Sewing in rougher seas

Posted by at 6:50 PM, June 19, 2004

The seas were rougher today. Normal for the open ocean of course, but rougher nonetheless. It was all I could do to help clean up the mess and do a bit of sewing. The sewing was done by hand because we're having trouble with the sewing machines. They both seem to be experiencing the same problem of seizing up mid- stitch. We're thinking about approaching the problem like the whalers might: we'll launch a "scientific research" program wherein we'll toss the machines overboard and see what happens.

--- Marnee

Hello friends,

The seas were rougher today. Normal for the open ocean of course, but rougher nonetheless. It was all I could do to help clean up the mess and do a bit of sewing. The sewing was done by hand because we're having trouble with the sewing machines. They both seem to be experiencing the same problem of seizing up mid- stitch. We're thinking about approaching the problem like the whalers might: we'll launch a "scientific research" program wherein we'll toss the machines overboard and see what happens.

You might have thought I was working on the banner, but actually I was sewing a new cover for one of the benches in the lounge. Today I couldn't even make it out to the heli-hanger where my banner project awaits. It was just too bouncy and wet. Inside, I felt like I had been deposited into a particularly violent hockey game, and every few seconds I was getting hip-checked into the boards. I think I was actually airborne once or twice. Meanwhile, my shipmates were casually strolling by, taking the stairs two at a time, not holding on to the railings. Maybe they are less suceptible to physics than I am.

It really was a tough day. As I said, I never got to resume my banner project. I had to lay down twice. I didn't eat lunch, and dinner was a packet of Ramen noodles. It's also a bad idea to look at the computer or to read books when you feel seasick, so I wasn't able to accomplish any studying. Plus, I didn't take a single picture- I just didn't feel up to it.

We had a second general meeting today to discuss the campaign. Erika gave us some information to help us communicate more effectively with the Icelandic people. Helpful hints about appearance and behavior, how to respond to claims that (1) whales eat too much (it's nonsense) and (2) whaling is traditional (it's really not if you examine the history of Iceland).

This afternoon I chatted with Demet, a medical doctor from Turkey. She helped me the other day with my first bout of sea-sickness and has continued to look after me to make sure I'm all right. She is easy-going and fun to hang out with. She's lived in Brighton (just south of London) for the past 2.5 years learning English. It worked- her English is excellent. She's also interested in learning to play Bridge, but we haven't found enough people yet. Rina, how quickly can you get to Iceland?

Had some fun in the lounge this evening. Lots of us in there, having a drink and laughing it up. Erika and Gianluca joined us after they listened to the soccer/football game between Sweden and Italy (tied 1-1 final). Erika had a big smile on her face and she was draped in the Swedish flag, so that should tell you something about the result. Everyone's got a good sense of humour, and witty comments were flying. It was suggested that we nominate an employee of the week and that it be Rien, the excellent 1st cook, every week. Hilarious! I guess you had to be there.

I have had the same conversation quite a few times. Fortunately, I think it's one that needs to be had. It's about George W. Bush and the position of the U.S. within the international community. The people here are dismayed at the way the President has divided the country and alienated it from much of the world. They can hardly believe his position on most issues and they question his ability to lead. They are particularly distraught about the environment of course, but also about our invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq, and the mis-direction of so many resources. They see the U.S. much differently now than they did four years ago. They want to know what it's like to live there and whether or not Bush will get re- elected. They wonder why more people aren't up in arms.

It's tough for someone like me. I LOVE the U.S. It's such a great place to live, and there are so many awesome people. I have had every opportunity there, and I am thankful. But the past four years have beaten me up a bit. I have seen environmental protection get dismantled. I have seen the names and faces of dead soldiers. I have heard lies. I have witnessed the censorship of science. And I have worried about the future. Sometimes you have to ask difficult questions to show how much you care, and fortunately a lot of us are doing just that.

-Marnee