Deployment, Day 58 - The mother lode

A couple of days ago we had a big delivery of supplies delivered on board from a supply ship. They delivered the normal parts and groceries, but most of the delivery was mail that had not been delivered when we were in Singapore. I was surprised to see that I had five packages from home! I got two from my parents and sister, and three from Lady Anne. I have a drawer dedicated to my snacks and now it is completely full. I got a book, a couple of DVDs, and even a snow cone kit. When you are out on the ship in the middle of the ocean, there’s nothing better than getting a care package in the mail from home!

Out here it is still the same old thing. A few things are different, though. Because I am splitting a watch with another guy, I only have watch every other day. That frees up a lot of time for me to study and work on my qualifications. Today I just took the 3M (Maintenance and Material Management) system exam, which certifies me to oversee maintenance in my department and spot-check maintenance performed by other departments. Next week I plan to take the navigation rules exam, which covers all the rules of navigating ships. It is one more stepping stone towards my OOD qualification.

I have been sick since Singapore. I had a slight cold when leaving Singapore, but I think I picked up another bug that’s been going around, because about five days ago I got a lot worse. I went to medical and the doctor said it was some kind of viral bronchitis, whatever that is. He gave me some kind of medicine that did absolutely no good and said I would have to let it run its course. I’ve been pretty miserable, congested with a runny nose, slight fever, and a really bad cough. I feel a little better today, though, so I’m hoping that maybe I’m starting to get better.

I have been drinking a lot of water to help me get over this cold, and it did me in last night during my watch. I had to use the bathroom with about an hour and a half left in the watch, and by the half-hour-to-go point I was doing the peepee dance on the bridge. I’ve never been so happy to see my relief show up.

Overall things are not going too poorly. It still sucks being out here, but it could be a lot worse. The Marines have not done anything too unsafe lately, which is always good for my workload.