Short story: Norfolk was AWESOME!

Long Version:
18 students and 1 Navy Commander (currently attached to our program) met outside our building on campus and away we went for a grand adventure through Virginia. It took less than the 4 hrs to get there that we had planned for and I managed to get a little bit more sleep on our little bus.
We got to the base and checked out the ships for a bit before lunch. We headed to Breezy Point Officer's Club and parked ourselves to enjoy the view...I mean have a nice meal.

Then came the tour of aircraft carrier #71, the USS Theodore Roosevelt. We had a very nice female public affairs officer and a weapons officer take us around the ship and show us all kinds of nifty things. The mural painted on one of the hanger bay doors was sweet and the ship's moose & museum were informative. We had an especially good time trying not to kill ourselves on all the ladders too. The views from the navigation deck and the flight deck were pretty dramatic and awe inspiring. Finally getting to see the Ouija board was damn rad too!

Next was the tour of the submarine, the USS Albany. The pier guard didn't know we were coming so there was a little confusion for a moment. Then someone from the sub that did know we were coming came out and bitched at the guard for leaving the Commander out in the rain with the rest of us. He he he... Apparently only the Officers of the sub knew we were coming and they failed to mention it to the rest of the crew. Things were sort of messy since they were doing maintenance but I think the Commander was the only one that really cared. Anyhow - We had to break into two groups for the tour - I was in the second so I got rained on a little more. Our tour guide was great. He was a torpedo guy that was proud of his ship. We got a much less technical and more 'this is how things are' type tour from him. People in different areas explained their jobs to us in their words and what their life on the ship is like. We BS'd around with those guys forever. They were great at answering all of our questions, showing off the equipment, and entertaining the crowd. Oh, and flirting with the 6 or 7 women...

We all walked away from the day feeling very privileged to have been allowed on such magnificent ships.

It was a good day, my friends...a good day...

Posted by: Princess Cat at 01:09 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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I am so hatin life right now...
3 hrs sleep, delirious, and grouchy...
In fact, I'm ready to kill the person that invented this time of day...

Anyhow, I am off to play with some Navy boys today.

I'll let you know how it went, once I get back.

BAI!

Posted by: Princess Cat at 05:45 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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I was interrupted by an extremely stupid commercial today as I indulged my post-research-conducting-temporarily-on-strike self with a guilty pleasure - soaps. Well, itÂ’s not really plural... I only really follow one with any semblance of regularity. ItÂ’s Passions, the stupidest one (if that's possible), so the laughter it generates sort of makes me feel better about watching the drama unfold. I only semi know what is going on with the Days of Our Lives cast and the only reason I care is I started watching when I HS classmate was given a permanent role.

Anyhow...I'm eating my lunch, watching TV, enjoying the nice weather, smiling at the sweet smell of flowers drifting off my coffee table ... and a commercial comes on. Whatever...blah blah blah...another commercial...blah blah blah...then the offending advertisement. There's this woman prancing around a meadow in a black flowing dress with a wrap she is flinging around like its rhythmic gymnastics at the Olympics. She is longing for a scent, poking her head in and out of secluded areas as she searches for it. She is a total whiner in that stupid perfume ad whisper and acts like her life will end if she doesn't find the necessary scent. Naturally this looks like a perfume ad, right? No...ItÂ’s a Snuggle ad. They've got some new scent about emeralds that they want you to try.

You know what? Your commercial was so annoyingly stupid, I'm not going to try it...just to spite you...you damn Snuggle bear with your damn laugh and damn showing up in the middle of stuff...

Posted by: Princess Cat at 03:11 PM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
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So some college student created a hollow glass in some fancy schmancy way to prevent drinks from being spiked at a club. CNN will tell you all about it if you like. But is such technology really necessary? I say no.

In fact, I found my own solution to this problem and successfully implemented it several years ago. I call my invention 'The Shot.' Perhaps you've heard of it? From what I can tell it is all the rage with concerned citizens such as myself. And its not just for women - men need to be concerned as well (just look at what Norway is coming to these days...)

Here's how it works:
1. You go order your alcohol of choice - in my case this is generally tequila, Jaeger, or whiskey.
2. The bartender pours it in a glass.
3. You immediately drink it.
Unless your bartender is in on a scam against you - you're good. Have your drink and no worries when Mr. Dreamy comes by to ask you to dance. Nothing to hold when that perfect song comes on and you simply MUST dance with your girls. Or, when Mr. Creepy comes by he can no longer ask what youÂ’re drinking and offer to buy you another. If he offers to buy a drink anyway you simply say, my friend is bringing one, sorry.

All drink, no spike. Problem solved.

If you don't like the taste of your favorite alcohol straight, have no fear - there is still a shot for you...and they have all kinds of cute names so you can still be feminine about your drink (if you so choose). If you aren't into cute names then just go for it straight. Ladies, this sometimes has the added bonus of catching additional male attention, assuming you can hold your liquor. Nothing says tigress like a hot babe that can hold her own at the bar - men love a challenge.

Bring on the good times Ladies & Gents...its all about the shot!

Posted by: Princess Cat at 12:23 PM | Comments (3) | Add Comment
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1 HAHAHAHA I seriously laughed out loud when I read this post, good one.

Posted by: Athena at April 28, 2005 02:41 PM (P+VDH)

2 Mission Accomplished!

Posted by: Princess Cat at April 28, 2005 02:48 PM (K10IP)

3 Oh yes, the all-purpose shot. I also would recommened this method I love the looks we get when we take our shots o' tequila at the bar....*sigh* good times ;-P

Posted by: Angela at April 29, 2005 05:21 PM (2KEgB)

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I always knew that Germany was weird (their unique porn industry and all) but exploding toads? This is just down right bizarre...

"The toads at a pond in the upscale neighborhood of Altona have been blowing up since the beginning of the month, filling up like balloons until their stomachs suddenly burst."

Well that's gotta screw up your property value...dead toad goo all over...

Go read the rest

Posted by: Princess Cat at 11:49 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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Before my presentation last night I had to do something with my stress. I highly recommend these two options for anyone needing to distract themselves and smile on the inside (at least a little).

1. Pop bubble wrap ... ONLINE! No need to waste the real stuff...
Just go here instead...

2. Set off some fireworks ... ONLINE! Just visit what remains of my first website and blow off all the fireworks you want. But if you've got a subwoofer, make sure the volume isn't too loud. They make a nice boom. Try it!

If you don't enjoy one of these two activities I'm putting out an amber alert for your inner child...right after I report you as a murder suspect for killing the poor child.

Posted by: Princess Cat at 07:05 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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And I'm awesome...

Posted by: Princess Cat at 06:40 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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See? I'm not just homesick...I belong there

Posted by: Princess Cat at 02:03 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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Ok, these vents on the floor of my breadbox sided bedroom...Not cool! Yes, I understand the point of hot air rises, 'better' heating, etc. However, this room is already the hottest room in the house. And vents on the floor means I can only arrange my furniture so many ways. Since it was winter I just covered them up with my bed and my desk...I'd sweat my ass off if I had even more heat pumping in here. So now that its getting warmer, I'm screwed.

I am itching to rearrange the furniture like you couldn't believe. Its a thing I do. Its like wiping the slate clean I suppose. Or maybe its my way of changing the view so I don't get bored. Why I do it is not the point. The point is, I really don't have any new options on what to do with my furniture because if I cover up the vents during the summer, I get no AC. No AC = VERY unhappy Princess.

$*$@%*^#$_$_*&#@!#@ wrong coast ...
*&^$%$%#!@#$$% architechture ...

I just want to move the furniture dammit...why is that so much to ask?

Posted by: Princess Cat at 10:52 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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So...I had an interesting experience this semester in grad school. I got screwed by the administration (as usual) and had to give up on one of the concentrations for my degree (which completely pissed me off) but I've ended up in a pretty interesting situation out of the whole deal. I know, the semester isn't exactly over but with this space research out of the way, it might as well be. I have stressed over this point for hours and hours. Just sitting in class and joking with my classmates, I felt so much better. Getting the presentation out of the way felt a thousand times better. Afterward we said our goodbyes because it was our final class. One of my classmates who has a good 5 yrs in space oriented work experience for notable employers came up after class and complimented me on my presentation. Day one I walked in knowing nothing and didn't try to pretend. She remembered that and commented on how much my presentation proved I had learned and how well I had done. It felt great. To be honest, I'm shocked that I wrote this piece. I didn't know crap about space, let alone military space a few months ago... I've actually learned something ... whoa...
Anyhow, getting screwed on my courses led me to pick up a concentration in science, technology, and public policy that has turned out to be really interesting. I'm not sure how useful it will be in the long run but at least I don't want to shoot myself in the head when I'm sitting in the classes. In fact, I actually look forward to the discussions...
Does this mean I'm growing up? Cuz I'm not really into that whole being an adult thing....

Posted by: Princess Cat at 01:28 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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Just a few more hours before I present my comparative analysis of competing concepts of security in space...

And I fully agree with this comic today:

So if you see me doing the conga all by myself down the street on my way home tonight, don't be surprised. Getting this stress off my back will be a great relief I've been looking forward to almost more than sex...almost...

Posted by: Princess Cat at 01:50 PM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
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My research is due tomorrow so I'll be MIA for a little bit longer...

In the meantime, this comic should entertain you...

Make sure you go back and read his archives too.

Posted by: Princess Cat at 02:55 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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Blogging shall suck this weekend...just too much on my plate and unfortunately that means blogging has got to go for the time being.

Don't let anything too cool happen in the world while I'm out of touch.

Posted by: Princess Cat at 01:22 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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In the news this morning it was announced that USMC General Pace was selected to be the next Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. All I could think to myself was, "It's about damn time."

Now I don't know a thing about General Pace other than he has been Vice Chairman of the JCS so I have no clue if he was the best man for the job. Being Vice Chair you would think would prepare him for the job but again, I don't know a thing about his record or the decisions he has made. I'm just happy to see a Marine finally hold that position (assuming he is confirmed by the Senate).

The Marines may be the smallest service but they have done a lot of good for our country. I'm happy to see that the competence and reliability of the Corps is finally being recognized.

Posted by: Princess Cat at 01:33 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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You used to be such a good little girl
Now you've got a problem with the whole damn world

You're gonna have a hard time til you get it right
You're gonna have a hard time...

BWAHAHAHA...my parents have come to haunt me in the music I listen to!

And they are right...I don't think I've taken the easy road for a day in my life...makes things more ...uh....rewarding ;o)

Posted by: Princess Cat at 11:31 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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It's amazing how much one little song can bring up in your memory...and that's just what happened as I sat here working on my research.

Last summer I went out with my friends and had one of the most memorable and fantastic nights of my life. That night we danced to No Doubt's version of "It's My Life" and I don't think I will ever forget how much fun it was.

Tell me we don't look like we're having a great night...

Posted by: Princess Cat at 01:44 PM | Comments (3) | Add Comment
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Most of my friends and family have asked me what I think about the whole China/Japan situation right now. Some have asked why I have not blogged on it. The answer is: I DON'T CARE! I know, I know...I should care...and I do...to a point. There are bloggers all over the place talking about what's going on over there so why should I jump in? Well they say I should because Japan happens to be an area I have studied rather extensively (many of my poli sci courses had to do with Japan in some way - focusing primarily on the late 1890s forward...I also minored in Japanese studies...and I lived there for a while). I'm pretty familiar with the national security policy of Japan and the trends so here goes my take on the situation....

The Short Version:
Violent protest should never be the answer.

Japan should not have a permanent seat on the UN Security Council

The Longer Version:
Japan has many valid reasons for its pursuit of a permanent seat on the UN Security Council. They have become a major player in the international community, an integral piece of the international economy, and the largest/most stable economic force in Asia (for now). Most of their additional reasons are:

1. They are strong/active proponents of many UN sponsored treaties
2. They believe strongly in peacekeeping missions & offer personnel
3. They are significant economic contributors to the UN
4. "The council of today should reflect today's international system'

These are justifiable reasons but I take issue with this last one in particular. The council of today should reflect today's international system but it should also include members with legitimacy on all security matters. Japan's inability to face its demons and insistence on the issue of textbooks strips it of its legitimacy on international security. For Japan to have a permanent seat on the UN Security Council would further trivialize UN resolutions and bring greater scrutiny to the value of the organization as a whole. In a time when the credibility of the only successful supranational organization is in question, Japan should not seek to jeopardize it further.
Many countries have skeletons in their closet but most discuss them and attempt to repent. Japan has not even admitted to their existence. It would be irresponsible for the international community to allow a hypocritical nation such as Japan to sit in judgment of others.
The time draws near, but the time is not now. Sorry Japan.

Posted by: Princess Cat at 11:31 AM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
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I've been listening to their new CD that will be released 03 May on CMT's listening party. They are a very descriptive and touching group. I've had the songs on in the background while I try to do research and they have managed to keep me somewhat sane. The songs just have a way of taking you from where you are and putting you in a whole new scene.

Go check it out.

Posted by: Princess Cat at 11:24 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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Though none of you know him, congrats go to the boytoy today. He has officially accepted a job as a new government employee. The bastard gets his student loans paid off and everything! Not that I'm jealous...

Unfortunately, now that all the hurry up to find out is over the wait for the clearance to go through is here. But being former military, he's familiar with the process of hurry up and wait.

Congrats on being a Govie!

Posted by: Princess Cat at 11:51 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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One of my very best friends is graduating from college this June and I finally have my plane tickets to go see her.

Arrive Friday, June 10
Depart Wednesday, June 15

Get ready San Diego cuz I'M COMIN HOME!

Posted by: Princess Cat at 07:15 PM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
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