First Things First

Okay, I know that I am writing completely out of order here, however, I’m sure we can all agree that at least I’m WRITING. I’ve wanted to tell my tales of the glorious glitter of Dubai… but before I can do that, there is something I first need to get off my chest. My thoughts have become completely preoccupied with daydreams of my return home ever since we slipped Dubai and headed out for our last patrol. I find myself having trouble concentrating on little else… I log machinery twice, I forget why I had just ventured to the cafeteria, and the remaining port visits seem to only represent obstacles in my path home. The most frustrating aspect to all of this is apparently it is completely normal – and not in the female, hormonal neurosis kind of way. According to Kevin and other more seasoned sailors, this is all part of the crazy emotional frenzy that is a long sail. I figure as long as I don’t end up attempting a heroic RHIB escape for home, I’ll manage. I do know I’m not alone in this, if when a random person is asked if they are looking forward to going home and the reply is “only 2 months and 9 days to go!” If pressed, I’m sure a vast majority of us could actually tell you down to the second until we can expect to be home. You laugh, but we really do have an Excel spreadsheet set up to calculate that very number! (5,560,933.410 seconds) There’s a pie chart too… Well, without further ado… let’s get started on the retelling of Dubai and all her secrets!