First of many!!

Last night Tyrone went out to dinner with his department ( food services) so I had 5 girls come to hang out in my cabin. First we did what girls do best, chat. Then we watched a movie, then chatted some more. The friendships you develop on the ship are so different then in the real world. I have known that for a long time, yet it surprised me when I started developing new friendships with these amazing women. Each has their own story, adventures, and experiences. In regular life I am not sure that our paths would even cross, but here they not only cross they mesh quite nicely.

Where's the BEEF?

Today we have the product known as hamburger.  How do we know it's a hamburger?  Because it says so, that's why!  Below are some pictures of said hamburger product ordered from a facility in Europe.  Notice the main ingredient is mechanically separated chicken at 43%...and the rest?  Oh well, throw in something edible to 'round out' the rest of the patty...

Getting the Ship in top Shape

While we are not in Liberia I am working in the Crew Services department, which means cleaning and cleaning and cleaning. First we cleaned the bathrooms, then we swept the whole deck six, then we vacuumed the carpet by the internet lounge and the other lounge ( the mid ship lounge), then we cleaned the crew galley ( the place where the crew can cook their own food, if they choose)and then we did the stairs. The stairs took forever, there are lots and lots of stairs. I am still having fun with it. I am trying really hard to have a good attitude about it. Although I am really looking forward to working as a nurse in the ICU, OR or in the ward, where ever they need me.  I am starting to get settled in. I have made a couple of new friends and have reconnected with some old friends from the Caribbean Mercy.

The lesser of two weevils...

From time to time each ship has had weevils. Usually the eggs or larvae are in flour/grain products and hatch with prolonged exposure to warm temperatures (which usually qualify us, since most of our developing country 'stops' are in hot places). So if we can't or don't control the products with normal temperatures (open for speculation) the eggs in the products hatch and you have weevils. They can be controlled or killed by taking the temperature up to 140 Fahrenheit for 15 minutes or in the freezer for 3 days will kill existing bugs and eggs that are unhatched although the dead ones are still in your food. They kinda look like a seasoning or cracked pepper until further inspection.

But the good news is THEIR HARMLESS, yes, that is correct harmless. Its just added protein. I guess if you were a vegetarian of some sort it may be a problem.

I have used a few techniques that have cut down the amount of weevils that appear in my pasta (that is what its most prevalent in right now, except maybe besides the cereal but I don't deal with that) but I must warn you, when we get on outreach and its a full-on rush to get the food out, this may fall by the wayside because it can get time intensive.

So when it comes down to not getting fed, or getting fed with weevils...the lesser of the two will be chosen. Bon Appetit!

Some pics for you to enjoy...

Ode to the CHI

Ok, here it goes. I must admit I am a bit obsessed with good hairdryers and flat irons. It stems from having weird hair. Yes, my hair is not curly but it is not straight. So before we left the states I got a new hairdryer and hair straightener ( both Chi Brand) They are wonderful and very strong, so I have found out. We have 2 converters in a container that will be here in March. Our friend let us borrow one, but with in 5 minutes my hair dryer blew it up, literally. It started to smoke. So ever since my hair has been a frizzy mess. Although in a moment of brilliance I thought of a great plan. My friend Kathy who is going to the States for 3 months has an English flat iron that will not need an adapter or converter. So we will swap. I am VERY EXCITED!!!