A Dream of Mine Came True Today

Today I became a PADI certified open diver. This had been a dream of mine since I was a teenager and today was the realization of that dream. And what a way for it to happen, too!

My friend Claire and I had a checklist of what we wanted to see during our checkout dives: a clown fish (a.k.a. Nemo), a school of fish, a shark, and a sea turtle. We got to see all of them and more! It was like the sea was celebrating with me.

Another dream will be coming true in a few months. To say I am grateful is an understatement.

Simple Pleasure

Hearing his voice when I least expected it. My heart didn't just skip a beat. It soared.



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Writing what I Wonder

I've had many people violently reacting about why I'm still single. Each time I tell them - assure them - that I'm alright.

I then tell them how I turned down a marriage proposal to prove that my current singlehood is something I chose and not a status I had to accept due to circumstance.

That's not to say I want to be single. I would rather be single at this point in my life and be hopeful that I will find the right person.

I would rather be single and hopeful than trapped in an unhappy relationship.



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

weekend round-up

some things that cheered me up this weekend:

1. meeting up with family.
2. seeing a submarine through the front office window (so cool!)
3. calm seas. the water was like velvet!
4. catching up with an old friend.

let's see what this week will bring...

the plan is in motion

today i submitted my official request for a contract extension. if granted, i'll disembarking on october instead of july. staying on board 3 extra months is a bit daunting for sure, but at least i'll be able to spend christmas and new year at home.

my letter included two other requests as well. if those are granted then i'm looking at a very challenging third contract with holland america.

messquoted

this is really funny. enjoy.

from an unexpected source

i received a compliment from our hotel manager this evening.

on my way to check on a 911 call, i ran into him. i greeted him and went on my way. halfway down the hallway, i heard his voice behind me. i didn't realize he'd followed me.

hm: pia, when does your contract end?
me: july
hm: that's good. you'll be here a while.
me: there is a chance i may extend.
hm: even better. we need people like you on this ship.

it's good to know that my work doesn't go unnoticed.

a fun poetic note from a guest

this has been circulating in our office email so i decided to look for it online. it was written by mrs. mullin, one of my suite guests from a few cruises ago. just thought i'd share it with all of you.

weekend round up

• for the first time in my life i'm hoping and praying that what i want for myself is the same thing that God has in store for me. sana tugma.
• kathy troccoli is one of my suite guests. i met her this afternoon and acted like such a fan. the cabin steward witnessed out entire exchanged and laughed so hard when we were done.
• this is so true... although it's good for the ego (c'mon, let's be honest) to have a number of suitors, if it's not the right person it just doesn't matter.
• although this is a relatively easy cruise so far, i can't wait for it to be over.
• i cannot believe that i am midway through my contract. in a couple of months we'll be crossing over to the baltics and i'll be visiting europe for the first time!
• i really appreciate how people have been looking out for me the past couple of days... even those i wouldn't expect. it's like they know i need the support.
• when i was younger, i really believed that i could hide the sadness in my eyes. and although others told me that they saw it, i never did. now that i'm older, i do see the sadness in my eyes. other people just think i'm tired from work.

May today there be peace within...

May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith. May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content knowing you are a child of God. Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us.

This prayer was included in one of those forwarded messages and I wanted to share it with you.

laughter is the best medicine

things that made me laugh out loud this past week:

1. conversations with mel.
2. meebo chats with roy & ginny.
3. tom cruise in tropic thunder.
4. how i met your mother.
5. neil patrick harris (in particular).
6. tonight's noodle session with some of the front office people.

for these i am very grateful.

quote of the day

you don't need scores of suitors. you need only one... if he's the right one.

- amy march, "little women"

quote for the day

who doesn't long for someone to hold?
who knows how to love you without being told.

- from "soulmate" by natasha bedingfield

a random act of kindess is its own reward

this afternoon, one of my guests called me and requested assistance for another guest who was having difficulty locating his stateroom. according to my guest, the gentleman seemed a bit handicapped and was getting more agitated by the second.

i left the lounge and went down to deck five. i found the guest in the hallway, looking lost and on the verge of tears.

i introduced myself, asked for his room card and called the front office and asked for his room number. when i had the information, i escorted the guest back to his room.

he was so thankful that he burst into tears. and then he asked if he could hug me. i let him. and he said, "thank you. who would've thought that such a beautiful woman would help out a stupid person like me."

i cried all the way back to the neptune lounge.

i'm thankful for

• family
  
• old friends who remember and keep you company when you need it the most.
• new friends who give you a whole new insight when things don't go your way.
• unexpected conversations with people who suddenly express their appreciation for you.
• pictures that remind you of what you have back home.
• my cabin where i can be alone with my thoughts
• music that captures, and allows me to express, my deepest emotions.

here's to 2009, a year that can only get better.

"perseverance takes patience, but it rewards you with more than you could imagine."

quote of the day

the world is full of different ways of living and you need to understand that you have more options than you realize.

what is the world coming to?

it's amazing how people can get away with something like this...
this should not happen. ever.

2008 Roundup

Where did you begin 2008?
On board the Veendam. Working.

What was your status by Valentine's day of 2008?
I was single. Still am.

Did you have to go to the hospital?
Nope

Did you have any encounters with the police?
Nope

What did you purchase over $500?
A lot of things

Did you know anybody who got married?
Yes

Did you know anybody who passed away?
Yes

What sporting events did you attend?
None

What concerts/shows did you go to?
Do the crew shows count?

Where do you live now?
On the ms Eurodam. Permanent address is still Valle 2.

Describe your birthday.
My birthday was spent on board. We had a simple celebration in the P.O. mess of the Veendam.

What's the one thing you thought you would never do but did?
Had a relationship on board.

Any new additions to your family?
Nope. But there will be one soon

What was your best month?
Probably last month.

Who was your best drinking buddy?
Joyee of course

Made new friends?
Oh yeah.

Any regrets?
Not really.

What do you want to change in 2009?
My fortune in love.

Overall, how would you rate this year?
It was a year of learning and independence. It was perfect for whatever

Have any life changes in 2008?
Yes

Get a new job?
Nope. Maybe next year.

How old did you turn this year?
32

Did anything embarrassing?
Nothing that beats falling off stage. The most embarrassing would be calling my guests by the wrong names.

Get married or divorced?
Nope

Be honest - did you watch American Idol?
Nope

Start a new hobby?
Traveling... hahaha

Are you happy to see 2008 go?
Ok lang

Drank Starbucks in 2008?
Definitely

Been naughty or nice?
Both in equal measure.

What are you wishing for in 2009?
Peace and love

Done something you've regretted?
Not really

Lost someone?
Nope

Cut class?
Not applicable

Was involved in something you'll never forget?
Oh yes.

Cooked a gross meal?
Never

Lost something important to you?
Yes

Got a gift you adore?
No

Tripped over a coffee table?
Nope

Dyed your hair?
Yes

Came close to losing your life?
No. But I did come close to losing my mind today.

Went to a party?
Definitely

Read a great book?
I really have no time. And when I do have time, I'm too tired to read.

2008: FRIENDS AND ENEMIES

Did you meet any new friends this year?
Yes

Did you dislike anyone?
Yes

Did you grow apart from anyone?
Yes

Do you have any regrets when it comes to your friendships?
Nope

2008: YOUR BIRTHDAY

Did you have a cake?
Yes

Did you get any presents?
No. But I received a lot of random acts of kindness.

2008: ALL ABOUT YOU

Did you change at all this year?
I don't think so.

Did you change your style?
I changed my hair style.

Were you in school?
Nope

Did you have a job?
Yes

Did you drive?
Yes

Did anyone close to you give birth?
Nope

Did you go on any vacations?
My vacation was spent at home... and HK for a week.

Would you change anything about yourself now?
A number of things

2008: WRAP UP

Was 2008 a good year?
It was alright

Do you think 2009 will top 2008?
I certainly hope so.

quote of the day

love takes time and moves according to its own schedule. be patient and let fate do the rest.

random thoughts while in starbucks

1. maybe i should've had a hot chai tea latte instead.
2. he has garfield's eyes
3. i wish the ship didn't have to leave at 11:00.
4. i hope i find all i need in st. thomas tomorrow.
5. i hope they give us a copy of last night's crew show
6. they have the bodies exhibit here. the same one that was shown at the south street seaport in new york two years ago.
7. ang lamig naman dito!!!
8. seven pounds starring will smith... looks interesting.