from google

I hate dead animals. I hate seeing them, thinking about them, I hate it all. Therefore, it only makes sense that I would not like seafood.  I don't mind eating meat, because I can't see the animal I'm eating.  However, when someone eats a lobster, you see the whole animal. You know what you are eating. That's disgusting! I don't want to see some creepy eye staring at me, reminding me of what a horrible person I am.   Ewww.  I can think of a lot of other foods that are just as tasty-and don't make me feel grossed out.  What is the East coast known for? Lobster. Everywhere I go, people are eating lobster!  I understand most people don't think like me, so no one is going to stop eating their food just because I'm grossed out, but couldn't you least not have your dinner's eyeballs staring at me? That would be the polite thing to do, correct? But no, every time we go out to dinner, some lobster is staring at me, saying "They killed me. They killed me. And you didn't stop it!"  Thank heavens that you can buy other food and not have eyeballs attached-or I'd become a vegetarian.  Some leafy green vegetables sound really good right now...

This trip has been fun, but hasn't had as many photo moments as I had planned. I enjoy taking pictures of land and beautiful nature, but I have found that pictures of people are what I enjoy the most. 


People are so interesting, because they make different faces, move around, and are just ALIVE.  Nature is alive too, but you and I can probably take the same picture.  However, I might catch someone laughing, while you catch them smiling. I might zoom in on their face, while you catch their whole body. It's just…more interesting.


I am putting some photos in that I've taken so far.  These are unedited, although there are a few in my collection. I do plan to edit. However, I think there is something to be said for those photos that are great from the beginning, and need no editing. Thus, enjoy! :)

On a different note, I have noticed  that I tend to see pictures everywhere.  It's not as weird as it sounds. When I see someone smile or laugh and tilt their head, I think "click". I often find myself always wishing I had a camera attached to my head and could take a picture as quickly as I think.  I suppose photography is as close as I'll come to having a camera in my head. It's pretty fun to look back at a picture and think "I took that".  I've come a long way from the photographer I was in high school (with a film camera and early digital) to the one I am today. I know I'll become even better in the years to come.

Anyway, trip aside, I wanted to mention that I found a blog of a guy named James who used to work on the Pride of America ship. He worked on ships for 5 years total and now he has some job traveling.  That's pretty cool-I'm excited for my first chance on the ship! I noticed he mentioned what to pack, so I copied and pasted that into my little notes I've created by googling other crew members.  Everyone keeps mentioning, "Pack half of what you are planning!" I know that I better watch what I bring!  I was so worried about having things to do when I'm off-duty, but according to his blog, he likes to either nap (long days) or talk to people. I'm pretty sure (being a social butterfly) that I won't have to worry about finding something to do.  Of course, bringing my laptop along, I will always have something to do!

I'm starting to get a little nervous. I don't know what to expect! I'm currently working on finishing my website, so I can have people look at my work without having to e-mail it to them, and I know that I'm good. I'm great at taking pictures-it's something I love doing!  I'm just worried that I won't know how to do I their way-or that I'll do something wrong.  I know that I will be fine, but still, I'm a little nervous!  I'm going to be far away from friends and family (just like when I lived in Arizona-or in Florida actually) but it's not like I won't make new friends! 

Okay, this is starting to be a blog all about my worries. I better make this more cheerful!  I have a week and a half left, and I'll be in HAWAII! :)