My job isn't fun anymore

I know the above title is a bit dramatic, but there have been some changes made to the videographers' priority on the ship while in the Caribbean.

These changes were implmented this cruise,which is just about over. This cruise was the test run pretty much to see how things went.

The changes made: well my main job is to shoot and edit tours, make small docs to create the souvenir DVD. Well, sales and promotions goes into that as well. Now, what has changed? Well a number of weddings take place on ships. If they wanted a video we'd( both video peeps) would shoot it, we'd get 50 bucks to split. Not to bad. We'd shoot it than send out the tapes to get edited.

Now, what they are doing is making us shoot every wedding regardless of whether or not its wanted. We shoot it, make a teaser, than try to get them to buy a full edited version, for some obscene price.

Good right, you'd think well at least there is some extra cash to be made. No, commission went down to $10 for just the videographer that does the walk around with the couple around the ship. Photogs still get there salary, 25, and 10% of whatever they buy from what they shoot. I don't know ppl's opinion of that, but I'd like ppl to share.

So, where does this leave reflections? It takes a back seat. If there is a wedding, events AND tours don't get shot. We don't get to go on tour if there is a wedding. They are taking away the best part of the job.

Its hard enough to sell reflections, but if there isn't much on these DVD's I doubt we'll get any orders.

I understand why the company is doing this. They have to make money some how with us, there aren't enough passengers buying the DVD while in the caribbean. We were selling in New England, but sales dropped ridiculously once we got here. We've been trying a lot of different things. Nothing. Its difficult to try hard and produce something good when I know no one is buying it, which probably doesn't help.

With me understanding all of that, I don't get why we have to do more work, but incentives are cut.

The fact that we have to edit these weddings on board locks up the editing suite, so I can't edit reflections if lea is working on a wedding.

I sure did not sign up to work weddings. If I wanted to do weddings I'd do it on land for a massive amount of money.

I'm sorry but $10 is insulting. I'm not saying hey a wedding is easy to shot, but after the ceremoney and walk around the photogs are done. They just have to print sample pages, than print what the couple ordered. We have to spend hours editing a teaser and than a full edit, oh and a slide show of the stills taken, which is actually the photogs job, but princess failed to give them the software to do so. And if the couple doesn't want the video we wasted an hour or so shooting the event, and a couple hours editing it. Oh and an hour meeting with the couple to try and convince them "hey, buy my video damnit." if they do buy it yay great princess gets more money. Our commission doesn't change if they decide to buy the video or not. Still only $10 is given to the senior videographer.

I think this is a lot of bs. A lot of unfair things as far as commission. A lot of videographers are not happy with the changes. Me and lea are looking to transfer out of the department.

I didn't even mention the stress of the management above us. Oh and not to mention the equipment we have is just not great for weddings. We received two new cameras, but they've been giving us nothing but problems. A brand new piece of shit is what we got. Don't get me started on the chapel we have to shoot in, and how difficult the captain can be. And all we have to do is put a lav mic on him for the most part.

I don't know what the future holds for princess videographers, but I know they'll be hiring soon. Fleet wide ppl are transferring out.

Once my job isn't fun anymore, its time to switch it up.

Whale watching in St. Lucia!!?

My first stop in St. Lucia and I got put on a tour to go whale watching. Yes, whale watching for the 18th time. Lol

I was talking to a musician, he's from St. Lucia and we got to go home for a few hours. And he asked me what I was doing in port. I told him I was on tour to do whale watching. He laughed, looked at me and asked "whale watching?" Yeah whale watching. Lol "whale watching st. Lucia? Where are there whales??" Lol

I went on tour....very small boat. I was very hesitate about it...sea sickness does not make anyone a happy camper. I did okay though.

We saw ZERO whales, and ZERO dolphins. Lol

I thought that was funny. Hey I got some sun. And when I did my edit...which was a total joke..it was 3 minutes long. Lol I couldn't call it whale and dolphin watching. I had to title it: coastal St. Lucia. Lol that's pretty much all that was seen. Lol

leaving New England behind.

The ship is in the Caribbean now, and I miss New England already :-(

When I got what ship I was working on next- the deciding factor was the fact that it did the New England run. Four months in the Caribbean...not that appealing to me to be honest. I've never been, so I don't know why I'm so negative about coming here. I was excited to get here last week. The hot weather makes me not that excited anymore. Lol

New places are always good. I'll welcome it. Because we are here sooooooo long I have that mind set of "oh, I'll get to it" today I didn't even go out...by choice. No work, free day really and I chose to chill out. Weird how that works. But there is also a small factor influencing that too. I won't get into details about it. ;-)

So, I'm here in the Caribbean, should be fun. I'll make the most of if.

Hopewell Rocks Tour

It was my last stop in Saint John, Canada. I did the Hopewell Rocks tour. I kept putting in the request to get this tour week after week, once I was aware the place existed. I honestly gave up asking for it, cause it was always canceled, or another escort got to do the tour. Which is shit...videographers come first yo! Lol

It was worth the wait. I was so excited to do the tour. Don't ask me why I was excited to see some giant rocks, with a huge tidal difference. Lol

It was about an hour and a half drive to get there. Now from what I learned today its usually crazy in this park. We were the only group! The park was closed, but they were letting cruise ship groups have tours. We got some extra time as well! We got the top guy...Paul, the supervisor of the tour guides of the park to guide our tour. He was a great speaker! He is gonna make my editing process easier. :-).
It looked like he enjoyed what he was doing. It made the tour better.

The tour was pretty fast paced....at least for me because I have to hike with the group try and squeeze in somewhere and get good shots of the scenery. The passengers, and the guide talking. Than the group leaves...I try and squeeze in more shots...than I have to play catch up to the group...uphill. Lol I wasn't expecting a workout today. Lol

The first thing we checked out was the flower pots at high tide. I was bummed out. All the pictures you see of the flower pots are at low tide with people walking on the beach. We were on this observation deck. Not to mention the sun was as the worst angle for shooting :-(

Paul was explaining how tides work, and he used the passengers as the sun, moon and earth. Lol it was cool. I know how tides work, but some people don't get it. The way he explained it made it very easy to understand.

Than we hiked up to the next lookout, Diamond rock. Nice views.

The water has such a weird color. Its red. Its from the debris and silt from the type of rock that surrounds the Bay of Fundy.

I forgot to get into the whole Bay of Fundy. This Bay has the biggest change from low to high tide. Its actually in the running for being one of the top 7 natural wonders of the world. its 28 right now. It use to be like 138 on a list of like 500 sites around the world.

We made one more stop before lunch at another lookout. We than headed to the visitor center. Paul showed us a time lapse video of a full cycle of the tides. I Wish I had that kind of time to capture that. It was really cool to see.

Than I'm thinking we were done after lunch. I kept thinking wow that was a reaaaally quick tour. Than I began to worry about how many shots I got. Paul was just flying through shit. Lol its okay I got what I could.

Than we head back to the first lookout. The guides told us about heading down. Totally forgetting they were referring to the beach that didn't exist two hours ago when we looked at the flower pots, I head down the stairs. Than I stop at the first landing, and I'm amazed. The water was all gone, and the beach is there. Of course I got the video shots I needed, but than quickly headed down to take stills! I was so excited. It was the coolest thing to "walk on the ocean floor" as it says in every Hopewell Rocks ad. Lol

I took some cool pics! Glad all the excitement I had didn't turn out to be a giant disappointment.

It was a good tour, quick, but it could have been crowded, we could of had less time, and our guide could have been horrible. If I went back a few weeks ago I wouldn't have been able to walk on the beach!!! And that would have been lame!

The guide that was with us the whole time was pretty cool. We kept talking photo/video with me. I get that a lot. Lol. But he kept saying 'oh I'm not much of a photography...." Than he shows these slide shows of the bay, (hate slide shows-theres a reason I'm in video) but keeps looking to me for like feedback kind of. Lol than he says again "oh, like I said I'm not much of a photographer, I just wanted to show differences from low to high tide" I don't really know what to say to those types of things. Lol I mean he was clearly proud of his work....he gave us all a dvd of it. I hated how in front of me he kept putting his work down. I guess it can be nerve racking having ...I guess "competition" around. But fuck that..I got over that awhile ago. I'm use to showing my work...in front of artists as well. If I know it sucks...it does, but if I know its the shit...it is no matter who's watching!! Lol confidence my friends!!!

I would def say go to saint john, and check out the Hopewell Rocks! ... Well when its warmer...twas a bit cold today. Lol

roommate drama

Well I'm in a new cabin. This is the first time I switched cabin during a contract. Which.... Its a little bit of an inconvenience, but in this case it kinda needed to happen.
Its important who your roommate is cause if there stress in the cabin between the two roommates...it makes the time on the ship even more so a tough time.

My last roommate and I ....just... I think were too similar. I mean when I get mixed with someone that is very high strung, stressed out, anal, and too neurotic about just about everything, it makes me more that way, and it takes me back to an Amber that I learned to get rid of years ago. Although I have to say that I resisted being as miserable and negative as she was....or is. She says she not, but its all about the vibe someone gives off.

So, the skinny on the room change.

One lovely boston morning a great videographer makes her way off the gangway to shoot a really awesome tour. She was going to that mysterious place called Salem for the first time. The excited videographer stops to say hi to her photographer friend. Than all of a sudden the mean, grumpy photographer gets in the happy videographers face to say "we've had a rough morning, keep going"

Ok enough with fairy tale portion. I talked to my friend for two seconds. Passengers were getting off for only twenty minutes, and she's freaking the fuck out cause they haven't had a good roll count so far.

So first thing, be positive, and don't stress out over things like that. Yes, its your job and important, but stressing out doesn't help anything.

Two: anyone that takes themselves too seriously .... That's just not fun for anyone.

Three: do not...I repeat do NOT get in Amber's face...EVER.

Four: don't ....after I leave tell one of my closest friends on the ship that I need to move out and that you don't like my attitude. Yes, obviously I'll hear about it.

So, she was lucky I can control my temper. I just told to get out of my face, and to calm down. I mean who do you think you are talking to ANYONE like that.

The whole me moving out starts there like 5 weeks ago, I think. Me moving out was never mentioned to me from her. I kept hearing it through the grapevine.

Two weeks ago, I heard it again. I said to my manager when she asked me " are you moving cabins? Are you okay with this?" I said "didn't no one say anything to me about moving anywhere." Yes with the american attitude and everything. Lol

At this point I'm starting to get pissed.

How it works on ships...whoever is in the cabin first has priority. In this case the say so person was me. The whole ME moving out wasn't supposed to happen.

We were getting a new photog and my roommate was close friends with her, and they wanted to move in together. But they needed ME to move.

Well I was never asked to move. It was just assumed that I would. I was the one that was going to be inconvenienced and no one bothered to ask me. My roommate should have talked to me about moving. I shouldn't hear it through the team. I mean c'mon now ya know.

I was pretty pissed. I'm thinking who the hell does she think she is?? I mean, I accommodated her while being her roommate. She is very difficult to live with, not to mention the lightest sleeper in the world. Makes for a not so fun time in the cabin. But I made sure to try and be courteous to her and make sure I didn't disturb her. I tried, but its one of those things where no matter how much you try its just not good enough.

After my manager talked to me, I'm thinking ok this is getting ridiculous, if she won't talk to me about it, I'm gonna bring it up. I wrote a note about it. I told her I thought this whole thing was very rude on her part.

She than wrote me back talking about "oh don't forget the new photog" is gay....so? What's that got to do with anything. Did you even ask me or the other person she would have moved in with if we were NOT okay with it? No she didn't. She was using the whole no one is comfy with a gay roommate as a selfish cover. Than she said I was rude for pre-judging her. What?? What the hell does that have to do with ANYTHING if I did or not???

I was so ready to have a full on all out argument over this. I was prepared. Fuck these notes, I'm saying anything further to her face.

She saw me in the gallery comes up to me and asks me to see ME in MY video office!! Are you fucking kidding me??? Lol hilarious!! I def told her that too. I asked her "wait, you want to speak to me in my video office?? She said "yes" I laughed at her and said "no". Lol you're not a manager, and you are not above me in anyway. I gotta give it to her tho she's got balls. Lol.

I waited to talk to her. I was working and I'm not going to have an argument when I'm trying to get shit done.

I saw her back at the cabin later that night. I was seriously ready to go. Than she said. "I'm sorry about all of this, I should have spoken with you and asked you, and I was wrong." HO-LY SHIT. I was dumbfounded at this point. I was surprised that was coming from her.

At that point I was like damn, now I can't argue and all that like I was prepared to do. Lol

I accepted her apology. And we made amends. We kinda had a heart to heart. We discussed everything.

I told her I never had a problem with moving, I just wanted to be asked first before ppl were planning things when it only involved me doing anything. A simple, small, but very important thing.

I guess our relationship is better, but the new photog came, and I was getting the hell out of that cabin. Lol I'm happier, less worried, and I feel more free in this cabin with my new cabinmate.

All is well. people are happy. It could have been a disaster. But it worked out well, all because she admitted she was a bit wrong in the situation. Amazing. :-)

journey to Salem!

This past boston I headed to Salem, Massachusetts! Not on a tour, a journey on my own.

I loved it!! It made me think I wasn't working and living on a ship. It was weird, I was just being me, no camera, tripod, or worries about getting the right shot. It was kinda weird not having my video camera though, I'm not gonna lie to you.

Salem, is about 16 miles away from where the ship docks in Boston. So, the first thing I needed to do was find a map, and find out just how I'd get myself there AND Back in time.

I love taking the train. I figured it out quick. I had to get to south station. Got there, than I had to figure out how to get to north station. So from south station I had to get the red line, than get to the orange line to north station. From there I had to catch the train to get to salem. Worked out quite well. The ride was only like half hour. Really quick.

I had about two and half hours to roam around. I still feel like I didn't see all I wanted. I went into a lot of shops. Lots of gifts shops, and pagan good shops. I got this really magnet, and a magnet for my mom. I wanted a shirt, but I don't really get into location wear really. Although I did really think twice about getting a hoody that had salem on it. Lol I did get my usual post cards. I sent one out straight away to a good friend. I needed this person to get one from here! I got these cool glittery ones. Lol hey they looked cool. Don't make fun of how girlie it is. Hahaha.

I got a psychic reading too. It was quite scary-dead on! . Lol she was really cool. My family was talked about a lot. Of course my family was really curious about the reading too. Lol

I got ice cream there! I haven't had ice cream in ages! Coffee ice cream!!! :-D

There was this really cool, really tall witch statue chick. She scared the crap outta kids. Lol.

The place is cool, probably a lot cooler at night. They have ghost tours, haunted houses and parties every where. Sadly living and working on a ship hinder my ability to join in on any night events in port. :-(

I want to go back for sure! Maybe next October.

Wind in my sails!

I'm in newport, RI and I did the American cup sailing tour. It was really a good time.

Normally I am weary of any type of boat tour I have to do. This sailing tour though did not get me the slightest sea sick. That made this tour that much better.

It was a small group of passengers, which usually I sell more DVDs from the intimate tours. Plus I didn't have to worry about getting interviews because I didn't have to shoot this for shorex.

It was a bit chilly, but I always welcome that. I didn't really know what I was in for. I got to see how sailing actually works. It was really cool to see. The crew was really cool too. Very personable. I guess they had a videographer from the Crown Princess yesterday.

Shooting wasn't hard either. I guess whale watching boats are the most difficult to handle physically and camera wise.

It was a pretty rough day as far as seas go. Beautiful out though. Nice chilly breeze, with the nice warm sun! Sailing feels different than other boats. Idk why.

When we were heading back it was pretty scary. Lol I had fun, but the boat was pretty much on its side. Just as far as it could without me being in the water. I was glued to this one spot. I guess the fright was plastered all over my face because the one guy that was part of the crew asked me with much concern if I was alright. Lol I loved it. I was laughing with the passengers. I would not move from my spot. being terrified with as smile is weird combo but that's what happened. Also while trying shoot. Lol It def was a thrill ride! The people on the boa-god bless em! Lol because I wouldn't have been alright with that much of a rough ride. Lol they were laughing, and everyone had such a great time.

I loved this tour. I never thought I would have liked sailing, but it was so exciting and fun!!

A lone wanderer

At the moment I am chilling in Bar Harbor, Maine. The photo team is doing a team hike in Acadia park, while I'm sitting here relaxing with my coffee.

Yeah yeah yeah, I know, I'm doing the isolating myself thing. I will say I just do what I want, not because I'm told I should.

There is more to why I didn't go along. I've been to Acadia park many times before. It's beautiful, but this morning I did a small ocean trail hike. My tour got back at noon. The team was set to leave at 1230. I had to drop a few things off back at the ship. I got back to the pier at 1. I didn't wanna hold them up for one. I also really needed to make it to a post office to mail some things out to the family. Plus, I really can't be bothered to go hiking twice in one day, when I know I have a workout waiting for me later tonight as well.

This is time off in port I don't normally get, and I'd rather spend it my way. Selfish I know. I also might add I get to do that stuff all the time. Its my job. The photogs don't see and do what I get to all the time, so its new for them. I've hiked and seen the park many times already. Probably a couple more times before we make our way to the caribbean. I hope they have fun though. :-)

The ocean trail walk was short and sweet. The views were really great. There was some pretty good swells going on too. I enjoyed it. VERY slow pace. When the symbol on my ticket says "should be physically fit" I often go oh no, only cause when that phrased appeared on the hawaii tour ticket they were not joking! Lol. But this one was fun, and easy. I took a really cool panoramic shot...to seam together later. I look forward to seaming all these panoramics I shot. Should be a challenge, but really fun, and useful for me.

America, American....

So, I know, I know, I have fallen behind on the blog front. My deepest apologies, for those who kept checking back.

My title... Well I recently have become sick of how my country is constantly ...made fun of, or put down...whatever you want to call it...as far as my interactions with other crew go.

Now, I am aware of what my country does, and all that jazz. Yes, I am aware of globalization, and the affects my country has had, and still has on the world. Good, and the very bad.

Now to get into my issues.

I'm like....one out of 5 or 6 americans that work on the caribbean princess. With that being said...there are almost always 90% of the passengers that are american. So, a lot of frustration that my co-workers feel come from my fellow americans. And I somehow always get the backlash of the shitty things they have to say about americans.

Now, I'm pretty easy going when it comes to the slack I have to take for being american. I have learned to deal with it and laugh it off every since I became an international traveler. I let a lot of messed up comments slide. I laugh at the stupid jokes, the stabs about how stupid we are, how rude, money hungry, very hard to please, type of people Americans are. Now, there is some truth to those things. I expects to hear comments to be honest.

My issue is people I call my friends, and people I work with everyday don't even have the common courtesy to just keep it to a minimum amount of rudeness when they feel like sharing their comments about Americans around me. I mean c'mon I don't hate my own country. Yes, I disagree with a lot of things, but I don't hate where I come from.

My co-workers don't have an once of respect for me and the fact that I'm American. Their response is always " well Amber, I don't put you in that same category, your a different type of American." What the fuck does that even mean???? I'm still American assholes!

This past turn around was really ...well this one comment just pissed me off. I made my feelings known. We had to make new signs for times that the gallery is open. Well one person was like "well I wasn't sure if I should have put military time" than my manager goes " well their American" so, I chimed in "what's that supposed to mean!?" Everyone that was around kinda walked away. My manager was left dumbfounded for a few seconds, then saying "well different countries don't understand different things. Its not in your culture to know military time." I said to her... "Americans aren't as stupid as you think, and yes, we do understand military time." Yes, granted not every single one but fuck sake man!!

I just hate how they have no respect for me in that regard. I mean you don't see me walking around saying oh romania has some ugly people, or man those philipnoes sure are greedy, or oh hey those mexicans sure know how to drink and nothing else. I mean c'mon. Most of that I just pulled out of my ass. If my friend/co-worker were from such and such a country, I'm not gonna just fucking talk shit every chance I get day in and day out about where their from. I'm sure they'd feel the same as I do now.

Well, my efforts are lost energy, everyone always hates on the americans.

My Repo cruise??

This cruise has been my turnaround cruise. It's almost over, but I think the attitude towards things might last. It took me a month to get into a groove on this ship.

I'm back to having my positive attitude. I know most people are probably thinking "wait a minute, her posts have been preaching how happy she was." Well, yes, my posts haven't been I hate life, no, but I've been content. Content to me isn't good enough. Even keel is not what I strive for. I've been content up until this cruise. This cruise I became happy again! I'm more positive. I've come to express me-the real Amber, finally!!

I'm having fun now, with the team too! I worked a ton this cruise, but two nights ago the whole photo team(well most of us) got together and we all danced, laughed and had a good time with each other!

I think what turned things around for me was my one post. Where I mentioned how content I was with just being this quiet lay low person.. It made realize...Amber never is just 'okay' with things. Amber, you normally are friendly, loud, and anything but conservative. I'm not that quiet lay low type person.

Another thing that's added to all of this is people who I can relate to having social issues. There are some peeps on the team that are still figuring out who they are. They are struggling with connecting with people. I understand how that feels. I went through that too!! But having them around, and I can see it clear as day; reminds me what that was like, and I refuse to go back to it.

If you are having trouble connecting with people, and can't hold a conversation when your sitting with two workers at any given time...just giving up isn't gonna help.

This is what went down: three co-workers were waiting for the rest of them team, and they sat there in silence. It was described to me as awkward. So, one just got up and left. Yeah that can happen sometimes. Social situations can be tough on certain people. I mean I get socially awkward. Most ppl don't think so, but I still see myself as that uber quiet girl just sitting there, while the party goes on around me. sometimes. I get nervous sometimes ya know. But I didn't want to be like that anymore. I made the effort to get through it tho. It sucked. Not gonna lie. Its hard. Improving, growing, and changing. It takes time, and dedication.

I just hate how this person complains, or hates what's happening, but refuses to put effort toward making changes to feel better, and make better relationships. For example, at the disco, photo team got together. We were all just chilling checking things out. We were all standing. This person wanted to sit. I didn't want to, no one else did either. So, immediately this person isolates themselves by sitting down. Refused to hang out with us. I look over not 5 minutes later and they're gone. Come on dude. Later on, I was talking with this person, and of course the complaining came. I just said, "You gave it 5 minutes. You didn't even give the disco, or the team a chance. You just left. You didn't even try to hang out with us." Needless to say they weren't to happy with me. Sorry, I know what its like going through that, and if you don't want to make the effort I'm not going to feel sorry for you. Especially after I invite you out all the time as well.

I guess every person is different. And social issues are a big thing if someone has these problems. I'm aware it can be tougher for some than others. Effort is a big thing to me. If you don't even try, (now this is only when a person complains, and wants to change, and just isn't happy) it really frustrates me, and annoys me. If you won't even help your self don't expect me too.

Amber got in trouble....oooooooooh!

So, yeah....I did. I thought I was on a good streak and doing good with everything

WRONG.

I think no matter what they'll find something to pick at you about. But okay to give you guys the low down.

The 1st purser choose to pick at me. Usually they always have it out for the videographers. Me and stephen always had issues, and so did marek on the last ship. Idk why they pick on us. Anyways... I need to buy new black pants. I knew this. Washers fading my stuff hard. But I guess the style I have looks too much like jeans.

I also got in trouble for wearing my sunglasses on the ship. On top of my head that is. I wear them while I'm on tour, and I end up running around a bit once back on the ship. So I just forget about them, and leave them on my head.

The last thing reeeeeeally bothers me. I got in trouble for not saying hi quick enough to this woman. I'm walking down the M1 in my own world. Most of the time I'm zoning out. But she passed by, I didn't realize anyone was coming my way, but she got in my face to say hi. And I was like startled, laughed and said "oh hey how's it going?" I guess that wasn't good enough.

Those stupid small things. Whatever tho. not huge things. Hell my senior got in trouble for chewing on a mint while at a shoot.

My last senior got like almost a written warning about his hair not being short enough.

Princess can get ridiculous. Hey I guess its there job to get that picky. You let the small things go it usually leads to bigger things...I guess.

So, I ain't mad. Its quite humorous tho.

St. Andrews

Today I woke up mad early. I feel like getting up to workout is a good habit...I did think twice about sleeping another two hours tho. Lol I only workout in the morning on the days I know itd be hard to find time later in the day to do it. I guess I'm getting more discipline..??? Lol

I loved how when I came from breakfast after working out I saw Morne and he asked me where I was coming from. I hesitated cause I didn't know he worked out and I was distracted by my thought process. He laughed at me when I said I came from the mess. " Yeah right, walk of shame." Lol I laughed, cause I was standing there in my workout clothes. But hell that doesn't mean anything on ships. Lol

The tour started off slow only cause I was a bit tired still even after working out. There was a long bus ride out to St. Andrews. Yeah I had a bit of a nap. Lol

The town ... Well I thought at first what the big deal. But than I woke up. Lol there is this very clean, small town feeling. Very friendly vibe. There is a lot of space. Big sidewalks, streets, even space between houses is fairly large. Oh course you have the historic aspect of the town as well.

I have to say shooting this tour was very easy. They gave me full access to everything. Even the tour guide helped me out. He talked to the manager of the hotel we visited and had lunch at.

I mean the audio...the two ppl who were my main voice over spoke really well. I had enough time to get any shots I wanted they gave me full access to anything I wanted. I also got to walk around freely around the small little town. We got an hour of free time after the hotel portion.

The views were really moody, and so pleasing to the eye. The bay had such a glow to it. It was a cloudy day, but it worked well with the scenery. I think if it were a bright sunny day I would have looked at it as any other place. This was also the first place where the leaves are starting to turn too! I feel at home when I feel a colder breeze and I see the colors of fall!

The Fairmount inn. This hotel is massive! Been around a long time. The original caught fire, it was rebuilt in 1915....I think that's the right year. They had this cute friendly dog, retriever, that works there. Yes, WORKS there. Lol they have ghosts at this hotel as well. Many guest report sightings. The hotel has been on A&E for it. When the manager was telling the story I got chills. Stuff like that I love, but it always freaks me out. Lol.

It was a good tour! :-)

Bar Harbor- best lobster in the world??

This Bar Harbor I did the grand tour with lobster!

Ya see I have to say first...I was really excited for all my tours this week, cause I picked them myself. I set myself up for a lot of work. I don't mind, that's for sure. Doing/shooting the tour is great, but the editing and the amount of time it takes is a bit too much, plus with all this extra shooting, it just piled up. My senior asked me if I was okay with doing my tour today. Yes, shooting the tour is never the problem. Lol I wasn't gonna miss these tours!

Needless to say I'm always excited to go on tours.

The grand tour ended up being a tour of Acadia National Park, with Maine lobster for lunch. Caught that morning I might add. I don't think you can get any fresher than that. Lol

I seen some spots I haven't seen yet. Everything is just so pretty. I knew it involved Cadillac mountain again, which I looked forward to. I really like the view from there.

Lunch was quite interesting. It was supposed to be at noon, but lobster didn't arrive at the restaurant yet. So, they had to rearrange some things, and we did lunch was like two and half hours later. Some ppl on other buses were pissed, ppl on my bus were pretty cool with everything. Me, I'm just always happy to go along for the ride of everything. I'm never pissed. Unless I get a difficult tour guide. Specifically the ones intimidated by cameras. They tend to be a bit more abrasive toward me. Which I understand. Some ppl just get nervous, and that's their defense.

So, I had lobster. It was fun to watch everyone try to crack them open and eat the meat. I mean there's this whole- two pound lobster on your plate and you kinda feel like...where do I begin. Lol me I thought it was too cool looking to tear a part. Lol. However, I did indeed proceed to due so.

I won't lie its the best I've ever eaten.

They also gave you all this other food with it. Too much for me. They had blueberry pie for everyone as well. Now, the blueberries in Maine are the best low-growing blueberries. I had a blueberry muffin three weeks ago at this cafe OMG seriously best ever! - never wanted to eat blueberry pie. Everytime I tried the tiniest bit I never liked it. I avoid blueberry pie. But knowing how good the blueberry muffin was I def wanted to try the pie. And of course it was delicious too. I couldn't eat all of that either. Lol

The passengers were really nice, and the tour guide as well. I got some cool shots. My edit was very simple, that helped my work load. I finished Boston edit, took two hours longer than expected. Set me back a bit.

It ended up being another night of editing, bed, get up early to workout before my next tour.

So, yes, the lobster here lives up its title. Lol

Busy-Busy-Busy, after Boston, and Salem.

This cruise is only half over, things are great.

Its been busy, but fun.

I started off with sailaway, and that was just the thing I needed to get me in the right mood. :-) I didn't have to edit sailaway, but I got some good shots.

I dread Newport, cause its first formal night which means champagne waterfall. Oy! my least favorite. But it went well. Wasn't as unbearable as usual. Lol I guess it helped I had Morne to entertain me for a bit while he was talking photos. The edit was good, got done with that faster than usual too.

Lately I've not been going out, I've been giving my body some proper sleep. I guess I'm reading to many fitness and running magazines. Lol. Ugh last night though it was really rough, the ship was banging too much and rocking too much. Not idea sleeping conditions. Boooo!

Boston was awesome, but I knew itd be a very long day, so I made sure I had sleep to wake early for a morning workout beforehand. **btw my hip is doing well. Not 100% just yet, but I'd say another week of biking before getting back into running** Day went great. My tour was to Marblehead, and Salem.

Marblehead is the yacht capital of the US. Really pretty. They have this cool light house there. All the property are these huge mansions. The view really is just gorgeous. I got a really awesome timelapse, but the damn tour guide like 70% through the shot put his hand in the corner of my shot. I still got a good amount to work with.

Salem was great of course. I love all the houses, the whole village and town has such character. I love how everything has such history to it. Its funny, the tour guide was telling us how the city doesn't like to be recognized as the witch city, but like almost every local business is witch something, or other. We did the witch museum. I've done that before, but I still enjoyed it. I sneaked a bit of recording of the show. It might help our sales who knows.

The tour was great, but long. The tour guide was this really old dude with the highest pitched voice I've ever heard from someone that age. Lol than this passenger threw a fit because the guide would tell these historic stories. Which I never mind, I enjoy it. But he was doing it while the bus was parked, and we were just sitting there while he was talking. This couple was pissed that they didn't have more time off the bus, which, hey I can totally understand. As soon as they complained he stopped and we got off. Lol which helped me out cause I need shots off the bus. The guide was always rushing us, but we always ended up waiting around on the bus not going anywhere. Still I didn't have a major problem with anything.

When I got back to the ship, I had an hour to capture! Oy! Than I had to help shoot the artist, Michael Godard's presentation. So, I fit of editing after that. Than I had to shoot 50's night. I got another hour of editing done after that. Than it was 1130 and I called it quits and went to bed. Early tour today as well.

I didn't finish the Boston edit. I just captured 50's. So, today I'm on a long tour, I'm not shooting a crazy amount, just so editing goes a bit easier. its always sound that sets me back. There are a lot of sound bites for Boston, so the sound edit takes another hour. I'm not doing that with this tour I'm on now. I still have to find time to workout and eat. Oy! I have an early, and long tour tomorrow as well. By tonight I should be caught up. Thatd be ideal before my next tour. But tomorrow for sure I will be. By halifax I'll be bored. Its usually all at once. Lol

the first workout, and Amber being Amber

I worked out yesterday, and it went great actually. I was so happy to get back into it. I not running for two weeks though. I'm scared to run. I think once I'm not afraid to even think about I'll have a small jog to start out. I was planning on running a half-marathon, but now I'm rethinking it. Yeah scardy-cat basically. I think starting out with a 10k is a bit more comforting. I'm not as scared with that. So we'll see how this goes. For now the bike is my best friend.

Right after I was done writing my last blog, I think I reached my point of ... I don't know what word to sum it up with. I'm usually content and I have been. Leavers night there was a disco. I didn't wanna really go, but my friend was leaving, so you know I'm gonna see him off. I had free time that night but I decided to just chill. I was supposed to go this crew talent show, but one person pissed me off and I couldn't be bothered supporting this person to be quiyte honest. Yeah word of advice if you can't handle other ppl's opinion don't converse with anyone...ever. I'm sorry but this really annoyed the hell out of me. I will not sit there and have someone speak for me or have anyone lump me into a group. I'm sorry I know ...and knew years ago what I wanted to do with my life. I know ppl find comfort with identifying their own dilemias with others, but don't assume everyone around had your dilemia. Just because I'm in your age group don't mean shit. I'm rare, not many ppl know what they wanna do or achieve. I'm sorry I do. Needless to say I said my two bits and of course it wasn't welcome. Oh well I'm still gonna be Amber, like it or not.

Well later that night I ended up napping and headed up to hangout at the crew bar, and I really couldn't be bothered. I'm not into the scene. Its more annoying for me now. I'm bored with it, and bored with some of these ppl.

Its a good thing I'm happy when I'm working.

Everything in my last blog is true, I'm content with most stuff here, idk lack of a good connection with a few gets me bored on the social realm. Maybe me being this content even keel person isn't me. Its nornally not how I am. I'm usually very outgoing, loud, laughing, and all about everywhere with a lot of ppl. Idk why I can't be bothered with anyone. When I spoke up about the situation above that Amber being Amber. And that was the first time that happened on here. I guess I'm being quiet reserved Amber for now.

Although, last night I ended up having a girls night with my roommate. Unplanned. we bother ended up doing our nails and having a chat about all of this. Its good we can have conversations like that. Some ppl can't handle deep or complex conversation I gathered from the ppl on this ship.

I think if a conversation makes you uncomfortable than I think you should engage even more so. Not just say 'I don't want to talk about this anymore' I hate when ppl do that. I hate how ppl coware from confrontation. If you are that jugdemental, and that opininated hell might as well have some balls to go with it.

Ok.... I think I'm done now with that subject. Lol



In other news... I got all three tours I wanted! Happy!!
I just need to make sure to to shoot too too much. Lol

Oy! Champagne waterfall tonight :-( my most hated event. This is the only event that really makes me hate work. Everything else totally happy. Champagne waterfall is just a extremely tedious edit, and the event is just so boring. I hope there are some lively passengers.

Progress-finishing my first month.

Tomorrow is turnaround day...(old peeps off...new come on) I will finishing my first month thus far.

When I first came on it felt like one day was like freaking three days. My time was a bit warped. Time was reallllllly slow. It doesnt feel like that any more.

This past cruise was too easy for me. I told my senior to put me on tour. I'd rather be on tour than not. yeah I'm giving myself more work, but I'll be able to get more photos, and footage for demo and my biz. Plus I wont be bored, and I get to see the city we port in at a more in depth level.

I am trying to get this Salem, MASS. tour for next Boston. I hope i get it!!! I love Salem. Its 7 and a half hours, alll day when we are in port, but some is spent driving out there. You see a ton though! I really want this tour so I think I should be finding out soon.

This week I didnt have many tours, but they were good ones.

Newport- I did the Belcourt castle. Even though I couldnt get any footage I still enjoyed being there. I love history. This house was amazing though. The guy who owns it now collects all of these antiques. In Newport its pretty much like mansions on every corner. And thats not an exaggeration. Its really cool to see. but the maintenance is really high on those houses because of the weather 80% of the year. so they knock them down. this guy gets things from the mansions and refurbishes/rebuilds certain pieces. I saw some wood work that was amazing. dating back centuries. It blew my mind. The tour guide than tells us how he got these marble pillars from another mansion being destroyed, and these pillars date back to 2nd century. I don't believe it, but I was like whoa dude. lol that's pretty sweet...if it in fact true. I guess they did the test to find out the time period it came from.

Halifax-I went to another city not too far from port. Like and hour and a half away. We went to a town call lunenburg. really cool looking city, really nice, unique old building there. We got two hours free in Lunenburg, than we made our way to Mahune Bay. really pretty small town. I saw this market where they stored the pumpkins on the roof. lol. Yes, I took a pic. We got an hour free time in Mahune Bay. The tour guide was really nice. I liked this tour cause there was a lot of history told. You got a bit of touring around the city, but than you got to just do what you wanted. I got to get all the shots I wanted, and was able to do it freely, and at my own slow pace. It was a pretty ideal case scenario for me and my camerawork. I shot like an hour of footage...the only draw back to having all this time....I shoot too much and have to edit a bit. I spent most my time getting sound bites from the tour guide though.

I also took a lot of pics. I am trying to figure out my niche in my style of photography. But I am gonna try out seaming together landscapes to try the panoramic views. so all these places are my test shots really. they have a program to seam pics together, but I want to do it by hand first. Who knows how that will go.



Injury update, My leg is better, I feel tiny bits of pain now and than, but its a reminder I need to keep stretching. I am gonna start back up in the gym again today. lets see how thats goes.


yeah this contract is definitely panning out to be a different experience. I dont like drinking anymore. I dont like discos, the more ppl that are chilling out in the crew bar the less I feel like being up there. I prefer when just a few of us go up there to chill. I play video games now. It's usually the four of us. I play cards more too. I draw, and read way more than my last contract. I am usually always found to be hanging with photogs of some sort. My last contract I hung with so many different people from different departments, and countries, not so much this time. I just get a different vibe. I guess I am not that restless, curious, or anxious to meet different ppl from different backgrounds like I was for so long. Before the more ppl I knew the better I felt. This time around I'm just like "ehh, whatever" for the most part. I think I am done trying to be ppl's friends. I dont need as much validation as I use to, maybe. I get along better with the team, but I guess getting along with the ppl I work with is more a priority than just random ppl on the ship. Dont get me wrong, I def have a few ppl I talk to outside my department, but I guess I dont need the social attention I use to need. I am happy and content with whats going on. On my last ship I use to have some serious up and downs. Maybe it was me just trying to figure myself out still. I know I have been trying to figure it out for a number of years now. I know who I am more so now than ever. Maybe it was how everything was so new, maybe it was the relationship I was in. I am single and it great cause I havent been since I was about 14 years old. I'm by myself and it def good for me. Boyfriends give you stress. lol.

Its turning out to be a good contract. I feel more myself, and comfortable with that. I feel I'm more responsible as well. I have more major goals to focus on, and I guess that contributes to all of this.

good so far, 1 month down, 5 more to go!!

renewed faith in the medical team on board.

Today was especially good day for me because I can walk.

I will never talk walking for granted. That's for sure!!

Last week after my long distance run I woke up the next day unable to use my leg properly. Its sounds funny to say it like that. I had serious pain, and a serious limp while walking. I was thinking hmmm mits just my bad hip thing like usual. Ice it stretch and it'll get better in a few days.

WRONG.

I went to medical to let them know what was happening that next day. The guy, who I think was the head nurse told me there was nothing they could do for me. But he did suggest deep heat(bengay.) I limped all the way aft to get a bag of ice, along with my deep heat, than trekked all the way forward back to my room. Admittly enough stretching and ice did help. After awhile deep heat started to just irritate my skin. Nothing more. I ran out of ibeprophen. Bought tynlenol, but neither of those helped any with pain, and my walk was ridiculously funny. That's how I got the nickname on the team: Gangsta. My limp looked like a pimp walk. Lol

Through the week it was getting better, until yesterday. I went on a fairly easy tour, no hiking, not too much walking around, I had way worse whith this injury. Just while standing in this cool castle/mansion while this animated tour guide was talking I was in extreme pain. Worried that my next step my hip/muscles would give out and I'd be in even more pain. I didn't have this much pain. So, obviously I was getting worried. Ya know the whole mind set...will they look into this, will they say they can't do anything for me again, will I get disembarked than end up with crazy medical bills back home. Everything was running through my head.

I haven't even mentioned how sleeping had become difficult as well, I felt more pain at rest than while walking around.

So yesterday I went back to the docs. I actually had a doctor this time. She asked me what was happening. She than checked my strength and range of motion. She asked me to lift my leg against her hand while I was lying down, and she go ahead, and o told her I was. Lol she laughed at me. Than she told me to repeat it with the other leg, and I had no problem, so that let her know that I wasn't just weak. She actually laughed at me. Lol.

She showed me 3 key stretches I had to do 3 times a days. I am not allowed to go to the gym for awhile. But only slow walks around every few hours. She also gave me anti-inflammatory drugs. A pretty potent kind, but not too much.

Today I feel a lot better. The stretching is helping a lot. I was able to walk around today with out crazy limp. I was happy to have 90% mobility back!

I guess I am on the road to recovery, which makes me happy. I'm just glad she took the time to look into my issue.

Most ppl on the ships, which I am one of them... Complain about how the doc on board don't give a shit, they just through a bunch of pills, or tell there is nothing they can do. I mean because of what happened the first time I thought these docs don't care unless your have the flu or noro.

All in all this doc let me know they can help with problems other than those two things. Thank goodness I didn't give up totally on medical team.

I hope that was the last time I had to go to them for this.

The return of the four seasons ....at least for a few weeks

With this run ....New England and Canada.... It's weather I haven't seen in a long while. For example the crazy winds, rain, and even a bit of cold. I guess I have been spoiled with me moving to LA a bit than joining the ship where the run was Hawaii. I haven't seen cold weather in almost two years. On my vacation from the ship I enjoyed the Buffalo summer. Fall is upon us. New England has a beautiful fall season and I personally am looking forward to it! I miss wearing hoodies, and jackets. I'd rather have slightly cold weather than the hot tropical ships usually take you into. I find a little chilly is good for me while shooting, it makes it more comfortable, since I'm moving around a lot. I will only enjoy this chilly weather another month than we are headed to the caribbean. Than after that I return to Buffalo for the tail end of winter. Which can be quite brutal. I haven't seen snow in forever. Not even when I was in Alaska. Snow on mountains doesn't count. At least not to me. :-)

walkin round lika gangsta

Yeah my title is pretty weird, but its true. I've been walking around with this limp. Morne the asst manager from south africa didn't know I had this hip injury thing and now he just keeps making fun of me and this 'gangsta' walk I have lol

Boston ended alright. Carmen's friend had a ton of food for us. Beer, pie, ice cream, everything thatd you see at a typical American bbq. I actually had a decent conversation with my manager. We didn't click at all at first. Her dating my sup kinda makes things a tiny bit awkward.

After the bbq I had 6 hours before my shoot for the night. I used it wisely. Went to medical ... They don't carry ice packs. They basically told me they can't do anything for me. They gave me Deep Heat. Which help a little bit. But I needed to ice my hip for sure. So I limped my way down the M1 allllll the way aft to get a garbage bag and beg one of the servers for ice. Which luckily I had a nice guy help me out. I iced my hip a awhile and rested. Its best for this type of injury. Shooting that night was def challenging.

Today I went on a whale watch tour. A total joke compared to hawaii and alaska. I didn't get anything good whatsoever. Plus with my inability to maneuver my body quickly I had an extra hard time.

Good news tho I got some awesome coffee and the best homemade bluberry muffin. Bar harbor is known for the best lobster and the best blueberries. So far I can agree with the best blueberries! :-)

photog day out.

We docked in Boston safely. Actually quite nice out too.

The photo manager has a friend in boston that's hosting all of us for a bbq. I think that's really cool.

It'll be good to get out and just hang out with the team...off the ship.

I wish that I was in my bed tho :-(
I did a long run yesterday. My hip is really hurting, and I'm sore, so the combination right now is brutal. It'll be good to walk around a bit though.

Tomorrow I have a tour, so hopefully I have my hip in working order. Lol

I'll be updating you's on how today goes.

missing my comp :-(

My title is a bit sadder than I really am. I am actually updating my blog through my phone since I have internet through my phone. It saves on wasting money on internet cards for the ships' comps.
Well I do miss my comp, I can't update my blog whenever I want, more importantly I can't edit, and play with my photos. :-(

I haven't updated in awhile. I will try to do so now, but there is a lot to tell. Lol

My tours have been good! Well the little that I do get to do.
Halifax - I did the citadel the week before last.
- have some cool pics. My footage was pretty sweet!
- last week, which was last thrusday we never went to Halifax. We avoided the hurrican and docked in manhattan
Boston- I didn't have a tour last week. And this - don't either. But I guess my manager has a close friend in boston. She's hosting the whole team for a bbq. I think that's pretty cool.
Newport- last week I did the breakers mansion, and cliff walk.
- it was ....okay. The breaker mansion- absolutely breathe taken. The cliff walk really great viwes! But along the cliff walk the group would stop at these mansion....but they had these giant gates and fences, so footage...not so much was taken of that portion.
- this newport which is today I went for my long distance run along the entirity of the cliff walk. I'm trainging for a half marathon. My long run was great to do arounf newport.
Bar Harbor- last week I did the cadillac mountain and schooner adventure. I wasn't too excited, but once I was uo there at the summit...AMAZING. I loved it. The ship was itty bitty. Lol


I have some really sweet pics of all of this! I can't wait to share tham!!



To update on ship life. Well, I have my bad days that's for sure. I get cranky. Its a bit frustrating finding your niche.
I think I am finally comfortable though. - have a new roommate. She's clean! Which is a blessing. Lol
I feel bad for my last roommate cause she got sick and they placed her in isloation for her last day. Really sucky!
I dropped off a few things to her and when I saw her she looked and sounded better than the day prior.

I'm getting along with my senior a bit more. And actually opening up to the team more too. I feel okay now. Lol

The boys....ugh. They are still annoying. My tag line is " don't waste your time I'm a hard target" which does two things. One it makes them think of well I like challenges I'm gonna go for it, which than leads me to the next thing. It gives me the oppurtunity to show them I'm not kidding. Makes them feel pretty stupid, than usually I'm left alone :-)

Its slowly coming together.


Anyone who reads this.... Well who knnows who that is, but my readers have to do me a favor. Since photography is playing a giant part in my life, when I post pics please let me know what you think. Feedback would really help me and the goals I'm going after.
It can be a simple as oh I hang that in my living room. Or yeah that one sucks. Either one I'd begreatful for.

I'm will be getting my comp fixed probably in the next two weeks. So in due time pics will be up.

Funny thing about ships

I think there are funny things that go along with ships.

I guess yesterday I wasn't feeling very...happy. I was in a bit of a blah mood. Although my night got better once I started working. See! Thats how I know I'm in the right field. I'm happy WHILE working. But to get back to that funny subject matter. Once I got on the ship after being uber excited, I immediately got in this i don't want to be here attitude. I don't know why. Maybe it was because I found out that half the team was leaving in a cruise or two. I didn't want to make the effort to get to know them. I don't know, I just couldn't be bothered.

Meeting new ppl and getting to know them means you have to always do your fair share of talking about yourself. something I really have grown sick of doing. When I'm back home I get ask 18 million questions about me, what my job is, how great it is, how did I get this job, and than my film/production background. I get sick of repeating it allllllll the time. on ships its the same...just different content is discussed. Where am I from, how long have I been doing ships, what my position is, do i have a bf, when do I leave. I was not in any mood to talk about me to anyone. So, in result I have been keeping to myself a bit. NOT really Amber-esq.

Last night I was talking to my roommate a bit more. thankfully about work stuff. (I am finding out my senior is a bit contradictory...about everything. lol. The whole being upbeat about being negative that I mentioned in an earlier post was exactly the thing the junior before me mentioned. my roommate had a laugh. lol) But i was wandering and just finally had a conversation with someone. I am slowly coming into my own. when done at my own pace it works out. :-)


The funny thing about ships---meeting new ppl requires you to know yourself a bit more than average. Which is a good thing....and bad thing.





**note to sister----eat lots of sweet for me. lol

First Boston

I did my first tour in Boston today and even though it was cold, rainy, and super windy I liked it.

I did the freedom trail tour. I am always a fan of that. I saw an edit of the same tour last week...completely boring. no idea who did that tour, the senior or the old junior. I hope my edit is somewhat entertaining.

Tomorrow I have a free day in port. that I'm not use to. I usually work every port. I have to shoot country night later on that night. I'm not complaining. I feel with our lack of sales we should be doubling up on tours...that's not my call. I'm not complaining about anything this time around.

Last night I was supposed to hang out with the photogs. never happened. After I posted my address I went to hang out, and felt like I was gonna be sick. So, i just left to my cabin grabbed some water and layed down. I felt blah!! I blame that GROSS coffee I drank. ewwww! I know it was that. They asked me if I was sea sick, yeah right I'm use to worse than this. Although, today is a bit rougher than I expected it to be.

I hope its not raining in Maine tomorrow. I hope I can make it to a mac store to get my comp fixed!! :-)

Address

Amber Sherman
VDO2
Photo Department
MV Caribbean Princess
CRuiselink II,ltd
676A 9th ave, BOX 238
New York, New York 10036

here is my address if anyone needs to send anything. :-)

I better get a Halloween card from someone!!!!

better ...so far

I woke up in a better mood. That is a good sign.

Last night I was invited out by my roommate. I didn't go up to the bar. I just am not feeling the drinking, to be honest. when she got back I guess she went with a bunch of other photogos. I guess because I'm a new joiner I was supposed to be up there partying. everyone I heard was asking where I was.

I am talking a teeny tiny bit more. I'm just glad I got out of that mood quickly.

Good news! I don't have to wait a week to to get out on ports. :-) Because I'm an American I don't have to do immigration. They did that on the Golden, but thankfully its different on this ship. So. I will be out and about tomorrow in Boston.

We were in Newport Rhode Island. It was really crappy out. It's raining right now. The ship's anchor got suck. We got delayed a tiny bit. I think they mentioned having a diving team go, and check things out. All is well now.

Yeah, the showers were not as bad as everyone said they were. Totally fine. not the hottest shower in the world, but it's not as bad as they made it seem. Just that in itself made me think this isn't gonna be as bad as I thought it was, referring to this whole contract in general.

My senior ... it seems like he hates everything. He's really nice, upbeat and all that...he just says everything sucks-shooting wise. I had to shoot sailaway. He said it was a really sucky time. blah blah blah. I shot it going in FML, after everything was said and done, I was like yeah I've had worse.
lol

just a bunch of negative Nancy's

There is this new system. videographers have to fill this thing out tracking everything we do...every 15 minutes. lovely right? just one more thing I have to track...it's a tedious task.Its just like an ILO. Instead of just marking when we work, and rest this one has us put in codes describing exactly what we did during our work hours. We have to do this for 3 weeks. I guess some videographers on other ships were complaining about doing more work or whatever. so some guy was hired to track the efficiency of the video team fleet wide.

I have to shoot champagne waterfall in an hour. My least favorite event. I have to run two cameras by myself. my senior has to shoot a happy gay wedding. I say it like that cause every 5 seconds he says "hehehehe I have to shoot a happy gay wedding." laughter to follow. yeah ...I wonder about him. lol


I think it's going to be fine :-)

day 1...contract two.

ok...so, this is my first day. I cant say I'm excited as I once was. ehhh, Im use to this mood thing on ships that I get tho. I hope I adjust.

my senior and manager....pretty tolerable. I dont think they'll be a bother. The team, ehhh I dont really know them yet obviously. Most of them already tagged me as shy.

Apparently my roommate is a big partier. Half the team is either leaving next week or in two weeks. all of the photo staff's showers get no hot water. We average about 10 dvd's per cruise. None of the photogs push the dvd. I guess they say the passengers on here are more rude than any ship they've been on. oh and I forgot to mention the editing suite is a shoe box. Stephen wasnt joking about that when he told me back on the golden.

so...off to a good start? not so much. I wanted to throw myself in work, but videographers on this ship do hardly anything.

I've only been on the ship for about 8 hours. I am already thinking I am gonna hate this contract. lol. That is bad. Being back on the ship makes me miss all my old friends back on the Golden. :-(

We'll see how this goes. Sadly I cant post videos, or pics since my comp is still sick. Once thats fix I will supply all the pics you can think of!!!








note to sister: yeah i thought about just chilling in NYC and not getting on the ship once I was at the hotel. lol I should have stayed. but this is where the money's at. lol

Summer Vacation

I am leaving in two days. My First vaca from the ship is ending. I have to say this vacation has been eventful. It was filled with several things I wanted, things I didn't expect, and things I needed.

I was sad to say good-bye to LA when I decided being back home was what I needed to do. I wasn't thrilled about moving back in with the family for these few months. logically it made sense.


I had a awesome roadtrip. Me and my sister re-established our relationship. we both grew up and changed as people while I was away for about 10 months. We re-learned who each other was, and I'm glad we became the best friends we once were. It has been a long time. I'm glad I got my sister back.



The Perfect House






I got hired for a feature film that was shot in Cheektawaga. I had a blast on that set. I have to say thanks to Tal first. He taught me a lot of things about the camera obviously, but also about the overall way of how making a movie works, and how everyone interacts. The crew was filled with such great people. Klinger and Kyle...I honestly don't know what that movie would have been without them. I know they helped me out a lot as well. I hope to work with them again. Tim---this guy! lol. He was an awesome fun guy. Glad he was there to make those stressful times fun! The directors/producers I admire them for going after their dream. They are making it happen. I'd work for them again in a heartbeat. Working on this movie was a great experience for me, and I learned a great deal.

check out the movie!
www.theperfecthousemovie.net




I was in one of my best friend's wedding. I am so happy for them. :-) I still cant Believe Mary is married!! It was a fun couple of days, and there was drama to follow who knew. lol








It was, for sure, a roller coaster ride being home with the family. the fights and the laughs! I remember when I first got home i just hated it! I couldn't wait to leave. I was going crazy and I just couldn't take the stress of home life. But now, I am excited to go, but I will miss home life. lol. it always works that way. I found my niche at home just when I have to leave. I'm gonna miss getting woken up by the kids. Dylan beating me up randomly. lol. I feel like I helped raise them. Who knows maybe I taught them something useful.





I met some new people, got close to people that I thought would never happen, and I got back in touch with people I haven't seen for years. There are a couple people that stick out.


one person in particular is Mike. I met him through my friend Joe. It was a small Comedy show at merge that Joe was doing. I sort of knew we would talk and end up getting closer. I'm glad I met him. I had a lot of fun with him. To me he was a very rare, special person. I appreciate him for his creative,artistic mind. I fell in love with how he expressed himself through the things he loved. Whether it was music, words, or comedy. He introduced me to new music. He fulfilled my craving for that something more I was looking for in music. I will always remember a lot of moments with him.
We has a website of his stand up videos, blogs, and podcasts. check it out his stuff.

http://mikeclinejr.com







There are some friends that I wanted to spend more time with, but my mood, lack of funds, or lack of time got in the way. I feel like I should have spent more time with My friend Jen. She is becoming such a good mom. I'm very proud of her. I'm sorry I didn't give you more of my time, but I'm glad we did have some good moments this summer. :-)



My friend Matt!! Dude I'm happy we hung out as much as we did!! We had a lot of laughs!! I found myself at my most comfortable with this guy! I always had fun with him. Although I am mad we wont let me send him a postcard. lol.




I feel like there are a lot of things that are going to come to a close. It feels like I am saying good-bye to these ppl. In a way I am. I just want people to know how I felt about this summer. When I come back to Buffalo in February I Know I will be hanging with my sister. But you never know where your friends will be. I hope to re-establish some of the relationships I formed this summer. but you never know. I guess I am just documenting and remembering. There were people this summer that made me feel special. THANKS!!



I am starting a new contract. I am very eager to find out who I'll be working with, who I'll get close to, who I'll hate. lol. I am very excited. Lets see what happens!! :-)

On my way

After I posted the last blog I thought seriously about what I wanted to tell Princess.

I waited a few days, but I told them I was fine with leaving on the Caribbean Princess.

Yes, it is not the ship I wanted. It was the ship I NEVER wanted. There are some benefits to this itinerary. It'll give me a bit more stability and routine...as far as ships go. I'll be visiting NYC so that's a plus, figure out if I love and actually want to move there. That's only for the first two months. I get to visit Boston again too!

I don't really know why I was dreading the Caribbean. I guess I wanted to go somewhere further from home. But I look forward to getting to know the islands like I got to know the islands of Hawaii.

I leave Aug 21st. I get back Feb 18th....thats if they dont switch anything up. who knows ya know.

Most posts and pics will be up soon. I will also try and get some video blogs up as well!

My next contract

I recently have been communicating with Princess about my next contract.

Originally I was supposed to join the Diamond Princess September 19th. Well....that isn't gonna happen now. One of the videographers got medically disembarked, and they called me up to find out if I could leave right away to join the ship. This was sometime 2 weeks ago.

I am gonna be honest the terms weren't in my favor. I will say that...but are they ever, really?? Since I am American, and because my job entails working on foreign soil; I may sometimes run into ***hey I need a visa!!*** Well this was the case with China and the Diamond Princess. Since they needed me to leave right away....I didn't have time to get my Chinese visa. So, I would have had to join the Diamond for only 2 months, than since there was no guarantee that I would have been able to get my visa while on the ship I would have been trans-shipped.....WHO KNOWS WHERE!!!! Everyone who does ships knows that being trans-shipped--- SUCKS!!! If I didn't leave when they wanted to I would have been bumped totally off that ship. Either way I probably wasn't gonna make it to Asia like I wanted to!!

So, what did I do? I told them the earliest I could leave would be Aug 3rd. I was optimistic that I would obtain my visa while on the ship. I was set to leave Aug 3rd.

All of this was discussed, and they needed an answer in a matter of a half hour on one phone call. My rash decision was: "Yes, sure I can leave on Aug 3rd."

I hung up the phone started to tell my friends that I was gonna be leaving Buffalo. I started to scramble to be quite honest.

Than I started to really think this over. DO I WANT TO LEAVE...at least right now???? I talked to a few important people, and even did a freaking pros and cons list!! I mean how stupid is that?!? If any one actually does that please let me know so I don't feel like an absolute fool. lol.

I emailed Princess two days later saying no I couldn't go.

my reasons...

***Well I wanted to go to Asia....no money and time to get my visa before joining the ship.
***There was no guarantee that I'd be able to get my visa while on the ship.
***I had to get uniform stuff in order(they dont pay for that stuff)
***I didn't wanna do Alaska again for two months.
***I was holding out for this film job(yes I took that risk)
***I wasn't ready to leave Buffalo Just yet.

All in all I guess I didn't really have a big giant reason why not to go. Plus I was gonna miss out on a few things that were happening this August.

Since I denied that contract there was a chance they weren't gonna offer me a new one. If they offered me a new one I could get a bad itinerary. Once I told them I couldn't my rep told me that my next ship was going to possibly be the Sapphire on Sept 19th. LAME ITINERARY!!! All places I've already been...at least 70% of the ports.

Than two days ago I got another email asking if I could go on the Caribbean Princess. I DO NOT WANT THAT SHIP!!!! lame itinerary. 7 day cruising. They make NO MONEY on that ship. Selling DVDs is like pulling teeth on that ship!!! Every Cruise fleet-wide they have the worst in sales!! It doesn't matter who the videographers are...what cool commercials they have going, what awesome flyer is up...they sell like 20 DVDs. No commission money for me.

so, right now I haven't said no to that ship....I haven't said yes.

I don't even know if I wanna do ships anymore. I am thinking I wanna save for a year than focus on my film career. Who knows?????

I am very torn on this ships/film thing.

OY!

Home sweet home

Well i made it home.

Being back in Buffalo is a bit weird. I miss living in LA to be honest. I kinda like being back in my home town though. nothing has really changed.

I mean a few more tim Hortons have gone up, some people have broken up or got pregnant, but for the most part, Buffalo is Buffalo.

I was a bit restless being home with nothing to do...workwise. of course I have things to take care, but nothing that takes up massive amounts of time. I just need to chill, I realized I cant always go go go. So, now I'm just chilling.

I've always been one to kinda never stay in one place, or stay in one group. I actually do not like staying in one group of friends. issues ALWAYS come from that. the group never likes people branching out. they always feel like oh now she hangs with so and so.

when that happens i always find out who are some of my best friends.

i bring this up because when a person is away you get the whole " i miss you", or the " when should hang out when you get back" blah blah blah. I probably cold go on for awhile, but i will spare you cause I know you get it. Well once your home what happens?? lol there will be people that seek you out and make sure they spend time with you, its usually not those ones that gave you all those lines.

i just find it funny. I like seeing the patterns of humans.

Well my cruise ship life for now is over. It was a very exciting, dramatic, interesting, emotional experience. I loved it. I shall continue my blog once I'm closer to getting on my next ship.

My next ship is The Diamond princess. That ship goes to Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. I sign on Sept 11, 2010.

So I guess you'll read on in 3 months. :-)

Grand Canyon-Big deal???

My sister coming out here planned to see the Grand Canyon. I hadn’t seen it yet. To be honest, I didn’t really care to see it. I was kinda like oh since we’re driving by lets check it out, but if its out of our way, oh well. I mean either way I didn’t really care.

We were making our way to the Grand Canyon, and the ride up was really cool. I had no idea the was a forest that surrounded the area. The weather was great. It was uber hot for the beginning part of our day, than it just nice and cool. It was great. It eventually got quite cold. I full on welcomed the cold!! ☺

We stopped at this gas station/Native store. My sister bought handmade jewelry. I got a sweet pair of onyx earrings out of the deal. Lol.

We are pretty much at the canyon, and we notice a sign that says park fee. I’m like what the hell is that about. We were unsure about fees and all that. Turns out there was this $25 fee to enter the Grand Canyon park. I’m like SWEET JESUS!! We were only going for what we thought a short time. I guess you buy these 7 days passes for $25. We paid it regardless.

My excitement grew as we got closer to seeing it.

It was about sunset when we got to Mather Point. The visitor center was closed, but that was okay, I still got my info about the Canyon and all that I wanted. I’m always curious on how things like that got there and were formed. I read all this info before see the canyon. Now I really wanted to see the canyon! I saw all this info about hiking, and I so wanted to just stay for a couple days and hike!

My sister bought a whole bunch of stuff!! Lol I waited for her, and I just could not take it anymore. I told her “ Jen, the sun is setting we have to go now to even be able to see the canyon.” So, I just straight up book it. I didn’t want to miss it while we were here these few hours.

It was a it of a walk, but once we got the point, OMG!! it blew me away! It was just so beautiful.

I never thought it’d affect me the way it did. I want to go back for sure, and spend a few days there to hike, and all that jazz.

It was amazing, I’m glad I went. It was 100 miles out of the ay too.

My sister as I was looking out one last time, was like “ Amber so, was it worththe $25 dollas? I’m like YES! I don’t even care about the money now. I’m glad I was there to see something that amazing!

“The Grand Canyon is what all canyons are compared to.”

I must add this little tid bit of Information. When I was on my journeys in Hawai’I, I went to Waimea canyon. Now, Mark twain tagged it “The grand canyon of the Pacific” Seeing both, Waimea does even come close. Waimea was beautiful, but didn’t strike me like the Grand Canyon did. It turns out that Mark Twain never even went and saw the Waimea Canyon in person. Who knows if we even saw the Grand Canyon. I feel like nick-naming Waimea Canyon the Grand Canyon of the Pacific is almost an insult. Lol. Who is someone going to put a label on something like that without seeing both for real and in person??? Boo.

All in all it was a great day in Arizona!