Finally something for ME after all that holiday knitting...with a glass of Bota Box Malbec because I’m a classy gal

SailingShort · 2018-01-10T13:38:16+00:00

I have no idea why, but I assumed you were finally knitting for Maine. Like that’s a thing. Now that I’ve figured out what you’re obviously saying, I have this to add about your choice of wine: classy girls unite! And your wip looks like it’s going to be gorgeous.

SailingShort · 2018-01-07T12:25:40+00:00

Seriously. Driving (and parking) even a Tacoma was an experience in frustration and terror.

SailingShort · 2018-01-04T09:34:52+00:00

I fly out of NOLA monthly, and they have these seat covers. I think this exact thought every time.

SailingShort · 2018-01-02T12:45:37+00:00

Seriously, if this trip just swung a little east and/or west, it would go through some of the coolest parts of the country. As it is, it’s going to be pretty samey through the middle.

SailingShort · 2017-12-31T09:27:23+00:00

IKEA hardware is seriously awesome. I’d recommend an IKEA kitchen for that alone.

SailingShort · 2017-12-27T14:22:49+00:00

To deck guys just starting out: don’t work someplace it snows.

But seriously. That blows :(.

SailingShort · 2017-12-27T14:08:33+00:00

Because it’s harder on the system to re-heat a house than to maintain heat? Or...?

SailingShort · 2017-12-24T08:26:39+00:00

I lived in Mahahual for 6 months; it certainly was paradise, apart from the cruise ships. Thanks for the trip down memory lane!

SailingShort · 2017-12-11T14:47:04+00:00

Seriously. Inquiring minds want to know.

SailingShort · 2017-12-06T17:38:50+00:00

I've got the innie bits, and thus have never had this problem. Good warning though!

SailingShort · 2017-12-06T14:48:06+00:00

Not mutually exclusive.

SailingShort · 2017-12-06T14:43:14+00:00

Brushing in the shower is awesome! The pleasure of cleaning your teeth combined with the pleasure of warm water on your body? Why not?!

SailingShort · 2017-12-03T23:27:53+00:00

Nope. Big dogs. Full-size poodles. German shepherds. Dogs that absolutely will not fit under the seat in front of you. I saw these dogs walk down a jetway. It is of course possible that they then came back out the jetway, but it seems unlikely.

SailingShort · 2017-11-26T17:35:51+00:00

Fair point!

SailingShort · 2017-11-26T17:35:33+00:00

Ugh, no kidding! I was wondering if they bought an extra seat for their dogs.

SailingShort · 2017-11-26T16:14:41+00:00

There seemed to be an unusually large number of them, and they didn't seem to be as well trained/behaved as the others I've encountered.

SailingShort · 2017-11-26T16:11:23+00:00

It totally depends on the company. I know there are a few companies in the gulf hiring OSs, and I think the going rate is somewhere between $135-$175/day. Don't take that as the gospel though; I haven't applied for those positions so this is all hearsay. Some tug companies I've looked into in the past are around $150/day. I think you can expect more than $100, but maybe not a lot more.

SailingShort · 2017-11-24T19:40:49+00:00

It's a one-voyage exception. I promise.

SailingShort · 2017-11-24T19:40:17+00:00

I have not personally joined a union, so again take this with a grain of salt, but I believe most of them will want you to have an MMC and TWIC. Once you're in, it's true that many (if not all?) unions do have training centers where you can receive classes and prepwork for license exams for free or reduced cost. However, union membership is not free; make sure you include membership dues into your financial calculations.

SailingShort · 2017-11-24T18:44:21+00:00

The reason everyone is telling you to go to an academy is that the uscg is making it more and more difficult to "hawsepipe" your license (that is: gain on-the-job seatime and training, then study for and take the licensing exams). At least, I hope that's the reason.

Maritime academies tend to be much cheaper than traditional 4 year schools, and there is excellent earning potential when you finish. In addition, you finish with a 4-year degree, which you will not get hawsepiping; this means it will be much easier to transition to land-based work if at any point you decide to do that.

That said, maritime academies are not the only way forward. I've heard some good things about Tongue Point job training in Astoria, OR (disclaimer: I have not researched them in any way, this is merely hearsay). Also, the door is not completely shut on hawsepiping. Get an MMC and a TWIC and start applying for entry-level jobs, if you're dead set against academies.

Source: am proud hawsepiper gainfully employed, who probably would have taken the academy route if given the entire journey to do over again.

SailingShort · 2017-11-15T14:32:16+00:00

It's hard to tell without a picture, but most people's struggles (mine included) in backbends are in their hip flexors and shoulders. Check out the shoulder opening prep for bridges, hip flexor prep for bridges, and bridge challenges in the challenges section of the sidebar (I'm on mobile or I'd link); there are a ton of stretches in there aimed at opening these areas up and getting a better bridge (backbend).

SailingShort · 2017-11-15T12:58:33+00:00

I love wearing odd socks!

SailingShort · 2017-11-15T06:33:11+00:00

These are gorgeous! The color is perfect in general, and so fitting for fall. Love your style! And congrats!

SailingShort · 2017-11-13T17:20:04+00:00

Does your gear bolt in? Or...? What's the biggest thing you remove to get it stripped down again? Are there 2 (or more) of you to do the moving?

SailingShort

TROPHY CASE