I did it, I shaved my head!

No, just kidding. But I did get fish guts poured on me. There is some debate among us, but I think the general consensus is it was fish guts and maybe oatmeal and sour milk and eeky stuff. I can't be positive, but it definetly SMELLED like fish guts. Three big industrial-sized trash bins worth of stink. First you get the fish guts poured on you, then you jump in the pool (which was freeeeeeezing and totally disgusting by the end of the ceremony) then you kiss a fish before they let you out of the water… I real fish, a big dead one with teeth, lol. Then you kiss King Neptune's ring (*cough, cough Captain Jeremy covered from head to toe in green paint. Who knew the King of the Ocean had an English accent???) And so out of the water you immerge: a freezing and smelly shellback. I think the term for those who do not do the initiation ceremony is polliwogs, but don't quote me. The head shaving was also optional. A lot of guys did it and about 16 girls. That's a lot of girls running around for the next two years without hair. I have to admit I was tempted, but that's a long time to have a regret!

Oh, Dean Beverly was initiated too! It was her first time crossing the equator by sea. And I have to say and give her credit, because she was the most graceful of all. I've never seen someone have fish guts poured on them with such dignity! I love that woman.

Sony, the video girl and Cris, the photographer were last. They put down their precious camera equipment and jumped in fully clothed! Many people jumped in with jeans and stuff because they either didn't know (which bewilders me) or they weren't planning on doing fish guts and pool jumping. Funny what peer pressure can do to you! I have to say though, mostly all the girls look really cute with no hair; out with social norms! (oooo a term from my psyche class… see, I am learning!)