And how was your day?
October-4th-2006, 09:51 AM
#1
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Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: N KY
Posts: 932
And how was your day?
Little bit of setup here. For those who don't know, I work as an engineer on US merchant ships. Right now I am on one in Diego Garcia. Supposed to do four months on board, my scheduled departure was 23 September.
Early in August the office wrote to say my relief asked for some extra time at home. I agreed to a week. Three weeks later, I hear that he has ruptured an Achilles tendon and won't be able to come back. No biggie, they decide to promote one of the regular Seconds on here. Only fly in the ointment is that I have to stay an additional two weeks (on top of the one I already agreed to) until 10 October.
About a week and a half ago the office writes again (can you sense what's coming?). My new relief went to the bike rally at Sturgis. On his way home to Mass he crashed one mile from his house, breaking his collarbone. I am told by him that the doctor who looked at him said he would be fine to come back on time. The company is skeptical but decides to wait on another doctor visit to see if he is declared fit.
The doctor visit was yesterday, and guess what? He can't come back before 23 October (if then). AAAARRRRRGGGGGGGHHHHH!! But wait! The company has another relief (they were planning on this just in case), HOWEVER, due to the way flights work into this place I have to do another week. For those whose math skills are rusty, that will give me five months away from home. Needless to say I am not the happiest person, and my gf even less so. Sucks ***** because there is nothing anyone can do. While this is not a usual occurrence out here, when it does happen it is frustrating. And so here I vent.
Thanks for listening.
Early in August the office wrote to say my relief asked for some extra time at home. I agreed to a week. Three weeks later, I hear that he has ruptured an Achilles tendon and won't be able to come back. No biggie, they decide to promote one of the regular Seconds on here. Only fly in the ointment is that I have to stay an additional two weeks (on top of the one I already agreed to) until 10 October.
About a week and a half ago the office writes again (can you sense what's coming?). My new relief went to the bike rally at Sturgis. On his way home to Mass he crashed one mile from his house, breaking his collarbone. I am told by him that the doctor who looked at him said he would be fine to come back on time. The company is skeptical but decides to wait on another doctor visit to see if he is declared fit.
The doctor visit was yesterday, and guess what? He can't come back before 23 October (if then). AAAARRRRRGGGGGGGHHHHH!! But wait! The company has another relief (they were planning on this just in case), HOWEVER, due to the way flights work into this place I have to do another week. For those whose math skills are rusty, that will give me five months away from home. Needless to say I am not the happiest person, and my gf even less so. Sucks ***** because there is nothing anyone can do. While this is not a usual occurrence out here, when it does happen it is frustrating. And so here I vent.
Thanks for listening.
October-4th-2006, 11:53 AM
#2
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Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Pittsburgh PA
Posts: 3,186
And it doesn't help that you'll be back just in time for the cold weather and early sunsets.
Hang in there...I guess it could be worse. You could be waiting for your replacement the Antarctic or something.
Hang in there...I guess it could be worse. You could be waiting for your replacement the Antarctic or something.
October-4th-2006, 12:05 PM
#3
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Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: N KY
Posts: 932
Yeah, hopefully it won't be too cold for some motorcycle rides. On the up side I will be able to take 5 months vacation if I want, and I will definitely be home for Valentine's Day (a very important day in my relationship).
Oh, and you have never been to the Footprint of Freedom I take it, so know that it isn't a real garden spot. There are activities, but I can't enjoy them much. I do get ashore twice a week for some relaxation and decent food (our steward department on here sucks!).
Oh, and you have never been to the Footprint of Freedom I take it, so know that it isn't a real garden spot. There are activities, but I can't enjoy them much. I do get ashore twice a week for some relaxation and decent food (our steward department on here sucks!).
October-12th-2006, 08:37 PM
#4
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Join Date: Sep 2004
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Well, I am now cautiously optimistic. My flight arrangements are in hand, I have been in contact with my relief (sent him my turnover notes), and that's all I am going to say. Don't want any jinxes at this point.
October-13th-2006, 12:32 AM
#6
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Location: N KY
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That would be one big fat goose egg. I do of course continue to get my regular and OT pay, as well as accumulate vacation pay. Nothing about this has been routine and it really isn't anyone's fault. Just bad luck for me.
October-13th-2006, 05:36 AM
#8
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Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: N KY
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That would be nice, unfortunately I will be busier than a one-armed paper-hanger. Here's a short list of what I have to do:
1) caulk/paint outside trim (just bought the house three weeks before I came back to work)
2) put in drain pipe in back yard
3) finish out three basement bedrooms
4) install full bath in basement
5) renew US Coast Guard license
6) put Protege back together (body work done before I left, car came back after) and install upgrades
7) take care of gf and kids
8) take professional class and interview for new sailing job
I may be down in your area at some point, it will depend upon where I have to go to get my Coast Guard stuff submitted (last time I renewed it was in New Orleans). Probably just have enough time to wave as I drive by on the Interstate!
1) caulk/paint outside trim (just bought the house three weeks before I came back to work)
2) put in drain pipe in back yard
3) finish out three basement bedrooms
4) install full bath in basement
5) renew US Coast Guard license
6) put Protege back together (body work done before I left, car came back after) and install upgrades
7) take care of gf and kids
8) take professional class and interview for new sailing job
I may be down in your area at some point, it will depend upon where I have to go to get my Coast Guard stuff submitted (last time I renewed it was in New Orleans). Probably just have enough time to wave as I drive by on the Interstate!