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Comment by Kim on December 8, 2009 at 10:50am

Cora, sorry to hear your daughter is having a tough time. My son told me last year that he gets lonely. He is doing better this year. The bases have alot of acitivity during the holidays. That should cheer her up.
Advancing in rate is competitive. There are only so many jobs available and they start filling them with the people at the top of the list. She gets points for more than just the test (time in service, passing test, awards, etc). My son was advanced to E5 last year after only being deployed 6 months. His name was even published in the Navy Times. Then his CO went looking for points to take away. They told him it was a clerical error. They probably didn't think he was ready for a supervisor position. He didn't pass in the spring because he was supposed to be cross-trained (?) on other equipment and he hadn't worked on it yet. In the summer he read the manuals and got his promotion this round. She shouldn't expect to advance the first time but should be proud of passing the test. I read a blog of sailors trying for years to just pass the test. Tell her (and I speak for the group), we at Navy4Moms are proud of her too.

Comment by Anti M on December 8, 2009 at 9:59am

Anita, how very disappointing! Eventually he'll let you know what he did... Captain's Mast is never very pleasant.

Cora, sorry to hear your daughter is having such a difficult time. Most rates are overmanned, so most sailors did not advance. At least she gets points for passing the tests, that counts toward next time. I wish I knew how to help you cheer her up, but winter in Japan can be very depressing. Does she have friends there? That's what kept me going.

Good advice on the yen exchange... I looked up Nagasaki Airport (closest to Sasebo)... there are Japanese ATMs, and a "suckling room", but no currency exchange I could find. Suckling room? (nursing babies).

Comment by Kim on December 8, 2009 at 12:18am

Anita, that is heartbreaking. You both must be devastated. My sons ticket was through a military discount from United. It is 100% refundable. I hope yours it too.
I know you would rather have your son but maybe if it is refundable he can rebook on his next leave.
Welcome all new moms. Yen is available at Tokyo airport, but might not be at their destination airport. Check out the bus schedule to their base even if a sponsor is meeting them (things go wrong). If they have a computer have them setup and test skype before they go.

Comment by Kim on December 7, 2009 at 4:08pm

I have my sons Teddy on my bed. I say goodnight to him every night. I don't know why he kept him all those years but he is mine now. When my son was in boot camp I went to build a bear and bought him a navy uniform. Apparantly, I bought him an officers uniform and when he saw him he said: "Hey, he outranks me". He still steals him from me when he comes home and throws him in a corner. On his ship they are allowed one stuffed animal on their bed (rack?). I asked him if he wanted him and he told me that I could keep him. It's a silly worn out 25 year old bear but he gives me confort. Now I need a puffs.

Comment by T-Lynn on December 7, 2009 at 12:38pm

Yes - it does. I thought I was being silly that I could smell him. So I didn't say share that. But even going by a men's fragrant department - bring back warm memories. Hey Mark - how do you deal with missing your son? And I need some more 2 cents of what I asked. I NEED Good Gossip today. TLynn

Comment by T-Lynn on December 7, 2009 at 12:23pm

You are right Sandy - Mark didn't say if she was using her sleeve. But we can now in emergency use oursleeves. Thanks for teh 2 cents - and know teh feeling . That's when I go nad find a Alex's stuff panda he left. It helps. TLynn
PS Do we all the time and date for that toasting? Anti M - let us know if this is ok time for you.

Comment by T-Lynn on December 7, 2009 at 11:51am

Thankfully, I had a cup of coffee with me at the time of the "Puff" picture.
Val - your story is so dear. ANd it's ok to use your sleeve in an emergecy - Debi has it recorded in our committee minutes. Yes, - agree Kim - our sailors need to learn to say no thank you. By the way - my Alex - right after BT - sat down with and asked me a question. I tried to give him an answer, but I don't think I gave him one that felt good to his heart. Everyone - please share your 2 cents worth: My son asked me - "Why , Mom - when I wear my uniform, do these WWII / Vietnam vets come up and thank me? I answer they question of my rank and what I am doing in the Navy and they keep calling me a hero - Why? I've done nothing - like they have. Why?" And then he tears up. I said: maybe you were willing to Volunteer in a time when being in the military is not a popular idea or that it is possible that you will see action. Ok - friends - need some 2 cents sharing here. OH - my hubby and eldest son got one snow blower running up to par. The Beast - is having hick up problems and hubby is fixing it tonight. Funny - still no snow for them to blow :) TLynn

Comment by Kim on December 6, 2009 at 8:47pm

I spoil myself. I use puffs only. LOL.
Val. It is powerful stuff. I only told you the good story. There was another time when he whore his uniform to a bar and everyone kept buying him drinks. He admitted the next day that he needed to learn to say 'no thanks'.
Mark you are too funny.

Comment by T-Lynn on December 6, 2009 at 8:10pm

Ok - it is offical we can use our sleeves in an emergency - ONLY
Hurray Louise !!!!
Only our Vice President of the Kleenex Club would create an advertisement. Might I suggest that the shirt says ""Japan - Navy Moms and 2 Dads". TLynn

Comment by T-Lynn on December 6, 2009 at 3:06pm

Navy Dad Mark ! You of all persons - and YES you ARE a member - you are the Vice President of the Kleenex Club. Using your sleeeves! Ok - who made the made the motion for Navy Dads to use their sleeves? Thankfully our secretary Debi is on the ball - you tell him girlfreind! Ok - I'm being too harsh here. - Maybe we should make a motion - in just a case of emergency of running out of kleenex - we can use our sleeves. I'll make the first motion - who will second it? Debi are you writing this down? Ok - I'm done making silly gossip - but I really enjoyed it :)
But it appears we have a date of toasting again :) Hurray - makes me feel close to you all. Christmas Day - 4 PM Eastern Time and we toast with our favorite beverage. Thanks Debi :).
Hurray Anita - he got the cards and letters. I'll tell Shark. That will make her a happy turtle. And that little turtle finally ate. We told her she could not see Santa if she didn't eat. So she did yesterday. Congrats to you rdaughter too.
Oh - Kim loved the story you shared. That melts one's heart.
Val and Ginger - count down to hugs !!!
Carol - hugs :).
Have to share - my hubby and eldest son are doing a pre-running of the our two huge snow blowers. Those blowers sound like Harley Davison when running and can throw that snow. I can't handle them all - so I take care of the snow the old fashion way the shovel. I call it my Winter Exercise Program. Mom is better too. But of late - it has been the battle of wills here. So far she is winning. So I am doing my usual - tattling to her sister in TN. Mom says she is upset with me - but I remind her I am the baby of the family - so that it entitles me to tattle - haha!.
I'm done bending you ears. Have a wonderful day. You all made mine. Hugs TLynn
PS Lousie - isn't your son coming home soon too?
PSS I am: German - Irish - Scottish - English - Dutch - French - and a Yankee Redneck
Husband's side is : Mexican -Spanish - Aztec - Dutch - Chinesee - and maybe French
Sons = Good ole American MUT :) !

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