We have happily become squatters transients temporarily displaced persons in Norfolk, Virginia. It's really not that bad. It's like living in a microcosm of society. Living on a Navy annex in temporary lodging has its perks....lots of playgrounds, housekeeping service, and free toilet paper. We use a lot of toilet paper.
We have been here three weeks now and have already 1) joined a YMCA and made new friends, 2) figured out how to get to the most important places (commissary, Harris Teeter, NEX, and shopping malls), 3) visited major landmarks, tourist attractions (Aquarium=total rip-off...way over priced to see fish/sharks). Oh, I forgot the important one...pissed off the Commanding Officer of a Navy ship we had the honor of touring. Jack loved it...but kept calling it a boat. On our way to the tour, some of Brad's classmates and Brad were discussing how it is an insult to call a ship a boat. Mentally I make a note to self (ship, ship, ship). Well, recall that joke you would tell when you were a kid...you know it goes something like this:
Anna: Hey Susie, what do you get from a cow?
Susie: Milk.
Anna: What?
Susie: Milk!
Anna: What?
Susie: Milk! Milk! Milk!!!
Anna: What does a cow drink?
Susie: MILK!!!!
Anna: (rofl) WATER!!!
I love kindergarten jokes. Well, this gets worse.
Jack: boat, boat, boat, boat, boat.
Anna: Ship, ship, ship
Jack: boat, boat, boat
Anna: Ship, ship, ship, ship
Brad: Anna' this is CDR so-and-so (probably not nice to call him so-and-so)
Anna: So nice to meet you (flash sweet I am really a nice person smile aka fake smile)
CDR: Thank you for coming (flashes I am so sick of this crap smile)
Brad: (proudly) this is my son Jack
CDR: Hi Jack - so what do you think?
Anna: (already speaking for son) Jack loves the boat (BOAT!!! BOAT!!! Holy crap mental note to self did not work!!!
CDR: (Face contorts into twisted I hate this woman look)
Anna: Ship, ship, I mean ship, Jack has been calling it a boat. (TOO LATE...and this explanation only makes it worse. Keep digging).
CDR: (I wish we really had a plank, because I would throw this snitch off of it right now).
Anna: (Um, I am meant to be a professional career woman...and continue to bomb at this military spouse crap).
Brad: (look of horror remains on face for at least five minutes despite best efforts to reassure me it was no big deal).
Right. Awkward pleasantries continue.
Nice. So, we have really made our mark here so far. I have also been rejected by yet another job, decided that Jack is sick of having me around 24/7 and we both want full-time jobs so we can better appreciate our time with each other.
Actually, we are enjoying our time and trying to make the most of it as a family. Weekends are spent exploring. NATO is here (on the same annex we live on) so we had the opportunity to attend the NATO festival this weekend. Norfolk loves festivals, so this will keep us busy.
It will also give me some interesting fodder for writing. Stay tuned!
Anna Marie
Love your blog, sis! I didn't know it existed. We could create a co-blog. I think your text is messed up on this post, the whole joke is highlighted in white. Check it out. I tried calling today to say thanks for the grad gift, but you didn't answer, and I will still call to tell you in person. But thanks in advance. :D
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