Monday Miscellany – Speed and Bon Voyage

Monday Miscellany – Speed and Bon Voyage

Another Monday and various things are floating around in my mind. This week’s miscellaneous thoughts that are taking up brain space include car speeds and “fair winds and following seas.”

Car Speeds

This morning I had to drive to and from the Bronx, a distance of 55-60 miles depending on route. When I returned, I was driving during rush hour, and I happened to glance at my trip monitor a few times. I noticed that it took me 45 minutes to go the first 10 miles, and then 40 minutes to go the last 45 miles. So the first 10 miles were done at 4.5 miles per hour, and the last at about 53 miles per hour. I definitely prefer the last part of the trip. Does that mean I don’t enjoy the journey (which is what life is supposed to be all about!?). It might mean I enjoy the journey much more when I’m not looking at brake lights.

And speaking of speeds, I laugh when I pass the “Start 65 Mph speed limit” signs and glance at my speedometer and I’m already going 65. Does that mean I should go faster? The same speed? Slow down?

I also get a kick out of the 65 Mph speed signs when I’m stuck in traffic, going 4 miles per hour. Who are they kidding? Especially when it’s an area that is always slow. Why bother teasing us with a 65 Mph speed limit sign?

Fair Winds and Following Seas (Bon Voyage).

As mentioned, this morning I drove down to the Bronx. The reason I went was to bring my husband down there for his annual SUNY Maritime summer sea term. As chairman of the Marine Transportation department and professor, he typically goes to sea for one and a half to three months to train merchant marine cadets. This year, since he is retiring, he is only going to be aboard for a few weeks so that he can come back and get started on his next life experience.

So this morning I brought him to the ship, went to check out this year’s cabin, say hello to some of the other mates, chat for a few minutes, wish them all “fair winds and following seas”, and leave. The interesting thing that I’ve noticed the last seven years when I’ve done the same thing, is how I feel about the ship.

In 2012, I worked aboard for three months as a civilian Engineering Yeoman. To do that, I did have to get Merchant Marine credentials that say I’m an ordinary seaman/wiper. The credentials are still valid.

That 2012 trip was such an interesting and exciting time. Three months of assisting engineering instructors and students, learning how to sleep without falling out of my bunk when the ship was rolling, mastering the art of climbing stairwells timed perfectly to the rise/fall, making new friends, eating in the mess deck, being a speck in the middle of the ocean bobbing up and down, standing on the deck and seeing nothing but ocean and sky. I loved it.

So this morning I stood in the mess deck looking towards the stern, a spot where I had spent many days previously. I chatted with some people I knew from past years. I heard the always present hum of the ship. I smelled that unique combination of scents that a ship has.  And I truly wished I could stay.

But instead I said “Bon Voyage” and headed home.

Those are my thoughts of the moment. I wish you a wonderful week!