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Comment by Sue-Pillowcase lady on August 3, 2009 at 10:54am

Donna, I was on for 6 days too, but I wore the same pair of jeans. Happy to say that I didn't get dirty and that's a switch for me. haha. I took a book light too and that does help.
Lights out is from 10 am to 6:30pm and 10 pm to 6:30 am. There are red lights on during those times, but the racks are dark. I would find things by "feel", although I did get smart after a day or so and laid out the next day's items right on top of the rack storage area.
I tried hard to not go back to the berthing during the day, so I carried my lightweight jacket, wallet, water bottle and anything else that I thought I would need. Sailors are sleeping and I didn't want to disturb the one in my cube.
We were given little backpacks upon arrival that I used the whole time. Donna, did you get one?
Barbara, I would take either a small backpack or a purse that you can wear across your body for a purse. I needed both of my hands free for climbing all of the stairs.

Comment by Sue-Pillowcase lady on August 3, 2009 at 12:20am

We did the same thing. Those boys were so hungry for beach time. In fact, we met them at Waikiki beach. Have fun!

Comment by Sue-Pillowcase lady on August 1, 2009 at 7:51pm

Barbara, you will do great then. I did too and I could slip in and out of that shower fast.
the pillows are feather and small. I sleep with a thin foam pillow that I can fold, so I take it everywhere. The blankets are wool. I did bring my flannel top sheet also and was glad to have it. I would leave extra clothes at home the next time to still be able to bring my pillow and sheet. haha.
Have you considered flying in the day before the ship leaves? that way you don't have to spend a night in a hotel. We were able to start boarding about 10 am the day before we left. Many people got off the plane, checked in and then went to play for awhile. And the USO has a great place to wait for the bus to the ship-in fact that's where you will catch it. Unless your son or you are renting a car. If that's the case, let me know and I have another tip. haha.
Remember to bring 1 or 2 locks for the rack and storage locker.
we stopped early tonight in TX because of severe weather. I won't be online again until tomorrow night.

Comment by Sue-Pillowcase lady on July 31, 2009 at 1:44pm

hi moms,
the Navy lodge on Ford Island is really nice. we were able to make reservations without Ben, but he signed us in. we arived the day after the Lincoln did. you could ask someone to sponsor you at the lodge-we did that in San Diego once. tell them what you are doing.
as far as packing-don't overdo it. I learned a valuable lesson-YOU have to be able to carry it. I did have 3 male sailors, plus my female sponsor to help me, but I took too much.
I thought the suitcase with the wheels was great, but it was big and cumbersome. then it's a space issue in the bething. I brought 3 pairs of pants and wore the same pair of jeans the whole cruise, cause they were the most comfortable.
bring 1 pair of shorts only IF you plan to spend time in Hawaii before boarding the ship. Shorts are not allowed on the ship-you must wear long pants and enclosed shoes. Bring 1 pair of sandals can that double as shower shoes. For sleep wear, I wore sweatpants, a tshirt and brought a flannel shirt as my "robe" as I figured I could wear it as a shirt if I needed it. The bathrooms are out of the berthings, so you must be covered when you leave the berthing. so make your sleepware do double duty. and it is cold in the berthings!
I bought makeup but never used it. I saw many moms spend lots of time doing hair and makeup. but think of a couple of things:
1. is perfect makeup and hair a normal everyday thing for you? if no, leave it at home, or minimize it. Remember, the sailors are working 24/7-you do not want to take their bathroom time. They have a job to do-I saw many moms hogging the mirrors and the sailors couldn't get in to take care of their business for their work day.
2. do you want to lose time with your sailor/tours for mirror time? I didn't. Ben reported for duty at 6:30 am and we were supposed to eat before he reported. there are long lines for food and they don't serve all day. I used to get up at 4 am, so I could beat the sailors in the bathroom for shower time.
3. which brings me to sleep time-makeup or sleep. Only you can choose which is more important to you.

For me, since I am still a tomboy at 57, I decided the natural look was the best. I hauled it all and didn't use once. Next time I won't, or would bring very tiny bottles/jars of it.
hope this helps.
OH one more thing on the being able to carry it. On the day you get back to port, the sailors have all of their things to carry, so you do need to be able to carry it. We were blessed-one of Ben's buddies was getting off in SD so he helped me, But honestly, I would'be been in trouble getting off the ship with all of my luggage! I had too much.

Comment by Vickie - Rooney's mom on July 22, 2009 at 11:14pm

Hi Barbara, lots of the Stennis moms just finished a TC. . If you haven't gone before we can give you lots of hints on packing and what to expect.

Comment by Sue-Pillowcase lady on July 22, 2009 at 8:16am

a typo? i get to typing so fast who knows what comes out.

Comment by Sue-Pillowcase lady on July 11, 2009 at 9:44pm

yeah, you're right. I bet the visuals were good.

Comment by Sue-Pillowcase lady on July 11, 2009 at 3:50pm

especially when your son serves aboard CVN-72 and I did a tiger cruise on it. yikes! I'm with you Barbara.

Comment by Sue-Pillowcase lady on July 6, 2009 at 7:28pm

Thanks Suzann. Please have them contact me. I am trying real hard to coordinate the mailings so we cover alot of territory. I would feel badly if one group got several and others got none.
Maryellen, if you add me as a friend and then pm me your emaill addres, I can send out instructions. well, as soon as my email account is done with it's tantrum. haha.

Comment by Sue-Pillowcase lady on July 6, 2009 at 4:35pm

No I haven't. are you involved with them? would they want to help sew? I was thinking the other day tht I should have one of those.
and thank you!
And I have to change the number on my aircraft carrier to 72 for the Lincoln, I dont know who 65 is.

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