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!!
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!!
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Friday, February 15, 2013
3 days in
So I am on day three of no sugars in my diet and have begun to actually enjoy the process of researching what is going into my body.
I feel like a crazy person looking at every label on foods throughout the cupboard but its so interesting to find that the foods I was drawn to before for snacking on, as I am an avid snacker- are so packed with some form of sugar or another. I also naively didn't realize starting this journey would also mean giving up bread haha 'instead of cereal or fruit and granola I'll just have toast in the mornings' NOT. As I am still including fruit in my diet, I am trying that with Greek yogurt or oatmeal (both of which I don't care for) but maybe it's an acquired taste?
I'm finding it is also difficult finding satisfying foods to eat when I live aboard a boat and do not grocery shop for myself.
If the sous chef isn't tired of me asking: 'is there sugar in this?' then he truly is a saint. The other morning, the chef made waffles as a special treat for breakfast, so to be funny the sous chef told me there was no sugar in them as i'm staring at a plate of waffles topped with heaps of powdered sugar. My watch partner also thought it'd be funny to sit next to me and devour three bowls of cinnamon toast crunch (a personal weak spot) just to be 'funny'.Tonight our captains wife decided to make cupcakes!!! Loooove me some cupcakes but like a good, determined and self disciplined girl, I refrained! Go me.
Three days of the new me: I think I'm doing fairly well. Just having a difficult time satisfying that sweet urge but in time I will find something to replace it. My go to snack at the moment are rice cakes. I had forgotten how tasty they actually are until I was searching for sugar free snacks among a closet full of chips, cookies, candies, and crackers and came across them. I purchased cashew butter this evening from a local health food store, because I need something with more substance as I just find myself devouring massive
amounts of meat at dinner time trying to satisfy my need for protein or just .... anything filling. When I think about it, it's quite gross that before I'd be okay with eating whatever was in sight until I was full. It's comforting knowing exactly what goes into my body- and even more so- being able to pronounce the ingredients!! :)
I have cheated once, but didn't realize it until I had finished my meal. A1 sauce. Confession of the day. It was just sort of a no brainer: steak for dinner, where's the A1? Oopsies sooo no more A1 for this girl.
I feel like a crazy person looking at every label on foods throughout the cupboard but its so interesting to find that the foods I was drawn to before for snacking on, as I am an avid snacker- are so packed with some form of sugar or another. I also naively didn't realize starting this journey would also mean giving up bread haha 'instead of cereal or fruit and granola I'll just have toast in the mornings' NOT. As I am still including fruit in my diet, I am trying that with Greek yogurt or oatmeal (both of which I don't care for) but maybe it's an acquired taste?
I'm finding it is also difficult finding satisfying foods to eat when I live aboard a boat and do not grocery shop for myself.
If the sous chef isn't tired of me asking: 'is there sugar in this?' then he truly is a saint. The other morning, the chef made waffles as a special treat for breakfast, so to be funny the sous chef told me there was no sugar in them as i'm staring at a plate of waffles topped with heaps of powdered sugar. My watch partner also thought it'd be funny to sit next to me and devour three bowls of cinnamon toast crunch (a personal weak spot) just to be 'funny'.Tonight our captains wife decided to make cupcakes!!! Loooove me some cupcakes but like a good, determined and self disciplined girl, I refrained! Go me.
Three days of the new me: I think I'm doing fairly well. Just having a difficult time satisfying that sweet urge but in time I will find something to replace it. My go to snack at the moment are rice cakes. I had forgotten how tasty they actually are until I was searching for sugar free snacks among a closet full of chips, cookies, candies, and crackers and came across them. I purchased cashew butter this evening from a local health food store, because I need something with more substance as I just find myself devouring massive
amounts of meat at dinner time trying to satisfy my need for protein or just .... anything filling. When I think about it, it's quite gross that before I'd be okay with eating whatever was in sight until I was full. It's comforting knowing exactly what goes into my body- and even more so- being able to pronounce the ingredients!! :)
I have cheated once, but didn't realize it until I had finished my meal. A1 sauce. Confession of the day. It was just sort of a no brainer: steak for dinner, where's the A1? Oopsies sooo no more A1 for this girl.
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
A Spoonful of Sugar
Starting tomorrow, February 13th, I will embark on my journey of cutting out refined sugar in my diet. I am aware this is going to be an incredibly difficult task, especially for myself as I am
constantly getting caught elbow deep in a bag of chocolates or hanging out with my favorite children: sour patch kids, but am looking forward to the benefits I've read about in exchange.
Sugar is said to have an addictive element to it much like alcohol or other drugs. Hence why when I start eating something like cinnamon toast crunch or Mike and Ike's I simply cannot stop. While sugar is a satisfying treat, it is also incredibly bad for you in artificial forms- natural sugars, such as fruits are acceptable on my terms and to just throw it out there now: while I know wine is LOADED with natural sugars- there is absolutely no way I am cutting that out either. Sorry i'm not sorry.
While my plan has its specific 'terms', my personal goal is to cut down on the amounts of sugars in my diet with the commencement of Lent. I hope that blogging about this experience will not only entertain, but help hold me accountable. We will see how the next 40 days go and re evaluate this lifestyle change at that time. (thankfully my birthday falls one day after Easter this year) Bring on the birthday cake?!? Perhaps a sugar free cake will suffice at that time. I am excited to find out.
For "fun", here are a few foods I ate today that I can no longer consume:
Sour Patch Kids
Honey (for my tea)
Yogurt (better switch to Greek)
Twix
Orange Juice (more sugar in Oj than a coca~cola, just sayin')
Muesli Granola (holy 14g sugar per serving) shocking.
I hope that the world of fruits, veggies, dairy and whole grain is welcoming to me
constantly getting caught elbow deep in a bag of chocolates or hanging out with my favorite children: sour patch kids, but am looking forward to the benefits I've read about in exchange.
Sugar is said to have an addictive element to it much like alcohol or other drugs. Hence why when I start eating something like cinnamon toast crunch or Mike and Ike's I simply cannot stop. While sugar is a satisfying treat, it is also incredibly bad for you in artificial forms- natural sugars, such as fruits are acceptable on my terms and to just throw it out there now: while I know wine is LOADED with natural sugars- there is absolutely no way I am cutting that out either. Sorry i'm not sorry.
While my plan has its specific 'terms', my personal goal is to cut down on the amounts of sugars in my diet with the commencement of Lent. I hope that blogging about this experience will not only entertain, but help hold me accountable. We will see how the next 40 days go and re evaluate this lifestyle change at that time. (thankfully my birthday falls one day after Easter this year) Bring on the birthday cake?!? Perhaps a sugar free cake will suffice at that time. I am excited to find out.
For "fun", here are a few foods I ate today that I can no longer consume:
Sour Patch Kids
Honey (for my tea)
Yogurt (better switch to Greek)
Twix
Orange Juice (more sugar in Oj than a coca~cola, just sayin')
Muesli Granola (holy 14g sugar per serving) shocking.
I hope that the world of fruits, veggies, dairy and whole grain is welcoming to me
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Where the Rum is cheaper than Water
It's been an amazing couple weeks here in SXM. Good friends from other boats have begun to trickle in after their perspective guest trips and into the holding tank that is Simpson Bay, SXM. Spending time with old and new friends alike has been wonderful. Long weekends at the beach and long nights at the bars. While it is great to be here, the energy and attitude of the island does get tiring after awhile. Yesterday, Seldon, Rebecca- another stewardess on board with us, and myself took the high speed ferry over to St. Barths for the day. It was lovely getting away from the Mecca of yacht crew and enjoy the freshness of St. Barths. We hit up the same places that We did just over a year ago when my mom and dad came to visit with the exception of the Louis Vuitton Store- as that mixed with alcohol can be quite crippling to any shoppers bank account. Today is another day off enjoying the sand between my toes. While some aspects of my lifestyle have become tiring, the beach will never get old in my eyes. A few more weeks of playing catchup and divulging in the monotony that is Sint Martin and its off to the Bahamas! It's been a year and a half since I've been there so it will be nice to get back. I'm looking forward to being back in that absolutely breathtaking water where you can see every shark, fish, or other creature below the surface clearly from above. 
Saturday, January 5, 2013
So much to tell... So little time
Per usual, my blog has begun to collect cobwebs as it has been longer than I'd have wished in between entries. As most that read this already know- the Huntress arrived safely to Simpson Bay in Sint Maarten six days before kicking off our season with our first Charter. While we worked through Christmas in preparation for our 10 guests, each of us on board were able to enjoy the offerings of the island to some extent or another. For some, the experience was new and for others like myself, it was nice to be back in a familiar place.
Another Christmas in the Caribbean, however this time around we found ourselves working on Christmas Day, admittedly so, making the holiday away from friends, family and home a bit more tolerable. No Scrooges on this crew! We had a nice elephant swap where I was donned with a new book light and gift card to Barnes and Noble, as well as a creepy little voodoo doll (don't mess with me in other words). After a lovely pre Christmas Eve dinner on board made by our incredible Chef Robbie, a few of us took it upon ourselves to try out another Elephant swap gift: a pocket breathalyzer. Note: trying to see who can achieve the highest BAC is a bad idea. The deck crew saw their fair number of shots that evening. I will say no more. Note: Salsa lessons pay off. even if you only went a few times, You never know when you may find yourself thrown onto a stage and unknowingly providing entertainment for the bar. On Christmas Eve, our Captain and his wife took one for the team and stood watch on board so the rest of the crew could enjoy a day off before partaking in our first guest trip of the Caribbean season. 10 of the 12 of us had a full on beach day, filled with lots of good food and a faaaair amount of drinking. I have to admit, while I didn't think it'd be possible it definitely rivaled last Christmas away from home in St. Lucia when 5 of the crew decided to sneak into a sandals resort for the day! A wonderful day of sand and surf was capped by a delicious sushi dinner at my favorite restaurant here: Bamboo Bernie's, as well as a final night cap at the roof top beach in the sky bar. A bar where you walk upon the sand, complete with cozy cabanas and an amazing view of the ocean.
December 26th: we we all put on our freshly issued (by yours truly) crisp white uniforms and screwed on our smiles for the arrival of our guests: 6 kids, 3 adults and a Nanny. We brought in the new year in St. Barth's, a hot spot for new year festivities for celebrities and the wealthy alike. Even though we worked the holiday, it was still quite the experience being in the midst of all the activity. Nothing like partaking in Fireworks, Champagne toasts and the deafening noise of dozens of boats horns at the stroke of Midnight! While that particular evening was long and my red bull intake was far from normal, there were even longer, more sleep deprived days and nights after that. It's been full on for eleven days now, and just when you think the end is near.... BAM!!! You get hit with the : " we'd like to extend our stay." At around 40K per night whose to argue? So while we thought our charter was coming to a close tomorrow morning- we all will be able to survive an extra 24 hours for a Monday departure instead of the anticipated Sunday departure. What's an extra day really? After 11 continuous days of 16+ hour work days, numerous last minute changes to meal times, head counts and incredible amounts of psychological abuse, what's one more day in the grand scheme of things?
At the end of it all, trips like these are always temporary and it's nothing a little sea water can't cure. Excited to get back into the normal wind and grind for a few weeks before our owners turf up. Sunshine, Sand and Sushi is all one really needs :)
Another Christmas in the Caribbean, however this time around we found ourselves working on Christmas Day, admittedly so, making the holiday away from friends, family and home a bit more tolerable. No Scrooges on this crew! We had a nice elephant swap where I was donned with a new book light and gift card to Barnes and Noble, as well as a creepy little voodoo doll (don't mess with me in other words). After a lovely pre Christmas Eve dinner on board made by our incredible Chef Robbie, a few of us took it upon ourselves to try out another Elephant swap gift: a pocket breathalyzer. Note: trying to see who can achieve the highest BAC is a bad idea. The deck crew saw their fair number of shots that evening. I will say no more. Note: Salsa lessons pay off. even if you only went a few times, You never know when you may find yourself thrown onto a stage and unknowingly providing entertainment for the bar. On Christmas Eve, our Captain and his wife took one for the team and stood watch on board so the rest of the crew could enjoy a day off before partaking in our first guest trip of the Caribbean season. 10 of the 12 of us had a full on beach day, filled with lots of good food and a faaaair amount of drinking. I have to admit, while I didn't think it'd be possible it definitely rivaled last Christmas away from home in St. Lucia when 5 of the crew decided to sneak into a sandals resort for the day! A wonderful day of sand and surf was capped by a delicious sushi dinner at my favorite restaurant here: Bamboo Bernie's, as well as a final night cap at the roof top beach in the sky bar. A bar where you walk upon the sand, complete with cozy cabanas and an amazing view of the ocean.
December 26th: we we all put on our freshly issued (by yours truly) crisp white uniforms and screwed on our smiles for the arrival of our guests: 6 kids, 3 adults and a Nanny. We brought in the new year in St. Barth's, a hot spot for new year festivities for celebrities and the wealthy alike. Even though we worked the holiday, it was still quite the experience being in the midst of all the activity. Nothing like partaking in Fireworks, Champagne toasts and the deafening noise of dozens of boats horns at the stroke of Midnight! While that particular evening was long and my red bull intake was far from normal, there were even longer, more sleep deprived days and nights after that. It's been full on for eleven days now, and just when you think the end is near.... BAM!!! You get hit with the : " we'd like to extend our stay." At around 40K per night whose to argue? So while we thought our charter was coming to a close tomorrow morning- we all will be able to survive an extra 24 hours for a Monday departure instead of the anticipated Sunday departure. What's an extra day really? After 11 continuous days of 16+ hour work days, numerous last minute changes to meal times, head counts and incredible amounts of psychological abuse, what's one more day in the grand scheme of things?
At the end of it all, trips like these are always temporary and it's nothing a little sea water can't cure. Excited to get back into the normal wind and grind for a few weeks before our owners turf up. Sunshine, Sand and Sushi is all one really needs :)
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