Listen, we ALL loved Google Reader...

...but it's soon to be no more, okay? Now, if you're like me, Google Reader managed your blog readin' life and you're a little bit cranky.  I get it.  Change is hard.  As with most things in life however; a little change is sometimes necessary.

Here are some Google Reader alternatives that aren't so bad!

The Old Reader.  I like this one because it is very similar to the original Google Reader.  This means that it's kind of a change but not really.  This one gets 3.5 stars because it doesn't have an app.

Blog Lovin'.  Bloggers like this one because it allows you to view the original post as it was intended to look.  Sometimes my photos look a little different in Google Reader - especially if it's an album.  When you make a site change a reader can instantly see it.  Unfortunately, this one didn't work too well for me on the ship because it took along time for some posts to load.  I seriously don't think that would be an issue for most.  This one gets 4 stars (and most people would give it a 5 star rating).

Feedly.  People love this one.  I've never used it because it's blocked on the ship.  Darnit Barracuda Filter!  Why do you call this one a game?!  (we're not allowed to play games...they get blocked...lame)  I can't give this a rating but like I said, many love it.

News Blur.  I signed up for News Blur while I was on the ship and it was the best alternative I could find at the time.  That being said, I had to pay for a monthly subscription.   I do like it's app and the app is available for android and apple - which is a plus, right?!  4 stars.

There you have it Nautie Friends, we all have options.

Nautie Jams :: Lorde - Royals

You know how you hear new music and you think, 'yes! this! times a thousand!' and then you secretly feel really cool because no one else is talking about it yet? Or like how you'll be listening to a musician for a really long time and then they blow up and that strangely competitive part of you is pissed? Because no one knows that you knew them first darnit! Well, there's a way around that. When I stumble across something I love I'm going to post it. Everyone loves a good jam, right?! Meet Lorde. She's 16 from New Zealand. She basically rocks and being from NZ is like the icing on the cake.

The songs I can't get enough of are: Royals and Bravado.

I'd also like to encourage you to pay for this shiznit....I mean come on...she's 16....we have standards! No stealing from Minors!

Enjoy!

http://youtu.be/LFasFq4GJYM

SEA + HOU

When we left each other last I was snuggled up enjoying a London Fog. Lets catch up, shall we? Thursday (as in last Thursday) I spent the night with Cousin Rhi and her Dude. She made some delicious food. We ate cheese. We drank wine. I know, I know...you're jealous...but this, this my friends is what you should be jealous of:

There are really very few times in my life when I've been lounging on the couch in the morning and been handed a cappuccino. With frothy milk and everything. This was one of those times. See...I wasn't kidding. Jealous.

Friday morning I got back on the road. Breakfast with Canadiaunt and then back over the border.

It always blows my mind how friendly Canadian border crossing agents are in comparison to American agents. I always feel like saying, 'I'm American! Let me in! Really? You're searching my trunk?! Maybe I should turn around...'

Anywho. I was on my way to Baisey's house. I had so much fun. I played in the woods. I built fairy houses. I did some crafts. I had some Mimosas. Fun.

Is that not one of the nicest fairy houses you've ever seen?!

From Baisey's is was back to Seattle. I met up with AuntE, UncleM and CuzL for some geocaching. Ding! Ding! Ding! Yep, it's on The List! I'll go into great detail about it later. For now, rest assured....it was awesome! Here's a sneak peek:

On Sunday I went to church (cause that's what you do when your dad is a minister) and then I drove down to Olympia to visit my Step Bro, Sis and Baby M. First off, Baby M is hilarious. Like actually funny. I had so much fun just sitting on the couch listening to this kid. But guess what we did....I made them geocache with me! I think I'm addicted! Needless to say, awesomeness ensued.

Monday found the fam back in the car headed to Cle Elum. We trekked though the woods - Checked out wildflowers and got rained on - Afternoon card games in front of the fire - Bliss. Here's a rare Mountain Lady Slipper:

Then poof! Before I knew it I was flying back to Houston regrouping for my next adventure!

I had to get these gorgeous windows up on the blog. Hobby Airport you're purty.

After a few days of laying on the couch (ie 1.5) I'm gearing up for more action. I'll keep you posted friends!

SEA + YVR

Since I've landed in the Pacific Northwest I've spent the night at a different persons house everyday! Well, technically I spent two nights at my dads but it only added up to 24 hours of visiting time! After arriving on Saturday we headed straight for cocktails. Because clearly, that's the best thing to do when you haven't seen people in quite awhile!

Sunday was church...cause you know...my Dad's a minister.

As soon as church wrapped up I drove to Redmond to watch Cousin Rhiannon cross the finish line at The Ride To Conquer Cancer. (I have lots of photos and will most likely give them their own post....when I'm not blogging from my iPad in a coffee shop...). Bubbly chilled in a Pyrex pretty much makes my heart feel warm and fuzzy. Congratulations on a successful ride Rhi!

When I was hustling out the door to go to the airport leaving Houston I pulled my passport out of my purse and threw it on the table. Then as I was doing the mad dash out the door I picked it up and put it in my purse thinking, 'this way if I get called back to work early I'll have it'. Ummm...what?! How about I'll need it to cross the border?! Monday morning you could have found me making the drive from Seattle to Vancouver...with my passport in hand thank goodness...

First stop in Canada? Cousin G's house for a little Stanley Park action. Golly, I love Stanley Park! Check out this heart that can be spotted at low tide with the city in the background. A little treat for a lucky!

Tuesday found me grilling vegetables and salmon for a family dinner. To be fair I had help withy the salmon and burnt the zucchini but seriously, beggars can't be choosers! I spent Tuesday night at my Canadiaunt's house. This means one thing. Lots of tea drinking. Listen, I have had many cups of tea in my life but tea at Canadiaunt's house actually tastes better.

Wednesday meant a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle marathon at Cousin C's house. I had no idea the turtles were back. It pleases me enormously that another generation understand Turtle Power! Is that strange? Unfortunately I have zero photos to illustrate the awesomeness I witnessed.

Which leads me to Thursday. I took a self guided tour of Stanley Park. Hello photo safari. Apparently, four hours flying solo was much needed. Beach combing happened. I heart sea glass so hard!

Here I am. Curled up in a chair in a coffee shop blogging on the trusty iPad. Snuggled up with my Pavo Ash & Anchor scarf...Vancouver is rainy and cold, yo! Cold fingers? Not any more - my London Fog warmed me right up!

Nautie Tidbits :: Seattle Bound!!

Back in the air! I'm headed for Seattle today! I'm very excited to see all my Lovelies in the Pacific Northwest. Can't wait!! Aunt Kay, you're the bomb! It blows my mind what a reliable book club member you are. I heart you so hard. This is what Aunt Kay has to say about May's Nautie Book selection The Orchardist:

I just have to say that I really enjoyed "The Orchardist". Since my grandfather was a manger in the fruit warehouses and since I grew up in Yakima, I could "see" the places and events in the books. Although I was astonished at how the women were treated. It just never occurred to me - sometimes I feel so ignorant. Off topic, but there you go!!

My Ash & Anchor scarf is truly the best airport accessory ever. I needed to state that for the record. It's jazzed up my outfit. Rolls into a tiny ball and is way more practical than a large pashmina. You can take that to the bank!

Go Cousin Rhiannon! Cousin Rhi begins her ride today. I'm here to let the interwebz know that our family is incredibly proud of you! I'll be waiting for you at the finish line! xoxo. (Also, a little more shameless hustling...if you feel like donating its not too late! Click here to read about Rhiannon and donate online!!!!)

Nautie Friends, have an AMAZING weekend and don't forget to treat your Father's well!!!!

A Little Feminism + Nautie Books = Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg

Every now and then we talk a little bit about feminism around here.  This week I stumbled across some gems on the internet so, ready for a little more feminist talk?  First of all, Happy 50th Birthday to the Equal Pay Act!   I stumbled across this TEDTalk that blew my mind because - Yes!  This!  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18uDutylDa4

I often wonder why after women have had equal rights - and all the fighting women did for equal rights - women didn't rise to the top quicker.

Why is it that in 8 years of sailing I've had one female captain (out of about 20)?  Why have I had only one female pilot (out of more pilots than I could possibly count)?  Why is it when I work in the office there are no women heading up operations (there are many women in the office but very few in vessel specific positions)?  Why do I feel like I am either sailing with withering ovaries or quitting?  Why don't I think I can make it work?

Over a year ago I attended The Women on the Water Conference.  It was held at one of the State Maritime Academies and it was designed to introduce female midshipmen to female professionals in the maritime industry.  It was excellent.  One of my friends was leading a discussion on appropriate shipboard conduct and tips for shipboard success but, at the end of her discussion she threw something in for the ladies who were already in the industry.  She said:  Don't eat the young.

It really stuck with me because, she was right.  We eat the young.  Women have a tendency to be tough on each other.  If there is one thing we can do as women in the maritime industry it's to help each other achieve success.

Women are hard on each other but news flash - Men are hard on women too.  We were talking about a Chic out on a Rig.  A Dude says, 'I don't mind working with her - she's okay'.  Dear Lady Friend looks at me and says, 'You know what that means right?  She's awesome.'.

I'm about to let the cat out of the bag.  I feel like this is a secret I have guarded.  My vessels nickname in the fleet is the Xyz Estrogen (xyz is my companies name...you understand...).  We have all female officers:  Chief Mate, Second Mate, Third Mate.  We'll all be going back for our third rotation together.  Nautie Friends, let me tell you, this is unheard of.  All female officers for multiple rotations?!  Mind Blowing.

I haven't said anything about it because it shouldn't be a big deal.  The first woman graduated from Maine Maritime Academy in 1975!  It should blow no one's mind that a ship could have multiple female deck officers.....but it does.  It blows everyone's mind.

As I have moved up in rank I have started to feel an overwhelming degree that I must be mindful of my obligation to mentor.  If I don't stop and take the time to mentor who will?  If I don't remind myself not to eat the young will they all be eaten?  Most importantly, if I don't recognize that I have something to teach - will I teach?

I'd also like to stop right here and reiterate that I think having a choice as a women is a powerful thing.  I would never, ever presume to know what was best for someone's family or child.  I am in no way advocating that rising to the top of the leadership pyramid is the best choice for everyone!

Without further ado, I'd like to introduce June's Nautie Books Selection:

Please join me in reading Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg.  I've already begun and have nodded my head and wanted to say, 'amen sister!' more than once.

When a girl tries to lead, she is often labeled bossy.  Boys are seldom called bossy because a boy taking the role of a boss does not surprise or offend.  As someone who was called this for much of my childhood, I know that it is not a compliment.

Oh.My.God.Yes.  I have been called bossy my entire life...and have never once thought of it as a positive.

I was at a friends wedding with a gaggle of Maine Maritime and Coast Guard Academy Grads.  We were all throwing out suggestions and getting wedding preparations underway.  My dear lady friend said, 'I love that there are so many natural leaders here!!!'.  She wasn't being facetious - she didn't want us to quit bossing her around - she was honestly impressed!  At that moment I was impressed.  All I could think was, I'm not sure I'd like to be surrounded by so many bossypants for too much longer!  I shouldn't have been impressed - I should have embraced the bossy.

I'll be reading this book for many reasons:  I don't want to eat the young...and, I want to become a better leader....and, I want to embrace the bossy.....and, I believe that there is a work / life balance that I can achieve....and, I want to promote other women in the industry....and because I'm tired of being so hard on myself!

I realize that Nautie Books is beginning to have a poor track record!  I didn't debriefed April or May's book selection!  What can I say - I'm struggling to find a work / life balance (*wink*)!

Ladies and Gentlemen, let's Lean In! 

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