Rowdy's B-log

I've always wanted to dye my hair blonde, just to try it and see how it looks.  I figured now's the time to do it, since my hair's short and I'm young.  So after a few attempts (of course it didn't turn out quite right the first time.) and the help of my friend Shelly, I think it turned out pretty well. 

I suppose I'll share a little story:

The lady at the beauty supply store said that my hair is the perfect shade for dying, I could pick any color and my hair would turn out just like the swatch as long as I used the right developer.  Well this was encouraging so instead of the "carmel" color I'd decided on I decided to give blonde a try.  So it didn't turn out quite right.  We went back in and she was a little disappointed, as was I, that it didn't turn out correctly. She said I'm one of the lucky few who have "resistant hair."  She talked me into this lightener and said "Don't worry, this should take care of it."  My friend got some more lightener for her hair as well (oh, I forgot to mention we were bleaching her hair) and she picked up some toner. 

We went back to her place and lightened her hair and mine.  Well, it lightened alright, but it was really orangeish!  I was about ready to give up at that point.  I was just going to walk back into the beauty store the next day, wearing a hat of course, and get color that looked like my original color.  So I was pretty bummed.  She finished her hair, and it turned out THE SAME!  At least we both looked crappy.  That made me feel better.  Luckily she'd purchased some toner, that's what ended up saving us.  We didn't think there'd be enough for the both of us, so I told her to just go ahead and I'd just try and fix mine in the morning.  Luckily it turned out she had PLENTY so I put toner on my hair and it worked like MAGIC!  Without further adue, here's a picture!  It has her as well so you can see my awesome job on her hair.   P.S.  Do I look like Twiggy?  :)

I really must do a proper update.  Maybe I should combine me two blogs on here as well.  Or...maybe not.  HA

Why do all of my relationships have an expiration date?  I don't think relationships are supposed be like that...

Want to know why?

OF COURSE YOU DO!!

I found some things that I think would be awesome, as far as careers, in the navy!!

I shall post, yay!

Aviation Aerographer's Mate (AG)

General Info:

Aerographer's mates are the Navy's meteorological and oceanographic experts, trained in the science of meteorology and physical oceanography. They also learn to use instruments that monitor weather characteristics such as air pressure, temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction. They then distribute this data to aircraft, ships and shore activities.

What They Do:

The duties performed by AGs include: collecting, recording and analyzing weather and oceanographic information; preparing up-to-date weather maps and oceanographic data; issuing weather forecasts and warnings; conducting weather/oceanographic briefings; using, testing, calibrating and performing minor and preventive maintenance on meteorological instruments including satellite receivers; preparing balloon-carried instruments for flight, evaluating and analyzing data received; operating, programming and maintaining computers and related equipment.

Air Traffic Controlman (AC)

General Info:

Navy Air Traffic Controllers (AC) perform duties similar to civilian air traffic controllers and play a key role in the effective use of Naval airpower throughout the world in operational and training environments. Standards for entry into the AC field are high, but once accepted into the field, Navy ACs enjoy a demanding and highly rewarding career. This is a five-year enlistment program.

What They Do:

Navy ACs are responsible for safely and effectively directing aircraft operating from airfields or the decks of aircraft carriers. They also control the movement of aircraft and vehicles on airfield taxiways and issue flight instructions to pilots by radio. Specific duties include: controlling and directing air traffic at airfields and on aircraft carriers using radio, radar, and other signaling devices; providing aircraft with critical information on other air traffic, navigation systems, and airfield conditions essential to safe operations; operating and adjusting computer-based ground/carrier-controlled navigation and radar approach systems; interpreting data shown on radar screens and plotting aircraft positions; maintaining aeronautical charts and maps.

Aviation Warfare Systems Operator (AW)

General Info:

AWs operate airborne radar and electronic equipment used in detecting, locating, and tracking submarines. They also operate equipment used in antisurface, mine, and electronic warfare, and play key roles in search-and-rescue and counter-narcotics operations.

AWN. Aviation Warfare Systems Operator - Non-Acoustic (AWN) perform general flight crew duties; operate various USW and non-USW-related sensor systems to extract, analyze, and classify data obtained; perform specified pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight operations in a multitude of naval aircraft serving anti-surface, USW, mine countermeasures, electronic, counter narcotics, and land and sea rescue warfare missions.

AWH. See above, except assigned to helicopters.

Cryptologic Technician - Interperative (CTI)

General Info: Cryptologic Technicians Interpretive are the Navy's linguists. They specialize in analysis of foreign naval developments, radiotelephone communications and preparation of statistical studies and technical reports requiring knowledge of a foreign language. Language training is open to men and women in Arabic, Russian, Spanish, Chinese, French, Korean, Vietnamese, Hebrew, Persian and Tagalog. A test ( Defense Language Aptitude Battery (DLAB)) must be taken at MEPS or wherever it can be arranged, a minimum of 100 is required. Based on the DLAB scores, school quotas, and requirements, students will be assigned to any of the following languages: DLAB score of 100-109 qualifies personnel for Spanish, French, Hebrew, Persian-Farsi, Russian, Vietnamese and Tagalog.

A DLAB score of 110 is required for the Arabic, Chinese and Korean languages.

What They Do:

The duties performed by CTIs include: operating sophisticated state-of-the-art electronic radio receivers, magnetic recording devices, computer terminals and associated peripherals in the communications signals environment; operating sophisticated, computer-assisted information systems; working with classified material; translating, interpreting and transcribing foreign language communications data; analyzing and reporting highly technical information of strategic and tactical importance to fleet commanders and national intelligence agencies; performing temporary duty aboard a variety of naval surface and subsurface vessels and aircraft.

Detailed List of Required Duties

Cryptologic Technician - Communications (CTO)

General Info: Note: The Navy plans to merge this rating with the IT Rating, in Fiscal Year 2006.

CTOs perform a variety of duties associated with operating telecommunications systems that exist across the global communications spectrum. Advanced AIS networking and information management skills support the movement of huge volumes of data to operating forces ashore and afloat.

What They Do:

The duties performed by CTOs include: providing telecommunications support to the fleet (air, surface and shore); information processing using computer terminals observing all applicable security measures; administrative duties, which include maintaining files and updating communications publications via automated methods.

controlling and operating communications systems and networks including satellite systems, network servers, patch panels, modems, routers, multiplexers and communications security devices; assuring signal quality and path integrity using test equipment such as protocol analyzers, distortion test sets, spectrum oscilloscopes and state-of-the-art signal analysis equipment.

Cryptologic Technician - Collection (CTR)

General Info:

CTRs perform a variety of duties worldwide at numerous overseas and stateside shore commands, aboard surface ships, aircraft and submarines. Duties include performing collection, analysis and reporting on communication signals using computers, specialized computer-assisted communications equipment, video display terminals and electronic/magnetic tape recorders.

What They Do:

The duties performed by CTRs include: providing in-depth analysis on a variety of complex digital communications signals using sophisticated communications equipment and computer technology to provide critical intelligence information; providing analysis and technical guidance and targeting information to weapons systems while assigned to ships and submarines; possible assignment to a three-year tour of duty to selected ships homeported at Norfolk, Va., Mayport, Fla., San Diego, CA., Everett, WA, Hawaii and Japan or to P-3 aircraft based in Rota, Spain, Misawa, Japan and Whidbey Island, WA.
operating sophisticated state-of-the-art strategic and tactical signals collection and analysis systems; locating ships, aircraft and submarines using sophisticated direction finding technology; originating reports and briefs for operational commanders both ashore and afloat

Cryptologic Technician - Technical (CTT)

General Info: Note: The EW Rating, recently merged with this rating, so duties of EWs also now apply. See Related Article.

CTT's perform a variety of specialized duties associated with processing of airborne, shipborne and land-based radar systems and associated signals. Operate Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) receiving, direction finding, recording and related computer equipment, sophisticated state-of-the-art radar electronic equipment, magnetic or digital recording devices, analysis terminals and associated peripheral equipment. Perform a variety of duties associated with computer equipment, video display terminals, computer interface consoles and non-morse communications systems.

What They Do:

Duties performed by CTT's include: Operate sophisticated, state-of-the-art, electronic receivers, signal modifiers, magnetic recording devices and associated peripherals in the collection of airborne, shipborne and land-based radar signals; Operate collection equipment as crewmembers onboard Navy land aircraft to provide tactical and strategic electronic intelligence (ELINT) to forward-deployed units in support of fleet operations; Operate collection and analysis consoles as direct support augmentees on surface and subsurface and as permanently assigned personnel on surface collection platforms to provide ELINT support to forward deployed unit commanders; Apply analytical knowledge and techniques in the formation of technical reports and briefs for operations departments at shore support facilities in continental United States, Hawaii, Japan, Spain, Great Britain and various remote sites throughout the world; Perform state-of-the-art technical analysis of radar signals/systems to produce technical reports and briefs for local and national level agencies and provide naval and national database maintenance; Create and maintain technical databases, files and technical documents associated with prescribed duties; Routinely works with highly classified and technical material in support of national security.

Damage Controlman (DC)

General Info:

DC's (USN and TAR) do the work necessary for damage control, ship stability, firefighting, fire prevention, and chemical, biological and radiological (CBR) warfare defense. They also instruct personnel in the methods of damage control and CBR defense, and repair damage control equipment and systems.

What They Do:

The duties performed by DC's include: operating, repairing and maintaining installed firefighting systems and equipment, damage control equipment, and chemical, biological and radiological defense equipment; training shipboard personnel in the operation, maintenance and repair of damage control systems and equipment, life saving devices, and various firefighting methods; performing emergency repairs to decks, structures and hulls by emergency pipe patching, plugging, and shoring; performing maintenance and repair of watertight closures and assorted fittings; performing emergency repairs to piping fittings and fixtures; acting as the ships Fire Marshal and fire fighting leaders; training ship's company in chemical, biological and radiological defense

Gunner's Mate (GM)

General Info:

Gunner's mates are responsible for the operation and maintenance of guided missile launching systems, gun mounts and other ordnance equipment, as well as small arms and magazines. They work with electrical and electronic circuitry; mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic systems.

What They Do:

The duties performed by GMs include: operating and maintaining guided missile launching systems, rocket launchers, gun mounts and other ordnance systems and equipment; training and supervising crews in the use of all types of ordnance equipment, from large caliber guns and missile systems to small arms; stowing, securing, requisitioning and reclassifying explosives: operating and maintaining magazine flooding and sprinkling systems; making mechanical, electrical and electronic casualty analysis using technical publications, circuit diagrams and blueprints; repairing, maintaining, testing and calibrating ordnance equipment; servicing hydraulic and pneumatic systems; repairing, maintaining, testing and calibrating microprocessing equipment; repairing damaged hydraulic sealing surfaces, mating areas and threads; performing mechanical wire connections including soldering; operating and maintaining night optical devices; operating optical scanning and marking devices to label, identify and report explosives' utilization/expenditure.

Religious Program Specialist RP

General Info: Religious program specialists provide support to Navy chaplains in developing programs to meet the needs of Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard personnel and their families. RPs perform functions that do not require ordination and do no pastoral counseling.

What They Do: The duties performed by RPs include: supporting chaplains of all faiths and religious activities of the command; maintaining records, ecclesiastical documents and references of various faith groups; maintaining liaison with religious and community agencies. assisting in preparation of devotional and religious educational materials, and audio-visual displays; determining, developing, managing and maintaining the administrative and logistical support requirements of religious programs and facilities aboard ships, shore stations, hospitals, Marine Corps units and other sea service commands; providing physical security for chaplains during field exercises and in combat environments; operating and maintaining libraries aboard ships and isolated duty stations; performing bookkeeping and accounting functions related to Religious Offerings Fund and OPTAR fund transactions; as custodians, rigging and unrigging for religious activities; o publicizing the command's religious activities; training command religious program volunteers on logistics and instruction methods; supervising chaplain's office personnel; performing administrative, clerical and secretarial duties; stocking and maintaining field mount-out boxes.

Sonar Technician - Surface (STG)

General Info:

These technicians are responsible for operating sonar systems, underwater fire control systems, and supporting equipment on surface ships such as frigates, destroyers and cruisers. STGs are also responsible for undersea surveillance, and aid in safe navigation and search-and-rescue operations. They use equipment to detect, analyze and locate targets of interest.

What They Do:

The duties performed by STGs include: identify sounds produced by surface ships, torpedoes, submarines, evasion devices, sonar transmissions, marine life and natural phenomena; operate sonar sensors for detection and classification of contacts; identify the characteristics, functions and effects of controlled jamming and evasive devices on sonar operations; prepare and interpret sonar messages; operate underwater fire control systems for firing of torpedoes and anti-submarine rockets; recognize major equipment malfunctions during sensor operations; operate tape recorders, bathythermographs and fathometers; use and maintain hand tools and portable power tools; operate underwater communications equipment.

Well, that's the lot of them.  The two that are the most interesting to me right now are the AG and the Cryptlogical ones.  Sweeeeeeeeet.  Now I'm all excited and want to go talk to a recruiter, woo!

I'm not talking about the movie.  I'm talking about me!

So needlesss to say, things have been up in the air for the past 7ish months.  I've had good times and I've had bad.  Lately it seems as if more bad than good, unfortunately. 

I'm still undecided about what to do with my life.  My most current idea is enlisting in the Navy.  I'm more serious about it than ever.  I've thought about it on and off since I was in High School, but mostly with whimsical ideas.  Now I'm looking at it as a real possibility.  I'm just so tired of having no direction, no goals, nothing to work towards.  That's how its been since everything went down the shitter with school in December.  I hope the BSU Respiratory Therapy program is happy that they ruined what future I was going to have.  I hope they can sleep at night. 

That being said, and hopefully soon to be put in the vault of shit I no longer care about, I have been trying to work on getting in shape and lose weight so I can enlist and not DIE in boot camp.  I want to be a lean mean fighting machine!  An American Badass!!  Its going to be a lot of hard work, but I can do it.  Lately I've just been filled with the urge and the calling to serve my country.  I want to be part of something bigger, see the world, experience things that civilians only dream of.  I want to be a self-sufficient adult, and I want others to look up to me and respect me.  There are so many great opportunities.  Wow, I'm getting all pumped up just thinking/typing about it. 

So to help me get in shape and become a badass, I purchased a heavy punching bag and stand!  I've had it about a week, on my goodness, its AWESOME!  I feel AMAZING during and after I work the bag.  Its exhilarating, and gives me a MASSIVE confidence boost.

 

Well, I suppose I should get to work, since I've been sitting here on back desk typing away.  Until next time...

Needless to say, I am single yet again.  I guess I probably should have updated when it actually happened, but I haven't felt much like thinking about it.  In fact, I still don't want to deal with it, since it makes absolutely no sense.  We're still in love, we miss each other, and we both know we were meant to be together, we were the best things each other had.  Yeah, so why break up?  That's what I've been asking myself for 2 months now.  I don't know if all of that was correct, but here's to hoping.

So since all of that I vowed that I would take a 3 month break from the world of dating.  Why would I date someone when I know that it wouldn't be fair to them?  Sure, I could probably meet someone wonderful, but I still have my heart and mind set on Jimmy James, so until such time as I'm not completely in love with him, I don't see the point in trying to fill the void, only to hurt myself more. 

So that's pretty much it on the MANfront.  I am in lust with a few boys/men via x box live, but I'm sure nothing will come of that, considering one of them is possibly my soulmate, but he's in Canada and has a gf.  HAHAHA!  Anyway, for now I'm just trying to concentrate on me.  And that's uber hard, let me tell ya! 

Be jealous...

I feel the need to blog.  Why, you ask?  Is she mad?  No.  I know that's usually the reason for my bloggins, but I'm actually blogging because I'm so happy I don't know what to do with myself!

Obviously I'm a big believer of the "Everything happens for a reason" theory.  We all must have our hearts broken to know what REAL love is.  For we cannot appreciate something wonderful, without having experienced pain, otherwise we might take that good thing for granted.  I never intend to do that.  I guess we find what we're looking for when we're not really looking.  Love comes from the most unexpected places.  And to think that someone actually had a crush on me for like two years, and still kept that flame of hope alive in their heart, wow, that just floors me.  I've always dreamed that something like that, that someone like that would come along, but it was only a pipedream.  My love is almost always unrequited, but for once, this is not the case. 

I feel like I'm caught in a cyclone.  Normally I would be afraid, as I'm terrified of Tornadoes, but this time I'm charging forward, head on, in its direction.  I have never had anything in my life feel so right so quickly.  I've been fooled in the past, but NOTHING has ever felt like this.  To the outside world it may seem as if I'm moving fast and becoming attatched too quickly, etc., but for once, I don't care what the outside world has to say about it!  I know how I feel, and that's all that matters.  I know how I feel, and I know how he feels.  Love is always an uphill battle, but its something I'm willing to fight for.  Time is irrelevant when love is on the line.  If we don't take that chance, jump when we can, we might lose our opportunity and we'll always wonder "what if."  I don't want anymore "what ifs" in my life.

I just can't believe how lucky I am.  I've always dreamed of my perfect man, but I never actually thought I'd find him.  Sure, I figured I could find one that was close, and just settle, but with him, I don't have to!  He's perfect!  I thank God every day that He brought someone so special into my life.  I've always prayed that someday He would bring the perfect man into my life and now that He finally did, I'm ecstatic! 

One last thing, I want to say Thank you to my man, my sugar, my honey, my stud, my love, my sweetheart, my Sexy McSexypants!  Thank you for being everything I've ever dreamed of, thank you for being you, and thank you for loving me, for everything I am and can be!  I love you so much! 

I can't stop looking at these stupid cat pictures!  I especially love the "invisible" ones. HA

What time is your alarm clock set for?  Do you use the snooze button?

Depends on the day.  This morning it was set for 7:22 and I hit the snooze until 8 something.  I'm a horrible abuser of the snooze button.