Saturday, May 19, 2007

Daily routiine

I thought that I would tell you about the daily routine on here. Firstly, we are in the Gulf of Mexico (dAAve's old stomping grounds) sampling down the coast of Florida and heading for the Keys and the Tortugas eventually. My work day starts at 12 noon, but I'm generally up by 10:30 to take a shower and get ready for the day. When I come on watch, there might be a steam to the next station or sometimes, I'm right in the middle of getting one. We sample the water column and also take sediment for analysis. After doing all of that and processing the samples, we get to fish. The fish are being worked up for contaminants so it is part of the work being done. However, it is a lot of fun. I've caught several red grouper and had fish on both hooks. Fishing is really only good during the day as the sharks move in at night.

Anyway, lunch is from 11:30-12:30 and dinner from 4:30-5:30 PM. My work day ends at midnight and I'm generally ready to hit the rack after the shift. I get up around 7:30 to get some breakfast and then go back to bed to get another short nap before my next shift. It's all very regimented and works smoothly.

I've talked to a lot of the crew and most everyone has some kind of bitching and moaning about the ship, the officers or other people on board. I guess that it's part of being confined for any length of time with the same people. I'm not a negative person so I always see things on the positive side (at least most of the time). There are a lot of cynics among the crew, yet I find their thoughts to be intriguing. It's an interesting and eccentric group. I'm sure that dAAve has lots of stories from his days on the oil supply boats.

I hope that everyone is doing well and enjoying the weekend. I'm enjoying mine. Thinking of you all.

7 comments:

  1. Hi Syd,

    It is good to check in on you and see where you are in your life right now. It is very unique, your work day and how everything around it encompasses it.

    Perhaps right now this is offering you an opportunity for growth, for you to learn from the sadness or misery of others. Instead of adopting thier feelings on all of this, you refuse to, you accept it and attempt to make it a positive experience. That is what I read of your words. :)

    Good for you :)

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  2. Glad you're enjoying the fishing! Hopefully it offsets the negativity.

    I have found myself as more an observer (sorta like you and your samples) when in those bitch-fests erupt lately.

    I find it refreshing to hear you seeing it from the outside and not joining in, it'd just mess with your serenity anyway.

    Have a safe trip!
    Shugrr

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  3. Syd,
    No matter where you go, or where you live, there will always be complainers or whiners,,I guess you can't choose your family, neighbours or ship mates...lol!
    Funny you should mention the Keys!
    My grandson who is almost 12,,was diagnosed last year with Leukemia, and his wish is to go deep sea fishing in Key West. The Wish Foundation will be covering all the costs of travel, accomodation, etc. We plan to go next summer. He's been fishing since the age of 3..so this should be his thrill of a lifetime.Hope you have time to take pics and journal! Must be nice to get away from the rat race for awhile.
    Happy and safe trip!

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  4. It's great hearing about your travels and the mini-society that you are experiencing.

    I can't wait to see photos of your trip. I'm hoping for turtles, as they are my favorite animal of all.

    Wishing you well,
    Judith

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  5. Enjoy the moment, people (even the whingers) teach me stuff & I get to see how the programme works on other things. I have to pray for people I work with most days. Even do it now as a precaution. Its easier to ask for restraint of tongue than to apologise through gritted teeth for snapping at someone & sulking. Sounds like a great trip you're on, am glad to have found your blog :-)

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  6. I think I know all those people. LOL
    Can you imagine if they all had Al-Anon in their hearts?

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