January 11, 2013 21:04, near the coast of the Florida Keys

Today was our last day at sea, our last day of this vacation. It was a very nice day. We have been fortunate to have great weather this voyage, with one small rainstorm before we left Ft. Lauderdale. The winds were high for a portion of the time at sea, but other that the high surf and slowing of the boat, it was not that bad. Not the cruise line’s fault, for sure.

I always hate the last day of vacation. I know that I will have to go back to work and home, dealing with all the stuff that comes with that. Like most folks, it would be nice to win the lottery so that I did not have to go back to work, but that is not going to happen, as I rarely buy lottery tickets. It is hard to do if you don’t play the game.

Playing the game of life is not easy.  It takes hard wok, sacrifice, and doing things you sometimes don’t want to do. It is stressful at times, and depending on your circumstances, it can be stressful most of the time. I have been there, wondering if I could make it through week on $7, feeding a family of three. We made it, but it wasn’t easy. Because I did it, I both have sympathy for those in the same boat as I was and anger at those who don’t have as many obstacles but believe their situations are not at all their own fault and something that someone else should both fix for them and feel sorry for them. I am not talking about those out of work but desperately looking for a job, nor those who are down on their luck due to the economy medical issues or bills, or such. I am talking about able-bodied young people who truly believe that everything on the earth should be theirs for the taking without any effort required from them. 

When I went to college, I knew that I had to make it on my own. I knew that my parents were not there to hold my hand, help me with my homework, or make sure I was eating and getting enough sleep. It was MY responsibility. Watching the staff on this boat, it is apparent that their superiors expect the same level of effort from each of them. There is ZERO whining absolutely none that is so very refreshing.

Our waiter, a young man from Hungary, and his wife both work on this ship. His contract is up in about 54 days. His wife has another 6 months after that for hers to be completed. That means that he will go back to Hungary to renew his visa, passport, and other documentation, all while his wife stays behind here and works. He was very matter of fact about it, and you could tell that be knew that was just part of the deal. They will work hard, save some money, travel some, and have free time together once in a while. They will not be together every day. They may work 12 – 16 hour days. It is long and exhausting work. But, it is a commitment they made, and they will stick it out.

A lot of American workers could really learn some lessons from the ladies and gentlemen on th I ship. Their commitment tad stamina amaze us, used to 8 hours days with lots of vacation time. They amaze me because I don’t see them sitting around complaining about their jobs or their lot in life. Yes, everyone probably wishes they were born into a rich family where money is abundant and stress is low. But, most people are not. Most are born into typical circumstances where one actually has to get a job and work to pay for the things, education, or experiences one wishes to have.

No one said life was easy. No one said growing up was going to be a breeze. It is not, on either count. It isn’t meant to be.

So stop your whining and do what you have to do to live the life you want to have. It is up to you, not someone else.

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