Feh.

Apparently now we get the word "disgusting" thrown at us by the Captain of the Guard when we're in civvies as well. "Addressing the uniform," my ass. The reason he was so disgusted is because the rookies couldn't execute perfect salutes on the march when walking around on their own. Well, no kidding: we were never required to say "sir", choose direction and hand, decide whether someone was close enough to merit saluting, or decide which officer to salute when practicing drill. Of course we're bound to mess something up when calculating that in addition to counting paces for each step.

* * *

In other news, opening day was pretty quiet for me since the Drums were manning--interacting with tourists, etc., i.e. not training--and I didn't have to lead any tours. I shadowed a couple demonstrations, did fatigues (including learning how to clean museum glass, probably more fun than de-webbing rooms), and stood at the east gate in uniform to answer questions and prevent people walking through. I was asked to pose for pictures with children several times, children who usually seemed pretty intimidated by me. That felt... different.

Ahhhhh

Two days off, then two days' work, then two days off. Yeah, baby. (Yes, I then have to work for seven straight days, but let's forget about that for now.)

It was very challenging starting Drums Foot Drill with the "old boys" today, especially when the rookies had to be given an extra session of intense practice on the Advanced Battery parade (slanted, lots of cracks and potholes) with the rain and wind pounding in our faces. I resent the fact that certain ensigns always use extended spells of marking time as punishment for poor dressing. Yes, I know my legs aren't up enough! I'm also finding it challenging to hold my fife in perfect parallel "marching band" position after being instructed for so many years to hold my flute forward from the shoulder and at a slight angle downward. I'll have to get used to carrying that thing under my arm (swagger stick style) without tensing up. Still, it's exciting to see things starting to come together.

I've been trying not to draw attention to the fact that I already know how to play the fife for fear of appearing uppity--after all, rank hierarchy is key here--but word has gotten out in the Drums girls locker room. My "old boys" "buddy" (we were each assigned to one) has sought my assistance with her music a couple times. Today, during an unusually long rest break, I ended up playing duets with another girl from Queen's Music; that was a lot of fun. (Some of the tunes in our fife manual have harmony parts.) It's nice to feel semi-competent at something.

I've added new userpics showing a) my trimmed hair, b) the way I look after working at the Fort for the day (gelled hair, contact lenses, T-shirt for wearing underneath tunics and fatigue shirts) and c) my impression of the way I typically feel after a day of work (tired). My face looks weird without glasses.