And in Closing...

We did it! After 17 weeks of living on a ship with 2500 new neighbors each week, entertaining throngs of rowdy Spring-Breakers, Rednecks, and Octogenarians, doing no laundry or cooking or cleaning for myself, swimming with dolphins, falling in love with New Orleans, speaking more Spanish than my college minor ever prepared me for, and surviving Acute Gastro-intestinal Enteritis 4 times, I can tell you it was a terrific experience.

When I accepted this job, I viewed it as a paid honeymoon, a chance to travel, and an opportunity to escape from the daily grind. But, I expected to feel like I was missing-out on what was going on in Los Angeles, the “center of the world”. I thought I’d feel anxious about taking this time off. I feared that I’d hear that daily ticking clock in my mind reminding me that I was not building my resume, that I should be climbing the career ladder. I figured I’d get lazy and bored by being here. But I’ve never felt more productive and creative in my life.

I am lucky to have gotten on this ship, at this time, with this group of performers. Each of my cast mates is super-talented and supportive. We make each other laugh every day! It has been a delight to feel proud of the work we do on stage. The material allows each of us to shine based on our abilities. And our improv sets are so fun. I shall miss each member of the gang!

I’ve made good use of my free time on board: I wrote 8 chapters of a novel, pilot drafts, sketch material, and this blog. I read 10 novels during my time here. And I started some sewing projects. (You can see them in the photos included.) I feel balanced and creative. I am allowing myself to reach goals, enjoy hobbies, and create. I let myself dream a little more each day. And I love that the first four months of my marriage have been so charmed by this experience.

I look forward to going “home” for a while, wherever that is. I miss my family and friends more than ever. I miss grocery shopping and driving a car and watching TV. But, I am forever thankful for this wonderful adventure. Thanks for reading and for your feedback. Thanks for letting me know what is going on in your lives so that I don’t feel so far away. I will see most of you in a few days. And I can’t wait to pet my cat’s furry fat belly!

More to come in May when I begin a new journey to Chicago, France, England, and Miami...