Friday, January 4, 2013

Xmas 2012


I'm a big fan of the show "Entourage" that used to air on HBO. Created by Mark Wahlberg (and loosely based on his life), the show describes the experience of a young actor rocketing to super stardom in Hollywood after a role in a blockbuster movie. The show also details the friendship and family bond between Vince (the star) and his "Entourage" made up of his brother and his childhood friends from the East coast. Vince is determined to make it or break it in Hollywood his way...with his friends around him. What he really cares about is his "Entourage" not movie super stardom. He'd be happy back in the pizza parlor in Queens as long as he's with his friends.

Early in the first season of the show (Entourage ran for 8 seasons on HBO), Vince does an appearance on the Jimmy Kimmel late night talk show. The interview and the entire evening's festivities for the Entourage is an impressive success. The episode culminates with the group of friends watching themselves on the Jimmy Kimmel Show, smoking weed, drinking, smiling, laughing, and basking in the glory of an awesome night spent with friends. The moment was so eloquently summed up by the character Johnny Drama with this famous line, "Great night, man. Great fuckin' night!"

This past Christmas I had a similar experience with a group of friends from the ship. We spent December 25th in St. Maarten - land of amazing beaches. There are way too many details to describe about how marvelous the day was. However, the short version involves gingerbread flavored coffee in the morning, playing for the arrival of Santa Claus with a 2nd line version of "Here Comes Santa Claus" on the Promenade of the ship, a van rental and trip to a secluded beach, burgers, beer, pictures, swimming, and most of all laughter throughout. After we returned to the ship there was a gift exchange, two shows with the guest entertainer, a great dinner, blueberry pie for dessert, and a Christmas crew party on the back deck with free beer. 

Those that know me understand that I'm not a big holiday guy. A lot of people on the ship struggle with being away from home for the holidays, but, it didn't really bother me that much. However, I have to say that this was one of my best Christmas celebrations ever. Certainly contributed to me enjoying my holiday at sea. Drama was right. "Great fuckin' day."


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