Very Brief Update

Nautie Friends! Here's a super duper brief update (mostly because I MISS YOU)!

I'm busy.  Which is good.  I'm learning.  Which is great.  I'm challenged.  Which is stimulating.  I'm physically exhausted.  Which is (probably) incredibly awesome.

I have so many things running through my head at any given point in the day that I literally have to carry around a day planner.  I have LISTS.  I have a list for everything.  Things to order, things to fix, things to delegate, things to remember to think about later.  Seriously.  I have a list of things to think about later. 

I knew that being a Chief Mate would be a big change andI knew that the learning curve would be steep (I also knew it would be especially steep since I'm dealing with a brand new type of cargo).  What I didn't know is how I would handle the challenge and work load.

I'm basically just barely keeping my head above water.  Which at this point seems to be enough.

We're currently in the Gulf of Mexico underway for a few East Coast ports before crossing the pond and heading towards some deserty climes.

I've been taking photos of sunrises and sunsets and hope (and am crossing my fingers) that I can post them soon!

On My Mind.

I'm pretty much thinking about cargo. That's it. Well...maybe not all of it. I'm also thinking about certificates and inspections and overtime hours. We're getting underway either today or tomorrow. Tropical Storm Debby....you better stay a Tropical Storm....please don't upgrade!

In the meantime how about some photos of cargo cranes and a view from my port hole?

June 22nd

I was on deck pretty early this morning. I was able to snap a few shots of the sunrise while I was down in a cargo hold. The first task was to move the pontoons. This ship has adjustable decks within the holds. The decks are broken into moveable pieces called pontoons. These are then raised or lowered or removed completely as necessary to accommodate the cargo.

My day seems like it will consist of a lot of running around. A LOT! I go here go there, open this open that, move this move that. It's just a smidgen crazy although, I feel fairly confident that it soon won't feel nearly as crazy. What I will say is that my dogs are barking! I'm positively bush whacked!

On that note I think I'll hop in the shower because I'm pretty much a sweaty mess.

Just a few things.

Just a few things....because I really wanna show you some pictures! I'll admit the photos were quickies taken with my iPhone....but you know what's cool? Being able to use your phone on deck. (Thats a big no no on a tanker...you know the whole ka-boom factor.) So here are the few things:

This ship has BIG cranes. They're truly impressive.

I have a cute little office. It consists of a desk and computer, a settee / seating area, nice tv and shelves. (and yes, it's already a little messy. I'm going to have to keep things MUCH tidier this trip.)

My sleeping nook is tiny BUT my mattress is awesome. (I didn't include a photo of this...kinda weird.)

The bridge is nice. It is more of a console type - I've never sailed on this type of bridge. I have a feeling not sitting in those big comfy chairs is going to be really hard.

An Update...

I'm sure some of you are wondering where I am. I'm not to my ship yet! I went into the office for some training and am now making the trek to my vessel. I'm so flippin' excited!

I'll fill you in ASAP. Although, I am throwing out the disclaimer that I KNOW I'll be busy....so no promises on what ASAP truly means.

My lovely house ladies...

...Just drove me to the airport. It was so nice. I'm not sure if they knew this BUT the thing I hate most about being in Maine is not having someone I know be able to drive me to the airport when I have to go to work.

I realize that is quite silly considering I've flown to work ten million times.

It's just wonderful though when I'm home in Hilo and my Mom can drop me off.

The fact that both of my house ladies were with me and gave me BIG HUGS and GO GET 'EM TIGERS seriously made my day!

Thanks ladies!!!!!