day 21

Three weeks down. I’m settled in and well adjusted. Very nearly into the routine.
I read a lot yesterday. I sat on Deck 3 starboard, where I took the picture of the life ring. Where while sitting on the bench I can see the ocean through the railing. I wondered to myself what it is like for those who have been here 10 years – what they feel when they sit here looking at the ocean after all this time. Are they sick of it? Do they still feel like they are somewhere new? Is it comfortable like home?
It occurred to me that sitting there is like sitting on a back porch.
It’s where the smokers in the entertainment department often go. I like it because I can see the water while sitting – in our other crew deck areas you have to lean on the railing and those decks are in the front of the boat, so they can be rather windy. Deck 3 is protected. Technically it’s a guest area, but not many of them find this spot.
Kirsty, the hair stylist from England who turns 20 in a week, asked me how my birthday was yesterday. She asked if it was different on board.
Yes, it was. It was missing some sort of sparkle. It was more like every other day in that I spent most of it by myself – sleeping, on the internet ashore, at the gym, sunbathing, reading. All lovely things, but missing a sparkle. People were shocked today to find out my birthday was yesterday. I didn’t go around announcing it. I didn’t feel like herding cats. I’ve only known these people a couple of weeks. Everyone likes to celebrate and make each other feel good, but it just felt weird. So, I told a handful of people to “dress to impress” and meet in the crew bar. It didn’t really occur to me until this morning that of the three people who made the effort, two were guys I work with. That actually means a lot to me.
Kirsty asked me if I bought myself a present.
Does a bottle of cava count?
I’m considering seeing if Bobby, the music director, is still headed to the Apple store tomorrow and if so, I’ll send him with cash from my paycheck (oops didn’t set up direct deposit before payday) to get me that iTouch. At the moment, the practical side of me says that $300 is a lot for a portable music player. But then again, it’s so sleek and smart. I could check email ashore without bringing the laptop. And and do all sorts of unexplored fun things. Gah, I have this cash burning a hole I my safety deposit box!
I would go buy this myself, except I’m on port manning this week. A representative from each department has to stay on board and it’s my turn. I could get someone who is already planning to stay on board to swap for the day, but I’m feeling lazy and would feel a bit sheepish about skipping out on my first day of port manning. I think I have some other duties that are yet to be explained for embarkation day, called “just ask”. It appears you stand around helping the new guests find their way. Turn that smile on!

Didn’t take a single picture yesterday because I needed to charge my camera battery. Looks like I’ll have time this week. :)
Love and spoils,
Jamie