An Officer Without A Uniform

Woke up to realize that I need to buy white shirts with shoulder flaps for epaulettes and get another layer of stripes put on the blazer (Yes I've moved up the ranks). Braved the heat and crowds to get to a shop that sells naval uniforms. Realised midway that I have no money: not in my wallet, not in the bank. So, as of now, I'm an officer without a uniform. Five days to go until I join. Lets see if I can come up with some money for the darn white shirts and the stripes. Or maybe, if anyone reads this, you can donate me some money. The captain will not be pleased if his 2nd officer does not have his uniform. Maybe I'll get to come home early ;)

Last Couple Of Days on Terra Firma

Departure looms nigh and I've been busy running around with all the documentation et al. Went for the pre-joining medical check yesterday. Balls are good: no hernia ;) . (I see all the sailors shake their heads sagely). Got the report back today. I am fit to sail. There are no abnormalitities. I am healthy, not too wealthy and about to embark on another 5 month sojourn. These last few days are always a drag. I'm sure Capt Jack Sparrow would have lost much of his swagger if he had to contend with visas and innoculations.

Arrrgh

Arrrgh. They've changed the ship yet again. Most disenchanted with the Company. Now supposed to join a ship in Shanghai. But this time around I'll only believe it if it happens. Aaaah the vagaries of shipping.

Cheap Mate

Finally got my COC as 1st Mate yesterday. Big Relief. This also means that hopefully I won't have to set foot in the stinking halls of the MMD for at least two years. Why are all Government offices like this? They should have a sign at the door saying "Abandon hope, all ye who enter here". But now I'm digressing. The day to leave draws nearer and I grow gloomier. This is the ultimate need based relationship.

Change of Plans

Well lots of activity since yesterday. The travel plans have been changed and now I'm to fly out to Singapore for a briefing on the 31st and then eventually join a different ship in Korea on the 4th. Typical of pre-joining. Dates and ships keep getting shuffled around and generally make a mess of everything you plan. Will spend the weekend in Singapore. Won't really be that much fun without Ava.

Preparations

Just got word from the Company that I'll be flying out on the 10th of June. Lots of work to be done in the interim: visas, medical check-ups, documents, etc, etc. And that sinking feeling again. It's never easy to pack up everything and bid goodbye to the life you've known for 5 to 6 months at a stretch. These are probably the most trying times for me and Ava - my fiancee.