Without a doubt it was leaving Miami with Coyboy Mouth just obliterating the PA system so everyone in Miami could hear us saying “we’re getting the F&!* outta here!” That’s the moment you really know you’re on vacation.
Oh, and kudos to you personally Steve, as well as the whole Sixthman team. You all made everything super easy, and helped with things as simple as “you have long nails, can you open my beer?”
IX is over, but X is a mere 349 days away!

My favorite moment: I had just finished up Flip Cup, where I had to be Ken Block’s Designated Drinker. It’s a really hard job, but we really want to make sure the artists are taken care of, you know? I then dashed downstairs to interview the boys from Hanson.

The conversation meandered around to the topic of pets. Somehow, I thought it was appropriate to have a discussion about cat poop. Yes, I talked about my dog using the cat box as a buffet, with Hanson. They are really down to earth, and thankfully, have great senses of humor. they even had a few things to contribute to the conversation!

That one is definitely going on my (accomplished) life list: Talked about cat poop with Hanson. Check!

To preface this, I originally wasn’t going to go on the Rock Boat this year due to financial hardships and recently starting on my MBA. However, a unfortunate circumstance with a friend of a friend, allowed me to take her spot. This transpired on Wednesday, the 14th and we were told, by Sixthman, that the changes to the boarding docs had to be made at the port.

I felt rushed and stressed that something would go wrong in making the change at the port that my flight to Miami would be a tragic waste. This concern grew worse when the carnival security detail originally would not let me pass because I did not have boarding docs with my name on them.

Upon arriving at the security desk, I was greeted by Jill with a smile. She obviously could see the look of concern and anxiety on my face. I said, “Hi, I need a name change.” She tilted her head slightly, and said without hesitation, “Ok, your new name is ‘Sparkle’. Enjoy your trip.”

I immediately burst into laughter. The stress vanished instantly. She got everything changed smoothly and I boarded the ship without any hiccups. She helped set the tone of laughter and smiles for the rest of the trip…and certainly every morning when she shouted, “Good Morning Sparkle!” when I passed her at the info. desk on my way to the coffee bar.

There were so many experiences on the ship itself that lent itself to laughter and smiles (Pat from Gaelic Storm doing the Irish Moon Walk come to mind) but thanks to Jill, I STARTED the trip off with a smile…and a nickname that will surely follow me on future Rock Boats.

I just love that you quoted the Avett’s! ;o)

Annie, I freaking love that song. It was playing during the Friday Night Lights tv show, and since then I’ve probably listened to it about 8000 times since. Just a great song, then sends chills down my spine every time he says “…if it’s the beaches”