EOOW First Go

12 months ago I had never heard of or experienced gravity. I had yet to ever feel the wind blow or see two objects contact each other in an elastic collision. The concept of grass and its irreplaceable smell when cut on a Saturday morning were foreign to me. I had no idea that you could build a fence around a diamond and people would come. The sound of a wooden club on a white ball with red lacing had never echoed for my attention. What is lacing made of anyway?

There are strikes and balls, outs and walks, foul and fair, runs and innings, visitors and home. This could be interesting. But you're telling me that I do a dance on this little dirt mound, come close to kneeing myself in the forehead, then launch a ball at my friend while trying to dislocate my shoulder? Whose idea is this?

Now wait. I have to condition my body, iron my uniform, and remain obedient in the face of a yelling coach? I've heard that this takes a dedicated commitment of more than 12 hours most everyday. One has to perfect pointing the leading toe on a good stride, unendingly practice the wrist snap for an effective slider, and follow through into the "ready position" because sometimes the ball comes right back at your face faster than you sent it. But comon' do I seriously need to know what a balk is or why I have to check Kenny Lofton's lead-off twice at first base to the menacing boos of the locals? Why do I have to spend hours everyday learning that Josh Hamilton hits .301 or that Jose Canseco can't connect with a fastball low and inside? Once more, my opponent, team, team owners, announcers, and 32,491 people will be waiting in the stands for me to quit flopping my rosin bag and deliver the 3-2 pitch with 2 outs? Well...batter up.

I have to tell you that I've never had an experience of such intense preparation, nerves, excitement, and focus as I had today on my first 4 hour shift as Engineer Officer of the Watch. I have been on a high ever since 12 hours ago when I was about to relieve the watch. The procedures, the orders, the announcements, the briefs, the anticipation, the electric, mechanical, chemical, and of course reactor systems of which I was in charge. It all adds up to a short period of time that was my first real indication of whether or not I can "pitch in the big leagues."

I wish I could talk about all my successes, surprises and imperfections on the watch that led to hours-worth of dramatic tales, but they 1) aren't declassified experiences and 2) not quite as funny if you don't know the operations or the culture and expectations of the Navy Nuclear Power community. In short, today was filled with moments of sharpness, inexperience, and everything in between. I did get a passing grade.

If I can provide any insight into where I am right now in my training I want to let you know where I stand personally. Today was a day of reaffirmation in many ways. It was the first day I got to see how 9 months of the most difficult, humbling, and new training was transforming into actual ability. I've had my serious doubts about whether or not I will have what it takes to make it through the Power School, Prototype, and out into the submarine fleet. Some days are discouraging. Others are very discouraging. But every once in a while I'll find myself standing right next to a personal milestone, an achievement that is it's own nod of encouragement that is so rare in this community. I am still on my way.

The greatest reaffirmation of the day came in the form of text and voice messages prior to my shift. There were prayers and pride, wishes of good luck, encouragement, confidence, lots of love, and of course a plead for no mushroom clouds! I want you all to know how very important and irreplaceable you are in my life. It really does tear me up inside to be unable to see you on a regular basis. But I hope you all know that it is my relationship to you that makes living a productive, healthy, and happy life possible. With all my pride, prayers, best wishes, and love...Thank you.

Officer of the Watch simulation

This week we were in the simulation room working on giving orders and following procedures. I learned many new things about leading the operation of a submarine's nuclear power plant, especially that it's hard! I've never had to put so much focus into anything in my life. So how's that for a statement.

The week that is starting the 29th is the "easy" week of our 5 week cycle. My four day weekend begins on Thursday evening. But before then, we are going to have an inspection, a phyiscal fitness test, an imporant test on Wednesday, all on top of the usual watches, training exercises, and of course the checkouts. Needless to say, I'm ready for Thursday evening.

Standing watch

I haven't written much about work yet. Mostly because it hasn't been full of too much excitement. Quite honestly, after 12 hours of putting my nose in a litany of large manuals, the last thing I want to think or write about it is work. However, the feel of my work day is transitioning toward the active, hands-on, roles that I told everyone I would be getting into here in Saratoga Springs.

A few days ago, we completed enough checkouts that underscore an understanding of plant systems, radiation, and all around procedures that we can now start to observe actual watches in the power plant. If I haven't told you this, my work site has a running nuclear power plant and engine room just like in an actual submarine. The difference is, this one is on land. Inside, it's just like being on a sub.

I'm scheduled into the watch bill in different places in the engine room and as of today, I've observed 3 watches. Each one of them has been full of all kinds of great student training situations. We have casualty drills where we apply knowledge for handling potential problems out in the fleet. The nervousness is definitely rampant among students. The whole idea is to get us to feel some simulated stress, understand the reasons for plant responses and how to not break equipment.

In the coming weeks, my watches will be more frequent and it's going to be me performing the actions, not just observing. It will be as busy as ever as we still have tests, oral boards, and the all important Engineer Officer of the Watch shifts, the leadership role in the engine room for which all this training is about. More updates to come.

Here I am with the most full mustache I've ever had. Pathetic, but I do save on shaving gear. And yeah, it's gone now.

Reconnections Necessary

Too many days have passed since the last update. I sincerely apologize! Here is an update for the past few weeks including some visitor pictures.

Johnny flew into town toward the end of August for a weekend visit which entailed the spontaneous drive to New York City and also to Adirondack Park! The two extremes of life on Earth, the center of the world, and the middle of nowhere.

The trip to New York City was spontaneous, proven by the fact that the only camera we had was a $6 disposable camera whose flash didn't work - hence, no pictures. The few that came out were not bright enough for scanning. But here is a great photo of John getting his feet wet in a random stream in the beautiful wilderness. This is before "the fall" he had in that very stream! No worries, he's fine. John you'll have to put up your quote from the ride back to town when you said something to the effect of..."Jon, I have blood on my shirt and I wouldn't change a thing."

Then for my 27th birthday, Jess came up to Saratoga Springs for an action packed visit. We made it out to the Adirondack Park Extreme adventure "ropes course" where our grit and determination were tested. Some would say that some parts of the course were more fun than others =) right Jess? But there is no argument regarding the 100m zip line. We also made it out to the famous horse racing track here on Labor Day where we won $12.25 on $10 of bets. We came out ahead and quit betting!

Otherwise, the less exciting part of life at this time is work. We just changed from working normal 715am to 715pm hours to shift work. Right now I'm on the midnight shift for 9 days, so my schedule is backwards. It's a good thing I practiced for all those years! (some of you know I'm talking to you)

For now I have to run and move my car before it gets a parking ticket in front of my own house. I love this town! Best wishes!

Saratoga Springs is gearing up for 6 weeks of horse racing. The weather is about as nice as it gets here (low 80s midday, low 70s at night). I prefer some 90s in my day as you all know well, but I will not complain until it drops below 62F.

I'm spending this week settling into the place and trying to develop a routine for work. My household belongings, beyond that which fit in the Celica, will be arriving on Thursday. But I still need to get a bed this weekend. The house is going to be a great fit for the training program and location here. The drive only about 12 minutes and traffic is not an issue! I've tried to spend my 2 free hours per day being productive, running through the middle of town or organizing things at the house.

Depicted in the photograph is Broadway, the main avenue through town. My house is only 4 blocks from here. Really, a mile in any direction would take you right into the forest. There are small hills under town center which make for an interesting jog or walk. Everywhere you look right now, there are restaurants and pubs filling up as Saratoga Springs grows to about four times the population for the racing season.

Congratulations Nick and Jess!

The wedding and reception were spectacular to say the least. Every few minutes that pass, I find myself in awe of the fact that my little sister is now a married woman! The celebration of the love that she and Nick have found was absolutely perfect. Every effort put forth by family and friends to make it happen was for a wonderful result. From walking down aisles, to vows, to reception toasts and dances, I never saw anything short of unmistakable happiness in eyes of those two. And afterall, that is what it is all about!

The trip back to Texas was recharging. It came with all the now familiar exciting moments of reuniting and the tears of reseparation. But in new ways, it seems to happen everytime I return, I rediscover the idiosyncracies of my loved ones that are so difficult to imagine on a day-to-day basis from so far away. Whether it's Mom's proud look in her eye, or sister's joke, or friends' smiles, to say that being in their presense was recharging would be an understatement.

Nick and Jessica, I'm so happy, proud of, and excited for you and your lives ahead. I am truly blessed to have you both in my life and I want you both to always know that you have me in your corner at any turn in your life. All I ask is that you please let me know that you are doing okay from time to time. I am always a phone call away.

Forced vacation

From Charlotte, North Carolina at the International Airport

After 6 months of roaring fun in Power School, only 4 hours separate me from flying across Eastern Texas into Austin. I've been waiting for this day for many weeks. In the same fashion that I've been living for entire year, it's going to be an exhaustingly engaged 10 days, whether it's work or play!

There hasn't been much downtime since last Friday when I graduated with my peers from Nuclear Power School in Charleston, SC. I am reminded of how much I dislike moving. From the packing to cleaning to saying goodbye, it's just no fun. Getting on the road is usually where it starts to get exciting, finding new territory and beginning new. Unfortunately, this trip came with a little twist in the form of Pawlee spontaneously jumping out of the passenger window of my car on I-95 while I was cruising at 72 mph! Long dramatic story shortened, she survived it and I found her in the woods 30 minutes later able to walk! I took her to the vet, had her checked out, and I'll be dammed if she isn't as good as new a day and a half later. Her pads were roughed up and some claws ripped off by the pavement, but she was running up and down my new stairs over and over just last night. Unbelievable!

Saratoga Springs looks like a very inviting neighborhood. It's by far the smallest community in which I've lived. I'm excited to meet everyone. We'll see how much time there is for anything outside of work come the 14th. Probably not much as that will become focus number 1. But for now, it's off to Texas!