After I turned my computer off, I realized being that it was Thanksgiving, I wanted to right some things I am thankful for:
My parents, my sister, all of my family, my friends from home, my new friends I have made on this trip, this amazing opportunity I have had these last 3 months, the opportunities ahead of me, my education at my college ...the list could go on, but what better way to spend Thanksgiving than to be traveling around the world?

Honolulu, Hawaii

Today I spent Thanksgiving in my home country...in the state of Hawaii :) We arrived this morning at about 8am and had to go through U.S. customs to get off the ship (we probably got off for the day around 9:30-10). Prior to this, I had woken up with my roommates to watch the sunrise (which was beautiful...one of the only sunrises we have been able to see coming into port because of weather), and also to have breakfast. While I was sitting at the table, one of the head kitchen staff came over and asked my name. When I told him he responded by telling me I had a surprise that evening. I had no idea what he was talking about, so I asked him a few questions (none that he would answer) and because I had no clue, I guessed that maybe it was something for the Ambassador's club I'm in. Anyways, that's part one of that story. We all got off the ship, 10 of us total, and we took a taxi to Waikiki beach. It was gorgeous and PACKED! You would probably never know it was Thanksgiving! ...Except for the snack shack near us that had a Thanksgiving lunch. So what did I do today? I ate a whole Thanksgiving meal - turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, corn, and pumpkin pie - out of a take-out container - sitting on the beach in Hawaii. It really was a memorable experience, and while different than any other Thanksgiving I have ever had, I really loved it. By the way, I decided today that I do in fact like pumpkin pie. A few of my friends took surf lessons today...I decided not to because 1) I wanted to call my family, 2) I wanted to relax, and 3) I am really not all that coordinated. It was about 85 degrees today and I went swimming and bathed in the sun. I realized that after going in the ocean today, I have been in the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans...who wants to come to the Arctic? :) And as for the continents and my all 7 goal...I have North America, South America, Africa, and Asia down. Europe I hope to move to in the next year or two, Antarctica my favorite and only sister has already promised to go (someday), and Australia, well I'll make it there too. I don't know why I ever came up with that goal but I've had it since I was a little kid and it just stuck...I better start saving. So after the beach, we went to where other than...Walmart. Everyone had to pick up a few things, and after that, we came back to the ship in time to get the hour of free internet promised if we got back before 6 (a lure to make us not miss on-ship time). They had a "special Hawaiian dinner" tonight, although really it was just like all other food we have ever eaten on the ship, except with pineapples. It was fun though, and after dinner, I realized my special surprise was from my mom ...a chocolate cake that said Welcome Home Lisa! ...Back in the states today for the first time since August 27th. Myself and 8 friends shared it, and with the little bit left over, I gave two pieces to a nice girl I know and her friend. Thanks Mommy :) It was a really great day...very relaxing and a lot of fun. While I do miss my family, my friends from home, and my boyfriend, I will see them soon, and I couldn't have asked for better people to spend my Thanksgiving away from home with...

Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving! I love and miss you all!
One port to go and I'll be home for Christmas...you can count on it :)
P.S. Please play Christmas songs for me...106.7 and 94.9 has them on all the time now!