To: All the Single Ladies

Teaching school overseas with DoDDS for 20+ years—all of them as a single lady—I have been privy to manifold conversations amongst “the girls” decrying the dearth of eligible men even while abiding in the midst of a military population largely constituted of males of the species or else speculating and debating the best location(s) in which to make oneself present in order to meet men. Of course, a variety of clubs, organizations, and activities receive regular nods and accolades, but one “factoid” I found entertaining to consider and very possibly true is this: Get assigned to Cuba (Guantanamo) because the guys there don’t have any access to locals for dating purposes—or otherwise—and so all socializing must unfold strictly among the community on base! Nevertheless, should one not achieve an assignment to Cuba, another option exists, one that I have only very recently discovered: Move into the BOQ, BEQ, BLQ, whatever the acronym may be for your location—B for bachelor being the operative letter/word!



Although a founding member of the “Lodgettes”—an entity established in August, 2005, and comprised of incoming teachers to Yokosuka residing at the Navy Lodge while awaiting more permanent housing—I had to seek accommodation elsewhere on base after vacating my house June 1 in preparation for my upcoming transfer because the Navy Lodge (apparently) is full. Consequently, I have spent the last two nights at the Navy Gateway (BOQ), a place where men—mostly in uniform—seem to dwell in noteworthy abundance. (Surely I am not the only female guest, but I have yet to spot another of my gender residing here.) And these guys are all so NICE! Ranging in ages spanning spring to winter, nary a one has failed to greet or acknowledge my presence in the hall, parking, or common areas. Now, despite the fact that my age no longer falls into a “spring” designation, even “springtime” guys make eye contact and chit chat. Granted, a lot of the exchanges so far have been with the smokers because the designated smoking area falls between my preferred parking location and the building itself, but, hey, smokers, too, can successfully rev up a girl’s ego.


Saturday I think I’ll go for a run (there are always guys returning from their runs when I leave for school in the morning) and do laundry in the location provided for my hallway. Should those activities prove report-worthy, I shall report!