A Change of Pace

Well, I guess I've put this off for long enough. I've got big news! First, the bad news: I will no longer be baking. The good news: I've headed off on an adventure! So, as the title suggests, we're in for quite the change of pace.

I quit my job, found a home for my rabbit, sold my car, moved my stuff out of the house and across the state to sit in my parents' garage, said goodbye to my friends, packed my life into a backpack and boarded a plane headed for Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.


I don't think I'll ever outgrow my love of window seats. I can spend nearly an entire flight staring out the window, mesmerized by the changing landscape. My emotional butterflies were slowly calmed by the views of the world as I was finally able to relax for the first time in weeks. Flying over Southern and Central Arizona, I entertained myself by identifying all of the familiar landmarks that rose up out out of the haze. The landmarks that embodied the familiarity of the life I was leaving behind.

(The view of the back porch of the crewhouse where everyone congregates for a drink, a smoke and conversation.)

So here I am in Florida. After my initial disorientation of landing alone in a strange (and humid!) place late in the evening, things have been well since I've gotten to know the others who live in this crewhouse. Everyone I've met here has been super nice. One very cool roommate has taken me under her wing and been gracious enough to show me around and give me a taste of the kind of lifestyle I've gotten myself into. Last night the TGIF celebration started early out on the back porch and continued after a brief walk to the "yachtie" bar. Today's plan is margaritas and people watching on the beach. Rough life! ;)

My STCW '95 (safety training) class beings on Monday and will take a week. Then I get to register with crew placement agencies, do some interviews and hopefully I'll land a job as a stewardess on a luxury yacht. Wish me luck!