Update Number 2

OK, so I have been given access by one of the guys living in the same building as me. Here is update number 2.

I have been assigned to a group called NTS (Naval Tender Section). They are made up primarily of guys like me awaiting training. We take care of the Orca class ships. They are a small ship used mainly for training the MARS officers as well as by some of the Naval Reserves. There are 8 ships in total. Two of them have been fitted with guns on the front for patrolling during the Olympics.
We don't really do much during the day as it is slow. We clean them inside and make sure they are properly stocked with what they need from plates and utensils to charts and flags. That usually takes about 20 minutes and then we sit around the rest of the day. I am not going to complain about that. I am still getting paid and it beats being trapped on the phone in a call center; so all is good.

Speaking of the Olympics; the torch went through Esquimalt yesterday and we were encouraged to go watch and show our support. The CDS (Chief of Defence Staff - highest General in the military) was the torch runner for here. I wound up right in front of the podium where he was speaking before the flame arrived. He was a very friendly guy and walked among the crowd and let us touch the unlit torch. I thought that was something that I certainly would never have an opportunity to do again. There are some pictures, but they are not available at this time.

The weather has been rainy more often than not, but that is much better than snow. I still love being in Victoria.

I do really miss my family, but have been able to talk to them almost every day and that really helps.

I am thinking that I might be able to give more frequent updates now that I have someone here in the building willing to let me use his laptop in his room.

Until next time.....

Have a happy day everyone!

:)

Update number 1

Well, I have found some internet access on a sparadic basis. It is actually in my brother's office (thanks Pete).

I arrived safe and sound in Victoria and was picked up by Chris and Mia (thanks guys). Wednesday started with filling in lot's of paperwork (which I fully expected when I got here). I was issues one uniform. It is the work uniform that you wear when on board ship. My dress uniforms will be measured next Tuesday and will only take a couple of weeks.

Today is continuation of "in-routine". It is going well.

I will update more when I have the time

Cheers everyone.

All packed and ready to go

OK. So I am all packed and ready to go. I will be arriving in Victoria around 11:30 AM tomorrow. I then catch a shuttle or cab to Esquimalt to check into my new room. I report in the next morning at 8:00. After that, I really have no idea what I will be doing. I also don't know when I will have computer access again to update everyone here on what is going on with me. Please be patient and check back regularly. Until then, I wish everyone happy thoughts and good days.

Ready, Aye, Ready!

Steve

Good times

As the countdown continues; I have been busy running around and getting chores done. So far, so good. My mom and dad were also here for a couple of days. They arrived on Friday and left this morning. It was a good visit and I am glad to see them before I head out west.

Saturday night, we went down to a local pub and had some drinks with friends to say goodbye. Thanks to Bob & Terry, Lynn & Junior, and Mike & Chrissy. I had a great time and am glad that you came.

Since tomorrow is my last day, I feel like I need to get packing or else I might feel panicked. This is not normal for me. I usually just pack the night before and don't worry about it. However, this time, it is not just for a week or so. It is for 2 months (as I will be back for Christmas).

I have really enjoyed spending the time this past week with all of my family and will miss them. I am very grateful for today's technology as it will make communication with them easier.

Have a wonderful day.

It's now official

I am now officially an Officer in the Canadian Forces (again). The ceremony was a small one as there was only two of us being sworn in. The other guy was also in Victoria with me for the Naval Officer Assessment Board a couple of weeks ago. My flight out to Victoria is booked for this Tuesday morning at 0535 hrs.

I want to ensure that I get all the projects off my list for around the house done before leaving. I am trying to focus on those and not 'what I need to pack' or 'when do I get the suitcases out' type of thing that seems to be taking up more of my brain space than it should until at least Sunday or Monday.

Today is also Jena's 17th birthday****shudder****

Hard to believe that my little girl is now 17 and will be graduating this year from High School. Her choice for supper this year is dinner out at Montana's. I hope she enjoys it.

The excitement keeps building

So I believe that today is a good day to start my blog. Last night, I handed in my badge and headset and walked very happily out of the only job that I have ever had that made me feel sick to be there.

Now the new adventures begin....

This Wednesday (Oct 14), I will be sworn in to the Canadian Forces and on Tuesday (Oct 20), I will be flying out to Victoria, BC to begin my new life in the Navy. I will never look on any my past with regrets, because I believe that they all happened for a reason and that I was destined to learn from them. I could never list all of the things that I have learned, but I honestly do feel that I will be a better Officer, leader and overall human being based on these life`s learnings.

I do not have any details yet as to what I will be doing in Victoria while I wait for my course to start in February; but it really does not matter to me. I will do it with a smile on my face because I will be where I belong.

I have some jobs to do around the house before I leave, and want to spend as much time with my family as possible before I leave. My mind is constantly racing with thoughts of what I need to pack (it sure is different when you pack for a couple of months rather than just 2 weeks); questions about "should I bring this?" or "will I need that?" I really am acting like a little kid at Christmas time.

I know that I will miss my family and that they will miss me; but it is for a good thing and everyone understands that. It would not be nearly as easy if it was not for the amazing support that Cynthia has shown me during this and continues to show me. She is my rock.

I will try to post at least every couple of days; but do not know what type of computer access I will have for the first while in Victoria.

Until then; Happy Thanksgiving everyone.