Next Adventure

Sorry for not blogging very often at all anymore, I'm trying to be better! Promise!

Where to start?
Well, in February of this year, I made a big move to Los Angeles, California! And I have met some of the most amazing, crazy, supportive, loving friends there. And you might be like, that's awesome! I'm so glad Lindsey loves LA! And I still do, but during my time living in CA I realized that working for Carnival and being on ships wasn't something I was ready to give up just yet. It's by far the best job I've ever had, even with all of the craziness that ensues. So I made the decision to come back to Carnival for another contract which starts next month (September 11 to be exact). And with that decision came a lot of other decisions like, "Do I just keep all of my stuff in CA and it will be home when I'm on vacation between contracts?" or "Do I move back to NC, and visit CA very often and maybe when I'm done working on ships, move back?" And let me tell you I went back and forth about doing another contract many, many times since around March. I found many reasons to just stay where I was, I had a great job, great friends, and lived in sunny SoCal where the weather is pretty much always perfect. BUT, I knew if I did that I would always regret not pursuing my career with Carnival further. Something inside me said, you need to see how far this will take you, and so that's what I'm doing. My heart has always been louder than my head, and will probably always be what I follow. (at least I hope so.)

At the end of July I said "see you soon" to all my my CA loves and my good friend from college flew to CA and drove home to NC with me (talk about a good friend!) Since being in NC, I have been staying with my sister and brother-in-law in Zionville in the mountains. My sister was due August 6 with my nephew, Charlie. He is a little stubborn and decided to come 9 days late on August 15 at 8:45pm. I am so glad I was able to be here for his grand entrance into the world and spend time with all three of them before I leave again. I must say, leaving Charlie is going to be one of the hardest things I will ever do. I am smitten with him, from the top of his head with his beautiful red hair, to the bottom of his wrinkly baby toes. Here are some pictures so you too can fall in love:

He is seriously the most beautiful baby. I know I'm biased, but I was fully expecting him to look like a weird alien, and he's just so perfect!

So, I'm gearing up to start my next 6 month adventure! And this time, my ship is the Carnival Fantasy and my homeport is Charleston, SC! Which is wonderful by itself, because I've never even been there, how sad!  I chose this ship because it's 2.0 which means its the newer updated version of everything entertainment (which is what I helped install on my last ship), I already know a few wonderful people who will be there for most of my contract, and because it's so close to Charlotte! (well like 3 or 4 hours)  and hopefully I can see Charlie at least once in that time.

There is most of what's new. I'll try to post more often this contract with pictures of my adventures and whatnot.

xoxo Linz

6 months later...

Holy Moly, talk about bad blogger... Haven't written anything since August! But I'm not going to apologize, why? Because I spent the last six months living my life, following one of my dreams, visiting new places, and meeting the most amazing people. I can't apologize for spending my time living my life instead of writing about it. Lucky for you though, I'm back home and have lots of free time for now. This will be an attempt to recap the last 6 months. oh boy.


I embarked on a journey with Carnival Cruise Lines that started in August. I accepted a job on a cruise ship for 6 months and I'd never been on a ship in my life. I pretty much knew nothing about ship life or what to expect but I jumped on that plane and just showed up. I completed "host college" and I was assigned the Carnival Ecstasy for the rest of my contract.

One thing you learn about ship life is how quickly people will come into your life and then leave it. Hardly any of the people who were on my ship when I started were still there when I left. But quite a few people have left an impression on me. People who I may have otherwise never encountered in my life, but now that I have, I can't imagine not knowing them. And some of them I may never actually see in person again, but I cherish the time I did get to spend with them.

Instead of writing a huge drawn out post, I'm going to tell you the top ten best things about working on a cruise ship for the past 6 months:

10. Having a job that didn't necessarily always feel like a job. Yes, some days were harder than others, but I got paid to have fun! Can't beat that.
9. How many stars you can sea when we're out at sea. I loved to lay on deck 8 and look at all the stars. In the middle of the ocean with no city lights, it was a spectacular view.
8. Getting compliments from guests. It is such a good feeling when someone recognizes how hard you work. I sometimes felt like a celebrity, "Hey, weren't you on stage last night?" "I saw you on TV!"
7. Visiting Disney World and Universal studios for about 4 hours each. We'd rent a car, drive the 45mins-1 hour to orlando, and have as much fun as possible before we had to be back on the ship. Those were the most exhausting days, (especially since embark days I would have to work until at least 12:30am) but also some of the most fun.
6. Having warm weather all the time! While everyone had wind and snow, I had sunny Bahamas with a nice breeze! I also only saw rain maybe twice in 6 months.
5. Being a minority out of 900 crew members, as there were less than 20 americans on my ship. My favorite guest comment was always, "You're the only American I've seen here! Are you the only one?" This is also how I earned the nickname "Token" because I am the token American on the Entertainment Staff (everyone else is English, Canadian, or Mexican).
4. Visiting places I had never been to like: Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Nassau, Freeport, Half Moon Cay, and Key West.
3. Crew Bar. Pretty much every night after you get off work, everyone goes to the crew bar to relax and have cheap drinks. Its the time we use to unwind from the day and have a good laugh. I can't ever remember being in crew bar and not laughing hysterically at something. Good times were always had there.
2. Being a part of Hasbro the Gameshow. I was one of the assistants for this incredible show, we had hours of rehearsals and prep before we put on the first episode. I did almost every show until I left, and I loved seeing the guests get so into it and the excitement of it all.
1. The best part of the last 6 months was finding how much I'm capable of. My confidence level is so much higher now. When I first started I was always so nervous to speak on a microphone in front of 900 people, or be on camera to later be broadcast on every stateroom TV, but I would do it. I've gotten better and better at my job. I even got to sing with the band quite a few times when the singer was sick. I got to do so many things that I love, and in such a short span of time.

 Playlist Performer friends

 Host Team

 Halloween with the Cruise Director and Assistant Cruise Director

 Overnight in Nassau at Bambu

 Irish Kevin's in Key West

 New Years with Georgeous

 Happy New Year!

 Micah and I. Best roommate ever.

 Enjoying the day in Half Moon Cay

People I love dearly on my last night

I really can't believe how fast my contract went by, it feels like I just left, but it some ways it also feels like I've been with Carnival for a long time.


Now that I am back home in NC, some very exciting things are just around the corner!

I bought a new car! She is a 2011 Toyota Corolla, and I love her. She still doesn't have a name yet.

On February 15th, I am packing up my car with all of my possessions to drive across the country and move into my apartment in LA with one of my best friends. We have been planning this for a while, and I couldn't be happier that it is actually happening! I remember when we were 18 and on tour in California saying someday we're going to live here. Now we actually are! 

So wish me luck!

Cali or bust!

I'll be sure to take lots of pictures on our cross country road trip. 

-Linds

Surreal

This is a very late post. I wrote it a month ago, but better late than never:

It has taken me almost 2 weeks to write this. It's hard to put into words how I feel. I could not be more ready and excited to start this new chapter of my life, but change is always scary and this is a big change. My life from now on will be very different from what what I'm used to, and from everything I've known before. Now is the part where I head out into the big world and say this is who I am. It's weird to be at the point in my life where im no longer thinking about what I want to do or be when I grow up. Now I get to be it, which is equal parts exciting and daunting. What if I should have chosen a different path? What if I regret choosing this path? 

But the longer I live, the more I realize that even the bad decisions lead us somewhere we were supposed to be. And if you realize you're unhappy where you are or fall on your face, you pick yourself up and keep going. Because what did anyone ever gain by giving up except regret? Happiness is a choice, do what you love, be with the people you love, and laugh often. 

I will update my blog when I can and try to post pictures and such. The ocean awaits!! Two weeks ago I got my flight details for flying to Tampa to start my job with Carnival. I also started packing for the next 6 months, and my move to California simultaneously. While I've been going through my things and deciding what is essential, it really hit me that I'm actually leaving. I might be back in NC for a week to get my things together and then drive across the country, but honestly from here on Charlotte will just be a place I visit, no longer my home.

I'm so appreciative for the years I have spent in this place. I've learned some of the hardest life lessons here, I've had some of the greatest joy here, I attended Kindergarten-College here, and I grew up here. This place and the people in it have helped shape the person I am today, and for that reason I will always be proud to tell anyone on my ship, or any new friends on the west coast that I am from North Carolina. I will always look forward to visiting my friends and family here, and returning to this place that has come to mean so much.

It's funny how my whole life I couldn't wait to get out of North Carolina, and now that I'm actually doing it permanently there is all this nostalgia coming up. There are so many memories I have here, so many life-changing events. It's weird that I won't be around anymore. That being said though, I really cannot wait to start this next season of my life, I know I'm going exactly where I need to be.

Cheers!

Nomad, Gypsy, Explorer

For as long as I can remember, I've never really been one to get homesick. I might miss the luxuries or people that happen to be at my home, but if those could come with me, I would likely never return. Traveling has always been a huge part of my life. I grew up with all of my family (grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins) living 14 hours away. Anytime we wanted to visit we would either drive, or hop on a plane. My Dad is a pilot, so I've been lucky enough to enjoy traveling a lot without paying for it for a majority of my life. Even at sleepovers as a kid, I was never the one to cry and ask to go home because I missed my family or my own bed.

There has always been something inside of me that wants to go. Go where? You might ask. Well, you see, it doesn't even matter. I am fascinated by travel of any sort. I love to visit a new culture, try new food, see how people live in other places. There is so much of the earth to see, and sometimes I feel overwhelmed because there is no way I could ever see all of it. But, I plan to try, because the moments I have felt most alive are when I am in a new place, surrounded by people who live so differently from me.

Even since I graduated high school, for 2 years, I never stayed in one place for more than 6 months. I moved to New York, toured the US, and worked at Disney World. One of the hardest things I have ever done was staying in one place for 4 years to get my degree. I traveled when I could, because the thought of staying put would drive me crazy. I don't sit still for very long, never have... never will.

Now, I have my degree, and a whole new world of possibilities is before me. First on my list? Spain! I visited Madrid, Toledo, Granada, and Barcelona. I did not want to leave. Spain is a gorgeous country full of interesting and mostly friendly people. Everyone is a night owl, so I fit right in. Going to bed at 2am or later, and not waking up before 10am. There is just a whole different spirit there, one that I would love to be a part of. So I guess I will add Spain to my list of places I want to live one day. :) It's getting a little long.


On August 2nd, I begin my adventure with Carnival Cruises. I have training in Miami onboard the Carnival Paradise! This is a whole new level of fun and excitement for me. I really can't wait! After I complete the training, I will be assigned to my ship for my 6 month contract. I'm really hoping for a Mediterranean cruise, but I know wherever I end up will be amazing. There aren't any bad places to go! I'm looking forward to making lots of new friends and memories these next 6 months.

Who knows what adventures will be next? I love that I don't! I plan to always go wherever the wind and my heart choose to take me.

HELP REUNITE LINDSEY AND LIMBERT!

In 2004, I went on my second over-seas mission trip to Cochabamba, Bolivia. We were volunteering at an orphanage called the Bolivia Life Center (BLC). The BLC housed about 25 little boys who had been rescued from the streets, or halfway houses. It was an amazing trip where I quickly learned how lacking my spanish skills were, but I also learned the value of making silly faces and tickling. No words needed.

I immediately connected with a little boy named Limbert. He was tiny (5 years old), but ridiculously fast on the soccer field. He had only 3 toes on each foot, and didn't grow. He loved to act like a monkey, and call all of the americans loco. Essentially, this little boy stole my heart. There was just something about him. He had this sparkle in his eyes, and enough energy for 10. 

I returned the next year, and the year after that. The BLC was beginning to grow, receiving more boys and bringing more teams to volunteer. They grew so much that they decided to start asking people to sponsor the boys. This is such a unique sponsorship because you can have a relationship with your sponsored child and go visit them every year if you like. I jumped at the opportunity to sponsor one of the boys, and I knew exactly who I would pick: Limbert. 

Since that time, I have returned to Bolivia every summer up until 2011. In 2009 I served as a summer host intern. I got to spend 6 weeks and the orphanage being a liaison between the American teams and Bolivian people, heading up work projects, leading sidewalk sunday school, and spending quality time with the boys.

In fall 2010, about a year and a half ago Limbert didn't come home from school, and the boys said his sister came to pick him up. I didn't even know he had a sister, and maybe that term is being used lightly, but basically he was living with her now and not at the BLC. Sergio (one of the BLC staff) went to talk with her about his medicine we had raised money to get so he could start growing again, but essentially no progress was made. 

The next time they went to her house, she and Limbert were gone, moved to who knows where with no forwarding address. I was heartbroken. This little boy who has completely changed my life could be anywhere and I may never see him again. What if he is on the street again, what if he is being abused? I didn't know. And haven't for 1.5 years...


Recently though, the boys had a parade for their school and some other schools in the area, and guess who was there with his school???!!! LIMBERT! He attends a school in Vinto (about 15 mins from the BLC) He even took a picture with Anna (who is a full time volunteer at the BLC)! He looks much bigger now.  He specifically asked for me and when I would be in Bolivia next. I cried when I read that email, and then became very sad because I wasn't going to Bolivia this summer. 

But, God is AMAZING! He has opened the opportunity for me to go with my Mom and Dad's team from their church in July. (It involves someone dropping out, and other things) But WOW! These things don't just happen. 

Also, apparently Limbert came to Church last Sunday and wanted to know when my family would be here so he could see us at church!!! Not only will I get to see all of the boys and staff at the BLC and Bolivian friends, but I will be reunited with Limbert! Every time I think about it, tears well up in my eyes. This is going to be quite the emotional reunion for me, and I will probably be a wreck the entire time. I just can't believe that 1. We found Limbert, 2. He wants to see us, and 3. I can go to Bolivia!

So now that I have the opportunity to go, I need to raise $1800 as soon as it is possible. Really, I need $1,000 immediately because they cannot buy my plane ticket until they have that money. This is quite the daunting number, but I am confident I can raise this money!


I am asking everyone I know if they would be willing to donate towards my trip. I'm calling it the "Help Reunite Lindsey and Limbert Fund." This kid is spectacular, and I am the luckiest to have know him at all. I could not be more excited to see him again!




If you can donate ANY amount (I'm serious, no amount is too small!) Please go to this website: 


http://www.lifecharlotte.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=159

There are directions from there that tell you how to donate. You'll need to register with your email, but that is so your donation can be tax deductible! Once you get to the final page, write in the amount you'd like to donate next to the Bolivia Missions trip box, and write my name in the box next to it. (Lindsey Fuselier)

If you would prefer to send a check, you can make it out to Life Fellowship Church, and write "Bolivia- Lindsey Fuselier" on the memo line. Checks can be sent to: 14923 Almondell Drive 

                                                                 Huntersville, NC 28078

Whether you can give or not, please share this page with you friends! There is power in numbers and the more people that know, the sooner I can raise this money!!

Thanks for reading my story, I hope it has inspired you in some way!

Pinterest #2

For Mother's Day I wanted to make something special for my Mom. I saw this awesome tutorial on Pinterest for how to make a fleur-de-lis design out of buttons in a picture frame, so I decided that would be perfect. We are French and from New Orleans, so fleur-de-lis' are always a win.

Here is the tutorial:
http://livingwithlindsay.com/2010/01/easy-artwork-thats-as-cute-as-a-button.html

(can I just say, her name is Lindsay so obviously this was going to be awesome!)

If you're too lazy to click over to her page, here is my guide:

Things you'll need:
1. A frame
2. Some type of adhesive
3. Fabric to cover the glass with
4. A stencil of whatever design you choose
5. Hot glue gun
6. Buttons!

How to do it:
1. Find a stencil of whatever you want online and print it out. Then cut it out.
2. Get some sort of fabric (I used T-shirt material) and cut it out to fit around the glass.
3. Glue the fabric to the glass. She says to use spray adhesive, but I didn't have any so I resorted to double stick tape. It worked fine but I may go back and use the spray to make sure it stays in place.

4. Place stencil where you want it, and trace with either pencil or fabric pen.

5. Lay out buttons to see how you would like them to fit.

6. Hot glue the buttons in the lines.
7. Put frame back together and VOILA! You have a pretty, 3D picture!

This craft was super easy and quick to do. It only took me about 20 minutes to complete once I had all of the supplies. My Mom loved it and showed it off to all of the other New Orleans people she was with after I gave it to her. Dad says it was very popular! So I would say this was another success!

Thanks Pinterest!

Pinterest

I have decided to start a blogging about different things I try on Pinterest. Recipes, crafts, decorating, remedies, etc. There are tons of awesome sounding things, but we all know sometimes those things work, sometimes they don’t. So, each time I try something new from pinterest, I’m going to blog about how it went: if it worked/was successful, if it’s worth doing again, how much time it took, and if it was fun!

The first thing I tried was a sunburn remedy. Last month, I went with my brother-in-law’s family to a car show at Lowes Motor Speedway. We were outside all day long, and although I was very good at reapplying sunscreen (I'm pretty fair skinned), I just assumed my legs would be fine. Boy was I wrong. I got a pretty bad sunburn on my thighs, just from my knees to where my shorts ended. I had read about a remedy on Pinterest for sunburn involving tea, so I decided to try it.

The remedy:

·      Brew a pot of tea. Any kind of tea will work, but I think the darker the better.

·      Let the tea cool to room temperature.

·      Sponge the tea onto the sunburned area. (I would suggest standing in your shower for this so you don’t make a mess).

·      Let it dry.

·      Go to sleep.

The next morning when you wake up, the sunburn should be significantly better.

I took before and after pictures of my legs:

Pretty amazing, huh?

I was shocked at how well it worked. I only did it the once, but I bet if you keep doing it every night it would be gone in a matter of a few days.

Overall this remedy works. It was successful, easy to do, took hardly any time, and was totally worth it!