Greetings readers! It has been quite some time since I have posted anything. What's been occupying a large chunk of my time lately, and held me back from reaching out, happens to be my biggest news as well..... wait for it...... drumroll please! ..........!! I finally got a job! For the past month (and a bit,) I have been working on a 65 meter (213 feet) motor yacht as a deckhand. The boat is a privately owned charter vessel, she is called Double Down and she is absolutely B-E-A-utifulllllllllll. I joined the crew in Freeport, Bahamas. Since then, we have sailed to three different islands of the Bahamas as well as a shipyard in South Florida. I am the only American on board (which I think is pretty rad) and our crew is additionally made up of people from England, Ireland, Scotland, Thailand, the Phillippines, South Africa, and Canada! Living aboard, especially on a vessel that travels so frequently, is a very unique experience. Living and working with extremely talented and charismatic people wills everyday to be a rich learning experience. Before I stepped on this boat, I was SO excited about the propositions for the reality of yacht life. I had no idea it would be as fulfilling as it has turned out to be. And for my time on this boat thus far, I feel grateful beyond a point I can explain in words.
ANYWAYS, New Year's has always been one of my favorite holidays to celebrate. In all of my 22 years, I've not missed one midnight. (Although one year I fell asleep and had to be woken up for the ball-drop by my BFF Kayla). The parties have never disappointed, and they have gotten exponentially better as I've grown older. This year was no exception to that rule! The crew and I began our celebration with Crystal and Dom Perignon champagne (the first time in my life I have ever had drinks of this price range.) At midnight we all went onto our bow, took a champagne shower and all the boats in the marina blew their horns. There were fireworks in the distant night sky as well as crowds cheering from all the hotel balcony's. Needless to say, this New Year's was one for the books. However, this New Years's, although the party was to die for, the ringing in of 2018 meant so much more to me than the celebration. It felt like a true turning point. It is the beginning of something so uncertain, whimsical, and serendipitous for me. And I know at this time next year, I will be looking back on the year in total awe.
2017, I can say without a doubt, has been my most memorable year thus far. I bought a car. I graduated college, (that was a big one.) I travelled to Colorado, Maryland, Minnesota, New York, North and South Carolina, Rhode Island, Virginia, 5 different islands of the Bahamas, and road-tripped across the US to Florida to begin my new career in yachting. I had my parents together for the first time in my adult life. I said goodbye to many of my best friends. I said goodbye to the region I grew up in. I got my scuba instructor certification. I took a total gamble on yachting. I've met and become close friends with people from countless countries. And I have started to become the person I have always wanted, but never knew I wanted, to be!
My mantra for 2018 is "Let yourself feel however you feel. in a non-judgmental way, but remember you have the power to change it." 2017 brought heaps completely new things my way that I was not entirely sure how to deal with. (Reference my previous posts, or do not hesitate to ask me about what these things are!) But I have gotten through all of them relatively unscathed!
I simply wanted to give everyone a quick update and let you all know to be on the look out because I will be posting more often this year! My posts will likely be a bit shorter, but thats because I will be OTG (on the go) so frequently! 2018 is going to be a kick ass year for me and for you! I can not wait to hear about all of your amazing memories made this year!
~Until Next Time~
