"I See Drunk People"

Do you remember that famous line from The Sixth Sense? Well, it's something like that; and this really isn't alcohol related and no breathalyzer needed. But we are far enough out at sea now that the sway of the boat has picked up significantly. When you combine that with the fact that no one has their sea legs yet, we all look like drunk people staggering down the halls and using the hand rails to steady ourselves. It's "2 steps forward, 1 step to the side". When we do it in unison, it's like line dancing without the music. In case you're concerned, don't be. It's not even approaching "sea sickness" levels, but it's noticeable.

The day started as it did yesterday at 5:30am with 1 hour on the elliptical. 5.17 miles at the same resistance of 13, which meant I had a very modest .04 improvement. A light breakfast led to another 3+ hrs of work, today for another client. Working from the boat in the mornings is pure joy. It's quiet, there's a slight breeze, and I have a great view of the ocean. The benefit of an ocean view is that while thoroughly enjoyable, it is not distracting because let's be honest, it's a vast ocean of waves that would be insulted by my lack of recognition of their individuality.

I took a break from work to detox in the sauna. I'll add that to the list of activities I'll be repeating.

Lunch was outstanding and I learned a little culinary tidbit. Last night's lefteovers end up on today's buffet. For us, that meant beef tenderloin, albeit not exactly rare. But it was still delicious, and I have made a mental note about that one for sure. Along with some fried calamari on a salad with blue cheese (crumbles and dressing), I was in heaven. I met a young woman in the buffet line and after I learned she was on the full 111-day cruise, I commented that she didn't seem old enough for such an endeavor. She had her 3 children as well and was home schooling them on the trip. What an amazing experience for her children. I will definitely be learning more of her story, not just for the readers, but I could absolutely see doing something similar with my grandchildren. It would be life changing.

The afternoon was interesting. The 111-world cruise has its own facebook page and we use it to ask questions and create events for cards or games and such. I posted to see if anyone was a Hand & Foot fan like we are. We met a group of such fun people who were all avid cruisers and we learned a new version of H&F we'd never played before. H&F is like stew, not 2 people make it the same. Our N.Carolina friends also play a variation of the rules we're used to. I won't go into the details of differences, but suffice it to say, I picked it up quickly and enjoyed my time with them. My wife opted for massage and a facial. After our respective activities, I returned to the casino where I again left with a modest win and met 2 more interesting folks. The gentleman from Montana wore a big cow hat and spoke with a classic twang. He had advanced Parkinsons but a great attitude and was fun to play with. Another gentlemen joined us who is from Florida, and was one of the few folks younger than us....just by a few years though. He sold his company and now was enjoying seeing the world.

Dinner was earlier than normal as we adjust to how long everything takes and wanting the make the 7:30 show. We met up with a couple who we met at cards, Jeff and Debbie, a nice couple from Ohio who are also avid cruisers. We share a love of woodworking and that connection led to others. We hope to meet up with them again before LA, where they will disembark.

The show was a comedian, who again was quite funny; followed by our solo guitarist in the Bayou. Tomorrow is our first day on land in Cartegena, Columbia. So exciting as we haven't been there before. We also learned that we will be going through the "OLD" locks in the Panama Canal. More on that on Monday but suffice it to say, the old locks are much more interesting.