Thursday, December 21, 2006

Ah the joys of public transport!

Well, I've just arrived home after an interesting evening. Had a matinee and evening performance, went to the pub for a dring afetr - as the train home leaves at 11:28 - so timed well for everything really.

That is unless you get involved in a coversation so half-jog-half-power-walk the scary way to Moor Street. Sit on the platform for 25 minutes. They announce that due to technical probalems the last train home has been cancelled. They tell you there is alternative transport bein arranged from Snowhill - panic when you realise you don't know how to get ther - they say the next train from Platform 1 will take you there, then ou are to walk outside to get the bus.
Get on train to Snowhill with 'lady from work 'do'' and 'young guy with red hat', get off, not have clue where you are/where to go, chat happily and try to keep the mood up!

Get outside to find '2 grumpy business men (well 1 was irritated and 1 was quiet but you could fill in the gaps!)' and 'sporty lad' who had been stranded ast Snowhill and wait with 2 members of staf for coach. It was ordered at 11:50 - they (TPTB at a management level) say it will be 30 minutes - TPTB Lie.
Chat with 'young guy with red hat' until the bus finally arrives at about 12:45, by which time all are very cold, 'irritated guy' has moaned that more should have been done and all others are discussing getting money back whilst me and 'young guy in red hat' are discussing the merits of going to Uni & various guitarists and musicians.
Total of 7 people on nice coach which stops at all stations - inc. Moor Street (well, that was worth the trip!).
Offer 'young guy with red hat' lift home from Shirley 'cos he lives on the way and is the only other person not stressing. He's impressed with the car and does a good job of de-icing whilst driving. It is so cold breath freezes on the window!

'Young guy with red hat' is called Phil and recomended this to me on YouTube - go watch a fantastic piece of heartfelt guitar playing!

Wednesday, December 20, 2006

Filming, A Wedding and other stuff

Well there has been a lamentable want of posting from this end recently – mostly because of the craziness of the wedding. So I am going to do a long post (with pictures to break up the Black & White!) about several things that have happened in the last weeks.

ROANOKE



I did a days filming on this Student Feature Film (yes, that’s right – a feature not a short) in West Stow at the Saxon village there. I had a blast – even getting up to drive there at 4am and finding the entrance to the most direct route there blocked for some reason and finding a back route!

It’s about the first colony of English settlers in America – who mysteriously disappeared when their governor had o return to England leaving his pregnant daughter in charge. The team making the film are lovely and have worked incredibly hard to get it all together, if the trailer is anything to go by (see it here) it will be incredibly professional and look fantastic when finished!



THE TOP OF THE CAKE

Mum asked me to make something to go on top of the cake. As the day was to be Jez’s (her Morris Minor) birthday too I thought it only fair to include her somehow so this is the result.





THE WEDDING

It was a wonderful day, everything went smoothly, many people commented on how nice and personal the service was, the meal was at The Bell in Welford-On-Avon – we got to pick from a menu and it was gorgeous  The evening do was at the local pub in Bidford and was great, so many people having such a good time!



THE HONEY MOON

Not much news on this – especially as it didn’t sort of happen! Jez broke down 40 miles outside of Tenby and had to be towed back. After an interesting interlude at a pub with the least friendly staff in the country - the cool tow truck guy let them have a party in the truck on the way back! Apparently it sounds expensive :(


MOVING HOME

Well, most of the furniture seems to be! Alan’s parents are moving house so this house has been donated some furniture and ours is going walkabouts to other places.



THE LAST WASP

Is it just me or are the insects (not to mention the fish in our pond) getting a little confused. This guy has been in our new bathroom for the last week – next time I spot him he’s going to have to go outside!



WORK

Well I was just coming to the conclusion I should get a job after Christmas (I didn’t get the job in London) when I got a phone call out of the blue from Caroline (of the Belgrade, Cov.) on Thursday.
It went a little like this:

CAZ: Are you working at the moment?....
ME: Nope
CAZ: Do you want a Job?....
Me:Yup
CAZ:OK, Can you get here (the Alex in B’ham) in 2 hours?...

So as I was walking up to the theatre before I realised that I didn’t even know what show it was. Expecting it to be a panto I was a little surprised – nicely , though, - when I discovered it was ‘Guys & Dolls’. So I am now Follow Spot 1 until the 6th of January at the Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham.

It’s a fun show starring Nigel Harman, Bonnie Langford and Joe McGann (he would be the big draw for me! – ah memories of The Upper Hand – please someone bring it out on DVD!). However it is Nigel who gets all the whistles and whoops when he first walks on as Sky, and then can’t out to the pub without being mobbed! ah, bless.

Wednesday, November 29, 2006

rodrigo y gabriela

I have to dedicate this post to this amazing duo from Mexico. I walked into Fopp in Touchwood, Christmas shopping with a friend of mine and a track from their self-titled album was playing. For the first time ever I was actually paying attention to the track that was playing in a shop, and it rocked!



They play classical acoustic guitar in a style that I can only dream about managing with such rhythm, pulse and passion that you can't help feeling like you're in the middle of a fiesta! I immediately went to the guy behind the counter and inquired as to where I could find the album and promptly bought it.

I've read the slip inside and they've had an amazing journey - from their home country, to busking for their rent in Copenhagen to being 'discovered' and getting an album produced. They pay tribute to all the people who they've met on their way including a homeless guy in Copenhagen and the crocodile man from around where they live who is on a one man mission to save the local rare breed.

Anyhoo, I have an early start tomorrow, driving to Leeds to see some peeps so must go to bed. Please follow the links and listen to their music my favourite track at the moment is Orion but it changes every time I listen. Have Fun :)

Wednesday, November 22, 2006

Niamh Cusack, Jenna Russell, Felicity Kendal and other reasons to go to the theatre!*

Been back nearly 2 weeks now and definitely getting a sense of itchy feet/hands. Have finished sorting out the order of service for the wedding today - just got to find some suitable paper for the outside now (trip to Hobbycraft coming up - a dangerous place for me to enter!) and also to do the model for the top of the cake. The strange things one ends up doing for a wedding! I finally managed to get to the Dr's today to tell them about the beta-blocker period on the ship - now I have the joys of yet another ECG/EKG and a set of 'fasting' bloods on Monday - must remember "nil by mouth" :(

I was coming online tonight to check emails, send copies of the O.o.S to folks who need it and have a quick surf. However since I've been back I've had 'Born and Bred' on as a background/before sleep distraction and once again have felt the injustice at being denied another series. (Although I do understand the reasons - especially from a cast point of view - still a 'clear up' 2 episode special wouldn't go amiss ;) !)
Due being out of the country when it was on, I had to wait to see series 4 until it came out on DVD - which then took me a while to get round to watching because I knew what happened in the first episode, knew what my reaction would be and didn't really want my cabin mate walking in on me. (which she did any way - right at a crucial moment - love you LauraR :))

So I thought I'd have a look and see if anything was happening. Whilst rootling around I discovered that Jenna Russell is in a play at the mo called 'Amy's view' at the Garrick in London - which is starring.......Felicity Kendal

Well, I've now got a determination to go and see this as it stars 2 of my favourite actors, something I haven't felt about a play in a long time! It's a bit like the time Niamh Cusack was in 'As You Like It' at the RSC and I managed to persuade the Theatre Studies teacher to take the A-Level group and me to a pre-show talk - I was only in Year 11 and missed 3 classes to go! - Not a typical me thing to do but that's how determined I was! Also, as a result I have 2 David Tenant (Dr Who if anyone doesn't know) autographs from before he was all famous - nice bloke too :) (As well as attending that fabulous Uni the RSAMD!)**

The only problem is the getting back from London at that time of night and the £30 ticket price especially as I just spent my bonus on somChristmasas presents but mostly on getting my lovely Moffy back on the road. Still I am determined, and if I can persuade a school to let me miss 3 lessons I'm sure I can manage this!

*Yes this is the longest title ever
**Yes this is the longest post about my industry without it being something I'm involved with!

Edit: Here is "The Stage" review of the play with photo

Monday, November 20, 2006

The Dress

Here is a photo of the dress I bought (well paid for by me mum - the bride!) for the wedding. Still needing shoes and something warm (nearly bought a crush velvet midnight blue jacket!) to wear but we'll sort that out soon!





Edit:Oh yes...and I finished Geek cahse in about 3 & Half hours - well not all together - there's a reason for that- and if you're playing you'll know why!

Saturday, November 18, 2006

diva droid a gogo!

A quick update:

Have bought a dress for the wedding - Is really nice. Sort of a darl claret colout with Flowetr embroidery on it.

and in complete contrast....

Have had RD "Beat the Geek" delivered and am now well on the way with the internet Geek Chase - sooo cool! And some very clever bits - now, to set my alarm or stay up....hmmmm (get the game to find out why!)

Thursday, November 16, 2006

Home on the Range!

Yey, I'm home.......man...I'm bored!!

Although at the minute I'm nursing a stinking cold so am allowing myself to stay in bed a bit and generally mooch around!

Within the first 40 minutes of being home I discovered that:
I am the Chief Usher at the wedding ........."Bride or Groom"....
I'm designing the order of service
I'm designing a poster for the evening do to put up around the village
And I picked my flowers for my corsage - Jasmin, Stephanonsis and Ivy

Over the weekend I met the Groom and his kids - all cool - especially as I managed to drink my mum and Alan under the table - see I did learn something this season ;)

Still finding it diificult to adapt to being back - but it does take a while - I'm missing all the team being around - especially as I'm mostly home alone (which is also a nice thing - it's so confusing!)

And finally poor Moffy is VERY sick :( She failed her M.O.T (not a huge surprise - bless) and then the guy, Trevor Knight, who came to pick her up to fix her rang to tell me that there was a few other things aswell! It's going to cost somewhere between 'oich and sproooing'* to fix her and I won't get her back until the end of next week:( Still she's worth it and hopefully the old girl will have a garage soon!

Ah well, back to my 'bena and Sims2 :)

*'White Christmas' reference :)

Thursday, November 09, 2006

Flying High...

Well, Folks, the season is over and I'm on my way home - in fact I'm sat in Sharm El Sheik airport utilising the free wireless internet to type this!

Has been an amazing summer and will be very strange to be home again - especially in the throws of wedding planning - but I'm pretty sure we'll all meet up at various points :) Mac and Simon are on my flight so at least I shouldn'r have a scary PAX next to me - see you on the other side (of a 6 hour flight!!!!!)

Saturday, November 04, 2006

Adventure in the Red Sea!

WOW!!! What an amazing couple of weeks.

Today I came back from visiting Petra in Jordan. It's the canyon and tombs etc that they used to film Indiana Jones - amazing! 4 mile round walk in very hot sun but incredible to see.

Yesterday I went snorkelling for the fist time and had my first ever Scuba Diving experience!!! We went to a dive school close to the ship and snorkelled aroud the coral reef with the amazing fish. Then had our scuba intro in the swimming pool and then went into the sea by the reef and went down to about 12/13m it was incredible!! Definitely want to get my open watr certificate now!

Oh anmd to top it all off last week I went to Giza to see the Pyramids - sooo cool! (pic's link in the side bar) Also saw the falklen statue of Ramses II and the Step Pyramid of Zosser and the Sphinx. Am very tired - especially as the new team are on now and work patterns are all over the place but have had some trul unique experiences in the last coupl of weeks!

5 days to go!!!!

Wednesday, October 18, 2006

3 weeks and counting!!

OMW it's getting close!

The excitement and dread is beginning to build around the team but everything is still moving along pretty well. Have pretty musch finished all the paperwork I'm supposed to have done already so real free time is looming!

Have finally added the expantion pack (Open for business) for Sims2 that Laura baought me having finished Andy's Website (check it out here) and have spnt many happy hours on it over the last few days.

Should be going to see the Pyramids and the Sphinx in Egypt - am so excited!!1 Have wanted ot see them ever since studying Egypt in school when I was about 10 :) Have watched "The Mummy" in honuor of the impending trip!

Really looking forward to being home and seeing everybody. This contract has shot by, the Fjords seem like an age ago but can't wait to get back have a break and then go visiting - who knows I might actually have a proper holiday for the first time in 5 years - wonders will never cease ;)

Sunday, October 08, 2006

OK...who pulled the plug out?

Well now, that was an interesting evening!

We lost power on the WHOLE SHIP. Engines, Air Con EVERYTHING!!! Right in the middle of the biggest Dance number in the Gala Evening show everything (except of course for the emergency lighting! and the , thankfully, full moon outside) went black.

Tony's (SM) been working in ships for 8 years and that's the first time he's known it happen. It was pretty cool really it took about an hour for them to get the generator's working again meantime the ship took on a whole new feel! The PAX were cool and just stayed where they were mostly. The corridors were lit by the occasional overhead light and the emergency strip lighting (like green fairy lights!) on the floor, the outside by the moon and for once in the entire season the ship was quiet.
One of the things that is most difficult to adapt to when going home is the lack of background noise - the engines humming, things banging about ,the stabilizers going in and out, the anchor going up and down RIGHT ON THE OTHER SIDE OF MY WALL - OK the last one is a joy to get away from! So having the ship that quiet was very bizarre.

Anyhoo it finally came back up and we did the second show and most of us had forgotten about our little foray into a horror film by the next afternoon!

Only 4 1/2 weeks of the season left....Everyone's starting to feel a bit odd, it's that weird mixture of wanting to go home, needing a rest and yet loving the job and not wanting to leave the people here!

Oh, and I've designed a website for a company run by he ACD on here - it should be fully operational in a couple of days check it out here

Tuesday, September 26, 2006

My Guitars Debut

Wow, what a cool day!

We were in Brest, France. No particularly exciting (in fact I made a round trip on the shuttle bus!) but got a lot acheived today - including a lot of stuff for the website I'm designing (if you wan tto view the thing it's replacing go to www.mistletones.co.uk so you can see the before and after - when it's finished!)but mainly, I finally got the guts up and played and sang in the PAX and Crew talenmt show this evening! I don't think I've shaken so much in years - not very useful when you're about to play on stage! All the show team watching and they said that I didn't seem nervous at all and that it was good - so I consider that a success and a huge compliment! I performed "Strong Enough" by Sheryl Crow - something a little different but I like it.

It's been an interesting week - what with that hurricane on our day at sea and all - apparently it made the news at home! Didn't really affect us until the afternoon when we had to change the show (which was aready set up and rigged) so to change the set Tony had to wear a harness and 4 of us had to hold the ladder an it was still to dangerous to do all of it! - CRAZINESS!

Zoë, Alana, Lesley Ann and Laura have got family on this week which has added a really cool feeling to this rather interesting week! My Dad should be coming to the ship on Wednesday to have a look at what it's all about which will be cool.

Next week we head down to the Med - ah, the joys of Palam, Majorca again! 6 weeks and counting :( / :)

Wednesday, September 06, 2006

The Art of Glacier kissing....

I had an absolute blast today - kissed a glacier don't you know! ALso on the tour were Alana, Leo & Laura as well as Johnny (shoppie - leaves on Staurday:() and most of the Thomson staff! Here's a couple of snaps:(click on the smaller one to see a big version!)








Also on our last day in Flåm I did some chillin' and took a pretty cool photo! Big up to God for the timely Flutterby :)



Today as we ere getting back on the ship, who should drive past but the King and Queen of Norway - what a fab way to round off the day!

Sunday, August 27, 2006

Stop the world a sec...I need a rest!

Well folks this has been a medically challenged kinda few weeks.

Mac's throat was bad so we did 5 days of shows without one of the male voclists but it all went well.

Zoë developed appendicitis this week and had to be flown off the ship to have an operation. It involved a helicopter and a cute swedish paramedic guy :) She is now in recovery in Scotland so all prayers and mojo sent in her direction for a speedy recovery and return to the fold would be much appreciated!

After a particularly stressful 'day at sea' (which included a 8 1/2 hour stint without a break!) I nearly exploded at the cast and have spent the subsequent days having heart palpatations. Eventually got to see the Dr yesterday and she thinks I may have a thyroid problem!? Both my parents have had them (Mum over and Dad Under) so it wouldn't surprise knowing my luck! - you'd have thought mine should have been fine really!) Anyhoo, she's given me some form of beta blocker to sort my heart out and, when I get home, if she still thinks that's the problem, I guess I'll have to go for the obligatory blood tests....great....

And just generally we seem to have the most accident prone group of passengers ever this week!

Other than that everythings going well. This is our last cruise to Russia and then the last around the Fjords next week and I think it's starting to hit home just how little time we have left - eek.

Missing folks at home lots - if you're reading this guys have a cup of tea and biscuit for me!!!!!

Wednesday, August 02, 2006

Err.. I think Oz is...THAT way

Well, I've seen a fair few cool things in my almost 2 years on ships - Turtles, Whales, Dolphins, Storms that light the sky purple but today I feel topped the lot.

We had just finished rehearsing the new ending to a show, the cast had exited stage right, when all of a sudden they rushed back on and headed for the port side windows - naturally the entire room followed and there out of the window was.... A TORNADO!!!! how unbelievably cool is that! - Of course there was there fear of it heading straight towards us mingled in with the coolness but still - so amazing! It disappeared after about 4 minutes but added interest to an otherwise grey sea day!

Back to Russia again this week, should be going to the Hermitage and will hopefully get to see some 'great' works of art - can't let that A-Level go to waste :)

Somebody said the other day that we only have 14 weeks left - never has 14 weeks seemed like a small amount of time. I miss people at home a lot, I wish I could pop round for a cup of tea and a chat; but these guys and this season have been outstanding and I'm dreading that final day wehn we all leave :(

On the home front my Mum is getting married, my outfit is being bought for me (as long as it's not pink or frilly that's fine Mum!)and so I guess my house hunting start for real - hmmm....

Saturday, July 22, 2006

All kinds a Crazy....

Time is just flying by, we're just sailing out of St. Petersburg again which means it must be a fair ols while since I last posted!

I've added some photo's to my msn community - follow the buttonm in the sidebar. There of last week (when my family was on - yey!) and the tour I took in ST Petersburg yesterday - fantastic! I will add more but that will be when I have transferred them to my SHINY NEW COMPUTER!!! Oh yes - I have the wonder that is an NVidia graphics card and wireless internet!!

The graphics card has been well used as Laura (kids host from Spirit) has come onboard to do the teen activities for the next 5 weeks and is sharing my cabin - she loves the SIMS2 and already has a partner and a baby called Jake (on the game - obv!). I've got to play alittle bit too but am not quite as bored as she is! I didn't know she was coming so was looking forward to relaxing after my family got off when Ricky (ETO - left on Staurday) appeared in my cabin and said "this is Laura's suitcase - she's on the gangway" and promptly left. SO I quickly tisied my stuff out of 1/2 the room and there she's been all week :) It's been great having her here - we can reminisce about the Spirit and she keeps me and the team informed on the goings on of other ships.

The St Petersburg overnighter last night was as eventful as ever - someone manged to get assaultes - at least last time all that happened was that everyone in the teeam fell out....It was all fine the next day when everyone had sobered up though - they're a good bunch!. I stayed in 'cos I was tired and quite frankly was a little scared as to what might happen! - Hopefully next time I won't finish work as late and I can go for a meal.

Alana had a truly horrendous time the other week with stuff happening at home. She went home for a couple of days for a funeral and is safely back now but if you could keep her in your prayers/send her some mojo that would be great:)

My battery is about to fail so need to return to the cabin to juice it up! Hope all is weel. Please leave a comment if you stop by, always interesting to see who's there! Will add some more photo's ASAP :)

Friday, June 30, 2006

Russia

Finally made it to St Petersburg, Russia and our 1st overnighter here. Found ou that I can get off with my British Seamans book, but have decided to wait until we're here next time to make the most of it! Everyone's heading to a club tonight (that's basically the entire crew!) so I may partake, although I am covering for DJSimon this evening so may not actually get there 'til late - still the bus entrance and first drink are only $10 so would still be worth it I feel! Went on a tour in Stockholm, round the city and to the Vasa museum - A big war ship built in the 1600's that sank 25minutes after leaving the dock!

All is going well at the mo. A few interesting illness and injuries going about (an inflamed sweat gland?!?) and the usual soap opera of social chaos that working on a ship provides. I have turned into a bit of a counsellor this week which has been nice - although I may need one after the next few days!! Should be going on self guided bicycle tour of Visby (Sweden) in a few days with Zoe (and anyone else brave enough to come along) - will attempt to see cultural things and not get lost!

New countries visited in the last few weeks include Finland, Russia and Estonia. I'm sure we end up in Germany at one point - chance to test out my language skills!

1 week 'til the family arrive:))))

Wednesday, June 14, 2006

Where's the Whales???

Sorry about the lack of posting but because we change itineraries all the time it's quite tricky to keep on top of things!

Today we crossed the Arctic Circle - how cool is that! Just when you thought it couldn't get any colder...... this also explains why I am typing this at 1am having just finished work rather than heading to the OB or to bed - it's sill flippin light outside - you'd think it was 4 o'clock on a cloudy afternoon - it is quite the weirdest experience!

The last few weeks have been cool, pretty eventful - what with all the D&V in the news the company (in their wisdom) decided to ban us from getting off the ship last Newcastle - but only decided to tell us at 8:30pm the night before - to late to call and change any previous arrangements (it being a sea day we couldn't contact anyone anyway), and the day we start our first 2 week cruise! It was purely to show that we're doing something - but as we were going to be mixing with both sets of passengers anyway there really was no logical point - apart from causing the staff a lot of grief!

The weather has been fantastic - so hot in the Fjords. We were back around Geiranger and Flam a couple of days ago and all the snow is melting so the waterfalls are just amazing! I played football again in Flam - I should go and see if I made the team for tomorrow - go CELEBRATION! - but I doubt it as I was the only the girl! There's a kit and a medic and everything :)

Some stuff going on back home which needs dome thinking about, but I'd already started down that path - it just means some adjustments to various plans - mainly financial!

My mum, her friend and my SISTERS!!! are on soon - yeyeyeyey! I can't wait for them to experience this :)

Wednesday, May 31, 2006

Fjordland Splediferous!

Oh my word....

I can't believe more people don't visit the Norweigian Fjords. They are (except for possibly the Grand Canyon SUnset & Sunrise) the most awe inspiring thing I have seen. The best way to see them is definitely on a ship - and somebody pays me to be here!!!!

Tony (SM) saw his first ever snow last week and next cruise we're hoping to get on a tour in Geiranger that will mean he can see and (play with!) loads of it! We all stood up on deck with blankets and cameras and watched the huge mountains, waterfalls and greenery go past. It got so cold we looked like huddled blanket creatures but we still stayed there so we didn't miss anything. At one point the wind was so strong (we came to what can only be described as a T-Junction!) that if you jumped up you got blown backwards! They really are spectacular. I took loads of photo's - hopefully will have some up soon when I find land based internet.

This week has been a little more sedate. Today we are in Copenhagen. Got off and went for a wander - had my photo taken with 'the mermaid' - not at all how you expect it to be! Also we've had 2 birthdays in the team this week so we had a fantastic 'Guys and Dolls' themed party (from which I have about 200 photo's - narrowed down to about 80!) for which I had my hair and makeup done by Laura and then was persuaded to wear the Red Dress and Red Shoes that Dom picked out for me on the 'Spirit'. There were people who didn't recognise me, hehe!

There's been quite a bit of illness. All the girls except me and Alana have had colds, Danni and Leo still have bad throats and some of the lads have been in a bad way as well. All are now on the way to recovery but it has meant that we haven't known which shows we are doing until the afternoon of the same day - a little unerving fram a techie point of view! Still keeps us on our toes:)

Sunday, May 21, 2006

Daylight reignd forever!

Just a quickie. Now started on the Fjord cruises.

We've just finished the second show for the evening - it's 11:45pm - and it's still LIGHT outside - vvvvvery weird!!! I suppose I'd better get used to it - but it's pretty cool :)

Also - saw my first oil rig today - interesting.......

Tuesday, May 16, 2006

urrr...there's a blip in the space/time continuum....

From many angles this cruise could quite easily be regarded as the most eventful yet (not that there's much to compare it too!), however there's still an overwhelming sense of well being and chilled-ness about the place.

So far this itinerary:
The House Tabs failed to go up in Guys and Dolls so we had to restart the show after calling the ETO and openeing about every power box backstage.

We had a major (and I mean MAJOR!!) problem with a power distributor and voltage regulator in the middle of Abigail's party which meant 10 minutes of the show was done without sound (it would be the bit with all the music cues!) and when we did get it working again we still had to cancel the second show for saftey reasons. At one point Tony and I were backed into the corners of the booth afraid to touch anything with one hand on the fire extinguisher!

Last night in the Swing show we had the 'band' silhouettes for the first time. 2 of them fell over as the House Tabs went up so muggins had to go from the back, up on stage and reset them - it was so fiddly that I only did one - shoved a stage weight in fornt of it to stop it happening again!- and then just 'put' the other iin the storage space ('threw' being too strong a word), took a bow - and all the passing comments off the passengers - and headed for the secrity of the booth.

All this has had the interesting result of all the passengers talking to Me and Tony more than they talk to the showteam - even if their questions run along the lines of "Any chance of being blown up tonight..?" after the 10th time, it's just not that funny!! Nice that they're interested though :) I'm not really looking forward to backstage tour tomorrow though :S

There's been a few tears and tantrums on the social scene but nothing that wasn't sorted out by the next morning so all in all things are sailing along nicely....'scuse the pun.

Have had some great times ashore and some even better nights onboard so am pretty cool :)

Have also just finished a VCD to send home for the folks back there to watch and see what I'm up to. Have missed some big personal events being on here and sometimes it really gets me, but at least with the job going ds well I can't get too down :)

Friday, April 28, 2006

Quarantine

No, not me again - the ship!

We´ve had quite a number of DnV cases over the last couple of weeks due to a nasty bug (the name of which escapes me at the mo) which was flying around the UK over winter. The only problem on a ship is that it spreads so bloody fast and it´s voracious (only a small number of germs are needed to spread it - 10 compared to the 80,000 it requires to tranfer flu!) so today they decided to boot EVERYBODY off the ship and disinfect the entire place. Not bad as it gave us an excuse to lie by a pool ot do whatever for 6 hours :)

All is going well, getting a little more tired but hopefully will be sensible this week and get some nap time in during the day! Have just been shifted cabins - am now on the same deck but the other side of the ship - very disorientating!

The summer season officially starts today so this is our last shuffle around the Canaries and our last day in Tenerife - next stop Portugal, some random islands and then the UK! wOOt!

Oh, I´ve added some photo´s to my msn community so if you click on the appropriate button at the top of the ´blogroll´in my sidebar you should be able to find them!

Friday, April 21, 2006

1 week in...

First official week has now finished. The Rehersal 2 shot past but this las week has taken its leisurely time and he we are back in Tenerife getting ready to kick butt with the swing show this evening!

The shows went OK last week. The first night was phenomonal but gradually the adrenaline is weating off and folks are getting tired. One of the team (Bryan) got sick so we had to swap 2 shows around which threw everyone for a loop but last night was fantastic.

Still having a brilliant time. Went Quad Biking in Morocco with Zoe, Andy Rudge (guest comedian), Ange (his wife), and 2 PAX. Had a fab time but now have v. sunburned arms and hands which meant a trip to the Dr´s this morning because the backs of my hands are swollen!

Girly night in is being planned for this week in my cabin, leaving all the lads to fend for themselves!!

Monday, April 17, 2006

HAPPY EASTER

Just a quick one as am using the CD's computer! Had my first morning off this morning and wouldn't you know my brain wouldn't let me sleep past 9am, eventhough I's been up 'til 4am chatting!

We went live on Friday so this is our first official week as the Entertainment team aboard thee Thomson Celebration.

Everything is going fantastically well - kinda scary - must be something about being British but I've this underlying feeling of unease due to the fact that everything is going smoothly, the team are ALL incredibly talented and soo nice and I'm having a complete blast!!

Easter Sunday was interesting - got a lie in until 9am and then worked solidly through til 6pm (with 30min for a meal!) then 2 evening shows which went well considering I'd never put the lights to them! I've still got 3 shows that I've not run the lights with but the 2 most complicated (because of big dance numbers) are now out of the way. But have now re-introduced chocolate to my system and spent a good deal of time dancing around my cabin to "The Best Worship Songs Ever".

Am still in my nice cabin but the Dance couple and another kids host arrive soon so we shall see how that goes :S

All in all am loving this job, really hard work at the moment but it's all enjoyable :)))))

Saturday, April 08, 2006

All going to plan...

Well a week has been by - how crazy is that. All the days have sort of meged into one, along with most of the shows!

It´s going well, the new team are great, getting a bit stressed, harassed and tired ´cos of the management being on at the mo. But hopefully once that is over things will settle down to normal!

The shows look great - only one really tricky one from my point of view but should be OK after a few runs through. This ship is lovely. Same kind of atmosphere as the Spirit but with imporved equipment and even better food! (My favourite at the mo being Croissants and Pineapple for breakfast,mmmm!)

Still have my own cabin but think I am being turfed out at the end of the week :(

Gotta go and have a meeting wth the production person who got on today, so will catch up soon - hopefully with some photo´s!

Saturday, April 01, 2006

Feel´s like home

Yup, definitely a strange feeling this one! The ship is the same layout as the Spirit with some minor differences but is better furbished (especially Liberties/High Spirits) but does feel like going back to somewhere you feel comfortable!

My plane was delayed an hour but apart from that the journey went wonderfully, God really came through on this one - not a problem anywhere!

I was alloated cabin B14 (crew area) but today they decided me and Anthony (SM) were to switch so have just finished repacking and moving my stuff. I will probably have to move again in a couple of weeks so am not going to get too carried away just yet!

Work wise we went through one of the plays today and sorted out the set and the lights etc. The LX desk is a STRAND 520i - but most importantly it´s a STRAND - a make I know and love. I was trained on STRAND´s (in between other things) so at least if something goes wrong I´ll know what to do!! :) My SM is Anthony (Sound Tech on Spirit) and for the next month and a half our DJ is Christophe - the crazy little frenchman "hoh he hoh he hoh"

All in all it´s going well so far, but who knows whats going to happen tomorrow!

Tuesday, March 28, 2006

preparations underway!

Well, the Personal Survival training was fab! Spent about 4 1/2 hours in the pool dressed in overalls, shoes and of course, a lifejacket. Learned so much, plus it really helps to have done physically what I've learned theoretically. It was great to be able to sit in a life raft - feel the size and space of it, learn where and SEE where all the euqipment would be and also do what we would need to do. Although yes, I do realise that it is cold in the sea, at least I stand a chance if something happens!

At the end we did and exercise, with the wave machine going, the lights of, full on fog machine, explosions and sound efeects, and cold water spraying everywhere. We had to jump from the 5m platform, form 2 carousels get to and in the liferafts and then carry out the procedures and answer questions - very cool! It was a good combination of fun and seriousness and the only down bit was when I jumped in for the execise and the person after didn't check to see if it was clear and someone landed on me! Still only a dead leg so not too bad :)

Have finished at th Red Lion, went to my last church service for a while on Sunday, finished off the bathroom, bought the curtains for my bedroom, made lists of 'to do' and pthings to take, started to pack and went to my last J.A.M club tgis afternoon. It was really sweet - the boys were actually fairly well behaved and they gave me a card and chocolate!

Oh and RD series 8 arrived this morning with a mini skutter :)))

Friday, March 17, 2006

...the modem cometh

Finally!

We have our shiny new modem (after a bit of straight talking and mild bullying of the BT operator in India) and the wonder of the internet has returned to our abode.

I haven't posted for ages I've just realised, here's an up date:

*I leave for the ship 2 weeks today.

*I leave work next Saturday

*I had to have a full (expensive!) medical for this new contract, I discovered that you have reflexes in the oddest of places - did you know there are 3 on your arm?

*Next Monday I travel up North for the PEEL staff party - oh yeah, and the P.S.T training in Blackpool the next day. It's one of those where they chuck you in a swimming pool, turn the fog machine on full blast, make you jump off the top diving board and then inflate a liferaft - at least, that's what I've heard!

*I've been meeting up with folks as a last catch up before I toddle off. Next week I'm visiting Charly, the girl who travelled around most of America with 5 years ago and have only seen a couple of times since!

*I have plans whizzing around in my head for a change (more like a 180'turn!) in career direction. All depends on various factors which I get to think about whilst on the ship.

*Check out the "Reading" section on my sidebar - I bought some new books which are amazing - I finished one of them the afternoon I bought it! Tory Hayden is an amazing person.

Wednesday, February 22, 2006

Ain't it great when a plan comes together!

Sorry about the delay in updates, things went a bit nuts there - well here are the pic's of my (almost) finished room..


It feels like my space now and is a lot more chilled to be in! Not a bad transformation huh?

On the work front, things are going well at the Red Lion, only 4 weeks left there now.

I took the job with PEEL after they took out having to do DJ/Tech, made me DSM/Lighting Tech which means I am in the main lounge all the time and I still get to do the lectures and talks etc which should be interesting. I leave on the 31st of March. During my time onboard (if I am there for the entire contract 'til Nov 8) then I will visit the Canaries, Scandanavia and Russia, The Med and then down to the Red Sea with a few weeks in Egypt - I am sooo chuffed - especially about the Egypt bit! :))

The down bit in the last 2 weeks is that Vix has broken up with her fiance. Feel's a bit odd; at least it wasn't really a shouty/screamy break-up.

Monday, February 06, 2006

Frasier for the working girl!

Well, Over the last few days I've made good progress, and my viewing (in the background!) of choice has been series 1 - 4 of Frasier, Everybody Loves Raymond S1 and 1-3 of Red Dwarf. I find it much more effective than music for some reason!

Old Bathroom:
I papered the window area. and finished painting everywhere. Now just have a few finishing touches.

My Room:
Have papered the window area and the painting is almost done (just the woodwork to neaten up. I decided to paint the window area, and it paid off. The room looks a lot brighter. My colours finally went on (I LOVE the blue - although I pity the poor sod who tries to paint over it!) and now there's just the shelves to put up and the desk area to build!

Painting progress:



Thursday, February 02, 2006

One of those days..

Have now felt vaguely depressed for about 2 days.. I hate it when I get I like this, I start obsessing about things and getting all het up over nothing - sometimes it sucks being female!

Managed to take my Jujitsu trousers to work instead of my apron tonight, thought I'd lost my key but then found it in the pocket I'd already checked 5 times, got stopped from using the food till - "until I've been shown how" Exactly how does he think I managed on Saturday when there was only me on.....? Ah well, it was still a good night and I do enjoy working there.

On the work front I am currently considering the P.E.E.L offer of DSM again. Spoke to M today, a guy I trust and get on with, who explained things well and did a good job of boosting my self esteem. He said they had created the role for me because they wanted to invest in me and help me with my career - wow, now I feel pretty humble!

Have progressed well with the decorating, paper now over the polestyrene in the bathroom and the final layer of paint on the oerh walls. Progress pic's soon.

Update:

Old Bathroom: Put Polestyrene on the outside wall, painted the other walls (I did not choose this colour! - we wanted something lighter but there wasn't - not in Kitchen & Bathroom, anyway!)



My Room: Polestyrened the window wall, hung my first piece of wallpaper (well lining paper) EVER!

"Look It's straight and everything!"

And then I did the rest of the room except the window area.

Friday, January 27, 2006

Decorating patience!

Well here are the progress reports:

Old Bathroom:

Stripped all the wallpaper and Polystyrene (what was the obsession with that in the 70's?) and found 2 messages - one from the owner in 1974

which reads:
"If you think this paper is bad you should see what we had to remove"

and one from 1984 written by my Dad:



which reads something like...
"Well, It really lasted. Hope this does as well"


But unfortunately due to the damp and the state of the walls:

the messages had to be plastered over (masterfully done by one Rob Thompson) but I'm going to start my own one to keep with the tradition!

This evening I cleaned and then painted the half of the bathroom ceiling that is prone to damp with special paint. The paint is thick, it has to go on with a brush - and for some reason the ceiling has this SHARP pointy texture thing going on so IMAGINE how much fun that was!


My Room:

Started off like this - lovely Forever Friends wallpaper (remember that?) from Vix's era in here (about 10 years ago), One wall of corkboard, clouds on the ceiling and a textured wallpaper everywhere in between!



Stripped the wallpaper (and of course the Polystyrene) off and it resembles this...

Chunk of plaster fell out of the window recess in the process....


but Rob fixed it - and some other holes that had mysteriously appeared!

So this evening I have been doing this....

My colour scheme is victorian based. I spent ages looking through various paint catalogues, sorted out a scheme

and then had to get the two colours for the walls mixed by then nice man in B&Q

SO full steam ahead tomorrow with polystyrening (how do you even say that?!?) the walls back up....now....I wonder how that's done......