the production stuff, but otherwise, very strong songs.
I had work at 5-6, 7-8, 9:30 to 12:30. So I did my sets. Around 10:30, I was starting to shake a little. Not too sure from what that was from. My voice hadn’t been able to do much of what I wanted. At 12, Stu and this other gentleman came up, and Stu asked for Foo Fighters. So I played “Times like these”, but he wanted “Everlong.” I had just played that song a couple songs before he walked in. But since it was kind of dead, I did, and he was overjoyed. He hung out until I was done. Then Eric came down and talked with me, and these two girls I had seen came over. They were from Chicago, but they asked if we wanted to go to disco. We did. One of the girls had a boyfriend back home. Her brother came along too. The other one was flirting heavy with Eric. The girl Eric has kind of had a thing for was in the Disco too, so he had me distract the girl while he snuck over and talked to the girl.
After about an hour of waiting, I decided to go to bed, since I had class at 9 am. Clocks were going forward too.. Soo.. I ran to my room and passed out.
At 8:45 I was sooo tired, but I got up and went to class. As 9 o clock came around, I noticed no one was there... Then a girl came in... And we waited until 9:05 then she said “Oh yeah! We don’t have class today!” I was a little aggravated because I don’t remember him telling us that. But I went to bed for another 3 hours and got awesome sleep. Some strange dreams, but otherwise good. I got up and worked on my recording and cartoon stuff. I had work at 8. It just wasn’t very busy. I played and played. At 12, Stu walked by with a couple people, and he saw me. I was just starting “Leaving on a Jetplane” and he did the cut it look. Which was fine.. It was dead. So I played “Everlong” again, and he was just really happy about it.
Then they made their way. NOONE was watching except dealers. So I just played songs they wanted to hear. Then I finished, and Peter came by. I guess they’re being more strict to see if we’re playing as much as we say we are. Luckily I do! I went to my room, and worked on more drawings and went to bed.
The next day, I went to class, and had two hours of that. Sasima asked me to massage her hand, so I did, and she did mine for like 5 seconds.. But my hands really need it!
After class, I went to my room, and just drew more characters, watched the Office and just took it easy on my voice. Started work on the rock version of “Scissors and Razors”. Experimented with that for a bit with the Robot Guitar. Went to dinner, and was there for about an hour and a half. Sat with three generations of eaters. First, myself, then Aaron, then Aaron and Glenn, Then Glenn and Chris.
I went back to my room and worked more and more on the cartoon and watched more of the Office.
At about 12 AM, Eric called and he told me about his date with the girl he liked. Afterwards, I went to bed because I wanted to be ready for class at 9 am.
At 8 AM, I got a phone call from the teacher of the SCC class. Class was cancelled! So, I slept until 12:30. Then worked on another scene for the cartoon and watched even MORE of the Office. I play tonight at 8! Soooo.. and also a day less than two months and I'm home!
Monday, November 2, 2009
Halloween!
The night of being confined to my room was pretty unentertaining. I started messing with my cartoon program, and relearning it since I hadn’t used it since I got on the ship. The bread didn’t satisfy my stomach after a couple hours, and I became a slave to it. I wanted something real.... I then wanted someone to sneak me in some snicker bars to hold me over until I could eat real food the next day.
I tried calling Eric all through out the night (hoping to catch him on break). Unfortunately he never picked up... Strangely enough.. someone DID pick up and disconnected the phone. So I think someone got annoyed.
As I PANICKED in STARVATION (Which I know most of you are thinking.. Geez Derek.. Calm down... it’s one meal.) I hadn’t eaten anything that day but bread and bananas! So, I called room service, and they said they’d send me some more.
When room service showed up, they brought not only the bread, bananas, hot tea with various selections, and a cup of different sugar and sugar substitutes, but ALSO yogurt. But not just any yogurt. No... the kind of yogurt that has no sweet flavor. They brought two things worth. So as I sat in my room just wanting to get the food in my stomach to stop the hunger, I got an idea. I cut up one of the bananas in half and smashed it and mixed it with the yogurt. It was OK, but it could have been better.. so with the other cup of yogurt, I did the same thing BUT added brown sugar to get some more sweetness. That did the trick. Then I made two other banana and bread sandwiches.
My hunger was satisfied.... Then I went back with toying with a character I drew in the program and trying to get the bone system working. Eventually I got tired around 3:30 AM and went to bed.
I woke up to a phone call... It was the SCC teacher from class giving me a wake up (he’s a cool guy. He was just looking out for me.) I told him the situation and he said feel better and see ya tomorrow!
I passed back out, and got a phone call an hour later from Aaron asking if I want my ID back... Which I didn’t need. So I said no and passed back out. I woke up at 1... I needed the sleep. I hadn’t had any in awhile. I worked more on the cartoon.
At 3, I decided to sneak out of my room to get a capper to see when I played... Which to my guess, was 5-6 on lido, and 9-late in the Casino. I called Peter to ask what I should do since I couldn’t be signed off until 5.
He apparently wasn’t told I was sick, and had no idea I missed the night before. He said if I couldn’t be signed off ‘till then.. then that’s the way it had to be, but to still go up and play as long as I can.
I decided I didn’t want to rush to get set up and play. So I snuck out to get my microphone, and cables, and restrung my guitar. At 4:30 I went to the Infirmary to see if they could sign me off a little early. I felt fine so I didn’t see a point to be stuck. So they checked my temperature.. asked if I had cramps.. and then let me go.
I ran up to lido, to find a big table in front of the stage with 5 huge pumpkins and a bunch of chefs standing around. Turns out there was going to be a carving contest at the time I was playing. So I got set up, but I couldn’t figure out why my sound wasn’t coming out of the PA (this PA is set up SO different from anything I’ve used before.)
Jen, one of the social hosts showed up and was going to be hosting the contest. She helped me figure it out. Jen was the smart girl I met early on in the contract. We’ve talked a little more since all that. She was gone last week for a wedding. This is her last week, and then she has off for 2 months.
She called Cha-Cha (stage manager... who took James’ job when he left.) Cha-Cha helped me get my sound sounding good. Jen introduced the carvers, and as the people carved, I played music. Probably a good 200 people watching. Good crowd. Unfortunately, when the carving was over, most of the people left.
I broke down at 6, and dropped my stuff off at the stage, and went to eat a real meal. Since I haven’t had a REAL one in a couple days. I ordered a cheese burger and fries :)
Everyone was getting ready for halloween. We were allowed to wear costumes out in work. So as I saw everyone I decided I wanted to be something. So I got my dress shirt and rolled my sleeves up, pulled the shirt out, wore my dress pants baggy, my tennis shoes, gelled my hair up, and wore a neck tie half tied... and wore my purple les paul. I was a punk rocker!
So I did my gig, and then made my way to the party in the Versailles lounge. The philipino band was playing. They were doing a medley of Queen song... but really WELL! Bohemian Rhapsody was brilliant!
Mariya, the new casino dealer was a Gladiator... She was GORGEOUS. Good God. My friend Ruxandra was a Sailor.. with heavy eye shadow. Eric was one of the Dick in a box dudes. Ruxandra and Mariya got me to dance with them a bit. Then I made my way around, and all the musicians were admiring my new guitar. Some of the girls told me to gel my hair the way I have it every day. My friend Scott was Jesus. He poured water on the floor and walked on it. Pretty funny dude.
Afterwards, went up to the lido deck and hung out with Eric and another dude.
Went to bed... I’ll update about today’s tomorrow!
I tried calling Eric all through out the night (hoping to catch him on break). Unfortunately he never picked up... Strangely enough.. someone DID pick up and disconnected the phone. So I think someone got annoyed.
As I PANICKED in STARVATION (Which I know most of you are thinking.. Geez Derek.. Calm down... it’s one meal.) I hadn’t eaten anything that day but bread and bananas! So, I called room service, and they said they’d send me some more.
When room service showed up, they brought not only the bread, bananas, hot tea with various selections, and a cup of different sugar and sugar substitutes, but ALSO yogurt. But not just any yogurt. No... the kind of yogurt that has no sweet flavor. They brought two things worth. So as I sat in my room just wanting to get the food in my stomach to stop the hunger, I got an idea. I cut up one of the bananas in half and smashed it and mixed it with the yogurt. It was OK, but it could have been better.. so with the other cup of yogurt, I did the same thing BUT added brown sugar to get some more sweetness. That did the trick. Then I made two other banana and bread sandwiches.
My hunger was satisfied.... Then I went back with toying with a character I drew in the program and trying to get the bone system working. Eventually I got tired around 3:30 AM and went to bed.
I woke up to a phone call... It was the SCC teacher from class giving me a wake up (he’s a cool guy. He was just looking out for me.) I told him the situation and he said feel better and see ya tomorrow!
I passed back out, and got a phone call an hour later from Aaron asking if I want my ID back... Which I didn’t need. So I said no and passed back out. I woke up at 1... I needed the sleep. I hadn’t had any in awhile. I worked more on the cartoon.
At 3, I decided to sneak out of my room to get a capper to see when I played... Which to my guess, was 5-6 on lido, and 9-late in the Casino. I called Peter to ask what I should do since I couldn’t be signed off until 5.
He apparently wasn’t told I was sick, and had no idea I missed the night before. He said if I couldn’t be signed off ‘till then.. then that’s the way it had to be, but to still go up and play as long as I can.
I decided I didn’t want to rush to get set up and play. So I snuck out to get my microphone, and cables, and restrung my guitar. At 4:30 I went to the Infirmary to see if they could sign me off a little early. I felt fine so I didn’t see a point to be stuck. So they checked my temperature.. asked if I had cramps.. and then let me go.
I ran up to lido, to find a big table in front of the stage with 5 huge pumpkins and a bunch of chefs standing around. Turns out there was going to be a carving contest at the time I was playing. So I got set up, but I couldn’t figure out why my sound wasn’t coming out of the PA (this PA is set up SO different from anything I’ve used before.)
Jen, one of the social hosts showed up and was going to be hosting the contest. She helped me figure it out. Jen was the smart girl I met early on in the contract. We’ve talked a little more since all that. She was gone last week for a wedding. This is her last week, and then she has off for 2 months.
She called Cha-Cha (stage manager... who took James’ job when he left.) Cha-Cha helped me get my sound sounding good. Jen introduced the carvers, and as the people carved, I played music. Probably a good 200 people watching. Good crowd. Unfortunately, when the carving was over, most of the people left.
I broke down at 6, and dropped my stuff off at the stage, and went to eat a real meal. Since I haven’t had a REAL one in a couple days. I ordered a cheese burger and fries :)
Everyone was getting ready for halloween. We were allowed to wear costumes out in work. So as I saw everyone I decided I wanted to be something. So I got my dress shirt and rolled my sleeves up, pulled the shirt out, wore my dress pants baggy, my tennis shoes, gelled my hair up, and wore a neck tie half tied... and wore my purple les paul. I was a punk rocker!
So I did my gig, and then made my way to the party in the Versailles lounge. The philipino band was playing. They were doing a medley of Queen song... but really WELL! Bohemian Rhapsody was brilliant!
Mariya, the new casino dealer was a Gladiator... She was GORGEOUS. Good God. My friend Ruxandra was a Sailor.. with heavy eye shadow. Eric was one of the Dick in a box dudes. Ruxandra and Mariya got me to dance with them a bit. Then I made my way around, and all the musicians were admiring my new guitar. Some of the girls told me to gel my hair the way I have it every day. My friend Scott was Jesus. He poured water on the floor and walked on it. Pretty funny dude.
Afterwards, went up to the lido deck and hung out with Eric and another dude.
Went to bed... I’ll update about today’s tomorrow!
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