Monday, April 22, 2013

Final days

Cannot be happier this season has finally come to an end. While its been a lot of fun being back in the Caribbean and soaking up the sun, it's also been very trying at times.
I am currently on my way back to Savannah after dropping the owners off yesterday morning for my final time. It was a bit surreal and even a little sad saying goodbye but am very much looking forward to what comes next. After two years in the yachting industry, this girl is packing it in and on to the next thing. But don't worry- there will be plenty more adventures for me so come away with me and see what's next!!

Final days

Cannot be happier this season has finally come to an end. While its been a lot of fun being back in the Caribbean and soaking up the sun, it's also been very trying at times.
I am currently on my way back to Savannah after dropping the owners off yesterday morning for my final time. It was a bit surreal and even a little sad saying goodbye but am very much looking forward to what comes next. After two years in the yachting industry, this girl is packing it in and on to the next thing. But don't worry- there will be plenty more adventures for me so come away with me and see what's next!!

Saturday, April 13, 2013

Enough said.

Boss got bit by a giant wild iguana today. Enough said. 8 more days

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Things to come

Just 29 days until I'm back in the States!!
4 days until lent is over and I can feast on sugary goodness of all kinds, which I will probably do initially.... It is Easyer after all and Birthday cake is definitely in the planning in 5 days but as far as eating all kinds of processed junk goes... I'm not feeling it. I finally don't crave those things so I'm thinking I will continue to stay off the goods. however, I will no longer intentionally deprive myself. if I do say....get the hankering for a piece of chocolate or a bit of jam?
While its possible to find or make most things that I currently can't eat on my own, without sugar- it's nearly impossible when I live on a boat and am not able to grocery shop or prepare food for myself. When I move home, I will have a more focused effort of eating healthier and staying on track of my healthy lifestyle. That being said, I'm not throwing it all out the window- just possibly eating a bowl of granola every now and then or splurging for a yoplait as opposed to Greek yogurt. Nothing's set in stone. We'll see how things go.

On a different note, my parents are diligently working on making our apartment above the garage, my new home. I will be moving back to Asheville in May and could honestly, not be more excited. While its great traveling and being in the warmth at all times, there is only so much on can handle. I encourage everyone to work on a boat if they have the desire, just don't stay in it when it no longer makes you happy. Perhaps I just need a change of scenery. Who knows really? The industry is always here and I can always get back in if I so choose, but for now I'm more than thrilled to settle at home, pick out cute furniture , cook for myself ( i may re think that one) and spend quality time with some quality people.

Yay for good things to come. Leaving all the other behind me and moving on.

Friday, March 22, 2013

On the Road? (Ocean) again


I'll keep this short and sweet as its been much of the same- ocean,sun,boats,the occasional cocktail (HAH!) and new friends during down time and some sleepless nights working in full swing.
On the ocean again on our way from St. Thomas in the USVI's to Georgetown, Bahamas! While Georgetown is quite quiet, it will again be nice for new scenery. I've become such a nomad.
The remainder of this season is going to FLY by, as we will be back in the states in just five weeks time.
Today about two hours after we embarked, we were fortunate to see two whales breaching on our port side! I've seen whales at sea before but nothing like this... How can an animal so large jump like that out of the water? I was so excited in the process of trying to take a picture with my iPAD I dropped it across the deck, so unfortunately no pictures but it was amazing!!!
My birthday is in 10 days which means the potential end of my sugar fast....? We'll see. It's become quite a habit of staying away from processed food, a very healthy and wise one so we'll see what comes next until then I'm looking forward to that beautiful Bahama Ocean. Come away with me and see for yourself!

Sunday, March 10, 2013

Uh oh's

It's been 3.5 weeks of no (okay small amounts) of sugar. All in all, I think I've been really disciplined, only giving in and showing weakness during times of grief. The truth is that sometimes nothing can make one feel better like a frozen yogurt can. although I will say I did first ask the nice girl at the counter if there was a sugar free option. When she replied with a no, I figured if I was doing it I was going to do it right. Did y'all know at Pinkberry in the Charlotte airport you can get as many toppings as you want for the same price?
What I did realize is that it is okay to sometimes 'cheat', as I am at the point where I just really don't feel the need or want to anymore. I think we call that progress. Frozen yogurt was a weak point. The second time my sister dragged me (okay, I willingly went) to a frozen yogurt stand- TCBY... Also in the Charlotte airport , I had no sugar added strawberry yogurt. Ohhhh yaaaa! Once again, Progress.
Oh and I also ate chocolate cake during my sisters bachelorette weekend. Busted. It feels good to get that out. I'm mostly proud that I haven't touched a can of soda or a potato chip or any food processed in a plant in 3.5 weeks. I eat a lot of rice cakes. It's probably definitely an un natural amount. Who even eats rice cakes? This girl. Lots of them.

On a hopefully more interesting note than my current eating habits, I had a lovely day off yesterday on the island of St. John, an extremely popular honeymoon destination. Absolutely gorgeous beaches. Its def. one of the nicest islands I've encountered in the Caribbean. Quite honestly, most of the Caribbean islands I've visited I find myself wondering why people pay massive amounts of money to visit. Perhaps the novelty has worn off... Or maybe they really are just as blech as they appear in my minds eye. I won't nitpick every island I've been to, but some are bad, some are okay, and some are more than okay like St. John. 65% of the island is National park land which in a sense explains the beauty of it. Another boss trip beginning tomorrow evening until the following Sunday. It's funny, last year this time we had been back in the states finished with our season for almost three weeks... Now we are just getting into the meat of it with the second of four boss trips before mid April! Esss crazy to think, but time will continue to fly by.

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

CLC 6/20/1936- 2/18/2013

God received another Angel a week ago today. As my uncle said during her Eulogy, "If anyone deserves an express ride into heaven, it's Claire Cislo. My Grandmother was the most godly, gracious and unselfish person I have ever known. She was always putting others first and would have done anything for her family or friends. We can all aspire to be a bit more like her. I know that I will continue to live my own life in a way that my Grandmother would have approved of. With her gone, I feel a selfish emptiness inside me as I deeply wish she were still here with us all, but in reality my grandmother has been gone for over three years. After her second AVM, she just wasn't strong enough to come back as her healthy, bubbly, strong self. She always used to say "I have one more good comeback" oh and she did. After her first AVM, she had a full recovery within 18 months of the incident. How amazing it was to see the will of that woman prevail over such an awful experience. Truthfully, my grandmother would not have liked the woman she became after that second incident. The rest of us, we loved her all the same but my grandmother is truly in a better place now where she is happy and healthy and surely having laughs with all the other angels.
My grandfather has been waiting on her for 14 years and its beautiful knowing they are reunited.

You are forever in my heart Grandmother. I know you are still with me in spirit even though your vessel no longer owns it. You are the beautiful sunset I saw landing in Charlotte on my way to your funeral, and the dreams I have of you are because you're present with me. I feel so blessed to have had you be such a big part of my life for the time that we had and you will continue to be an important aspect of my life even now. You make me want to be a better person. I love you like dazzling now and forever. May your journeys be peaceful.