Wear and Tear

Well, my bank account certainly doesn't have much to show for all of the back-breaking work I've done over the past ten months. I take after my grandparents in being very frugal and saving my earnings, yet even I had a hard time saving much from my profits. My pay is a percentage of the catch, so I blame the low market price for this.

Besides the pay, there are certainly other negative side effects of lobstering for a living. My permanently sore back being one. In addition to my body, my clothes and gear also show some wear and tear. My clothes resemble those of a begger. The armpits and knees of my favorite work rags are blown out. Even other fishermen remark that I need new pants, since all of mine now have holes in them (none offensive). Luckily, my aunt just gave me a sewing machine for my birthday, so I can get to work patching holes. My oil gear has pinholes in it through which water trickles if the hose hits them just right. The tread is wearing off my boots, making them slippery. And I don't even want to know how many pairs of rubber gloves I have gone through. I average a pair every three days, which adds up fast. But it is easy to get bogged down with complaints especially when surrounded by doomsayers in the fishing community.

On the other hand, I have taken a lot away from my lobstering experience. I have wracked up God-knows-how-many sea hours that I could potentially use towards a Captain's License if I was moved to get one some day. I have a great diet to show for my work: fresh (free!) seafood for dinner a few times a week including: flounder, lobster, and crab as well as shrimp and cusk that I froze last winter. My knowledge and experience in fishing have deepened to the point where I feel very competent on boats. And besides all of that practical knowledge, I have a bronze tan, terrific biceps, a metabolism the speed of light, and a neat blog to show for my career as sternlady!

Funny story. The other day I was over visiting with my Grandpa and I kissed him before I left, as I always do. He held my hand affectionately and squeezed my forearm, commenting on my strong arms. I smiled and flexed my bicep for him and he felt it. "Jeshush!" He gasped in his thick Maine accent. That little trick always impresses the boys. :)

Of course, the skills and subtleties that I've learned along the way go much deeper than my strong muscles. I have no regrets for returning to fishing and am grateful for the opportunity to experience lobstering year round. Having said that, I hope to never have to do it again! I will be glad to leave the boat when fall comes around. It's true that fall is the most lucrative season on the water, however it is also the most brutal. I am ready to pamper my body a bit instead of pummeling it. I am ready for a quiet and restful winter. I am ready to take care of myself.