HM3-Select Rastall

Until that piece of metal is official authorized for me to wear (we're currently looking at June 5th, 2009), that will be my official title for working purposes. Yes everyone, I have been promoted, and I'm claiming this as my first big step of my naval career. One could argue graduating from corps school and pharm tech school, but I could argue right back that I really had no other choice. Navy advancement tests are taken twice a year (March and September), and this was the second time taking it. I had ZERO hope that I'd pick up rank this time around. I felt that bad about how I did. It's a funny thing really because when I looked at the breakdown of my score (called the profile sheet) I scored in the top 82 percentile of my peers. Because I was not expecting anything, and when I did, I cannot lie when I say I cried a little bit. I'm very proud of earning this rank because of so many reasons. I am now a petty officer of the United States Navy, and no longer a rank that is given to me just because I put in a certain enough time in the navy (that is how one is promoted through the first three ranks, e1-e3, but I automatically was promoted to e3 coming into the navy because of my civilian college credits), and out of the 13 e3's in my clinic, I picked up e4 on only my second try, faster than anyone I work with.

The bird is called a "crow," but its official title is an eagle. The crow is perched on a single chevron signifying third class petty officer. Second class petty officer has the crow and two chevrons, and first class petty officer (e6) has three chevrons and the crown. E7 and higher if gets a little different, but that's down the road. I will get to wear this insigna on my garrison cover, my collar of my uniforms, and on my jacket.

I should be partying hardy, right? The funny thing is I haven't had a drink since learning of my advancement. Still no desire to. I know some people back in the states that would slap me if they could after reading that. I did lose $40 playing Texas Hold'em though. I lost big on a single bet, and kept on rebuying because I thought I had it, but lost. I watch "Rounders" too much.

Looked into Australia a little bit. From what I was told it is still too early to book anything this far in advance, but by September I should be able to knock find out more presice numbers. Australia is farther than I thought from Japan, 4,200 miles. I asked for a guess-timate figure on how much I should be expecting and I should be looking at around $2000 for 10 days split up between Syndey, Australia and Wellington, New Zealand. Who wants to join me?! It is only 7,200 miles from O'Hare airport.

Not sure if this is bad news yet, but it looks like I have to reenlist in 2013 for 36 months. The reason for this is because I signed up the loan repayment program to pay for my UWGB federal loans, which is great, but by doing that I deferred the Motgomery GI Bill unless I reenlist for a minimum of 36 months to obtain 100% of its benefits. That's just the way she goes I guess. Just the way she goes.

I bought a coffee maker! To honor my little buddy, my first coffee brand was nothing less than Maxwell House. You know how folks learn things from their parents? For example, when I smoked I smoked what my old man smoked, Marlboro Lights. Well, when I was growing up, my parents used Sweet'n'Low and dry creamer to make their coffee. I didn't get the memo, but my mother has changed her ways and now calls Sweet'n'Low the "pink poison," and all I heard in my skype chat with her was how awful and bad that stuff is for you. Sometimes I can't win with that lady. I try though.

This next paragraph is more looking at one person inparticular, and I think they would know who they are if they read it, but: Why should I make you a priority in my life if I'm obviously not one in yours? See, the thing about being in the military is I feel like I'm putting "the rest of my life on hold while I'm doing this especially while I'm overseas. This is my path to better preparing myself for the rest of my life how most of the population goes to college. It is just a shitty thing how some people handle/deliver a message and how they make me look like an asshole sitting here wondering whether I should throw on my Dashboard Confessional or not. Thank you for deciding for me. Sucks, but again, that's just the way she goes I suppose.

Tried to watch "Happy-go-lucky" last night, but had to turn it off. It was too as I like to call it "comtemporary British." Same reason why I really didn't care much for "Bridget Jones' Diary." Jane Austin is a completely different story though, mind you. I like the way they talk :) I also watched Nicolas Cage's "Knowing" and that wasn't half bad if you take it for what it's worth. Also showing at the theater on base is "Star Trec" and "Angels and Demons." How I love ticket prices are only $3. Heck, I'll stand for the National Anthem before every feature for that price. I also rented Apocalypse Now and vow to watch the whole thing. Penelope Cruz's Oscar winning movie, "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" is also on the docket for this weekend.

Besides finally realizing I was snubbed from over 6,000 miles away, morale is high, and my future is looking bright. Next week I start petty officer indocteration. Should be "fun."