It’s funny, because we are being taught how to be leaders and there’s no better way to learn than being thrown right into things. For example, I was standing at morning quarters this week when I heard “Ensign Stevens, step forward.” My heart sank…I was either in trouble or he was going to ask me a question I didn’t know. Turns out that myself and one of my shipmates were being put in charge of the whole 83-person November Company for the day. Wow…that’s one heck of a job! I was glad when the day was over because it is exhausting to keeps up with all the comings and goings of that many people. I think the hard part was having absolutely no warning whatsoever! There’s nothing quite like spontaneous leadership!
Onto this weekend…I’m having so much fun!!! I think one of the most interesting parts is that three weeks ago, I didn’t know anyone of these people. I didn’t know that we would be hanging out and talking like we’ve known each other for a long time…perhaps that is one thing I love about the Navy. Last night I went out with some shipmates and we first stopped at a coffee shop and talked for a bit! What a treat when we are never supposed to talk during meals…or really at any time aside from when we have been secured for the night. After one of my friends split off to spend time with her husband, my other friend and I walked around downtown Newport…what a lovely place. It is such a nice city…with quaint shops, lots of twinkle lights in the trees, sailboats in the harbor, etc. I loved it and kept thinking to myself that “I could live here.” We went out to dinner at this tiny little restaurant…had a very European feel to it. I tried fried green tomatoes for the first time and they were delicious! We got thanked for our service…and also asked if we were in the Canadian Navy! Haha…we straightened out that misunderstanding! One thing is for sure…we really attract a lot of attention in uniform!
Onto this weekend…I’m having so much fun!!! I think one of the most interesting parts is that three weeks ago, I didn’t know anyone of these people. I didn’t know that we would be hanging out and talking like we’ve known each other for a long time…perhaps that is one thing I love about the Navy. Last night I went out with some shipmates and we first stopped at a coffee shop and talked for a bit! What a treat when we are never supposed to talk during meals…or really at any time aside from when we have been secured for the night. After one of my friends split off to spend time with her husband, my other friend and I walked around downtown Newport…what a lovely place. It is such a nice city…with quaint shops, lots of twinkle lights in the trees, sailboats in the harbor, etc. I loved it and kept thinking to myself that “I could live here.” We went out to dinner at this tiny little restaurant…had a very European feel to it. I tried fried green tomatoes for the first time and they were delicious! We got thanked for our service…and also asked if we were in the Canadian Navy! Haha…we straightened out that misunderstanding! One thing is for sure…we really attract a lot of attention in uniform!