heh nice to see a lighter side to you. I appreciate everyone's input even if I seem hard-headed. I just want to plan it out as much as possible and then let it play out.
oh and all my friends are in college(out of town) and I quit drinking(which always leads to a fun time) due to me eating a truck load during that period which hinders my fitness goals. Plus the horrid stomach ache the next day. Soooo here I lay. 
You seem like a nice guy who is desperately seeking advice. I see so many guys/gals in the rate that doesn't necessarily fit them so I can understand your concerns. So, I truly want to help you...I promise, no more bow tie, Turkish prison comments.
Listen to Jason,
Again, re-evaluate your options. You will not be Designing (or Re-Designing) anything to do with the Rx/Steam Plant. Okay. Got it yet?
seriously consider what it is that makes you happy and then reread the posts regarding the different rates. Then, stop thinking about how much money you want to make in the civilian world unless you want to go straight into the civilian industry. Please don't join the Navy to make tons of money. Don't get me wrong, the Navy pay isn't bad, it is adequate.
Then reread this entire thread that you started back on Jan. 14 and sift through the BS. There is a lot of good advice included here.
Finally, enjoy your time not worrying about quals because once you come aboard, then all you will hear for a while is "get hot NUB, you're dink"
Good luck,
X
