Eeesh.

It was my first day back to my regular work schedule. Last week I was in charge of a Junior Ranger Day Camp, so I was trying to herd children ages 6-12. That was quite difficult and exhausting. Aside from that, I felt completely out of the loop of normality. Then I had a three day weekend, which was lovely, but it only furthered my separation. Today I was back at work on the boat.

"The boat" is actually a ship. It's the U.S.S. Cairo, which was a Union ironclad ship that was sunk in the Yazoo River. It was found and raised in 1964. Now it's at the park. Yeehaw. When one is working at the Cairo, one should expect a long day. Not as many people get there compared to the visitor center. And, we work till 6:00 p.m. out there, a full hour after the VC has closed down. We get to listen to them call over the radio "out of service," which is both good and bad. On the bright side, it means we only have an hour left. The bad news is that we still have an hour left. I keed, I keed. I like working at the Cairo because it means I get to sleep in a little bit--I can wake up at 7:30 instead of 6:00. That's actually quite a good chunk of time, when we're talking about sleep.

Anyway, so it was my first day back and you know those are always a little shaky. I had some talks to deliver to visitors. Not really a problem. Except that today of all days, one of the permanent guys was in his civilian clothes to go on one of my talks. He stayed for about 2 minutes and then left, missing the best parts. Once I got going, it was a great talk. But the first couple minutes of every talk are usually the most awkward. It's when you introduce yourself, talk a little to the visitors about where they're from, etc. Anyway, his only critique was that I said "um" a few times I guess. That's fine. I'm cool with that. He said it really wasn't a distraction, but it was something he was listening for, so of course he noticed it. Meh.

Honestly, all day I just wanted to get out of the boat area. In the museum by the ship, there is approximately a 1% chance of cell phone service. I'm not necessarily a huge phone person, but it's really handy to be able to get information or text if I need to. I suppose it makes me a better worker for not being one of those people who is completely involved in their cell phones. As of late, though, I've enjoyed the texting mechanism of my little BlackBerry. I do love a great conversation, and new acquaintances are always a good way to spice up the mundanity that is my normal life of texts.

I think I'm going to retire for the evening. Had the Hibachi Buffet tonight, which has turned me into a blimp! I only ate one plate and a small bowl of ice cream. I was full when I had the ice cream, but it's hand dipped and Cookies & Cream, the best stand-alone flavor ever. It was yummy, but I'm feeling it now! Ugh. Back to the grind tomorrow....