I Think I'll be a Feather

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to bring the new year in with my boyfriend, Derek. We didn't go out and celebrate. We didn't see fireworks. We weren't surrounded by a bunch of people and we didn't see the ball drop. Instead we choose to spend it with each other. Honestly, I would have been ok with falling asleep at ten pm, but I wouldn't have had the satisfaction of having the first kiss of the year with my boyfriend. He replied with, "Even if you fall asleep now and we don't kiss at midnight, I'll still be your first kiss of the year." Was it worth staying up for? A ten second kiss shared at spectrum with weird people surrounding us? I wouldn't have had it any other way.

So I realize that I haven't been the best at keeping my blog up to date. After being underway and having that huge break with absolutely zero creative writing exercises in my days, it has just gotten hard. Even writing in my journal underway was bland.  Every day was the same and the only excitement was getting cereal in the morning for breakfast before others swarmed in like birds and took it. Today is the first of the year. Today marks the day where everyone comes up with resolutions they'll keep for a month and eventually fail. So here is my vow to be better at writing daily. Who knows if I'll be unsuccessful in this endeavor, but here's hoping!

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Who actually knows what they want to do when they grow up? My dad majored in accounting or something, worked with the bank for years, dabbled in real estate and now plays music and manages tours, driving a trolley daily. Similarliy, my mom doesn't work in th field she has a college degree in. I have a degree in nutrition and dietetics. A degree! What have I done? Did I waste my entire college career on something I have no interest in? And how does that happen? I love food, but the thought of restricting others from the foods I love? What am I the calorie police?

 I tell my friends all the time that I want to be a feather and just float through life. I'd never worry about the future and what I was going to be when I grew up. I'd be a feather and wherever  the wind took me, that's where I'd land and that's what I'd do. It would be a sign that I was where I was suppose to be. I believe in that. And whenever life was too hard to bear and my feather was trampled upon, I would know it was time to pick myself up and fly again and trust the wind to carry me to greater heights.

So maybe my college days meant something. Maybe I'll never be a dietition but that major was a neccessary camel hump for me to climb over. All of this feather nonsense makes me think of Forrest Gump and how his life panned out. Give yourself a moment to ponder his life.



"I don't know if we each have a destiny, or if we're all just floatin' around accidental-like on a breeze. But I, I think that maybe it's both." -Forrest Gump

Do you remember the very beginning of the movie? During the opening credits, a white feather floats in the breeze as Forrest sits on that infamous park bench. He picks it up and tucks it inside the book sitting on his lap. He then tells his life choices to individuals that sit down next to him and how they have had an effect on his life today. At the closing credits, the movie shoots the last scene of the feather floating up into the wind and flying away from the park bench.

So, are we just accidentally floating through life like the white feather in Forrest Gump? Or does the feather provide our lives with fate and destiny to believe in. Does the feather know where its going to land before it lands? Forrest believes it's a little of both. If destiny does exist where does free will come into play? If our lives are controlled supremely by destiny and fate, are all of my life events predetermined? If destiny is true, are we just puppets on this earth being controlled by some grand scheme? I get it, this is crazy. I am spending entirely way to much time reflecting on a movie that maybe isn't suppose to be studied on a deeper level, but I cannot get over this white feather, "floatin' all accidental like."

Forrest was a very naive man. All throughout his life, he was nothing but honest, respectful and kind hearted to everyone. He’s proof that good-natured innocence can survive. Nice guys finish first, not last. The feather, in the beginning, represents the raw honesty that Forrest gives to everyone he encounters. It's a symbol of hope. Hope from his mom that he'll be able to walk. Hope that he'll survive the war and hope that he'll one day see his love, Jenny again. Forrest would probably be made fun of if he lived in 2012, but I admire the honesty in him. I admire the way he says exactly what he feels. There's a simplicity in his nature that is easy to read. I wish more people were like him. No games. No lies. Just the truth.

So the feather must be both- destiny and unintentional events left up to chance. Half of his life, (if he were a feather) was led by purely dumb luck. That feather was not his destiny. Who knew he was going to take off running for three years, just because. That feather must have led him to just keep going because he wasn't done yet. And coming up with the saying, "Shit Happens." That just happened. There was no fate behind it.

Even if there is fate behind my feather, I can't control it. I don't know it. Like he said, "Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get." So for 2013, I'll put faith in my feather. I'll provide kindness to others. I'll evoke niave, honest emotions and aspire to be like Forrest Gump. Maybe he wasn't filled with intelligence. He didn't have many friends. He never knew where his life was going to take him, but he lived.

DG

A Tragic Annoyance

To formulate a truly successful blog, I like to put on headphones and focus on a prompt that I am interested in. Anything imaginative, non-fiction related, close to my heart or even my thoughts on Thanksgiving would have been great for today. Instead, it is imperative to delve into my current debacle.

First of all, I am at Spectrum and realized I forgot my headphones at the BOQ. Life might as well be over. Disasters come and go but I think life could be a bit easier on me sometimes. Realizing that I forgot my headphones, and eager to write a creative blog, I marched myself up to the NEX on the second floor to buy a cheap new pair. You can never have too many, right?

I sat down at the computer excited to listen to some of the new songs I've downloaded the past couple days. I dig my nail in between the two layers of plastic to try and pry it open. Complete fail. I then, asked the annoying guy that works here for a pair of scissors, but to no avail. He says the scissors are locked in the office. I grabbed a pen from the desk and carried it back to my seat. You can get more leverage with a pen instead of a finger nail. I tried to force open the clamshell package with the pen. My pen broke. It was one of those clippy pens. The silver part that holds the ink broke from the pen and flew across the room. I glanced about nervously. No one saw (that I know of). Now the ink is stuck in the package. I pull the ink cylinder out but now the spring is stuck inside of the package. I sigh and curse how retarded it is to waste that much money to package the product when the plastic is just going to be thrown away. So I pull the spring out slowly. The pen is now in shambles. Utterly useless. Well, if spectrum would have had scissors, I wouldn't have had to break their pen.

All I wanted to do is type my dumb blog with headphones and music, so I don't have to hear this Bane guy, from Batman, talk anymore. In the midst of this full blown fight I was currently having with an inanimate object, I realized that I had a pair of fingernail clippers in my purse. Perfect;  like the gold at the end of a rainbow.

I slowly started clipping each side but the fingernail clippers were too small. I tried using my teeth to open it. However, the plastic was too thick. And the situation just ended with my teeth hurting.

So today, I lost a fight with my headphones, that I hadn't even physically touched because of the packaging. Whats the point of the plastic being so thick and sealed on all sides. If I wanted to steal the expensive piece of merchandise at the store, it wouldn't do my any good anyways. I clearly wouldn't be able to get into it.

Here's an idea, give us a tab like toothbrush companies. Because that just makes sense, right? So, yay! Here's my blog about something I never intended to waste time with, that I wrote WITHOUT headphones or music. Happy Friday. I intend to never again fight with oyster shell packaging. Here's crossing my fingers anyways.

Happy Moments

OK, so after two long weeks of preparation, INSURV is finally over. We passed.  Thank God. I think working 0600-2000 everyday is pure ridiculous. I'm sorry I don't have anything interesting to post today. Lately, all my life has been is work...so I'll just post things that make me happy.

“A happy life is just a string of happy moments. But most people don’t allow the happy moments, because they’re so busy trying to get a happy life.”
~ Abraham-Hicks

1.) Eating a Hershey's chocolate bar square by square ever so slowly because you know it can't last forever. When you eat the very last square and wash it down with coffee before throwing the wrapper away, you discover one more piece. That last piece of chocolate is heaven!

2.) When driving or walking somewhere, I love when the crosswalk turns green or the light turns green right as the car pulls up. I believe there's a sort of magic in a moment like that.

3.) There's nothing better after a long day than taking off your pants (or bra).

4.) Freshly shaved legs.

5.) The feeling of buying a Christmas present for someone you love months in advance and having to keep the secret until the Holidays. Part two of this moment is the retarded happiness that is showed when the person is opening the present and you can't even sit still you are so excited to see how much they love it.

6.) The joy of my dogs greeting me when I get home. I can't even put my stuff down they are so excited to see me. I don't think there is a greater or more loyal love. I wish more people had the personalities of dogs.

7.) My music. When I want it. How I want it. Every single night and day. I love the powerful feeling of shuffle and skip.

8.) An extra half hour of sleep really makes all the difference.

9.) That moment in a kiss where you can feel everything. Fear runs away. Your mind sits on the back burner and allows your heart to lead the way. The moment ends as the kiss does, but your heart gives your head a second or two to find itself afterwards.

10.) An ice cream cone dripping in the summertime.

Dani

Things I've Missed Along the Way

Today was LONG! I cannot wait for insurv to be over already. Working 11-12 hour days is crazy. We might as well be out to sea again if you ask me. Anyways, this morning I was exhausted when I woke up and irritated. Most days I am constantly chipper and content with the shitty food and hot conditions of the ship. this morning it would have been nice shoulder checking every single person I passed.

I got over myself as soon as I had coffee/espresso. Somehow no matter what, my relationship with coffee will remain ever constant and loyal in my life, no matter what.

Being out here away from home, I've created a family for myself among friends. Now, I know its not home because home is where my mom is but, I've managed to make Japan feel as close to home as possible. Everyone knows I miss family and friends but I'd like to share some of the smaller, more obscure things I miss as well.

1.) Kissing my dog, Smokey, on the top of her nose. In that moment, I hold my lips on her snout and wait for her tongue to curl up and kiss back. Her tail wags and I smile and there is nothing in that moment that isn't defined by ever enduring love for one another.

2.) I miss sitting on the pier of the Chowan River with a cup of coffee in my hand, resting against my chest around 8 in the morning. I love not having to get dressed and just rolling out of bed to greet the sun. It shines right on the water and everything is still as glass. My feet just skim the top as the breeze hits my face and I can feel the lingering sun setting in for a tan or burn by later afternoon.

3.) I miss my shoes. My heels, boots, even flip flops. They are crying without me right now.

4.) I miss late night movie nights with my brother. I miss buying alcohol at Harris Teeter and going through all of the red box movie selections before settling on two scary ones. I miss picking out all the red and blue sour gummy worms in the dark without him noticing because the blanket is up by my eyes as I cringe with terror.

5.) I miss driving the back roads with cotton on my left side and soy beans on the right. I miss the emptiness of the roads and seeing more deer than cars on late night drives back to the river from Tastee Freeze.

6.) Banana sandwiches, bar-b-que, collard greens, beef stew, and pork chops

7.) Bottomless cups of coffee

8.) I miss hearing my dad sing and play tequila sunrise, Charley Pride and Buck Owens on the guitar.

9.) Definitely miss having a tan

10.) I miss wing night at O malley's and texas margaritas at El Pac.

Dani

If Couches Could Talk

I have many memories from my childhood house on Rainbow Forrest Drive but, some of the memories often overlooked are those I've had on that old green couch. It was once a pretty couch but now, its quite worn in. The fabric is stained. The pink flowers are not nearly as bright as they once were. The cushions are lumpy. The arm rests are hard and the arm covers are constantly and irritatingly (is that a word?) always falling off. All this aside, I love that couch. I love some of the feelings and moments this couch has given to me throughout my life.

OK, so you may think this is totally dumb. I'm sharing romantic feelings with an inanimate object, but if you had this couch growing up you'd probably fall head over heels for it, too. I've been thinking about this couch a lot lately because my brother will be using it in his first apartment. Its been in storage since my first apartment. Let me begin by giving you a personal history of this couch and I.

I remember sharing many Disney movies with friends on this couch as a little girl. I'd always bring my hairbrush down and brush my hair during Aladdin. It made me feel like Princess Jasmine and clearly I couldn't bring a tiger down. The couch was there for me when I wanted to watch Winnie the Pooh. There was something about Winnie the Pooh, that always knocked my dad into a deep sleep. Is that why adults put Pooh on TV? So their kids will fall asleep?

The couch was in the living room for Christmas present time. It was there for me to throw my book bag on it as a kid. Some of my favorite moments with this couch were snow days or even 'sick' days. I'm sure the couch knew that I wasn't really 'sick,' but it remained loyal and we cuddled all day. Many episodes of Dawson's Creek, I spent snuggled under the mustang blanket while my brother droned on and on about the show being stupid. My brother and I watched all the old Nickelodeon cartoons: Hey Arnold, Rugrats, Doug, etc, etc. (If you are a 90's kid reading this, I shouldn't have to list them out). My brother and I fought over the couch daily but when we were too tired to argue or Daddy wasn't looking, we'd just share it. I'd throw my feet up on the top part with my head on the opposite side as Jon's and he'd lay with his head on the other side.
This couch has seen so many bowls of popcorn with my Dad. But I will tell you, my Dad didn't love the couch as much as Jonathan and I did. He often sat in the blue leather reclining chair. You know how men are with their reclining chairs! My dad got remarried when I was in my teens and the couch got packed up. We traded it in for a nice brown leather couch. All things aside, it was a nice couch. A really nice couch but, it just wasn't the same as the old green one.

Years later, I went off to college. I lived in the dorms for a couple years and finally my junior year of college, my big sister, Katie (sorority sister) and I moved in to a small two bedroom apartment. The first night we stayed there we made spaghetti and ate on the kitchen floor because we didn't have any furniture. We had a TV and sleeping bags, though. The act of moving out and being on my own aroused feelings inside me I'd never felt before. I was so happy. I was paying for my rent, cooking my meals, driving my own car and technically I was kind of broke.

My Dad brought the couch and some other furniture for Katie and I. Our living room was tiny, but just big enough to fit this green couch and a small coffee table. From that day on, we rarely used our kitchen table. I rarely studied at my desk. And we both spent hours and hours sitting together gossiping like young women do, on that couch. Many cups of coffee have been drank (and spilt) on that couch. Many episodes of CMT's country music countdown have been watched. Tears have been spilt, beers have been drank, papers have been written and relationships have strengthened.

Visitors were always welcome. We didn't have much but we did have extra blankets, a pillow and that couch. It sleeps pretty good for a couch. Whenever my dad came to visit, I'd give my bed to him and sleep on the couch. I remember channel surfing late into the night on that couch. If you lay just right, you can spoon with a significant other. And just like my brother and I did growing up, Katie and I often laid on opposite ends  together.

So think about it. If couches could talk what kind of stories could this one tell us about me? What would it say about my brother? Or the relationships I've had in college-boyfriends, Katie and Caro. It has surely seen memories being made and feelings unfold. If it could talk, I bet it would be able to help define some of my feelings for friends and family. Could it put into words what I can't put into words? Like, how do you explain the relationship you have with a sibling? I don't think any amount of words could truly make you understand how much love I have for my brother. I bet this couch has shaped me into the woman I am today. It may be a stretch, believe what you want, but I believe in things like that. I've had so many moments on that couch, its hard for me to overlook.

So the next chapter of this couch's life is my brother. My dad is bringing the couch to him this August. He is so excited to be on his own and have his own place. He doesn't even have any roommates. We'll see what this couch brings for Jon, or should I say, what kind of memories Jon will bring to this couch. I wish I had a picture of it for you all to see, but maybe imagination is better in your head. I know its better in mine.

I've posted a Brad Paisley video. The song is called, "Wrapped Around." I've been listening to him all day. I'm sure at one point or another, the couch has seen it too. :) You probably think I'm absurd. I probably am. Good, I'm glad we got that settled. Enjoy!

Dani

Summer Cruise Summed Up

So, we are finally back to Yoko, thankfully. There are only so many times one can live the song, "I'm on a boat," before life gets irritating. Most days were long, sweaty and hot, but I'd like to share some of the more amusing activities I encountered along the way.

During high speed turns if you are on the toilet, it is totally acceptable to brace for shock on the  bathroom stalls. The first time I sat down on the toilet while the ship was rocking I feared I might just tip over and fall off. All while my pants were at my ankles! How tragic.

About two weeks into cruise, I returned to my division to do weapons work. Chief put me in the main bomb magazine with many cool people. Together, we form this great little family that meets every night at 1900. Bomb builds make the night fly by (so do two hour naps on the bomb kits). We really have a good time! We normally have anywhere between 2 to 50 bombs to build in a night, that range anywhere from 500 to 2000 pounds. We get off work the next day around 930. And then we do it all over again until we hit a port! Talk about exhausting. It was nice getting into a daily routine of work, gym, shower, sleep, repeat. When days are long like that, I find its the little things in life that really make the day shine. For example: apples, trail mix, kashi bars, new gym routines, a breeze in the hangar bay during GQ drills, or even a cold shower after a long day.

I became a vegetarian out to sea. I just couldn't bring myself to eat the meat on the ship (or wait in the long line.) Imagine, thousands of sailors eating at the same time at night. Yeah, standing in line...not an option. So ruling out meat made mid rats kind of a a difficult challenge. So what did I end up eating? Kidney beans, and cottage cheese, lots of salads, corn, apples, grapes, bread with peanut butter...I'm all tuna-ed out. I can't eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and also, cheese does NOT dress up bread like it used to! The first thing I did when I put my feet on land was eat pizza!

Brisk sweet tea from the vending machines was a favorite of mine, as well as, Esmeralda's. We would always take a break and drink tea together. Taking Esme and Thomas into the ship store was always hilarious. I felt like such a mom! "Greene, can I have this? Greene, will you buy me some crackers? I'm really hungry Greene." I was such a good mom to Thomas and Esme. Don't worry, I did just as much begging when I forgot my cash card too.

Towards the end of cruise, the GW had a gastro pandemic. Gastro, for those of you who may not know, is a gastro-intestinal disease caused by bacteria and people not washing their hands. It makes you have explosive diarrhea and puke bucket fulls simultaneously. The last couple days of cruise, I was very careful about the foods I ate. The girl who lives above me had gastro for three days. She was so weak. She kept her puke bucket on top of Thomas's locker every day. And you know what, everyday I went to sleep in fear that her puke bucket would fall on me. I was so glad she started feeling better.

Living with fifty girls certainly has its ups and downs. One of the many downs: running out of toilet paper. Occasionally, every single bathroom stall would be picked bone dry of toilet paper. How comforting sitting down to poop, only to find out there isn't toilet paper anywhere. Yeah, no words describe this. That's just a "shitty" situation, right there. (No pun intended).

Speaking of shitty situations...I did not realize that people were so disgusting. After a long night of work, you would think that most people would crave a shower and excitedly make that happen. Nope. I saw so many girls work all night (sweaty and smelly) then just climb in their rack. Eww. Gross, but true.

On that note, I think I'll hit the gym then SHOWER. If I think of more, i'll add part two. If not, to everyone back home-- I miss and love you all. Look for more posts on my random shananigans in Japan before winter cruise.
Dani

Jacqui

Everyone has friends in life. No matter who you are, I hope and pray that your friends support you as much as mine do me. I am blessed with many friends, but by far my most unique relationship I hold, is with my dear friend, Jacqui. Jacqui is much older than me. Since this is a public blog, and I want to LIVE to see my next birthday...we'll just say Jacqui just turned 60. (You can thank me later, Jacqui).This being said, if you saw a picture, you wouldn't think she was a day over 55. She is a beautiful woman- inside and out. There are very few women left in this world who can hold beauty on the outside while it also radiates from within. She always fusses over her face and hair, and I just don't understand why. I love watching her get ready in the mornings. Sometimes I'll get a cup of coffee and sit on the toilet while she fixes her face or curls her hair. It's always fun because she screams when she accidentally burns her ear or forehead. I know I shouldn't laugh, but I do.
Above, I've posted a picture of Elizabeth Taylor. Jacqui has worn, white diamonds perfume for as long as I can remember, so whenever I see pictures of Elizabeth Taylor I think of Jacqui. Elizabeth Taylor is a very classy, proper woman, very much like Jacqui. Whenever Jacqui drinks coffee, she always holds it with her pinky pointing up, like a queen. My mom and I always comment on this. Oh yes, Jacqui is very fancy. I used to tell her not to fuss over putting leftovers in fancy dishes and just put them on the table in the containers. Only sometimes would I win these small battles.

Relationships, are one of the most important things in life. Chris McCandless from Into the Wild once said, "happiness is only real when shared." I believe he is 100% correct. I'm very close to my family. I'm very close to my phi mu sisters. I love my girls and family here in Japan, but i set Jacqui apart from all of my friends, because it is such a unique bond that we share. I don't know who I would be without Jacqui in my life. I can't remember a time when she wasn't there for me.

When I was a child, she took on the role as a grandmother type figure. But, I don't want to fool you with the negative stigma of the word, "grandmother." She is, by no means, boring and she doesn't crochet or knit. She is hip and likes to go out dancing and dresses in style. She pours a drink at 5 o clock everyday and she holds herself with more class, than any woman I've ever seen. As I grew up, her role as grandmother has been replaced to close friend. We gossip about relationships, men, underwear hanging out, bad tan lines, clothes, etc, etc... We talk about everything. Never did she miss a prom, or graduation. Never did she miss a first break up or first kiss. It makes me wonder, if she's had such an effect on my life, what else has she had time to transform in her time? There are truly few women, left on this earth with such altruistic spirits as Jacqui. She is always doing for others before herself. She will go the extra mile for family and friends and won't stop until you literally tell her to sit down. My mom is much like this too.

I have so many memories of Jacqui and myself. Most memories involve coffee and wonderful dinner conversations paired with lifetime movies. She is the queen of bargain shopping at yard sales. Never have I seen anyone go tubing down a river in such style as Jacqui has- fuzzy navel in hand. She didn't even spill a drop.

I try and call her as much as I can from here in Japan, but it never seems enough. I'm sure the next time I go home to visit...they'll have to put me on life support because I'll run out of breath, we have so much to catch up on. So, Jacqui, from here in Japan...You are beautiful. You are loved and I am proud and blessed to have you in my life.

Dani

Trash frustrations

OK, story time..i.e. I need to rant. Let me tell you about my day.

Have you ever had to clean up after someone? I've had various jobs in food service but few people have been as big of pigs as my shipmates are. I'm in the Navy, but you'd think I was a bus boy at a Chili's. Every night we stack the tables in a clean bay. We sweep and mop the floors, napkins are filled and tables are wiped down. In the morning, my shipmates leave me with empty McDonald's bags, Cheerios that are soaking in old milk, used hair brushes, tables unstacked and moved inconveniently halfway across the bay. I've seen half eaten cheeseburgers, old grapes, used napkins and coco's containers. Every morning I am greeted with orange peels, half eaten apples, drinks left out, etc. etc. Oh, my favorite, by far is ramen noodle containers. I mean really, what gives? Shipmates, let me clear it up right now. I am so honored that you want me to pick up behind you and baby you and throw away all of your crap, but stop it! Its ridiculous. If I was to leave trash for someone to pick up after me, my mom would make sure it never happened again. Its easy to tell who was raised properly by simply observing a lunch  time on the mess decks

Now I realize that nothing will change by writing this but at least its making me feel better. The other day, I was working and sat down across from some of my shipmates while I was re filling napkin holders. There was a guy sitting across from me who got up to get a refill on his drink. He came back to pick up his cover and started to walk off without his tray. I called him out on it. "Hey! Hey. What are you doing? Are you going to get your tray of trash?" He turned around really fast and picked it up. I looked him dead in the eye, and said, "Really? Really?" How are you going to run off and leave your tray with the person who works on the mess decks sitting right across from you? Talk about disrespect.

The other night I was stacking tables in bay 1 to get ready and close down for the night. Two shipmates of mine had the idea to take the tables down (that were already stacked) so they could sit. There were plenty of other tables they could have sat at. I walked up as they had just unstacked the table. "What are you doing?" They both look at me, idiotically. "Put that back right now." I say. They whine, "But there's nowhere to sit." "Put it up right now." I stand arms crossed, waiting. I waited for them to re stack the table and find a different one to sit at. They probably think I am the biggest bitch in the world, but I think their common sense is missing.

Now, the salt and pepper game is a game, I wish not to bring up. I hate that game. Let me explain. The salt and pepper game is when a fellow shipmate turns the salt or pepper upside down and screws the cap just barely on, so that when its picked up....ALL THE SALT SPILLS. I hate this game! No matter who wins, I always lose. Someone played this game on me 4 times last week. They only got me three. They got someone else a couple times though because I cleaned up the mess. And you know what, yeah, I get it. HAHAHA its so funny. Try cleaning it up everyday and see how frustrating and not funny it is!

We are switching to day check/night check shifts. I got Wardroom 1&2 days. So I'll be working with officers. We'll see how this goes... I'm a little sad because as much as I complain about how rude my shipmates are, I absolutely love working with my friends on the mess decks. Everyday is an adventure because everyday, some sort of hilarity spills out of one of our mouths.

The other day I was stacking tables with our new 3rd class. He's really not too too bad, and helps out when he can. He's hard to describe. He looks very nerdy, wears glasses, and acts about 12 years old, as Rocha would say. Anyways, were stacking these tables, and clearly, he is struggling. Collins walks by and yells, "Hey, let me know if you need a real man to stack tables." The 3rd class raises excuses that the chair is in the way, etc, etc. Collins just shakes his head, and say "Really, let me know if you need a real man's help." Haha. Everyday, I walk into the scullery, some sort of obscenity is being yelled at fellow shipmates who put their trays and cups away incorrectly. Collins has been refilling apple juice but puts a prune juice label on it. People walk by and turn their noses up, "Prune juice, eww?"

I only have about a month or less left to be in the officers mess decks. I won't have to worry about them leaving trash because I will actually BE their bus boy. But I'm really kind of excited! Except for being separated from my previous crew. Cookies! Real coffee! Better food. HERE I COME :)

roly poly bugs

Growing up, my Dad or brother always seemed to be around to take care of the creepy crawlers for me. Except for this one night, I cringed with terror and almost rolled over dead.

We were still living on Rainbow Forrest Drive. I was probably in my awkward pre-teen phase. Long hair, scabs on my knees, braces on my teeth, and stuck in a loop hole between young woman and little girl. Being that age is a horror in itself, not to mention, add bugs into the equation. I would not want to have to go back and re-live those days, my friend.

I didn't grow up being a prissy girly girl. I was most definitely an adventurous child. I swam in snake infested creeks. I lived on my bicycle for months on end. I was one of the boys in the neighborhood. One hot summery day, I was playing a game of truth or dare with my brother, and two neighborhood kids, Kyle and Cameron. Most of our dares were harmless and silly. I think Kyle had to give Jon a titty twister and Cameron had to streak in his boxers around the cul-de-sac. When it came my turn, I chose dare. "I dare you to eat a roly poly bug, Danielle" Cameron snickers. When you are playing truth or dare as a kid, there is no backing out. You have to do it. It goes against nature to wuss out and not do the dare. I think at 12 or 13 its an unspoken law. When you pick dare. You have to do it. So I pick up a rock and roll it over. Lots of creepy bugs, caterpillars, and roly polys are crawling around on the underside of the rock. I pick the smallest roly poly I can find, and gently roll its body into a ball and toss it into the back of my throat, like its nothing. I was quite the crowd pleaser.

What I never told anyone? When Jonathan and I went back to the house I began freaking out that the roly poly had babies inside my stomach, and multiplied. I imagined my stomach filled with these creatures crawling around on their little legs. I lifted my shirt up in the mirror, terrified, that my stomach was bulging with the creepy crawlers. I had convinced myself that I could literally see them crawling inside me looking at my stomach. I worried that they were going to crawl out of my mouth in the middle of the night and take over my bed. Then my room. Then the house...etc. etc. The only thing that made me feel better was that I convinced myself that everything would be ok if I pooped all of the roly polys out. I'm guessing that I spent the next hour or so in the toilet, talking myself through getting rid of these bugs. I must've pooped or something cause I can't remember too much lingering anxiety from the experience.

A

Pet Peeves

OK, so for the most part, I'm a pretty happy human being. I see the pleasure in chocolate chip cookies brought to me, coffee in the mornings and reading on rainy days.  It takes a lot to test my patience. Lately, it's truly been a test while working the mess decks. Daily, these people continue to amaze me. I cannot imagine how their parents put up with their sore attitudes and rude behavior. Don't worry, I'll explain further in detail.

Today, I am going to share my top ten pet peeves. You know the things that just drive you crazy. Things that frustrate you in horror, you just want to scream in a pillow or break something, or bawl your eyes out? I'm not talking about minor annoyances, I'm talking days going from bad to worse due to so called events. When these things happen to me I feel like I'm going crazy because others don't seem peeved at all.

1.) I absolutely abhor having to walk around when its raining outside. I hate trudging through it. For me, the rain is a show stopper. I cancel all plans of going out, and sit inside and stay dry. The second, I get off of the ship and its raining, I roll my pants up to my ankles (or higher), like a ridiculous old man with high water jeans on, and try to hurry to spectrum. I trudge through the water, pissed that I have to walk in it! And if you think thats bad, just wait until you walk enough for your socks to get wet. Ughhh!!! I hate the feeling of that squishy sound inside of your tennis shoes. After walking for 5 minutes or so, my jeans begin to come undone and start to get close to the ground. So I reach down and slide them back up to my calf muscles, all the while, looking ridiculous. When I finally get to my destination, I sit down and throw one leg up under the other, like half indian style, but since my shoes/pants legs are wet....now the back of my thighs are wet!!! This in itself, is enough to damper my whole entire day.

2.) I hate when people have poor table manners. Smacking food drives me crazy. I can't stand to watch someone lick their finders, or chew with their mouths open, or talk with their mouths full. When a person makes a sucking noise with a straw and the cup becomes almost empty, ughh!! People say I eat slowly. Well maybe its because I don't talk with my mouth full, eat bites that are really small and chew quietly to myself. Ughh. I cannot be the only one who goes crazy watching the lack of consideration for others. On the mess decks, a lot of the sailors don't have a lot of time to eat. I understand that, but really? Some of these people shovel it in, like sand in a sand pale, building the ultimate sand castle in their mouths. Slow down! Actually, enjoy your food...or...well try to. We have this one shipmate, I won't name any names, but he has got to be the sloppiest eater I've ever seen in my entire life. I don't even think his hands are clean before he sits down to eat. He doesn't put down his utensils throughout the whole meal. he doesn't cut up his meat, but continues to either eat small bites of the meat off of the fork or just stick the entire thing in his mouth. Barf! All sorts of disgusting noises come from his table. I can't stand to watch him eat, but I'm mesmerized and can't look away. I just continue to stare him down during the whole meal, in disbelief with my shipmates.

3.) I love going to the gym. I love running on the treadmill or being on the elliptical. I do yoga and meditate. What I don't love is talking to you while I am at the gym! First of all, say I'm on the treadmill. Well, you've already heard the story of me busting ass while running and texting. Do you really think I am capable of focusing on you and running at a 6.5 or higher without falling. Answer:No, I am not. Not to mention, the gym is my one time to legit, focus on me, run my stress off and jam to music. Its me time. I'm not there for you to hit on me or tell me how to do additional work outs. If I am doing arms, I'm already nervous about being there because my arms aren't that strong and I really don't know what I'm doing. A simple hello or wave is fine. Its enough to say hey I'm thinking of you without bothering me. When I'm working on push ups, you'll be a distraction. When I'm working on sit ups, I might just fart so you'll go away. Don't bother me while I'm doing yoga or meditating. I shouldn't even have to say anything further on this subject.

4.) Laziness. I get it. I'm in the navy. People skate. We all do. I know, I do. Its one of the first PQS you should get signed off. You can't be a shitbag until you are qualified in skating. To my family and friends back home: "skating" is a term used by sailors. It means, going to the bathroom for 30 plus minutes, or smoking longer than necessary. Basically disappearing for a period of time to make the day go by faster. The difference between me skating and my shipmates skating: I don't skate when there is work to be done. I will work my ass off preparing for a meal. I will run for utensils during the meal. Swab up spills, wipe down tables, help the guys out in the scullery, and take care of the first classes. After the meal, I stack tables, wipe them down, sweep, swab. I clean the place up. Its when we start getting stupid assignments to fill time that I "go use the head." Some of my shipmates, straight up, just leave when we still have things to clean. You know what happens, I end up doing twice the work. This is bullshit and it always happens to me. Of course, I do it because I want to get off work, but really? Come on now, do your part so we can be done and get off the ship.

5.) Whining or "negative nellys". Even at 5 o clock in the morning, I'm not complaining. What could possibly happen at 5am to piss you off. What, you've been awake for 30 minutes and already, you're mad. No, I'm not saying you have to brighten up the room with sunshine out of your ass but really, a simple good morning requires a response in return. I don't care how tired you are. Complaining about cleaning doesn't make the day go by any faster and griping about the tasks I give you doesn't get you out of the task. It's just the opposite actually, if you are busy doing something, I won't tell you to go clean. The people I work with know what needs to be done at the end of the night, yet I end up telling them what to do, with attitudes in return. Simply stated, do what needs to be done and you won't hear a word from me. We get paid to work, so work. And work, with your mouth closed preferably, if you are going to damper my mood.

6.) In today's world of technology it continues to amaze me that people still don't know the difference between its/it’s and they’re /their/there. Maybe they are just lazy and know the difference but it drives me crazy. You know what else I hate? Grammatical mistakes in text messages or words spelled in shortened form, but still incorrect. I shouldn't have to translate the message before reading it. Just spell out the dang word.

Examples: gr8, or 2nite, dat, noe, plz, rite, 4, u... You graduated high school didn't you? Have enough respect for your English teacher to use correct spelling and grammatical punctuation. 

7.) When did the world become so complicated that I have to learn a ridiculous hand shake with friends? Whatever happened to the traditional firm handshake? Now I have to be like, "Yo, what up" and snap my fingers, and click and slap them on the back, and go in for a half hug, etc, etc. These days, I need a manual with step by step guidelines to appropriately follow what the hell you want me to do with your hand. A handshake should be that very simple gesture, with direct contact and firm grip. So give me a hug or wave hello. You can try and do that weird ass hand shake with me but understand, in advance, that I don't know what to do!

Ok, that is all for now. I wonder if these things bother you too? Maybe I am just weird. But honestly. I don't care. I'll continue to be me. Have an amazing day!!

My Future with Caroline

I've decided what I am going to do when I get out of the Navy. Yes, after four years of college and years of traveling the world with the Navy, I'll finally be ready to settle down. Caroline helped me decide where and how to live up to my potential today, during our 3 hour phone conversation. It was the highlight of my day. We decided to open up a surf shop. And uhh, no we don't know anything about surfing. Caro has taken it upon herself to run the cash register because that is what she knows best. She's going to grow dreds and I am going to give surf lessons. She's making me do the surf lessons because she says, "I have the surfer body." Great. Thanks Caroline, I might have been better at the cash register. Anyways, don't worry about us not knowing how to surf. I've learned to not sweat the small stuff these days. We'll figure it out as we go.

We are going to have a quaint little cottage to share. We don't want anything nice or fancy! We want a space that is small and homey. A kitchen for sure is a necessity. We're going to be vegetarians, and Caroline is going to run the garden in our backyard. She listed off all sorts of vegetables on the phone. I can't remember which ones. We'll have wild flowers in the front yard and herbs in our windowsills. At the rate were going, it seems that both of us will be single forever. We might as well grow a little older together, while were waiting for a miracle to happen!

Caroline will sell pottery on the side because that is where her true passions and desires reside. Neither of us want to join the real world. She doesn't want to teach and I don't want to be a dietitian. I think I'd be miserable. I've taken it upon myself to write as much as possible, because when I write I feel as close to myself as possible. What was I thinking majoring in nutrition, when writing is what I have enjoyed after all these years? Also, I'll be making handmade jewelry to sell. I'm not sure how we decided on this, as I know nothing of handmade jewelry either. I'm thinking lots of turquoise, though.



We decided to get a pet dog because I'm allergic to cats and Caroline doesn't want to clean out a fish tank. She also said, "turtles were boring." She wanted a parrot, but I told her "they were obnoxious." So, a dog we will have. When deciding on a name for our surf shop/ jewelry/ pottery store, nothing sounded right. We tried beads and pots. Bowls and beads. Unique beads. All sounded ridiculous and a bit misleading. We decided that we would wear long skirts and toe rings. My curls will be beachy and my toes barefoot with a cute toe ring on. There will be a drink in our hands, all day and we will smell of salt and sand.

But don't try and find us, because we have plans to take off and see the world. We'll find love in Bali, and peace in India. We'll be happily fattened up wherever we go, because foods will be a top priority. We will never leave each other and carry only what will fit in a backpack. And when we get tired, we'll find a coffee shop, to prop up our legs and kick back. What do you think? It doesn't make sense that either of us were born in this decade when we so easily stand out. We are so very different from all of our friends. She hula hoops her days away, and I dream of reading and writing for all eternity. The end.
___________________________________________________________________________________

Oh, I miss Caroline so much. It's a wonder how were going to make it through deployment. She read her senior letter to me on the phone today, a bit tipsy. I'm surprised she made it through without crying. I will say she lost her place while reading numerous times. Of all the people in the world who truly understand me, she is one of the few. We have shared so many memories over the years. Of the ones I cherish, most are truly simple, like laying in her bed drinking wine, or drinking coffee in the mornings.

Above is a picture of us at Watermelon Bust doing the watermelon wheel barrel challenge. A challenge it was! We practiced prior to the field day in the Phi Mu house. Here we are on the second floor. Imagine the two of us. Her holding my feet and me pushing the watermelon with my nose. I think our sisters yelled at us because we were making too much noise laughing. On the actual field day game. We did not win. Caroline was laughing too hard and couldn't hold me up. She didn't drop me but I was close. I can't look at that picture and not laugh out loud.

The other picture is from our canoe slalom endeavor. We took it upon ourselves one year to enter into a canoe race. And umm no, we knew nothing about canoeing. I'd never even heard the word slalom before! Have you? How hard can it be right? Well, for one it poured down rain that morning. And two, we know nothing about canoeing. A canoe slalom is much harder than a canoe race. We had no idea we'd be doing turns and circles instead of just canoeing in a straight line. We finished the race. We didn't win by any means, but we finished and I was so proud of us afterwards!



I cannot wait to see her beautiful face when I take leave next year! Just think, I'll have even more ridiculous stories of us doing silly things to write about, by the time we see each other again. So until then, I keep you close in my heart and carry you with me always, Caro. We may be miles apart but no miles can separate the love I have for you. :)

GA Bible Challenge (Part 2)

Hello once again. This is part 2 of my GA bible verse challenge. I hope that those who are participating are enjoying the challenge. And challenge it is, I might add!! With my busy schedule, I'll be honest and tell you that I don't always give the gospel as much time as I should. With the Ga's memorizing these verses (at least I hope they are because I am working my butt off trying to learn these), it forces me to take a look as well.

Anyways, I tried to broaden the categories of types of verses this time. Lets think of these verses as tattoos on our heart that should never disappear because the Holy Spirit is helping us memorize! We will need them during times of pressure, or stress, during Sunday school or when searching for help through God. I know I will need these verses with me in my daily life, especially through my deployment.

 Sometimes we forget that the answers to our prayers are right in front of our noses. I like to think of God as our teacher. Do you remember as a kid, asking questions in school? The answer was always, "read the text or open your book." I hated when teachers told me that. Sometimes its easier when the answer is told, but when you research the answer, you truly learn better. That's why teachers don't just tell you the answer.The bible is our reference and even when we feel lazy, the answers are there, waiting for us to learn.

These verses could be the basic foundation of building a steady humble life for the Lord. It is better for us to know and understand these short key verses than to fall asleep trying to read something we don't understand because it is too long. That's why I'm glad I've teamed up with the GA's, I like the simple, short, sweet, truth of these verses. I don't feel so overwhelmed because they aren't long or intimidating. I've focused these verses directly on the GA's, so that they will be able to benefit from them. They are short and uplifting because I remember being their age. Sometimes I just needed support from friends in knowing that God was there. Either way, lets continue this fascinating journey with God, and keep up the steady pace. How many verses will we eventually be able to memorize? I'm not counting!

June 17- 23
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whoever believes in him shall not parish, but have everlasting life

June 24-30
Mark 13:31 Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will remain forever

July 1-7
John 14:16 I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

July 8-14
Romans 10:13 For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

July 15-21
Joshua 1:9 Don't be afraid nor be dismayed for your god is with you wherever you go.

July 22-28
1 Thessalonians 5:17 Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ.

July 29-Aug 4
Psalm 46:10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
   I will be exalted among the nations,
   I will be exalted in the earth.”

Aug 5-11
Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because
anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists
and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Aug 12-18
Psalm 62:5
Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;
my hope comes from him.

August 19-25
Philippians 2:3
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit,
but in humility consider others better than yourselves.

August 26-Sep 1 <--- :) (my birthday)
Psalm 62:11
One thing God has spoken,
two things have I heard:
that you, O God, are strong.

Escaping Reality

" I think we dream so we don't have to be apart so long.  If we're in each other's dreams, we can play together all night. "

 ~Bill Watterson, Calvin & Hobbes

Have you ever thought about your dreams? Lately my subconscious has been stuck in my past life, my life before the Navy. My dreams love civilian life and rarely focus on military aspects. Almost 80% of my dreams have been back in the states, which is weird, because I'm currently in Japan. I don't know if this is due to me missing home or what, but its comforting. Some are hilarious, some heartbreaking, some joyful and others sad...I don't know what is going on but, I absolutely love falling asleep. And not just because I'm exhausted from work, because I definitely am. It's because, I've found home in my dreams every single night. It's practically the best part of my day. Believe me, that's saying a lot because you know I love the feeling of hot coffee and the espresso button. God knows, I love that espresso button when I'm stuck at work!

I realize that I am far away from home. I get that. But as good as it sounds, I don't want to be home right now, not yet anyways. Yeah, the command is shitty, but Japan...Japan is a far bigger exploration of myself than I ever thought possible. I try and set myself apart from those with negative attitudes. It's hard. I'm still trying to wrap my mind around me being so far from home. It's crazy! I think I am too independent for my own good.

Every night as I get ready for bed, I prepare to find family. My dreams take me to them. I look forward to the journey. They take me to places throughout my life: snow skiing with dad, laying out by the river with mom, my old apartment with Big, the sorority house with Caro and Galarde, and anywhere with sour gummy worms with my brother. Anything can happen. Caro will bring me beer to my bubble bath and talk to me. Mom will make pot roast and we'll drink coffee and watch Dirty Dancing. Daddy will take me out on the town, and we'll wear cowboy boots. Moments can be re-created and life goes exactly how I want it to...exactly as planned with no interruptions.

In my dreams, I find new experiences, but old ones, as well. You know all those times, you regret not saying what you wanted to? An argument, or a moment passes you by and you re-hash everything? You over think, over analyze and curse yourself for not saying what you truly felt or truly wanted to say. In dreams, I am a far stronger woman, and say exactly what I want and should've said in that moment in time. The ability to see that, gives me so much inner strength and confidence.

I realize that most dreams are utterly ubsurd and have nothing to do with anything. Some don't even make sense but, I also believe dreams are secret desires played out. Things you normally wouldn't even speak out loud because you're afraid it's too good to be true. But in a dream...deeper truths are uncovered. Maybe that's why its so hard  for me to let go. We have an inner life inside us all with inner hopes and dreams that we think are impossible, but are they? Or are we too scared to do exactly what we say? What do you think?

5th Avenue to the Bronx

Ughh...You'll never guess what just happened? My blog, deleted itself. I graduated college, this should not be happening to me. I. AM. SO. MAD. I had about 3/4's of the blog finished, and while trying to copy a picture in, it deleted itself. UGHH!!!!!! The words flashed before my eyes, and then, sure enough a blank page. I had even saved it, like a good student. Thank God, I don't have a deadline. But really? REALLY? This is ridiculous. I haven't worked out yet. I cant handle this stress.

Next week, I'm moving into the Bronx, right now I'm on 5th Avenue. The new berthing I am moving into is sub par to the current one I am in. Right now, I am on the O3 level with 18 racks living with very pleasant MC's (the sailors that take pictures for the navy). I'll be on 3rd deck with 50 or 60 other AO's. Don't get me wrong, I love the girls I work with, but now I have to live with them too? I've posted a picture to the left, for those of you who need a better understanding of the deck levels of an aircraft carrier. The good thing? I'll be closer to my berthing when I have to use the head. And...less ladder wells to go up and down throughout the day. Last week, I chose racks for Thomas and I in this new berthing. Me, being the good friend that I am, let Thomas have the top rack and I sacrificed getting the bottom rack to be closer to her. Friends, are what's gonna help me make it through this deployment, anyways. It doesn't matter where you are, just who is around you to make you smile. If Thomas is around, I'm bound to smile. Together, we do and say some ridiculous things.

Today, I went to the Nex to buy supplies. You'd have thought we were in the midst of a zombie Apocalypse I bought so many items. Never in my life have I bought twelve pairs of underwear, twelve pairs of socks, three bottles of body wash, two tubes of toothpaste, etc, etc...the list goes on. I thought I'd be one armed for this deployment, my basket was so heavy while shopping.

I'm feeling very anxious about the upcoming events. You know when you are packing for a trip and worried you will forget something? Well, that's how I feel currently. If you're anything like my mom, when packing for a trip, you'll have everything laid out on your bed (three days early), lists, a check off sheet, and plan B if something goes wrong. If you are like me, you'll just throw some things in a bag, (the morning of) and figure out the rest when you get there. Here's hoping some of my mom rubs off on me for this deployment. I know friends, and family will send me things of I forget something, but I still feel a bit apprehensive about it all.

I went down to the new berthing today, armed with a sponge and some cleaner. Who would have guessed I would need close to the entire bottle of Tilex? I found old coins, dirt, chewed gum and hair. Ewww, the hair! After about thirty minutes of elbow deep scrubbing, I was semi satisfied with the condition of my coffin locker. To the right, you'll see what a coffin locker looks like. This is approximately how much space I have for all of my clothes. I also have two 1/2 size stand up lockers. And the one to the right is also a bottom rack, i.e. my home. Like, I said, the only thing that makes this better is, I'll be near Thomas. Esmeralda, is in the same berthing as me but is much farther away.

We are suppose to be fully moved in by sometime next week. I don't have time to sit down and wonder how deployment will be, so for now I'm just cruisin' on having a great time on land while I can! Here's hoping this post was delightful and informative.

Happy Sunday.

 DG

Working Man Blues

Let me tell you, working from 05:00am-9:00pm at night is ridiculous...especially when you are suppose to get off work at 6:30pm. Most days I'm pretty cheerful at work, I take small pleasure in the little things but when one of our chief's is on duty we might as well prepare for the worst. You can try and play his game but there is no beating it. Chief always wins. If we clean every item on his list, he'll just pull something else out of nowhere to hit us to make us all stay later. Chief wins every time.

On the nights that he is on duty, gym plans are canceled. Meeting up with friends is out of the question, and GQ is at 0430 the next morning so you might as well, just hit your rack early. I don't care what time you go to bed, 0350am will always be hard to wake up to. I don't even think this time should be an option on the alarm clock, but somehow that is what is required of me. 03:50. Ughh.

Anyways, last night Chief was on duty. Sure enough, he brought his trusty flashlight with him and inspected under the tables, in between grooves, nooks, crannies, anything he could possibly think of ...high and low. By the end of the night, we were crawling on the deck, reaching behind tables with a pincher and rag that hadn't been cleaned since the ship was built...21 years ago. I crawled behind the drink machines, God knows how I even fit back there!

Anyways, most days work isn't too terribly bad. I work with some pretty cool individuals and find myself laughing constantly. Everyone brings something different to the table.  I, myself, do not bring anything until I have my morning coffee. Lately, lifting tables down has been waking me up, before the coffee has.

One day during cleaning stations, our supply officer (suppo) dropped by to ensure that the scullery was being cleaned efficiently. Here's how the conversation went.

Suppo: How are you guys doing today? Having a good day so far?
All of us: Doing well sir. Not bad sir, etc, etc.
(Officer turns to Dean)
Suppo: Do you work in the scullery?
Dean: I'm trash, sir
(Giant pause...)
(Small chuckles of laughter...) 
 
Dean: Uhh...I do the trash, sir.
(The supply officer leaves and we all laugh.)


Lifting all these tables and treys of cups will hopefully build my upper body strength. When I get out of the Navy, I could be a professional "swabber" if I wanted to. (Navy lingo: Mops are called swabs. The mop bucket is a Cadillac)  I could also be a professional painter. After serving four years in the Navy, my uncle never painted another room in his life. I now know why.

I wipe down tables over and over again. After breakfast, lunch and dinner. The only thing that makes this better is the squirt bottle that I rigged filled with soap and hot water. Give anyone a water gun and somehow shit gets better. This brings me to scenario #2: The other day, B-smith and I were wiping down tables in bay 3 using the squirt bottle and rag. I would wipe down the table with the rag as B-smith shot the table with soapy water from as far away as possible by still getting the table wet. An officer comes over...
Officer: Why are you squirting that table with water?
B-smith: It's dirty, sir
Officer: Who is wiping it off?
 B-smith: (Looks in my direction) She is, sir
Officer: Quit horse playing. Get closer to the table and be quiet. We're taking a test in here.
B-smith: Yes, sir

Haha, oh, the trouble we cause! I've learned a thing or two about sweeping and swabbing as well.

Problem #1: I absolutely hate it when the galley serves peas! Those things just roll for miles. I'll be sweeping everything into a pile with a push broom and all of a sudden that pea will just take off, and roll. In my head I'm like, "Oh, crap, that pea just rolled like 20 feet away" And then I'll proceed to sweep it back towards the pile. Except, the problem is, I miss the pile. It rolls beyond the pile, just like mini golf. I'll wind up sweeping in circles like 6 times just watching it roll. By the end of it, I'm so fed up with the pea I just pick the dang thing up and go throw it out.

#2: I take great delight in sweeping  up grapes. Similar to peas, grapes roll too, but I have mastered this problem. I squish them with my boot ever so slightly. Like crunching a bug, I anticipate the splatter of "grape guts" on the deck. Yesterday, I got so into my task, B-smith was sweeping the grapes to me just so I could step on them.

#3: I have a love hate relationship with blueberries and raspberries. They stain the deck and require extra force when swabbing, but if they are out on the line, I eat them in mass quantities. I'm talking a ridiculous intake. Nonetheless, I hate swabbing up the blueberry and raspberry stains.

"Well, that's all for now. DG's out"

Bridges of Madison County

My guilty pleasure: Clint Eastwood. I have intense romantic feelings for him. I know! He's like 80 something years old but, aside from that, I will watch every single one of his movies regardless of what it is about. And even if he is 83, he is still a complete and total bad ass. If I could have him at any point in his life, I'd choose his character from The Good, the Band and the Ugly. There's something about the strong silent cowboy type that will always attract me. I mean, really? Look at him below and tell me you don't want to run your fingers through his facial hair or sling that cowboy hat right off his head? I'm telling you, if my aunt would phrase it, she would say, "That man could eat crackers in my bed any day!" She's right. I'd sure let him.

One of my favorite Clint Eastwood films is Bridges of Madison Country. Meryl Streep is casted alongside him in the role of Francesca,  as a unhappy married housewife. The book is wonderful as well, but the movie evokes emotions the book never did. We have Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep to thank for that, my friends. This is a picture of the Rosman bridge below. The location where the two meet.

If you've never seen the movie, I've posted a synopsis below. **SPOILER ALERT**

"Robert Kincaid is a romantic drifter on his way to photograph a historic covered bridge for "National Geographic" magazine. When he stops at a farmhouse to ask directions, he meets Francesca Johnson, whose passionate nature has long been denied. Their innocent friendship evolves into a tender, torrid and unforgettable four-day affair which they carry in their hearts for the next 24 years."
                                                          
(http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/the-bridges-of-madison-county/#)

Four days. Can you imagine falling in love with someone in four days? If I had Clint Eastwood, I think I'd seal the deal in one day, haha. But seriously to spend the rest of your life madly in love with a drifter who gave your life four days to change everything. I love this movie because its real. Francesca is an honest woman. She sacrificed much of her own passions, dreams and desires in favor of her family's. I don't know if I could have done that for my family if my other option was Clint Eastwood. I think I may have thrown up the deuces sign and never again returned home to lead a passionate life with Clint Eastwood.

 

Psalm 19:14 / Staying Connected to my GA's

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. -Psalm 19:14

Above, I have posted this weeks verse to memorize with the GA's. I'm gonna be honest ladies, I haven't been doing so hot on memorizing this one this week, but I have taken valuable consideration into what this means to me.

Sometimes I get in trouble for the things that just slip out of my mouth. There's no filter. Exactly what I am thinking in that moment in time, just slips into the air. With no admonition, I don't have any time to do anything about it. All I can do is sit there and hope it falls with cushion before the burn arrives.

Today was a long day. I find my patience being tested everyday at work with differing personalities and opinions. Countless mornings I go in with a wonderful attitude and a positive mindset but somehow everyday I veer off of this road and choose to talk and gossip with my fellow nautical buddies. Ranting feels good. Sometimes, its good to just get all of your feelings out. On the flip side, talking shit, helps no one and is quite harmful. Day after day, I think "oh I really shouldn't have said that." or "I should have said please and thank you more" My mom taught me manners, but if there's one thing I have learned so far, it's to be considerate when asking for help. Who is going to help you if you rudely ask?  

Tomorrow I am going to make an honest attempt to be kind to the 3rd class petty officer that micro manages, and not scowl or talk crap when he rudely asks me to do things. Just because his words aren't pleasing to the Lord does not mean I shouldn't watch what I say and how I behave. This is going to be interesting because he drives me crazy.

I may fail. But I know that small changes in my daily life are noticed by the Lord and simply making this attempt is greatly needed in my life. I am lacking in this area and oftentimes don't think before I speak. I know I'm wrong when I'm wrong, but oftentimes, its too late.

At the end of the day, I will write about what I said and how I said it in the reflection of God. If there are mistakes in my day, I will write down what I should have said.

Prayer:

Dear Lord,
Please help me be more like you. I need kindness on my lips, forgiveness in my heat and patience throughout the day. Please give me the strength to stay away from the gossip, to rise above the situation and be the better person you would be proud of. AMEN.

DG

Random vocalizations

I love the first sip of a can of diet coke. I don't think the burn of carbonation will ever get old. Diet coke reminds me of my Phi Mu days. Ask for a drink from a sister's apartment and you're only option is beer or diet coke. Take it or leave it.

I live for the smell of books- old or new. I still can't make up my mind about these kindles, and nooks. While they would make my life underway much easier, I just can't break down and buy one. I feel like buying one, is killing one more used bookstore, shutting down one more library and closing another book store/ coffee cafe. I will not do it. Not yet. They made side pockets on our NWU's for something and books fit perfect!

My ears smile when I hear the song, "Dust on the Bottle, by David Lee Murphy. I'll admit, its kind of a one hit wonder but whenever it comes on the radio, I duet with him...on every line. My old college roommate, Jordyn and I would listen to old 90's country for hours while doing homework.... keyword "doing." Mostly we just facebooked and talked.

My stomach melts when I eat banana sandwiches. Not banana and peanut butter sandwiches...banana and mayonnaise. And don't even call me weird, until you have tried it. It's a North Carolina soul food and tradition. My family pairs it with fried chicken.

About 90% of my dreams are still located in the states. I don't dream Japan, which I find highly interesting. I dream about many of my friends from Japan but most of the time we are in the states.

I become one with myself when I have my cowboy boots on. Every single pair of em! I was fortunate enough to bring a pair with me to Japan. I'm sure I get looks when I cross the quarterdeck but they are my heart and my style. Without them, I don't feel like myself.

Thomas gave me a stuffed bear that she won out of a claw machine when we first got to Japan. I named him Lucky. He almost died, but Hoffman sewed him up before he lost too much stuffing. He gives me something to snuggle with at night. Since I left Pumba in the states with my brother, I gotta have something to wrap my arms around.

Most days I have to be to work by 0400am. I get up at 0330, but my morning is never complete if I don't get to listen to at least 3 songs while getting ready in the morning. This week, its been Clay Walker love songs.

By working on the mess decks, I've found that I have a great deal of patience for my fellow shipmates. I have also learned, that I have no issue with speaking up and telling fellow shipmates to take their treys, trash and leftover food particles with them to the scullery and trash, no matter how much lip or bitching they give me.

Phi Mu still has my heart. I can't look at a lion without thinking sir fidel. I doodle quatrefoils during trainings. 1852 is part of my email. My sisters are my life. I say the sailor's creed far more often, but haven't forgotten Phi Mus creed and continue to live it daily.

Ok, this reads more like a journal entry but its raining out and I don't have anything hilarious to write about yet. More to come!!!

Staying Connected- GA style

I have many friends spread across North Carolina, from Charlotte, to Cullowhee, but among some of my favorites are the Elm Grove GA's. On a tiny back road in Askewville, NC, rests a church my family has come to call home. A pew is reserved for me every Sunday by Mrs. Hattie Mae, the gospel is spoken in words I can understand and hugs are acceptable before, during and after the service (not just when the preacher tells you to greet each other).  The Elm Grove GA's are the Girls.In.Action. To be honest, I'm not really sure how the age group goes between the GA's and the Acteens, but the GA's are younger. Anyways, these girls have style and class, plus a contagious passion for the church, and most importantly helping others, and sharing God's word. As beautiful young women, these girls deserve much praise from me and many others. Whenever anyone in the church or area is not doing well health wise, they visit, write, pray and give smiles and laughter to those in need by doing everything they possibly can- not because they are told to, but because they genuinely care.

When I graduated college, I was blessed to spend an ample amount of time with the GA's. I religiously attended every Wednesday night that I possibly could. We've said numerous prayers, painted many wooden items, lots of crafts and read many passages out of the bible. I've made batches of brownies, and spent lots of time picking out cute outfits to impress the girls. I think I put more effort into getting ready for Wednesdays than I ever did when going on a date with a guy!

 

The GA's inspire me to be a better christian, and help me to feel welcome and part of the Elm Grove family. When I came home on leave after Florida, the first place I went was the beach to surprise all of them. At 3 o clock in the morning, my brother and I drive up to the house to find streamers and signs. Somehow my surprise backfired, and they surprised me.  I think my Aunt let the cat out of the bag and tried to cover her tracks. My mom said later that Katie was texting me and didn't understand why I wasn't texting her back. Only later, she figured out that I was in the airplane on my way to her and couldn't text back in a reasonable amount of time!

 

I miss all of them very much. But, I came up with a solution that I hope will also bless all of your lives as well. I've decided that to stay connected with the GA's, I should first stay connected with God. So, each week we are memorizing bible verses together. Short and simple ones, because I know that we all have a lot going on but I figure if we are 9,000 miles away from each other but keep the same verse in our hearts, God will keep us connected.

Below is an email written by my Mom, I think she may have taken my idea to greater heights.

(Mom, I spell/grammatically checked you, before posting)

Good afternoon,

As many of you know, my daughter, Danielle Greene, is proudly serving our country in the  US Navy. She is an aviation ordnanceman aboard the USS George Washington, aircraft carrier, stationed in Japan. From our home in eastern NC,  Japan is a little less than 9000 miles away.  Yes, it is hard for me to believe.

Thanks to all of you that pray for our military daily.  They need our prays and support, as well as, their families back home.

She has been aboard the George Washington since December and deploys out to sea soon.  Since boot camp, we have been able to talk on the phone (thanks to the USO at her base), facebook, skype, hey tell, email and letters. It certainly keeps us from missing each other so much… Granted she is twelve hours ahead of us so that in itself is challenging. My tomorrow is already there for her.  When she goes out to sea,  the communication will become slimmer. 

I have done pretty well so far -- no breakdowns.  I know that I am operating on an inner strength provided by God.

In an effort to stay closer to God and our home church, Elm Grove Baptist, in Colerain, NC,  Danielle has come up with an idea to keep us connected.  Her idea was she would choose a weekly bible verse for us back home to memorize, study on and pray about.  The idea has taken off. 

Originally she targeted the Elm Grove GA’s the younger girls in church, then we put it out to the church, so it will be in our church bulletin. She  also decided to post it on her blog for fellow sailors in Japan and friends back home. I decided to email to my fellow friends in faith.  My plan is to email you each week the Bible Verse and let you help me spread the good news wherever we can.

I know it is tough with all the emails we get daily to have one more…. But I assure this will be worthwhile.  Worth sharing and we will all grow closer to God if we allow him to work through us.    Help us by passing it on to your friends , and their friends and the power of prayer will be greatly accomplished.

So please join me in sharing prayer and faith with others.  I enclosed a picture of Danielle and her brother, Jonathan and as you can see by the BIG smile on his face he loves and misses his sister.  This was a surprise visit they planned back at Thanksgiving.

It is  my plan to grow the list and share God’s love for us with others. 

Thanks for your friendship and for keeping me,  my daughter and other military  and their families in prayer

Have a blessed day and make it a great one.   Be on the lookout for the weekly Bible Verse.

If you would like to get into contact with my Mom, her email is Bgharden.hsg1@yahoo.com

So, here is the schedule.

March 25-31 Psalm 119:105
Your word is the light to my feet and a light for my path.

April 1-7 Romans 3:23
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

April 8-14 Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

April 15-21 Psalm 19:14
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

April 22- 28 Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

April 29- May 5 Psalm 27:1
The Lord is my light and my salvation-- whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life-- of whom shall I be afraid?

May 6-12 1 Timothy 4:12
Don't let anyone look down on your because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.

May 13-19 Proverbs 31-25
She is clothed in strength and dignity and laughs without fear of the future.

May 20-26 Proverbs 3: 5-7
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight

May 27- June 2 John 14:8
If God is all you have, you have all you need.

June 3-9  Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

June 10-16 Proverbs 4:23
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it

There will be more posted, but I am waiting for the girls to come up with their favorites so we can benefit from learning each others top verses.

I know Miss Hattie Mae will be a top participator, so I've posted a picture of my dearest friend, on that 2nd church pew.

Love and miss you all. Keep up the good work. I am so proud and think of you beautiful girls often.

DG