At least I'm aggressively working on finishing up some qualifications before I leave. Every chance I get, I go down to the boat house here on KNB. There always seems to be something going on. Right now I'm working on engineering, but when I was down there earlier this week I wound doing my first 'bumper drills' ever. Bumper drills are where you practice mooring. If driving a boat is to flying a plane, then mooring a boat is like landing. In other words, its the hard part. Twin engines on the 34's make it more confusing, but easier once you get the hang of it.
Later in the week I caught up with the lead engineer and went through all the engineering fundamentals and many of the other 'sign-offs'. That involved tracing the systems, talking about system parameters, alarm settings, fluids, and basic casualties. Again this morning I went through some more casualties. Then I got a chance to trailer a boat for the first time. Not unlike driving the Sea Ray onto the trailer, although the 34' trailers don't have 'marriage savers' on the sides like mine used to. Again, twin props make it more confusing, but ultimately gives you more control.
Katie and I got to speak on our anniversary. And the day before, as well. We kept missing each other so two days in a row kind of made up for it. So did sending two anniversary cards. And maybe Katie's version of an anniversary gift: A U.S. Navy bobblehead. Yes, I'm sure you were wondering about the bobblehead title to this post. Like the movie Office Space where the waitresses are required to have a minimum "items of flair," Katie's job seems to require a minimum number off bobbleheads on her desk. (Katie should really do a post where she photographs her desk, and maybe those of her office mates.) Hence the bobblehead infatuation.
My bobblehead now occupies a distinguished place on my desk, right next to the NY Giants Superbowl football. I think she sent this out to me in San Diego before I left. The hope was that it would ensure continued success of the New York football Giants. Well, didn't quite work out that way, but there's always next year!
It's Kentucky Derby weekend, and along with looking forward to the All-Star Game in St. Louis I'm wondering if we don't try to make it up to Saratoga in August. It's the August Place to Be, after all. Looking to fill up my summer with fun stuff. Or at least the couple weeks I'll have in August before school starts. On the topic of school, the VA started accepting applications for the Post-9/11 GI Bill this past Friday, May 1st. I submitted my application online. Hopefully everything goes through. The housing allowance alone will make a huge difference, and it should hopefully cover most or all of the tuition.
Time to bobble-head my way back to my room and hit the rack. I have a palatial room to myself, with a very powerful AC. We even have hot showers just a few steps down the hall. Other than some overly aggressive dust bunnies, I really can't complain!
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