Click and Breathe

"Click and breathe" is an expression we've been saying in the library, and it is making its way around the ship. We model it by clicking a link to an inter- or intra-net connected resource, then taking the opportunity for a few deep breaths while waiting for the information to load on the computer screen. It is helpful to remember that we are in the middle of the ocean, with thousands of miles of nothing but water around, and to be amazed that we have internet at all, rather than frustrated at the slow speed of what we do have. Olivia and I have done 7 in-class presentations on library resources specific to class assignments, and learned after the first couple that it is far more effective to show screen captures of how to access the online databases rather than try to connect to the internet during class.

Our family also learned another helpful coping signal from an alumni voyager we met on the reunion voyage. When you or others are tired of how funny the desalinated water tastes, bored with another day of too-familiar food, or frustrated that the internet is out again, put both arms over your head and make a circle, like you are making a giant letter O. Then say, "You're going around the world, get over it." It usually causes laughs and a reset of perspective.

Some things at sea do pose unique challenges. For example, I decided to shave my legs in the shower this morning since the seas were calmer than they had been for several days. Can't say that is a factor I've ever had to consider before! Another example is the netting over top of the ball court where Jr played kickball and soccer with the dependent children this afternoon on the 7th deck. "Ball overboard" is not a maneuver the captain considers critical, thus the netting. 

It is definitely getting warmer as we get toward Hawaii, so Sr and I sat on the deck and watched the kids play. The students have been great about volunteering to work with the dependent children, too--the tall young man leaning over to help the littlest kid came to play ball with the kids today, and Jr got some homeschool-time writing help from a student interested in an education career this morning.

One and a half more days until we reach Hawaii.