So I've been trying to blog using my phone, because then I can actually blog on the ship instead of having to wait until I have a few hours off and get somewhere with Internet where I don't have to pay 10 cents a minutes, like on the ship.  Well…I just realized that it HASN'T been uploading my blog entries like I thought, so I do apologize for no entries for a while.

For the past two weeks, no scratch that, for the past THREE weeks, I've been working basically the same schedule. That means my boss keeps putting me on gallery shifts and taking pictures in all the restaurants. That wouldn't be so bad, but I'm getting really bored, which lately has made me extremely grumpy. Several people have come up to me to ask what is wrong and to see if I'm okay.  Not all of the problems is work related, I am having a lot of personal issues since I found out that my brother has cancer and is getting his leg removed.  I decided I should finally tell everyone, because it will explain why I'm kind of faking it. I mean, usually I'm naturally happy, but lately, it's been a struggle.  How do you fake a smile at an angry guest complaining about a photo that costs $12.95 (who is VIP, by the way, meaning they spent thousands of dollars on their room) when your brother is struggling to support a family of five and have his leg removed? I mean, really, is it that big of a deal that the photo is almost $13 dollars? I'm not shoving it down your face-you don't have to buy it. And you certainty don't have to  scream in my face like a big baby. Really lady, really? Just because you think the world revolves around you does mean it does. Get over yourself.

That's what I'd really like to tell these people. Instead, I have to try and smile and say, "I'm sorry, miss, but that is the price." Or something like that. No wonder people are becoming fake. It's what we have to do to survive. "Be yourself." Sorry, but I can't be myself if I'm going to get fired.

Now…it's time to list all the crazy responses people have given me as to why they can't get their picture taken….

"Sorry, I'm running from the police"  (really, did you know we have tons of cameras on this ship? Cause you are going to be in trouble now)
"My husband or wife might find out" (both you and the women across from you sir have the same matching rings, can you explain that?)
"I'm part of the mafia" (I thought the mafia just kill people, not tell everyone)
"I'm allergic to cameras" (I'm the one who is allergic to everything, and even I'm not allergic to cameras, so nice try)
"Your stupid flash is making it hard for me to eat, just get out of my face" (okay, that was just mean)
"I look ugly today" (Sorry lady, I don't think it's just today…)
"Really? Do you know who I am?" (no, and I don't really care)
"You have to talk to my agent first" (my co-worker thinks this is original, well..no)
"I'm on the FBI's Most Wanted List" (is your wife aware of this? cause she is staring at you like you are an idiot)


List to be continued next entry…we've been keeping track at work. Most people use the same excuses and think they are so original and they start laughing like they are sooo funny. Why can't you just say "No thank you"? Really, is that so hard?