Sweet Home, Chicago!

Okay THAT'S not Chicago...That is the Dominican Republic...but Chicago is where I'll be in just 2 short weeks! I've been busy packing today. I have a HUGE suitcase/duffel bag thing that is almost full already and I still need to get a lot more stuff in it. Yikes! I think I'm over packing but I'm going to be there for a long time and I'm gonna be everywhere from South America to Alaska so that's a lot of different weather!

Pensacola is rainy and gloomy today, but that't not going to get me down because tonight my friend Tamara and I are going to watch the Miss America Pageant! It's so cheesy and so dumb but I just love it. It's one of those things that you probably shouldn't admit out loud I guess...Oh well. You will love me anyway I hope. So I will be home from the 5th-13th of Feb and I want to see everyone that I can. If you want to get together while I'm home, give me a call or email me at amythorn14@hotmail.com so we can make plans. While I'm gone feel free to email me or send me letters...I think I emailed most of you my address on the ship. If you don't have it and you want it, just let me know.

So on Tuesday I'm getting my implant surgery done (for my teeth). I've heard it's going to hurt. A very lot. Greeeeaaaat. But in just 7 short months, I'll finally have crowns installed and my smile will start to look normal again! Yippee! I'm going to be on really strong pain killers so if you call me Tuesday or Wednesday, I may have no idea who you are. Just be aware. :)

Let's see...not much else going on. I'm finishing up my last two weeks at work and trying to get things ready for the new counselor coming in...my mom is coming down in a week to help me pack my apartment and move stuff into storage...I guess that's about it. Oh, I went bowling last weekend and had the worst game of my life. It was embarassing. Rob nearly doubled my score. It was a total blowout. I need to practice. A lot.

Well readers, thanks for reading. I think you are being a little slow with the comments so let's pick up the pace here people!! I will post a lot when I'm on the ship and post pics whenever I can. Still no word from grad schools yet but I should be hearing in the next month or so. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

Love,

Amos bo Bamos

And a Happy New Year...

Hi readers!

I've been home for a week now and am getting back into the swing of things. It was really hard to go back to work this past week. I had gotten used to getting paid to play and while I love my job, it is definitely not play. I've gotten offered a new contract with Holland America and I'm going to take it. I'll be in Pensacola till February 3rd, then home in Chicago for 10 days, then back to the m.s. Zaandam on the 13th for a 4 month contract. We will be doing 10-day Southern Carribean cruises for the first month and a half, then a month long Panama Canal/Pacific Coast run, then a month and a half of 7-day cruises in ALASKA! Wow! It will be nice to go back to the same ship since I already know people there and they were really nice. My mom is coming down here to help pack up my stuff and drive back to Chicago with me and Luce so that will be cool. I know I'd been planning on being in Chicago for longer but I'm lucky to have gotten a full contract so soon, so I've gotta take it. Lucy is going to live with my parents/Linny...probably back and forth between the two. I know Linny is sad that I won't be home for longer, but if all goes well I will get into Univeristy of Chicago and be home for grad school this fall. Keep your fingers crossed for me! I promise to be a better blogger and post a lot more often when I'm on the ship. Let's get the comments flowing again here people!!!

Love,

Amy

Almost Home...

Hi readers!

I'm on day 13 of 14 on the ship and we are docked in Costa Maya, Mexico right now. I have IPM (in port manning) today so I have to stay on the ship. I layed out by the pool for a few hours since I don't have to work until 5pm. I have emailed most of you about ship life so I won't repeat here, other that saying that I love love love it. I have met the coolest people and seen some beautiful ports and overall just had an amazing time. I have loved every minute. I'll be trying to get another contract for spring break as soon as I get home on Wednesday. I'm actually really sad to be leaving and I'm really going to miss all my new friends. The nice thing about ships is that there's always a chance you will meet again on another contract! My Program Director Courtney is going to the Veendam next and wants me to try to get on that ship. It would be awesome to work for her again. She's an awesome supervisor. I've managed to go the entire time without being sea sick...I had a cold for a few days but nothing serious...All in all a very good two weeks. Did everyone have a nice Christmas? I missed you a lot on Christmas but they made it very nice for us here as well. New Years was a total party. I had to work till 1am but then the staff party was just beginning. I think I was up ill at least 5am...luckily I didn't have to work till 5pm on New Years Day. Tonight and tomorrow will be fun since there are 3 of us all ending our contracts...there will be much merrymaking and saying goodbye. Well, I'll see you all soon and I'll post some pics as soon as I get home. XOXOX

Amers