Good Things

It’s 1:36 AM right now, and I’m about to set my clock forward an hour as we make our way towards Vancouver. Today, I slept in, since I was up so late last night. I woke up at 11. Got cleaned up and went and ate lunch, which consisted much of fruit and yogurt. I love the fact that that’s available every day. It makes me so happy when I see it!
Afterwards I checked the Caper, which listed me as playing from 9:30 to late in the Piano bar. A very late start compared to my other times. So, I went to my room and started recording a demo of my new song. I managed to get through the drums, bass, and guitars. My voice wasn’t too warmed up so I’ll work on that in the next couple days. Afterwards, I just played some games on the psp, and watched Forrest Gump. Such a good movie. Afterwards, I made my way to dinner, and managed to burn the top of my mouth with HOT Mashed potatoes. The outside of the potatoes weren’t steaming, so I thought I’d be fine. How wrong I was. The hot stuff was in the middle..so that got me good.
After dinner, I went upstairs and talked with Megan and Amanda a little bit.. Then went down to the crew training area (in this place you can learn another language, learn how to use a pc, learn business, how to save money, powerpoint and many other things in your free time. I went and talked with Simon for a bit in boredom, but decided I would try learning Spanish for real... Since I have so much time on my hands. I’ll start tomorrow around 10 AM.
Afterwards, I came to my room, and ended up taking an hour nap because of a minor headache. I woke up around 8:45, and got my stuff together and went to the piano bar, There was a girl there, that I had seen the first day of this cruise. Found out she was a senior in high school from Colorado. And she has taken 7 years of violin. I ended up starting at 9:15 because I was bored, and because she was there to listen.
After about 45 minutes, another couple came in, and started requesting lots of my soft ballads. Billy Joel, Elton John, and others in the genre. Found out the woman was a nurse who travels to different ships every two cruises.But her and her husband enjoyed it very much, which I was most happy for. Then they left, and a group of Indians (folks from India) sat around and asked if I knew Beatles. So I played through all the Beatles songs and they sang along, and they requested more and more. Then a c ouple other ladies joined, and then some of the 14 year olds that were watching a few nights ago. It was a pretty cool group. Then everyone realized that the clocks were being pushed forward, so most of them went to bed. The two girls hung and asked lots of questions about my job, and how I got it and such.
I was finished at about 1. Got my stuff and put it in my room, then went to go get a bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch. I was starving! My boss, and some of my fellow musicians were there, so I went and sat with them. My boss, whose name is Gerhard, joked that he needed me to play 10 hours tomorrow. Then he said he had a paper he needed me to sign. I asked if it was a bad piece of paper, and he shrugged his shoulders and said “I guess you’ll just have to see”.
I’m not gonna lie.. I was a little worried. I wasn’t sure if I missed something, or whatever. So I finished up my cereal and went to go retrieve the paper. It was a positive comment sheet. It was filled out by Gerhard, saying “Derek is a high energy performer and shows outstanding people skills, no matter if it's among his fellow crew members or if it's indulging guests into his music. After performing already 4 hours on 7/27, Derek was needed to sub in the piano bar where he performed nonstop for another 2.5 hours and quadrupled bar revenue compared to average nights.” It was signed by both the Cruise director and Gerhard. So, that was a pretty cool thing to see. Boasts the morale a bit. I don’t know where it’s being sent too and what it means for me exactly, but at least I know I’m doing my job well, and I’m fitting in well.

Well, it’s 1:57... but let’s just say it’s 2:57. I’m off to sleep!

Working out and being social

Last night was pretty uneventful. In fact, I fell asleep by 11 o clock. I woke up at 6:40 to the sound of some loud motor below (one of the engines, I guess). Took about an hour to fall back asleep. Then I woke up at 10:45. I quickly got dressed, for I was due at a boat drill. So I got my green hat and life jacket and arrived to see Amanda, Bryan, Doug (another soloist), Simon (One of the training personnel from England. Really cool guy) and James (sound tech) with many others. The drill consisted of us being shown where all the life boats and life rafts were and then told that in three weeks the coast guard was coming on the ship for a drill, so they wanted to make sure we all knew what we were doing.

Afterwards, I went and got my workout clothes on and went to the gym. It was pretty empty. I ran on the treadmill and the elliptical machines. Tomorrow, I’ll work on lifting some stuff for weight loss.

I ran back to my room, showered up, and went to lunch, which consisted largely of fruit, and yogurt. Pretty delicious if I do say so myself.

Then I went BACK to my room, and found myself blocked in by painters, that were repainting our area. So I was stuck in my room until 4:40. I got my tux on and went and played in the atrium for an hour. It was a real good crowd this time around. I miss playing there. I love standing and playing. I noticed the guy who worked with the Goo Goo Dolls there listening with his family.

After I got done, I moved my equipment to the piano bar, and then went and got some miniature Spirit ornaments that I’m going to send to some family and friends.

Then Amanda and I went and ate dinner. She pointed out a girl who was stalking the golf pro teacher. The girl was a cute blonde, and from England. She had come to me a few days earlier and said I did amazing at the show. SO, now that i have the red flag, I can’t be too nice. Being too nice sends bad messages and gets stalkers.

After dinner, I went out on the deck and just gazed at the beautiful scenery. The sun was out in a red haze, as the mountains passed us with snow on them. Quite gorgeous. Then I went to my room to hang until 8:30.

Made my way to the piano bar, and had a good little crowd hanging out. A couple had just renewed their vows for their 50th anniversary. So I tried to pull every old song out of my book as I could. Amanda visited with a Ketchikan Chocolate... and it was damned good. Definitely gave me a sugar rush. She said she’d talk to me later about going to the crew bar to socialize.

At 12 o’clock the manager said I could leave. (The ship was dead.. very old crowd on this particular cruise.) So I went to my room and got dressed in very casual clothes and decided to go to the crew bar on my own. When I got there, I didn’t see anybody I knew too well. So I went and bought a 1.5 liter bottle of water, and brought it back to my room. But refusing to give up on socializing, I went back. I noticed the bass player from the Jazz band sitting with a couple guys. He waved me over so I went and sat there. He’s around 50 years old, and he’s from England. Really nice guy. He was sitting and talking with the Golf Pro, Mike. So I chatted with both of them for awhile. I had 2 beers, but that was more than enough for me. Mike told me all about the stalker and such. He told me not to start any convos with her and avoid convos if she starts them.

A sound tech came and sat down named Trevor. He was my age, and a real nice guy as well. Mike got up at some point, so it was me, the bass player, and Trevor all talking about music, ship life, the road, etc. We all made our way to the bow deck, and continued chatting. The air was FREEZING.... Reminded me of Titanic.. as dark as it was. The bass player (he never actually gave me his name. I hope to get it tomorrow) told me he thought I sounded great and I didn’t play like a 22 year old, and that I was beyond my years. Which was a cool compliment. He said I was the right guy for the job, and was glad I got it. Trevor said he’d definitely go out of his way to come see me sometime soon. So that was all cool.

After that, I wanted to go to the lido deck (the deck where passengers eat) and use my privilege to get some good food. I went up to the pizzeria (which is open 24/7). They had salmon pizza, caesar salad pizza, and many other specialties.I stayed basic with pepperoni, but I look forward to trying the others.

WELL, I’m tired.. time to hit the sack.

Day off, and the Supper Club

Today was my day off. A VERY uneventful day. I got up at around 9, and about 10 minutes later, a drill was called for port manning (the members that had to stay on ship while in port.) I got my bright green hat, and life jacket and headed to the area that my emergency card told me to go. When I arrived, I was met by one of the security officers with a sheet of paper to sign. Afterwards, he said “thank you” and I went back to my room to drop my stuff off, and went to get lunch. While I was in the middle of eating my fruit bowl, an announcement was made for the port manning to meet in the piano bar. SO, I had to ditch my meal and went up for the 10 minute meeting. The top security officer described what port manning was, checked our cards and let us go.

On my way out, I saw Amanda and her boyfriend. They were checking the ATM machine both to notice they got paid (via direct deposit.) After they left the ship to go see Juneau, I checked the ATM as well, to find I got paid for 5 days of work during the pay period. So there was a nice 500 dollars in there. So I quickly went to my room, paid off a credit card, and other little bills.

Afterwards, I watched the movie “Hook”, and managed to get my laundry done (which is usually a very hard thing to do due to the amount of people there are sharing the little amount of washers and dryers.) But on Juneau day, most people go into town because it’s the 2nd nicest (against Vancouver).

As 6 o’clock got closer, I got dressed up in kaki pants, a dress shirt, and a tie, and I went to the Supper Club (the very luxurious restaurant at the top of the ship.) I was greeted by a couple girls that I had seen in front of the Atrium Elevators promoting the supper club. I was sat down by a window which showed nice snow mountains.

My appetizer was a crab cake, which was presented very nicely and tasted amazing. The whole feel was like cuisine. Second, I got a Caesar salad, with anchovies. THEN, I was brought the entrée, which was a huge lobster tail, delicious steak, with some sauteed mushrooms and asparagus. It was soo good. For desert, I was given 4 small cups of different deserts. THEN I was given a truffle desert from the chef.

The bill was 30 dollars. It was great service, awesome food, 5 star quality. I was very VERY impressed. You can’t get food like this anywhere else for 30 dollars. No less than 60 in most places. It will be something I’ll do from time to time as a relaxer. When I acquire tips and such.

Afterwards, I headed back to my room, and am just taking it slow tonight. Just watching some movies, and hanging in my room. Tomorrow, I got work 5-6, then 9 til late.. SO until then!

Woo wee

July 31st: 7 pm



Played my gig at the party, that 0 people showed up too. So I just used the time to practice. The crew watched, and then I showed them my macbook and began the selling pitch. Afterwards, I took more photos of outside, since the clouds lowered just right around the mountains which made for some breathtaking moments. Afterwards, I went downstairs and called my best friend, Nick. Turns out, he got married.

Him and his girlfriend have been living at his parents house, but they went and got their own place last week, and just decided to get married. Haha. They did it at the court house. Sadly, they’re shooting for a ceremony in September and I can’t make it. He said he wouldn’t have a best man if I couldn’t be there, which is really cool, but sad at the same time. It’s moments like these where you wish you had instant access to the places you’re from. I’m proud of him and how far he’s come, and his girlfriend.. I mean wife is a great girl. It’s just weird how time flies, and you find how far behind you are.

Got my gig tonight, then day off tomorrow! I’ll post some more pictures around the blog!

Until then!

Crew Bar, Disco and Beautiful Sitka

Last night was a better night than the night before. There was a small group of people that hung with me for most of the night. It was pretty fun. During one of my breaks, Amanda came and got me and we went and saw one of the staged shows. It was really cool. She told me I had to go to the disco later that night.. So.. I finished up at about 12, everybody went to see the comedian. Afterwards, I broke down, went and took my stuff to my room, and went to the crew bar. Amanda was dressed up in a blue dress. I saw a lot of people I knew. One girl Amy came and told me she thought my music was awesome, and she was the one who booked me for the crew party.

At one point, Amanda’s boyfriend came and said “You might want to look out man. I don’t know know if you’re my ‘replacement’ but she’s wild.” At first I was kind of confused on what he was talking about, but then realized. I assured him I had no intentions of dating, or trying to date. She was just one of the first people I met and first friends.

We went to the disco (the few of us) and I was a tad more social than last time. Wasn’t too many people there. After hanging for about an hour, I went and hit the sack.

This morning, I woke up pretty late. About 11. Took a shower and then went and ate some lunch. Then went and took some pictures of Sitka... There was actual SUNLIGHT, and it looked absolutely gorgeous. Now I’m hanging in my room, just waiting to play for a private party.. Then I play 9:15 to late. Alrighty, I’m out!

The 2nd Week.

Well yesterday was the start of a new cruise. I got up early thinking I had orientation... but I actually had it today... Woopps.. So I walked around the ship and listened to Jim, the other acoustic guy, Saw Marina, and spoke with her for about 2 minutes, and said I was going to try that supper club Saturday. I played at 5 to 6 in the Atrium. Got a good group going, but then and left to eat dinner and everything else, and played in the Piano bar from 9-12ish. People scurried in and out, since it’s the first day, so it wasn’t very busy. However, I did get to meet someone who worked on the preproduction of a Goo Goo Doll CD.... TALK ABOUT FREAKING AWESOME!! Really cool guy. I’m sure I’ll run into him again soon.

Met a 16 year old guy named Tyler. He was from LA. He looked like he was 23. Big music buff. Played guitar and all that. Pretty cool. I went for a late pizza snack, and then went to bed, to wake up this morning for a lifeboat drill. I felt like I knew what I was doing, and managed to help a lot of passengers in the process. So, I feel more confident about it now. Afterwards, I went to Orientation, which really was just like a “welcome to carnival” kind of thing, here’s some trainee videos on how to smile, react to bombs, sexual harassment, medical, and alcohol abuse.

And now I’m uploading pictures. I finally got my computer working on the network. I play the piano bar tonight 8- late. My voice feels a lot more recovered. Yesterday it was a little sore from the last night... Because I was so into it.

Well, I’m off!!

Last day of my first week.

July 29th, 1:54 AM

Today was a sea day. SO, pretty much everyone is on the ship and it’s a tad more crowded than usual which is fine. After my late night last night, I crashed hard. My Alarm went off at 9, and I slept more ‘til ten. Got up, took a shower, went and ate breakfast, checked internet stuff, checked out the Capper (which is like a paper that tells passengers when and where entertainment is taking place. I checked my name and it said Atrium 7:15 until 11:15. I came back to my room and napped on and off until 1, where my boss knocked on my door to sign my safety test paper. He then informed me that I’d be playing in the piano bar from 8- late. I was happy to hear that. I went back into my room, and napped until two, for when I had my PCS Test (a safety test to make sure you know what to do.)

I got a couple wrong answers, but the guy grading it helped me along. Afterwards, I got my camera and went for a walk. In the atrium there was a jazz band playing so I watched for a little bit. During that time, people that had sawme from the night before came up to me and thanked me for “saving the night,” and that it was the highlight of their cruise. Others came and told me I was great and stuff like that. All flattering. One couple, Shane and Juli, who have hung out at the atrium and watched me play every night since they had been there, saw me and we chatted for a good half hour. I’ve probably talked with them and got to know them better than anyone (passengers and crew members alike). Really nice people, and I hope to meet them again sometime in the future. They asked if I’d like to join them on a tour of the Galley. I agreed and as we started to follow the tour group, I realized we were going into a dining aread (one I shouldn’t be in for eating) and I got scared and bailed. I went back and listened to the Jazz Band. My boss was playing trumpet. Very good player.

After that, I took another nap from 4 to 5 until Dinner, and I went and ate there. Afterwards, I restrung my guitar. After that, I went up to the 3rd ship deck, and went out side and saw AMAZING glaciers. SOO gorgeous. Pictures and movies really can’t do them justice. At one point part of the ice broke and fell into the water. A huge thunder sound happened afterwards. I managed to get a picture as it hit the water, but sadly no video. After the amazing pictures, I ran back to my room to prepare for my new gig in the piano bar. I got my stuff, and got there about a half hour early. I spoke with the bartended, Nunik. She’s a very nice girl (she’s 27) and from the Philipines, but a very cool girl. She told me that last night had been her best night ever in that room after I joined. She said she wants to bartend where ever I am. She took very good care of me, making sure I had water and such. I was very appreciative.

So the bar was empty for about 15 minutes as I played, then all of a sudden EVERYONE who had been out to see me through out the week showed up and filled the bar, and it was a non stop party until 1 AM. I made 58 bucks in tips. I haven’t had a pay day yet, but so far my tips have gone to about 160 bucks. 130 of which was in the last two days. I had a great time playing. Everyone sang along, and it was one of the best gigs I had ever had. After everyone left, Nunik told me they did very well again that night, and that I was very good and she’d be surprised if I wasn’t a music director by my next contract.

I went and checked my email (I had emailed the guy who hired me and let him know I was loving the job, and that my boss liked me.) He said he’d look to see if they want to keep me on. So.. keep your fingers crossed!!

OK.. I’m going to bed. Got more orientation stuff tomorrow!