Hi! As a prior United States Navy servicemember, I enjoy sharing the way it has changed my life and my deep appreciation of fitness and health. My hope is this journey will be funny, emotional, and inspiring! -Kelly
I’ve had a breakthrough of proportions even I cannot fully fathom. It’s that touchy-feely stuff society says we shouldn’t address in mixed company; to be kept behind closed doors. Just this morning I turned a broken egg into a butterfly.
I envision mine scattered along a tile floor, but hay works, too
Beyond science, this probably isn’t possible. Metaphorically, anything is possible! And when you give someone the power to change their own life, impossible begins to mean you just haven’t had success yet. Not yet. And this is how I created butterflies from cracked eggs.
Mental imagery is important. Much like the internal jukebox always playing a catchy tune, what we see in our own minds defines us. A Rorschach Ink Blot of the subconscious, if you will. Providing someone tools to deal with life’s nuances is a gift of the few. I’m always amazed at how easy it is to solve another’s problems without taking a realistic look at our own. Raising my hand high. On a never ending path to self-discovery, compassion, forgiveness, boundaries, and self love are just a few stepping stones.
While driving home just last night, I began a popular audio book, Girl, Wash Your Face. As told by the author, this is her story of overcoming feelings of not being good enough not only in her marriage and personal life, but also as a mother. She immerses herself into work because that’s where she feels her true success and accomplishments lie. 3 chapters in I quickly realized she gets me! You mean I’m not alone?!? Clearly not because this book is now a bestseller. You may recognize another of her books, titled Girl, Stop Apologizing. Next on my list.
Ok, we get it, Kel; but what does all this mean? And where are the butterflies? In short, the butterflies are what you’re letting go of. Be it negativity, heartache, trauma, or the young person you once were; it must be examined, forgiven, and transformed. You don’t have all the answers. You’re not expected to! The only person expecting you to know everything is you. It’s ok when you don’t. Join the club. Health and wellness are more than what the scale tells you, more than how much you can lift, more than the miles you traverse in your favorite running shoes, more than the calories consumed. Being “well” is all parts of you functioning on the same level for the long term. It’s asking for help…being as compassionate to yourself as you are to your best friend…falling apart and picking the pieces back up.
I picked up an almost broken egg from an egg carton, placed it in my special box, and butterflies flew out. No, I’m not having a mental break. I’m turning the pages oh-so-slowly between a strong body and a strong mind. A quiet mind. One where I understand how unstoppable I am. There will be more eggs in varying stages of crackedness I must address. It’s tough saying goodbye to what we’ve known for so long; however, for now, I will relish in my ability to simply let go.
Add a touch more yellow to my butterfly – much like a Transformer
_______________________
I ask you –
Favorite metaphors?
Do you even eat eggs?
Thoughts on the difficulty of merging body and mind?
You know what I think of every time I see someone step on the scale? Of course you want to know! I think about rushing over to them to say the scale is broken and you’re reading it wrong. It really says “STRONG”. It doesn’t state a number. It says “STRONG”. Nothing more, nothing less. When Munchkin steps on the bathroom scale and asks me what it says, I tell her “strong”. Proud Mama moment: when she asked me to get on the scale and she proudly proclaimed it too said “strong”, then she said we were the same. You’re right, my baby love. We are the same. And we are STRONG!
D.I.E.T. aka the scary D word. According to Merriam-Webster (the word definition guru), a diet is “the kinds of food that a person, animal, or community habitually eats”. I prefer to disregard the verb ‘dieting’ or similar terminology like ‘going on a diet’. What I eat every day is my diet. It’s not something I go on or complete.
Especially for females, the pressure is high to live our lives according to a number – either on the scale or a size category of clothing. However, men are not immune to this thought process. Value is placed on how big or small we are perceived or even perceive ourselves. It makes it difficult to raise an impressionable young Munchkin. I read an article about a mother who didn’t know what to say when her daughter loudly proclaimed someone was fat. The young mother did the best she could in saying everyone has fat, but it doesn’t mean someone is fat. Body positivity starts so early. I won’t dwell on the issues of body shaming because I also believe in sticks and stones but our tiny humans deserve a life free of insecurity based on something that can’t be controlled. Run free, boys and girls! Enjoy your boundless energy. I’ll just be over here sulking. And tired.
Nutrition requires one to navigate the roller coaster known as balance. 70/30. 80/20. Pick a balance that works for you. 70-80% of your time should be healthy choices so that 20-30% of the time you can enjoy life. Birthday cake happens. Did I mention I love cake? Eating out with friends happens. It’s perfectly normal and expected! Live your life! Just know tomorrow will be here before you know it. That’s when it is time to step back on the wagon. Tomorrow will come. Who’s idea was that anyway?!
Dinner
You know what’s funny about the photo above? 1) I accidentally brought Munchkin’s knife with me. You know, the one with no sharp end and an extra short handle. That knife. 2) It looks picturesque…but it’s a lie. What you don’t see is the pizza I had for lunch. I’m sharing with you the healthy meal of the day, not the one where I threw caution to the wind.
Balance, remember?
We’re going to live our lives the only way we know how: by putting one foot in front of the other. No one said it would be easy. Where’s that manual they said would come with my life? Has anyone seen it? Each day, I do my best to find a balance between a previously unhealthy relationship with the scale and food and making sure life doesn’t get in the way of having fun. Ultimately, food should be fun!
_____________________
I ask you –
What’s your honest opinion of living a life of balance? Is it attainable or a fairy tale?
What did your last meal consist of?
Any ideas on how to cut chicken with a dull knife?
The 44th annual Marine Corp Marathon (MCM) will be held on October 27, 2019 in Arlington, VA. As I’m sure many of my readers had no idea, this might possibly be the largest and most inspiring marathon one ever runs. I have plans to run the MCM; don’t rush me! MCM is the largest marathon in the world that doesn’t offer prize money, instead celebrating the honor, courage, and commitment of all finishers. NavyShout-Out: Honor, Courage, Commitment.
Everyone, please welcome Cheryl
Now meet Cheryl. Cheryl has been running for many years. The 44th MCM will be her first marathon in quite some time. As I watch her diligently train on the treadmill several times a week, I’m reminded it’s time to get my own rear in gear and commit to my next race. It’s called a race no matter if you’re racing as an elite competitor or against yourself. To be clear, I’m the latter. Oh you thought I was elite? Why thank you! Cheryl is a hero of mine. From afar, I admire her persistence and dedication. Not being able to run outside in this dangerous Texas heat can be a huge deterrent to runners. Waving my own hand around. And dreadmill running can suck at times. But the show…errr, run…must go on! Cheryl and many other incredible men and women I know personally will be leading the way at the MCM in quests for their own PR (personal record) and sense of accomplishment. There’s nothing crazy about chasing your aspirations as long as you feel your heart explode with thankfulness at the finish line. I’m so proud of you all – training in this brutal heat, making plans to attend as a first time MCM participant, and proving your strength can be uplifting for others.
Cheryl laughing at me taking her photo
Since I enjoy committing myself to outlandish things on this blog (ahem, the tattoo is still happening, people), what better way to prove to myself and the whopping 3 people who read this (am I right?) that I’m ready to begin training is to make this announcement:
I HAVE FOUND MY NEXT RACE!
The Texas Double is hosted in Dallas, TX on 12/21 and 12/22 at 7am. Combined, it’s the marathon distance (26.2 miles); each race is a half marathon (13.1 miles for the mathematically challenged). So, no, I’m not running a marathon. Yet. However, the distance I will cover is a marathon’s worth. Do I get extra points for this?Why not?!
Shortly I will begin training. I’ll probably be a little grumpy for awhile. I’m sorry everyone. Do you know what it takes to get up at 4am and run?! Do you?! But we do it because we love it and because we’re stronger mentally when we run. We. The collective of runners and all people who put one foot in front of the other each day. Unsurprisingly, it was difficult to locate a training plan incorporating long runs on both Saturday and Sunday. Most often, long runs are planned for a weekend day (singular) because normal people only run one half or full marathon a weekend. Therefore, training plans are designed with this in mind. I had to do some serious modifications to the plan for the Texas Double to train for a half each day. There goes my weekend plans for 17 weeks.
I’m looking forward to running again. My extended break is over and although I won’t be pounding the pavement until it cools off outdoors, I know my trusty treadmill will encourage me in the way only she knows – by not stopping. There will be days when I ask myself why I’m doing this, as well as days when I forget to “trust the plan”. Please feel free to provide encouragement and cookies. Mainly the cookies. I also enjoy your stories!
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I ask you this –
What’s next on your adventure journey? Humor me!
Do you have any music suggestions?
Leave a comment with supportive remarks for Cheryl!
Recently, I had a powerful conversation with a very important woman in my life. The discussion centered on self-compassion and finding forgiveness. We also touched upon the saying “no one sin is worse than another”. Not to worry, I won’t be delving into religion on this blog, because religion starts wars and I’m not much for confrontation.
As life is not black and white, I’m truly a master of shockery here, aren’t I?, it is more than fitting we find the connection between our emotional selves and our physical selves. There will be times when your world is turned upside down and finding time for yourself is a puzzle of a million pieces. Lately it’s been like this for me, too. At one point I realized I couldn’t remember the last meal I’d eaten, but I knew for sure it was more than 24 hours ago. You see, it’s too easy for me to fall into a pattern of forgetting to take care of myself. One more task leads to another…another…and here we start a cycle of behavior. Will you catch me saying no I can’t take on another task? Of course not; and that’s my downfall.
I want to work out today. I’ve had this great leg workout planned for days and bouncing between two clubs, both Las Colinas and Roanoke, has been hard mentally. My mind drifts to all the things I need to be doing: paperwork, update something, call people, etc. Juggling tasks comes easy. Adding myself in there does not. So here I am, tea and almonds beside me, snacking to alleviate the hunger issue and typing to enjoy me time. Writing is obviously me time. And I get paid to do it. Win!
one of THOSE weeks
Compassion is finding forgiveness and understanding not only in others but also in yourself. Bad days happen. Here is where it gets a little gray. How do we forgive ourselves for not completing the proverbial self to-do list? I really don’t have that answer. Pardon me for letting you down. Truthfully, I’m still finding it out on my own. Today’s fantastically planned leg workout may not happen. I have to accept that and make plans for tomorrow or the next day or even Monday. Practice compassion, Kel. The woman I mentioned above said it will come easier the more I practice forgiving myself. Today…I may have to accept not getting it all done. That workout will still be waiting for me tomorrow. Anytime Fitness is 24/7 for me. There’s a constant in this life we can always count on: change.
_____________________
I ask you –
Do you struggle making time for yourself?
What often gets pushed off your own to-do list?
Advice for those of us struggling to make time for ourselves?
All the best medical journals swear by cursing. See what I did there. Hilarious, Kel! But I’m serious. Did you know there are health benefits to cursing? Although I can’t advocate cursing in a professional atmosphere, there is a time and place to successfully incorporate cursing into your life. If you so choose. I do choose!
Perhaps surprisingly cursing may be responsible for pain relief: a very real aspect of creative language. According to some medical professionals, swearing activates the fight or flight reflex which dulls our pain receptors. However, before you go around swearing up a storm, there is one caveat to the pain relief effects. Those who swear regularly become desensitized to the words used; therefore, true pain relief benefits are mostly noticed in those who don’t curse much, if at all. Well d**n. I still believe in mind over matter though so I will continue to believe this works and use curse words strategically in my conversations. Not to worry, boss, I am a well-controlled curser.
Next topic: Music.
Dreams
Researchers have found listening to fast-paced music can increase a runner’s ability to complete a run. Music also benefits brain receptors in those dealing with depression and stress and sleep issues. There’s even music therapy as a tool for pain management! Music is literally the soundtrack of our very lives. Haha see, I did it again! Think back to any moment in your life. Most likely you’ll be able to correlate a particular song, beat, or tune to that event. There’s a reason break up playlists exist. Turn on the radio and you can quickly identify an event in your life that corresponds to a song. A previous co-worker describes it as a “jukebox in her head”. It rotates not by how many quarters you insert, but by what’s going on at the moment.
Interestingly, a name does exist for when a song is on repeat in your mind. Earworms. Yes, that’s the fancy word for it; no, I did not make it up. The scientific term is Involuntary Musical Imagery (INMI). Some believe it is essentially our brain singing. Don’t tell me you don’t think that isn’t cool. Related, the most common type of personality to get earworms are those who exhibit neurotic and obsessive-compulsive tendencies. Joke’s on you!
What my mind looks like – jumbled pages of music
So where does all this leave us? With this gem –
Listening to music with curse words in it or songs that make us curse (not in an aggressive way) must be the next big hit! 3rd time in a blog post – Kel, wow! Soon enough I’ll have some extra letters behind my name and this will be my starring role! I invented the premise behind all health and wellness by giving the advice of listening to songs that make us swear. Ta-Da!
According to my co-workers and members, these songs are easiest to get stuck in your jukebox, just based on one line: remember to sing these as you read through so we don’t suffer alone
I would walk 500 miles!
What is love?
Shot through the heart!
_____________________________
I ask you this –
Are you plagued by earworms?
Do you overall enjoy faster or slower-paced music?
Percentage of adults who participate in 30 minutes of daily physical activity: less than 5%
Percentage of adults who do not meet the guidelines for both aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities: more than 80%
If these trends continue, by 2030, 50% of all US adults will be obese (half=115 million).
People still use cash?!
Average Monthly Cost of our Daily Necessities: I use the term ‘necessities’ loosely.
1 cup of coffee at a national chain: $63
1 haircut: $43
Dining out: $232
New clothing: $50
Alcoholic beverages: $40
1 used car payment: $381
Mortgage: $1500
Utilities: $250
Everything above this line is a necessity. We must drive to work, pay our bills, and take care of ourselves. But what about our body? Is your body a necessity? Allow me to rephrase, please, in case you didn’t quite understand where I was going. What’s the use of all these necessities if you don’t have a body to live in? Who is taking care of your BODY? Such a simple, four-letter word and we still don’t get it. If you’re not healthy and living each day in the best health you can be, then where is the necessity of all your necessities?
You’re in luck. Whoohoo! I can solve this riddle –
Average Monthly Cost of a 24/7 access membership to a facility offering you the ability to work out at over 4,000 other locations, train according to a customized curriculum designed for results, and receive the support required to notice those results: $178
Everyone has a price tag. What is yours?
_______________________
I ask you this –
If money was not an object, what would you spend the most on?
Is time your most valuable commodity? If not, what is?
What do you currently spend the most on in your life?
What’s in your gym bag? Please tell me you read that line in the Capital One commercial voice. The must haves. The essentials. The stuff. Ugh. All the stuff. Do you really need anything in your bag? Do you need a bag at all? In short, yes, but there’s much more to it.
An often overlooked first tip is finding the right gym bag. Breathable materials allow odors to mix with fresh air preventing the mildew-y smell of nightmares. And if your bag is washable then problem solved! Manager tip: place a few dryer sheets in the bottom of your bag to keep it smelling nice. Adjustable shoulder straps, as well as number of pockets, are also good to examine.
Basic gym bag essentials range from the common…hello, deodorant….to the indulgent…roller ball, anyone? I’m not judging. There were times in the Navy when I had to choose between sleep or a shower. It seemed my division was much more cooperative when I’d slept so that should answer your question. Here’s a rundown of the most useful items to bring to the gym –
Towel – NECESSITY. PLEASE!
Flip Flops – do I really have to explain why shower shoes are necessary?
Dry Shampoo – because a Hollywood shower in a gym bathroom is rude
Hand Sanitizer – did you know your hands harbor more bacteria than a public toilet seat?
Hair Thingies – this is a scientific term, trust me
Deodorant – travel size is available, but regular size is cheaper
Face Wipes – an effective substitute for a shower
Socks – for some reason, dry feet have the power to make or break your entire day
Snacks – munchkin will be 25 yrs old, moved out, and have her own family and I’ll still carry around snacks because you just never know
Water Bottle – ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY! Go green, people. You’re always telling me you recycle, so why do I keep finding plastic bottles in the regular trashcans versus the blue recycling container? Hmmmm
Obviously this is a short list. SHORT?! It can be as extravagant or as minimal as you desire.
This is my bag!
As you can see in the photo above, I have many of the items from the list. There’s also unmentionables and random sticky notes for stuff I was trying to remember. You just never know when a good idea will hit!
I think of a gym bag much like a diaper bag. There will be times when it’s not necessary. Then there will be other times when you wish there was a department store inside it. I envision a Mary Poppins-style scenario. Umbrella, anyone?
Can I tell you a secret? I’m from Texas and I don’t like sweet tea. Shocking, I know.
Truthfully, there was a time sweet tea was my beverage of choice. My wake up call came when it was time for an annual vision exam and the optometrist told me I had early onset diabetes. Ok, Kel, so what does sweet tea have to do with your vision?
When they say the eyes are the window to the soul, they’re serious!
She could see so much of my health through my eyes. Terrifying.
The day of that appointment (approximately 11 years ago), I decided to stop drinking sweet tea, evaluate my current health, and make a change.
Did you know you can go to your favorite aka most convenient coffee shop and ask for flavored tea without sugar? Who knew, right!
Peach Citrus White Tea sans sugar
I won’t say sugar was necessarily the enemy. My problem was I didn’t know when to stop. One cookie led to a dozen, sweet tea led to sugary alcoholic beverages, etc. Couple this with an eating disorder and it was a recipe for disaster. Yes, I have an eating disorder – post forthcoming.
In all, none of this means anything without the choice to get healthy or succumb to a life of medication management. (Note: please know I understand some people do not have a choice but to manage their illness with medication. Always consult with your doctor before beginning a diet/exercise plan. I’m NOT a medical professional. In fact, I’m not any kind of professional! End Note) (ps I loathe the word diet)
Before keto was a thing, my family and I were already practicing it. We cut out refined sugar, excessive carbs, and (horror) most desserts. We researched acceptable sugar substitutes and I learned to make satisfying sweet tooth alternatives like cheesecake (minus the graham cracker crust) and mug cakes. Currently, my favorite treat is Blue Bell’s No Sugar Added Ice Cream. Other companies have created low carb items, too. I know carbohydrates are a necessary block of the food pyramid. I eat carbs! Just in a lower amount than what the pyramid dictates.
Is low carb difficult? Yes. Is it sustainable? For me, yes. Does this answer all your questions? Probably not. My point here is many people will search for a very long time for what works for them and that may not be what is best for you. Keeping an open mind helps. If you are faced with a decision concerning your health and your dietary habits, examine all the options. Perhaps making a few small changes vs one huge change is the way to go. Healthy eating habits and exercise are part of a successful program to keep your body and mind in tiptop shape.
____________________________________________
I ask you –
Do you think you’ve found the optimal nutrition plan for your body?
Are you a professional? What kind of professional? (humorous or real)
*No offense intended. As a Navy veteran, it is my goal to educate and promulgate the symbolic nature of our Armed Forces and the men and women who dedicate(d) their literal lives to our country. Thank you all for being my heroes.*
O’dark-thirty: after midnight and before daylight; most typically when people would be deep asleep; not a reference to any particular time. Can also reference any time of day. When underway, unless you go outside, it’s always dark.
1MC: the general announcing system on a ship
091222-N-2564M-106
NORFOLK (Dec. 22, 2009) Rear Adm. Michelle Howard, commander of Expeditionary Strike Group Two, commends the crew of the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) during ship’s return to Norfolk after a three-month deployment in the Southern Command area of responsibility supporting Southern Partnership Station-Amphib. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Andrew McCord/Released)
Air Force Salute: “I don’t know” shrug of the shoulders; also called an Ensign Salute
“Another Fine Navy Day!”: an expression said (in a very cheery manner) on occasions when, in fact, it is not a Fine Navy Day; compared to “Living the dream!” in civilian-speak. Sarcasm at its best.
Aye, aye: yes (I heard the order, I understand the order, and I intend to obey/carry out the order). “I understand and will comply.”
Battle Group (BG): group of warships and supply ships centered around a large deck aircraft carrier and that carrier’s airwing; usually consists of one cruiser, one supply ship, and one or two destroyers, frigates, and submarines; recently referred to as a Carrier Strike Group (CSG). Ever heard of a battle flag? During ship exercises, if your ship defeated the Battle Group, it was awarded the honor of flying the battle flag. It was huge!
Battle rattle: body armor and helmet. Except it didn’t quite fit 5’4″ females (or most females really) and at the end of watch your spine was collapsing on itself.
Battle Stations: manning condition involving all hands. Assignments are planned out prior to setting the underway watch and posted in the Watch, Quarter, and Station Bill. Assigned personnel go to their assigned stations to do their assigned task in support of fighting the ship in a battle or when there is a credible threat of attack for which the ship must be prepared to fight against. I went through “Battle Stations” at boot camp and it was exhilarating. A true Battle Stations scenario at sea is terrifying. I wish to never relive it.
Beer Day: on many navy ships, even present day, all hands are given 2 beers if they are underway without a port call for a given period of time — generally 45 days; both beers are opened when they are given to the crew member to prevent them from being hoarded
Bravo Zulu: “BZ” was a signal meaning “Well Done.”; it is sometimes used by seniors praising subordinates. In my lofty opinion, it’s not used enough.
Captain’s Mast: Navy term for non-judicial punishment under Article 15 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Depending on the rank of the commanding officer involved, the name of the procedure may change to Admiral’s Mast, OIC’s Mast, etc.; “Mast” for short. Make no mistake. Mast is not something you want your name attached to because it can result in you getting kicked out of the Navy.
Carry on: officer’s reply to a junior person’s call to “attention on deck”, meaning all present rise and come to attention as a sign of respect; “Carry on” allows personnel to continue whatever they were doing; also used in a derogatory form once out of the Navy
Chit: document a sailor fills out to make various types of special request (i.e. for emergency leave, or to move off base to civilian housing)
Chow: food. Sometimes it was good, sometimes it wasn’t. However, I was great friends with one of the CS’s (Culinary Specialists) who qualified me as a “Night Bake” so I could bake with him while underway!
Cleaning Stations: an hour-long field day evolution in which everyone drops what they’re doing and cleans their spaces; see “XO’s Happy Hour.” I have a hilarious story re: XO’s Happy Hour but can only tell it in person.
Cover: term for any sort of headgear worn with a uniform
Fan Room: room with a fan or blower; a “closed” space which is often utilized for general mischief away from watchful eyes
Field Day: all hands clean-up; usually lasts on a good day about 3-4 hours (30 min of cleaning and 2-4 hours of mischief/not working)
Head: bathroom
Killer Tomato: large reddish-orange inflated ball used in gunnery practice at sea
Knee-knockers: passageway opening through a bulkhead – the lower lip of the opening sits at shin height
Ladderwell: stairs
Mandatory Fun: any command sponsored social event that everyone HAS to attend, or get into big trouble. Not fun. I repeat, not fun.
Mess Decks: Chow Hall or eating establishment on board. Where all the fun stuff happened, like Bingo, when underway. Or illicit poker games.
Midnight Ops: best time to get something done when there are not as many witnesses around. A time of dirty dealings. Also when ladies and gentlemen would sneak out of their racks for mischievous acts.
Mid-Rats: short for midnight rations; food served to the midwatch. Punishment for being on the 0000-0400 watch. Mid-rats was not portion controlled so you could eat as much as you wanted!
Mid-Watch: watch from 0000-0400 (2345-0345), usually results in no sleep before or after this watch. Best part: it was only a 4 hour watch vs the usual 6 hours. Unless it was Daylight Savings Time.
P-way: passageway
POD (Plan of the Day): official document issued by a command that states all activities occurring that day, from 0000 to 2359; contains the Uniform of the Day. Also called the Possibilities of the Day or Plan of Deception because the plan can change without notice. To get something in the POD took an act of Congress; it was ridiculous.
Port: left side of the boat or ship (when facing the bow); place of arrival for ships
Port and Starboard: a rotation of two duty sections or watch teams, one designated port and the other starboard; generally not considered to be a good situation. (Usually six hours on duty, six hours off duty – during the six hours off you eat and sleep. The usual cycle is: get up, eat, go on watch, get off watch, eat, go to bed. This results in about four hours of sleep per cycle.)
Port and Report: A watch stood without relief. One designated Port, and the other… there is no other, only Port once again, hence the term re-Port
PRT: Physical Readiness Test; a sailor is required to perform a certain number of situps, pushups, and a 1.5-mile run in a given time (which varies based on age and gender); replaced with the PFA. As a Command Fitness Leader, this was my time to lead/coach/train crewmembers to pass the PFA.
PT: Physical Training; a required exercise regimen
Quarterdeck: ceremonial area of the ship used while in port for either boarding, or disembarking the ship, usually found at the main deck level, mid-ship
Quarters: a gathering of all the people in the organization – Quarters can be for the entire command, or just the department, division, or branch. Quarters is used to present awards, pass information, and make every sailor squeeze into their ill-fitting, rarely-worn uniforms at least once a year. “Quarters” also refers to the daily morning muster for each division, announced as “Quarters…Quarters…All hands to Quarters for muster, instruction, and inspection.” Often held outside on the weather decks when not raining. But even sometimes when it did rain.
Rack: bed
Hard. Heavy. Small.
RAS: (Replenishment At Sea) – the act or process of moving cargo and fuel from a supply ship to a warship via cable while underway I loved RAS’s because, as a Ship-to-Ship Phone talker, I was able to communicate with the supply ship.
Reveille: an announcement over the 1MC at 0600 local time, bugle call, trumpet call or pipes call, most often associated with the military; it is chiefly used to wake military personnel at sunrise Underway, reveille would be music usually decided on by the watch crew which was a great way to wake up!
Roger That: a term of understanding and acceptance when given an order or other information; can be used with varying inflection and tone without consequence to signify enthusiasm or disgruntlement without stepping outside the bounds of professionalism Most often stated in a sarcastic tone.
Scrambled Eggs: gold embroidered decoration on a Commander’s/Captain’s cover
“scrambled eggs” located on the brim of the cover
Screaming Alpha: a sailor who is on fire and is running around screaming. Alpha fires leave ash. Bravo fires burn flammable liquids. Charlies are electrical fires, and Deltas burn exotic materials, often metals like magnesium. I’ve never seen someone on fire (small favors) but a fire on my ship was themost traumatic event of my Navy career.
Scuttlebutt: (1) a drinking fountain. (2) generally reliable but incomplete information about a subject. (3) a rumor (because rumors are spread when crew members gather around water fountains); this is the only thing in the universe that can travel faster than light
Shipmate: (1) any fellow sailor. (2) (derogatory) any junior enlisted about to get chewed out. Often a term used derogatorily after discharged from the Navy.
Spooks: Navy Cryptologic Technicians or other service equivalents; may also be applied to civilians from three-letter agencies riding a naval vessel. My people!
Stand By: to wait, can also be to foreshadow chastisement or punishment from a superior
Stand by to stand by: waiting to find out why everyone is waiting for something to maybe happen. All too often this was the case!
Starboard: right side of the boat or ship (when facing the bow)
Steel Beach Picnic: celebration on the weather decks of a ship. Usually involving beer and barbecue. Also included music and hitting golf balls off the bow of the ship. As much fun as can be had underway.
A Sailor’s favorite day: Steel Beach Picnic
Swab: mop. You will be expected to swab the deck while it rains. Makes good sense, right?
TAPS: announced over the 1MC at 2200 local time, “Taps, Taps…lights out, all hands turn into your bunks, maintain silence about the decks.” “Taps” is a musical piece sounded at dusk, and at funerals, particularly by the U.S. military – it is sounded during flag ceremonies and funerals, generally on bugle or trumpet
UNREP: (Underway Replenishment): the taking of supplies from a supply ship by maneuvering alongside it and passing lines between it and one’s own vessel. A dangerous procedure, often completed in the dark. I know right.
VBSS: (Visit, Board, Search, Seizure): Maritime boarding actions and tactics. I was invited to join the VBSS team because I was fit and relatively easy to get along with (I’m assuming). A joint decision was made to remove the offer when I explained my fear of heights. Another great story to be told in person.
Very well: expression of acknowledgement a senior gives a subordinate. Again, usually inflected with sarcasm.
Watch: a period of duty, usually of four-hours duration, six-hours on submarines. The day at sea has long been divided into watches, which are called: Midwatch or Balls to 4 (0000 to 0400); morning or rev (reveille) watch (0400 to 0800); forenoon watch (0800 to 1200); afternoon watch (1200 to 1600); dog watches (1600-1800 and 1800-2000); and the first watch (2000 to 2400). Oh, watch, a necessary evil with the wrong group, but much fun with the right people.
Standing Watch (Old School)
Working Party: when there is loading of supplies, the Quarterdeck will call for a “working party” to be manned by each division of the ship, the number depending on the task. People were always “skating” out of working parties, especially when it involved cleaning the heads in berthing or some sort of flooding/water on deck situation.
XO’s Happy Hour: a daily, hour-long mandatory cleaning evolution; usually introduced by the XO on the 1MC. Another great story for this!
Zone inspection: a formal inspection of spaces conducted by a team headed by the XO. There was nothing fun about zone inspections because it usually involved someone not in your division and not familiar with any of your spaces telling you how to clean/organize/do something better.
Upon hearing of the passing of a dear friend/co-worker with a passion for bluntness and loyalty, I knew I needed to honor her memory in the way I know best – to tell a story.
Ms. Geana was a devoted giver to those in need, both children and adults alike. She was selfless, dedicated, and oh so funny!
I’ve known Ms. Geana about 15 years now. During this time, we’ve stood up to difficult situations involving family, work, and personal struggles. I won’t claim to have ever been the one closest to her, but I do believe we have bonded over many a shared laugh (often at each other’s expense)!
You see, Geana’s mind and heart were strong, but her body grew tired quickly. Persevering through medical turmoil, she always minimized her frustration with her health by sharing a quick smile and saying she was doing well. Even after a horrific car wreck that caused her extensive surgeries, she returned to work with a grateful heart and another unique laugh. Couldn’t we all live a little more like she did.
You may wonder how this post connects fitness to a sad personal event. Kel, why would you tell us a story of misfortune? Because Ms. Geana refused to give up. Even from a wheelchair, learning how to walk again, and watching her weight to ensure she could make the progress she desired, Ms. Geana was an advocate of health and faith. She persevered.
Being the comedian I am, terrible as such, I leave you this –
Upon a traveling adventure to pick up a young boy from an appointment one day, we discovered he had refused treatment for a dental cleaning. He was about 7 yrs old and marched to the beat of his own drum. As we were driving away, he in the backseat, me behind the wheel, and Ms. Geana beside me, the youth stated how he hated the dentist. I calmly replied I was very disappointed because it had taken 2 months to get this appointment scheduled. The boy, in his youthful directness, stated “You’ll get over it”. Ms. Geana, never one to allow disrespectfulness within earshot, quickly turned around and told him to apologize to me for his words. I put my hand on Ms. Geana’s arm and quietly told her it was alright. She opened her mouth to argue when I said “Ms. Geana, he’s right. I will get over it.” I smiled at her to confirm I believed in my own words. Later, I found her in the office, writing her daily notes, and we discussed how sometimes it can be easy to forget how simply a child sees the world. Perhaps we could all live a little more forgivingly. And – we’ll get over it.
Ms. Geana (center)
Cheers to you, Ms. Geana. For making the world a little brighter for our children in need, for the passionate work you did for adults, and for being you. You will not be forgotten.
Running on Fumes 
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