Finally a Post

It’s been months since I have made the time to write about all my current adventures. Reflecting on the past few months, much learning, growth, struggle and just plain fun has occurred. When I first stepped onto Catatonic January 10^th, I couldn’t have been more excited. Overwhelmed with the unknown, excited for adventure, I naively believed I knew a lot more than I did.

The galley, pantry, and overall organization of my new territory scared me but, I quickly got to work labeling and alphabetizing the spices. I stayed up most of the night organizing and preparing for our passage down island to St. Martin. Owen and I left Christmas Cove around 5 p.m. As we headed around the corner into “Seasick Alley,” I had no idea what I was in store for. Three hours into the adventure, as I was puking into the trashcan in the cockpit, I questioned my motives for wanting to pursue a job in this field. I tried to hold myself together because I didn’t want Owen to think I was incompetent. With our nose directly into the wind, we motored pretty much the whole way. I slept mostly and tried to keep Owen company when I could. Numerous pots of coffee, a few rain showers, nearly loosing Kittytonic (the dinghy), and 18 hours later we approached Port Marigot. In our zombie state, we took the dinghy into customs, grabbed a bite to eat, and hooked up with Paul and Carolyn (friends of the owners). They took us provisioning for some last minute produce. At this point I still had no idea about proportions, keeping food fresh on the boat, or the concept of menus not going exactly as planned.

We then had to sail around the east side of the island to Oyster Bay where we were rendezvousing with our guests Chuck and Marie the following afternoon. All we knew about them was that he was a nudist that worked for the pentagon and they were returning guests. After living in California, this information did not intimidate me. I was just thankful that I was only cooking for 4 people instead of the max of 8.

Looking back on this passage I can only laugh. I honestly couldn’t have asked for better guests or a more beautiful location. And nothing went too seriously wrong.a Since January, I’ve gotten my menu on lockdown. I’m comfortable handling the lines. I’m making friends with the locals at all our BVI pit stops. I’ve had 6 charters and each one has become an extension of my family. Honestly, Catatonic has become more of a home to me than Lloyd’s Place, my studio Up De Hill.

Caribbean Breeze

My heart once again light, flutters with excitement.
As I embark further on this adventure, sitting at Joe's Beach Bar at Honeymoon Beach on Water Island, I can't help but to once again possess THE STOKE. Things are looking up and not just my walk home.
I am waiting to watch an outdoor movie that plays every Monday night on Water Island. The only way to get to Water Island is by boat or a small passenger ferry from Crown Bay in Charlotte Amalie. There are only 130 residents and everyone gets around on golf carts. Water Island feels safer than other islands, I guess because it is so secluded and the only people living there are the elite and vacationers. I took the ferry over early and met some vacationers from Canada, they told me I looked lonely and insisted I join them. I've actually gotten very comfortable flying solo, but it is just assumed that if you are alone, it's not by choice. I was glad for their company and chatted with them for a while.
After the movie, I hitched a golf cart ride with two older fellows back to the ferry dock, and waited there with the rest of the St. Thomasers. Usually the ferry ceases to run after 6:30 but a special exception on movie night allows riders to get back to St. Thomas 15 minutes after the movie. A half an hour after waiting (everything is island time), Bill, our captain docked up and helped us all board.
In all the time waiting, I met a crew of boys that happened to be room mates with one of my Coco Blue co-workers. Calling my Rose, because of the print on my romper, the offered me a ride home to Red Hook, because they were headed their to party anyways. I gladly accepted. When we arrived at the parking lot, a predicament arose. With 9 passengers and a Jeep Wrangler, the ten minute car ride was transforming into a scene from a circus. I opted out and went to call a cab. Unfortunately, the cabbie told me to wait in the parking lot next to the jeep. The boys insisted that I help them reach maximum capacity. So, I looked around, ran over, threw my back in, and hoisted myself in. Ridiculous. Fun. Unsafe. But, we all survived.
I meet with Pamela tomorrow to discuss the potential chef/mate position on her private, luxury 44' Catamaran. And before I hung up asked if I would be available to go to St. Maarten (Dutch and French East Caribbean Island) next Tuesday.
I love it here, the islands are captivating my heart, and I am finally nestling in.

Mini castles afloat in the field of blue,
each flying their flag,
As the sun dips once again,
magnifying a path for me
I gaze out at the silhouettes,
each prospectively facing the wind.
Exactly where I'm supposed to be
my soul, refreshed,
is put to ease,
thankful for the Caribbean breeze.

No More 2011

I’m becoming a night owl again.

With 2011, no longer will heartache be a part of my life. Even though love stories are EVERYWHERE. Goodbye, for now.

As for the great adventure, I like it here. I’m finally settled in my apartment, I like living alone. I don’t want a roommate at this point. I hope I can stay at Lloyd’s place for a while.

Nervous about the prospect of working for Owen on Catatonic, I hope I get the shot to prove myself. I know I could handle the job and I’ve imagined it panning out. I need to start making real money, so my time here is monetarily successful in addition to my growth.

2011 was a beautiful year for me. When I look back on everything that has happened to me, I couldn’t ask for a better year. I successfully survived moving to California, falling head over heels in love with a great community there. I’ve become a more independent, confident, driven woman. The years keep getting better and better, I have great hope for 2012. My intentions this year remain the same as every year, to learn, to grow, to love, to make music, to dance, to read, to write, to meet new friends, to stay in touch with old friends, to make my parents proud, to give thanks for all to be thankful for, to positively influence those that share life with me, to cook amazing food, to share meals, to have fun, to gain something positive from every experience good or bad, and most importantly—to live.

No more caffeine for me for a while.