Goodbyes, expected and otherwise.

Today the ice cast that have been here since I signed on are heading home. My 6 month contract began and will end only 3 weeks off from theirs, we came almost together so it is strange to see them leave. A few are staying on another month or so, including my friend Arthur, so that is one nice thing. The new cast has already been here (along with company people and choreographers), rehearsing, for the past 2 weeks, getting to know the small ice rink and the props and costumes for the show. They had a dress rehearsal last night, performing the show for the departing cast and some of us. I have met a few of them and made a couple of friends already, although I won't be around for much of their contract. I look forward to seeing them in the show this week.

Some other goodbyes today: one expected - a youth staff guy I signed on with finished his contract, while I still have weeks left. Grrr. :-) The unexpected goodbyes?? Last week we had a few incidents with people in our division, and a couple of people were sent home today. Two dancers were sent home for being caught over the alcohol limit, and a sports staff girl, one of my best friends on board, was sent home for bringing her visiting guest friend to the crew bar. (Yes, they can actually fire you for something like that, silly as it is). I really did not expect them to fire her and was pretty shocked to find out this morning and have to say goodbye. Another reminder that this is a ship, and nothing and no one is permanent. It was a bit of a hard morning all around for our division.

This week we have more Celebrities for our headliner entertainment. The Scintas are a Las Vegas family act, and are actually pretty cool people. They were very patient with sound issues, of which we still have more than our share. I enjoyed myself during their show, and look forward to doing it again tomorrow. Then later this week we back up the actor Jeff Trachta, former star of the Bold and the Beautiful, in his solo act, which should be interesting. I'll be sure to let you know how that goes. I think its either Thursday or Friday night. Thus begins week 3 in the countdown!!