The Future of the Fleet

Vintage Number One Teacher Coffee Mug, DoNotDestroy

I've been spending a whole lot of time NOT here, and most of my Facebook and Twitter updates have been that I was studying. I'll probably be MIA for another two weeks or so, and I thought I should explain myself.

My day job is to train sailors on new/replacement skills, specifically maintenance of equipment. I have learned an immense amount abut instruction and learning; and really people in general. Now it's time to move on and become a little more qualified. I'm working on my Master Training Specialist qualification, which will help me to become a better instructor and leader, and the fundamentals of curriculum development. (A side effect of which is that MTS is a easily recognized skill in the corporate world . . .)


"The Navy's MTS program recognizes instructors who have demonstrated excellence in leadership, technical competence, application of instructional methodology, and desire to improve fleet readiness through quality instruction."

It is pages of memorization, and once all of the training is complete, a 3 step process. I passed my test, which was Phase 1. Next is my Pre-board on Monday afternoon, a test of my fundamental knowledge on the subject. When I pass that, I have another week to prepare for my final Board, which is the application process, where I get to create curriculum and teach to demonstrate my ability. So phew, I'm tired. I'm stressed from memorizing instruction numbers and acronyms, and I just want this done. I'm so close.

I'll be back, and probably in a really good mood when this is all over!

Bittersweet week.

"With No Anchor, With No You" - thedreamygiraffe -$20


I aplologise for my probably inconspicuous absence, but I've been here, being sad and keeping busy. My shipmates know (and now you do too), that I was up for a big promotion this year. It's an annual promotion, selected by board after a grueling exam, and I thought I had a good shot this year. I did, really. But for whatever reason, I was (am) not what they were looking for. Circumstances being what they are, I have a hard time escaping my failure. You see, El Jefe has already attained this level in his career. Two years ago, he was selected and the carnival ride that is the transition period began. El Jefe means The Chief. And he is.

Advancement into the Chief Petty Officer grades is the most significant promotion within the enlisted naval ranks. At the rank of Chief, the sailor takes on more administrative duties. In the Navy, their uniform changes to reflect this change of duty, becoming similar to that of an officer albeit with different insignia.

I was eligible for advancement with several of my friends, a few of whom were selected. Mike, Mike, and Jeff; you guys deserve it and I can't wait to shake your hands when it's all over. That part makes it sweet. El Jefe has been chosen to "sponsor" one of his own selectees - an honor in and of itself. He's through the roof proud, and so am I. But I'm still sad. My friends are moving on without me, El Jefe's caught up in the work of the next 5 weeks (the process is a long one . . .) and I haven't really had time for myself to just be sad. It's hard to vent to him, he's very supportive, but hard on me. And he's very busy himself. Sigh. I really just need to take a day off, but I've taken on a bunch more work - both to busy myself and numb the pain, and to do what I can to come closer next year.

Must go study!!

Inked!

This has been a tattoo-riffic weekend. In the fine tradition of my sailor heritage, I have quite a few tattoos. I'm a collector of sorts. They chronicle my personal journey; life changing events. Here is the latest.










It is an illustration from Thing Two's favorite children's book when she was small - Goodnight Moon. Framed by the window is the moon and an Apollo CSM. On the CSM are the roman numerals IX XI. All of these things have meaning somehow or another, but here's the general breakdown of this one.

Thing Two loves Goodnight Moon. This is HER tattoo. Also, the IX XI on the CSM are her birthdate.

El Jefe and Thing One are Space Geeks. They are fascinated by the space race, and you often see either (or both) of them watching the science channel's many space shows. Space week was like a holiday here. I promised El Jefe long, long ago that I would never have his name or likeness tattooed. And I will keep my word. But he is my command module, unable to do anything, but keeping a close eye on me at all times and dispensing careful advice. And now I have that analogy forever with me.

Facebook

So . . .I've caved. I signed up on Facebook a while ago so I could talk to my cousin who quit myspace. I went there recently to visit my cousin and found a message from a high school friend. Enter a world I didn't expect. The one where everyone seems to have grown up and they all seem really cool again. Sigh. Growing up is so wierd. But . . . I found a few cool blogs along the way! Mark has Songs From a Mixtape, and the other Mark has Chronicle of a Gay Marriage . I think I've pimped them before, but seriously, check out The Bullet Points. And Herman. Jay (and Neal, who probably still thinks I'm a psycho) are geniuses. And Check out NeverEnoughBooks.org for the ramblings of Sarah. Craziness that high school was that long ago.

Matchy, matchy!!

I have never been one who coordinates well. I have always wished that I coud look put together and matchy - you know the girls with the matching bag/keychain/wallet combo? Of course it's always expensive, and I've given up expensive handbags for more quantity. And I prefer to support craftsmanship over a big company.

I'm pretty sure I just hit the jackpot! BizzieLizzie, one of the craftswomen in the Handbook to Handmade, has the cutest coordinated handbags! She makes everything from bags to buisness car holders to tissue cases, and all in coordinating colors. And they're affordable! I love this blue pattern . . .













Charlotte makes the prettiest bags and pays special attention to detail. Looking for a custom piece? Just ask! Her shop is merely a click away! I am so excited to see her wonderful work in the upcoming Handbook to Handmade!

I'm so excited!

One of the sellers on Etsy, a talented metalsmith(TimothyAdam), has come up with a great idea. I have wanted a portfolio for some time, but wasn't quite sure how to put one together or whether I really had enough depth in my work to pull one off. That's still planned for later, but meanwhile, check out this great book! Called The Handbook to Handmade, it features 35 artists and their shops, showcasing their favorite items and a short description of their work, their vision - anything! It's all bound professionally and is a wonderful advertising tool. I can't wait to see my work in print and to have something to show off on those occasions when it's just not a great idea to carry all of my jewelry. There are still slots available, and if you're not quite ready yet, there's advertising space available, too! If you are a small business who has a shop on Etsy and are in need of a little something to carry around (and want to showcase some other great talent, too . . .) try the Handbook!

I know what angels sound like.

If you've been reading my blog for any length of time, you know that I am not a religious person. In fact, I'm pretty much the antithesis of that. But I swear that there is one thing on Earth that can make me question my lack of a belief system.

On Monday, El Jefe and I went to see Alison Krauss and Robert Plant live at Humphrey's. (San Diegans, if you have the opportuntiy to see an artist you enjoy at this great venue, GO!) They collaborated in 2007 on an album called Raising Sand. Produced by T Bone Burnett (a legend on his own), it is a compilation of mostly lesser-known material from some of the great writers of blues, country, folk, gospel, and R&B, including Tom Waits, Townes Van Zandt, Milt Campbell, the Everly Brothers, Sam Phillips, and A.D. and Rosa Lee Watson. The album is amazing, the pairing, moreso. (Side note. When I reach 60, I hope to look as good as Robert Plant. Damn.)






It was an amazing show, but the two best moments were Black Dog - slowed WAY down and haunting; and Down to the River. If you have never heard Alison Krauss sing live, you are missing out. There are tons of You Tube videos, Here is Down to the River and Black Dog OMG banjo. I won't embed them, you have to watch them without distractions. Alison Krauss has simply the most beautiful voice. Ever, anywhere. I'm not a fan of Country music, but I'm a fan of her. Wow.





So it was a nice birthday gift for El Jefe, who turned another year older on Wednesday. Wow, I'm still gushing!