March 2024

Milton is seven! His birthday party photos are on a separate blog post. The biggest excitement for March was our visit from Rod and Ileene. That is also on a separate post. Damon also went to Saipan for a marathon on March 9. Owen gave a rather thoughtful talk in primary about taking care of things and having ownership.  Which was followed with him leaving his scriptures on the front table in the primary room. He's trying. We tried out the new indoor play place by the GPO movie theater which was expensive, but fun for the boys.  We went to an egg hunt at the hospital by the Oakleaf club and then the boys also got their easter basket from the easter bunny hidden in the house. Otherwise the month was just the kids doing great in school, Damon and I both going to work and overall being a pretty happy little crew.

 

Mount Jumullong-Manglo, Guam

Mount Jumullong-Manglo on Good Friday. 

February 2024

We began February with Damon being in Virginia for a week-long course.  He had a nice visit with my family and stayed at my mom's house one night so they could par-tay. Owen was awarded two awards from SAC; junior youth of the month and master builder.  He is also loving being president of Anchored for Life where he is in charge of welcoming new students and in general being welcoming to the other students.  Owen alternates between wanting to dress like Napoleon (pirate hat, cape, and Damon's dress sword) and then wearing his blazer.  Milton loves to wear the blazer jacket as well and they look so spiffy at church with their fancy attire. Milton is doing so great in school and will blast through his homework without any issues.  He loves to build and is always so curious about how things work.  Grandpa John would probably say that Milton has "the knack". My work excitement was that on February 8th we returned to full face-to-face instruction.  I will not miss the online instruction days.  Getting back to the 70-minute blocks instead of 45 minutes was an adjustment, but I'd rather be fully face-to-face than online any day. On February 28th we had our career day and Damon came to present on dental navy medicine.  He made quite the impression on my students as they wanted to ask lots of questions and many of the girls were saying that he is so handsome.  We also got to feel another earthquake. Overall just school, work, teaching, diving, and building legos.

Promotion Ceremony

My promotion ceremony occurred on 01Jan24. We returned from Japan on 01Jan24 early morning so it wasn't an ideal date in that respect. However, Allison, the kids, and I had the day off. Also after being passed over, I was excited, and being #5 on the lineal list this was the first day eligible. It occurred at 1400 on a Micronesia Divers Association boat I rented for $700. This allowed up to 40 guests. We had 44 people come but Captain Bill let it fly. It is Guam. We had Pizza Hut. I planned on smoking a brisket but did not have time. The ceremony was Captain Barrows Captain Hoyos and Allison at Spanish Steps. The dolphins were not playing so we snorkeled at Finger Reef. It really went well.  

This goal was incredibly important to me. Getting passed over, and evaluating my need for external affirmation was even better to finally achieve my goal. In the dental corps, we are not dogma constrained so 06 is hard but possible. I saw this as a goal back in 2003 as many dental school role models were retired 06s. The goal mattered not for the rank or pay. No one cares about a dentist 06 and I am donating 100% of the pay difference to UMKC School of Dentistry. The goal mattered in that a lot of people I admire happen to retire at this rank. I am not there yet, but I am closer than in 2003. Also to mark off requirements to be competitive I did many things I would not have otherwise done and these had value (JPME1 EMBA SWIMDO FMF MILESTONE etc.)  It was and is the journey, not the destination. The Navy is more than a job to me, it is a way of life to me. My life would not be the same without the Navy. I meet Allison through being stationed at Bethesda etc. I appreciate the Navy and want to do right by the Navy.  I hope to live up to those mentors who have made this honor possible. I am at terminal rank for me, but the Navy promotes not based on what you have done but on what it hopes you will do is the common phrase thrown around.