Family Day Cruise

Yesterday I had the opportunity to go underway on the ship with Rich, just for the day. Our day started early, 4:30 am. We got Olivia to the sitter's at 5:30. Such a wonderful friend to be willing to get up so early! We were on the ship before 6:00. We had some breakfast, and got some seasick pills. I didn't know if I would get sick or not, but didn't want to take the chance. Then came the up and down the stairs, or ladders more appropriately. Within 15 minutes of following Rich up and down the ladders, and through corridors that take you deeper inside the ship, I was tired and worn out! I had to tell him several times to slow down, I struggled to keep up. I got so lost, if I lost him I probably wouldn't even be able to find my way out without assistance. To make it worse, I hadn't slept well the night before, so I was tired to begin with.
During Sea & Anchor, which is the time of pulling in or out of the harbor and getting out to open sea, I sat with Rich at his station. Very boring, and for 2 hours. It was a loud area, so earplugs were required, which meant that we needed to almost yell to hear each other. He later showed me his rack where he sleeps. Its not much bigger than a coffin. They are constantly near the same people, day in and day out, day after day. I can see how they get sick of each other, and quick. Movies were constantly on in one of the "shops". We had a steel beach lunch of burgers, hot dogs, baked beans, macaroni salad, and chips. It was ok, I wasn't able to finish my burger, but I ended up eating 2 bags of chips. Apparently, even at that quality it was better than ship food most of the time. There was also a demonstration of the artillery on board. We were also able to see whales later in the day, I missed them the first time they were spotted, as well as the dolphins. It was so neat to see their backs, and to see them blow water from the blow holes. I wish I had remembered my camera.
For Sea & Anchor returning to port, I stayed outside rather than be in the noise again. It was pretty cool to watch the cityscape as we pulled in. I realize how much Rich sacrifices to do this. He works in a stinky, smelly ship, with the same people everyday. After awhile even the entertainment of movies would get boring. The bright spot in deployment is when they have liberty at a beautiful port. I'm lucky that Rich likes to buy things for me, and for Livvy from those ports. I am not happy that deployment is coming, but it is something I have to deal with. I know that Rich will have a hard time too. He won't be able to come home after a long, rough day and hug me and Livvy. Or put her to bed, and miss the milestones she is sure to have. She is growing so fast, and loves playing with her daddy. Until seeing a glimpse of life onboard ship, I didn't realize how nasty it can be. We picked Olivia up earlier than we'd expected, and when she saw us in the door she came running. She had fun, and was pretty well behaved, but was very happy to see us. We all crashed pretty early, and I slept very well.
So, after climbing up and down ladders and holding rails to keep from falling off the ladders, my arms and legs are very sore. I will sleep well again tonight.