Dec 10 Ambassadors Ball

Spent the entire day decorating for the ball. From 9-11 decorated the Union and planned out the dining hall. Had lunch, rested and hung out with Lauren. At 1:30 we had a half an hour power set up before our ship meeting at 2. I had my hair done for the ball at 3 and I just got a simple French twist updo. Went back to helping decorate and set up all the way until 5 pm. The first dinner started at 5:30 so we pushed the time just a little bit. We only had some minor problems and had some damage control but we made it through and it looked great. I got ready and met up with the girls for pictures. I felt like it was prom all over again it was so funny. Everyone looked so nice and all the guys were dressed up in suits. The entertainment started at 7 pm and had Tien play his guitar and this girl played the piano and sang. She has such an amazing voice. Dinner started at 8pm. It was soo good. I ordered the filet and it was so nice to finally have some good meet. The girls and I just reminisced on everything that has happened on the ship and all the places we had been together. After there was dessert and a dance in the Union and a slideshow we put together that would keep running all night. The dance was really fun and had all these crazy lights and the music was very Girl talk like so everyone was satisfied. The dance went until 1 am and then we had to do a power clean up after which wasn’t that bad. Lauren and I are still up and cant go to sleep so I wrote this before I forgot anything. Tomorrow is a day of tanning, packing, and picture exchanging.

Dec 9

Last day of the last port of the voyage. It was so sad. We woke up semi early and headed to breakfast and then went out and did some quick shopping. We had to check out by 12 so we just got some stupid souvenirs and last minute gifts. Kasie and I needed stamps so we walked across the town to get them. A little sketchy but we made it there and back no problem. Laid out at the beach until a big cloud came along with some rain. Alissa Sara and I were the only ones left of our group still on the beach and we got hungry so we went to the bar and got chips and all the toppings with smoothies. Our bus back to the ship was picking us up at 2 pm. Had about an hours ride back to Punteranas. Had our last drinks in the van. Got back on the boat, made a sign for the ball, had a quick dinner. Chilled with Sara Josie and Nina and some of the girls came in and out of the room. Had another meeting at 8:30 for the ball. Should get some sleep. Have a long day tomorrow. Cant believe its over. But its going to be a good last 4 days on the ship. Craziness! 

Dec 8

And the recovery day. Basically woke up late, had some breakfast and then went straight to the beach. Some people were hurting and the guys were actually at the beach before us. We tanned for a bit and then got hungry and went to this awesome placed called Tacobar. You ordered like a taco, burrito, whatever…and then you added all these toppings to it. It was so good and on the side had a mango smoothie. I was in heaven. My stomach still wasn’t quite happy with me. I really wanted to go zip lining so Ali and Kyle and I went. Patrick and Austin were passed out all day and didn’t come out. So on the way to the place we picked up Blake and John and we got there and Bob and everyone else were there. . Our group got ready and got towed up the mountain. The view was absolutely gorgeous. The temperature was perfect too. The afternoon sun and the clouds were a great mix. We went down 14 different lines in all. Some were really fast and others were slow enough we could go upside down like a bat. So cool! It was really fun and I hope to do it again. After we played some baseball with the instructors they were so nice. Ali and I left earlier and the boys stayed longer to play a smaller game. Ali and I joined the nap party and we all slept in and didn’t go out until like 8 or 9. Found a place for dinner and got some chips and salsa, guacamole, and beans and then had some pizza. After we all kind of split up to go to different bars. At some point in the night we all met up with all the SASers in Jaco and had a good time. Eventually Sara and I got hungry so we went to the local store across the street and got a cup of noodles and some icecream. Called it a night around 2 am. It wasn’t a crazy night but it was a good one.

Dec 7 COSTA RICA

We have arrived in COSTA RICA! No worries, no exams, no more class! I am officially on winter break. Its so weird to be in such nice weather. We pulled into Caldera bay which wasn’t a town just some place we anchored for the day. Once we were cleared Me, Ali, Jocie, Sara, Kasie, Nina, Alissa, Kyle, Austin, and Patrick all got on a tenor and went ashore. We bartered for a ride to Jaco and got out of there by 10 and made it to Jaco around 11:15. The town of Jaco is very small and really there is nothing there but surf shop after surf shop and bars. We got to our hotel easily, checked in and headed to the beach to start the tanning and drinking. The beach was half a block away and had a bar on it. We got drinks and lay out in the sun. It was soo nice with the occasional cloud but I couldn’t complain. Made it into the water it was so warm. The waves were awesome too. A bunch of people rented boogie boards and surf boards. The beach wasn’t all that nice but I mean we were in Costa Rica. Spent a good portion of the day outside and then went back to the hotel for nap time and do some internet time. It was nice to just relax and do nothing for once. There was no stress, no drama, and no boat! Got ready and went out to dinner at this place called Wishbone. It was so good. I got this pita pocket thing. Mmmm. Then we went out to a bunch of bars and got home around 2 am.

Dec 4

It is officially DECEMBER. I cant believe it. Being in hot weather these past couple of days just makes it even hard to think about. I will be in Miami in 9 days. Its gone by so fast and I feel like it hasn’t even started. I have been preparing for exams and final essays the last couple of days. I want to be spending time with the girls but want to finish on a good note in my classes. Already had the core exam and today I have to turn in my econ essay and take my mgmt final. Eek! Probably my hardest exam but I feel pretty good about it. After this I am basically done and get to spend the rest of these three days in the sunshine and packing…??? Lol I do have one test on B exam but its this “surprise quiz” that we have known about for weeks! I don’t even want to think about all the time I have wasted studying/wasting time on that thing. Its so easy and I don’t know why we didn’t just take it on the last day of class. So pissed. Costa Rica in 3 days J Cant wait to come home with a killer tan. Watch out. Finishing up on final touches for the Ambassadors Ball as well. Usually a nice study break and getting a lot done. Just hope it all pulls together. We have hit some bumps in the details and little things but getting through it. Just worried about losing those last inches for my dress! Lol. Time to go study more. Wish me luck!

Nov 29

Today was filled with meetings, signups, doing lots of work and presentations. Actually made it without too much stress and everyone is happy. Made reservations for Costa Rica but there is some behind the scenes drama which should toss things up a bit so we will see how things work out. Been working out a lot and attempting to study for finals. 1^st one is in 3 days. Ah! Just want them to be over.