beyond the sea

I can't believe I'm approaching the end of the first month of my contract. Time really flies when you're having fun, and I'm having a TON of fun! In a nutshell: singing with the band is a complete joy, and it's so fulfilling to have my knowledge and skill challenged on a daily basis. My performance is improving day by day, so none of this ever feels like work. The only difficulty is keeping my vocal health up; I sing a large portion of my sets near a smoking area on board, so I am affected by the secondhand smoke on a regular basis. I do have a handful of medical tools to help keep my chords lubricated and in tip top shape, and it's simply a matter of staying on the ball. I'm enjoying my company, and I'm learning to be more social, which can be difficult for me sometimes. But I keep reminding myself that this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I'm trying to live each moment to the fullest.

I've continued to think about what I want to do after this contract is over, and day after day, my answer stays the same. I'm going to expose myself to some musical opportunities here on board to help me explore what exactly I'd like to immerse myself in next to help me keep all my options open. Though I'm starting to see that my hopes and desires are well developed and getting to the point of fruition. Which is so so so exciting, but there is a part of me that feels like I might not be ready to grow up yet and take the plunge into adulthood. There is a lot more I want to see and do in this world before I settle down, if I ultimately decide to get settled, and I wonder if those things will fall to the wayside while I pursue my greater goals. Perhaps all this is needless speculating, but it's the kind of thing you've got to consider when making giant decisions, right?

Well, while that's happening, I might as well take things as they come. That's all I can expect to do, after all.

Pictures to come soon!