From kids to teens

Last week feels so far away... probably because my sister came in Friday and I took the day off. Our weekend spent in San Francisco, around the Redwood Forest, and the beaches off PCH was much needed and enjoyed, but unfortunately... I am suffering from a runny nose and cough again. I think it is because the weather here has ADD. When my sister, Alexis, arrived it was a mere 63*, within a day it jumped to 86* and today's high is 91* with 100% humidity. Ugh.

Anyways... back to the work week:

Monday I got to spend the morning with FS2 Paone (Sam)... he took me to the theater and showed me "the ropes." I now know how to turn on all the lights and the dimming affects that can be utilized by them. I was also taught how to set up the microphones, including the wireless headsets and the podium. I learned that he orders popcorn/candy/drinks/cups/etc. fairly often, but because we are on a military installation the shipping often arrives late, so he has to take that into consideration. He is also in charge of running the sign that advertises the movie/showtimes, updating the movie posters (he even let me pick a few to keep!), and the most interesting thing I think he does- physically puts together the film reels for playing purposes! Which I found quite ironic, as he is a Food Service Coastie. I asked why an Electronics Technician (ET) didn't have his billet (job) and it came down to the fact that FS's have more experience in ordering/purchasing items, that unless they make more FS billets they would be on boats too often, and they have to have great public relations (they serve meals to entire ships/schools/bases- they need good people skills!).

Tuesday and Wednesday my newly acquired theater information came in handy. Evette and her preschool class came down to the theater in order to rehearse for their upcoming CDC Musical. After one minor technical glitch (microphone was too loud), the rehearsal went smoothly. Well, as smooth as a bunch of 4-5yrs would allow it to be. They are some cute kids, and if they pull off the play they have been learning, their parents will be so proud! It is also going to be a great way to promote April's "Child Abuse Prevention Month" and the fact it is also the "Month of the Military Child." (and yes, I realize that the event is on May 1st).

Thursday was our Spring Break (what's that?) outing for the teenagers here on base. Unfortunately we didn't have a huge turnout because the base command didn't approve of the event until literally, the day before. There were evidently some rumors floating around that permenant party and dependents were no longer allowed to ride in government vehicles- aka: the 15 passenger van the MWR has. Despite the small turnout those who attended seemed to enjoy themselves. We took them into town, watched the movie "Knowing" (which is really good by the way) and then to Applebees for lunch, where each teen had a $10 limit.

I was quite frustrated last week when I found out that a picture CD I had sent to our base webmaster had been lost in Guardmail (base mail). The Alcatraz pictures and my 30+ pictures from Easter weren't what I was worried about, the MWR camera's pictures had been deleted! So now, unless my Guardmail randomly shows up somewhere, there are at least 100 pictures from Easter missing. Lesson learned- make copies of everything!