Captain’s Log, USS Coronavirus: Day 1

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Disclaimer: this post is designed to bring about a little levity during a very serious time. Staying home with children is a privilege -- but it is also a challenge. We are in this together.

Captain's log USS Coronavirus: woman writing in journal with coffee cupIt’s my first day as captain of the ship USS Coronavirus. The ship consists of myself, my first mate, three unruly crew members, and a cat.

We only have 247 roles of toilet paper left.

The crew on this ship is small, but mighty. The smallest one of them seems to be the most respected. Constantly yelling and ordering the others around. I must admit, I’m intimidated. While I’m the captain, I won’t get anywhere unless I win her over. I will spend some time formulating a plan.

The First Mate (who’s quite a looker) abandoned me for most of the day. I’ll plot my revenge later.

The day started normally enough. Cereal was on the menu for breakfast. While other crews I’ve led allow the captain peace and quiet during meals, I can tell this group will be different. There was shouting and even purposeful spilling — an undignified lot, to be sure.

As most days do out at sea, we started with chores. Today was laundry. The crew carried out their duties well — which was a pleasant surprise. To entertain themselves during their sorting and folding, I heard them singing. As I listened closer, I could hear the lyrics were of a fecal nature. How disgusting.

By the end of chore time, we hit land. We disembarked at port and no one was there — clearly an abandoned (and cold) island of some sort. We explored the new terrain with our land vehicles. The younger one, again the fieriest of the crew, complained of hunger incessantly. I could see instantly how her attitude demoralized the rest of the crew. Next time, I suppose I should carry snacks like a common steward. What has become of me?

We came back aboard for some study. This young crew of mine is fairly scholarly, at least in theory. Although I have to admit their choice of reading is curious. I can’t quite see the appeal of reading about a pigeon, even if it does want to drive a bus. Pigeons are hideous creatures, no better than rats.

Next, came lunch. It does feel as if the members of this crew would like to be eating continuously. It’s all a bit exhausting. The ship’s cook was worked into a frenzy as, yet again, the crew carried on with their ill manners and louder than necessary conversations.

By the grace of God, next came rest hour and I retreated to my quarters. While I certainly question the need for a professional crew to have rest hour (had they even done anything today?), I felt grateful for it this first day of my new position. The youngest one nearly destroyed her bunk, however. She evidently saw no need for her R&R allotment today and launched a not-so-silent protest. Honestly, if I could court-martial her, I would. But I believe nepotism is in play here and it’s best to not get involved.

The day wore on and eventually the First Mate returned. After being absent all day, I let him take some leadership. I must do my best to empower my mentee.

It’s onto the mess hall for food, yet again. It already feels as if we’ve eaten a thousand meals together as a crew. I hope my time on this ship will be a fruitful one. And I hope these members of my crew will fall in line.

Tomorrow is a new day.

Next Day

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Allison’s mission in life is to notice the extraordinary in the ordinary. Her commitment to see beyond what’s in front of her was fostered by her degree in Philosophy and Theology from Boston College. Allison’s a book nerd and credits her parents and inspiring English teachers for her love of reading and writing. She went on to earn her Master in Pastoral Ministry from Boston College and then taught high school for several years, both in New England and San Francisco. After moving from San Francisco to Boston with her engineer husband, she began teaching yoga and working as a social media marketing consultant. Now a Portsmouth resident, she spends most of her days with her three daughters (she does not have enough arms) and does her best to find the bliss amidst the endless snacking, dance parties and tiaras. With all the beautiful chaos in her life, she’s grateful to have her partner-in-crime (husband Charlie) and fellow movie quote enthusiast alongside her. Her passion for writing first drew her to Seacoast Moms as a contributing writer, and her desire to connect moms of the Seacoast with businesses who serve and interest them led her to become SM’s owner. Being able to write about the ordinary grace present in motherhood, while interacting with incredible Seacoast business owners is a dream come true.

1 COMMENT

  1. Allison,

    This is brilliant (no surprise). Your girls are getting so big. I can hear the noise in VA.

    Enjoy your time with them. It will go by quickly. The days are long but the years are fast.

    Love to y’all.
    Neely

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