Eternal summer, in a good way

And just like that, it's officially summer as we've crossed into the southern hemisphere. By the time we cross back into the northern hemisphere, I think it will be spring.

Such a fun day around what was otherwise just another day at sea. For about 2 hrs up on the Lido deck, we celebrated the pollywags becoming shellbacks with a coronation/hazing. I'll spare you the details about fish kissing and being covered with jello. It was surprisingly festive...well done.

I worked about 3.5 hours from the quiet side of the buffet. Because I now routinely sit in the exact same spot from about 5-11:30am with my computer tapping away at the keyboard, people are impressed with my diligence and consistency on the variety of things they think I'm working on; so, they sit down and offer their thoughts. Today, 3 people wanted to know what my book was about, 2 others suspected a blog. Only 1 guessed correctly that I was working a "real" job. Perhaps the fact that it's a Saturday threw them off a bit. But I enjoy the conversation regardless.

The truth is I have both a blog and a book in process. The blog is obvious given you're reading this. But the book might be news. I've been working on it for about 7 years on and off as inspiration strikes. I hope to finish it on the cruise. I have about 55 pages to go with 310 under my belt. It's an accumulation of life lessons, things I wish my parents had taught me but didn't. I feel as though I was clueless as a youth and young adult about "Life"....at times I still do. But we grew up without the internet. Now maybe everyone grows up knowing everything......at least some people act that way. I live by the adage, "you don't know what you don't know". It helps me be inquisitive and always open to learning new things.

After a light lunch I did 2 hrs on the elliptical followed by my last loss for a while at the casino. I'm still way up, so no complaints. But I want to leave a winner, so I'll scale back till I feel lucky again. Today I ordered a drink as I sat down at the table. All my money was gone before the drink arrived. It's part of gambling but it still doesn't feel good.

Then I spent 2+ hours on the Lido deck at the aforementioned celebration. Here's a pic or 2

It was a really big deal.

After that and an hour in the hot tub, frankly, I needed a nap. I don't nap much and it won't become a habit, but I took a 30 min power nap. We had a big night ahead of us. We had reservations at the steak specialty restaurant, called the Bayou, which has a Cajun theme. Dinner was outstanding. We enjoyed our table by the window after another pleasant weather day at sea.

Appetizers were baked oysters with a seafood newberg topping, a sausage and grits stew, gumbo and a creamy étouffée (not pictured). My wife had the filet mignon and I had the porterhouse. Both outstanding and perfectly cooked. The addition of some smoked salt put it over the top. Dessert was a chocolate and peanut butter pie and a peach tart. Both outstanding but we simply didn't have the room to truly enjoy it. The service was great too.

The show was a comedian, who was quite funny. His routine was unique and he gets props for that.

Tomorrow is another big day, and I've got some fun activities lined up after a morning of consulting work for a different client....an optometrist. So happy to have work that connects me to home. I truly believe I'd feel too disconnected without it. At 10am ship time, the first of the playoff games will be televised on the Lido deck. It's going to be amazing. The second is at 1:30 ship time. I'll work IN my work OUT sometime around it. So a big day to say the least. Great way to spend a Sunday!!!

Hasta manana.