Author Topic: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!  (Read 183147 times)

Charlie 6

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Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
« Reply #1020 on: 09 February 2016, 21:09:20 »
Still looking for a job, selling the house (three viewings so far since it went on the market last Wednesday) and hopefully divorced by mid March.

Definitely a low point in my life to say the least.

Once I get a job though, I plan on buying a house or townhouse of my own and start dating again.

In other words, I refuse to be one of those people that wallow in ones past and remain there. I am excited about my future though. Especially the dating part. If you happen to know any single available women between 40 and 47 years old that don't smoke or have tattoos and are gamers (gold points) especially Battletech (Platinum points!) in the northern Illinois area, point them my way.  O0

Thanks for asking Charlie6.
No problem.  I always felt this thread to be a good place to both yuk it up and to check up on folks with similar interests.  Seems of late we need to be checking up on each other.

I can commiserate to a small extent.  For the first time in 22 years I'm searching for a job.  We tried to sell our condo, that we're currently renting, this past summer with no luck.  Unemployed with two mortgages isn't something I'm looking forward to come July.  Anyway, I don't know for how long you were married but I still remember the best piece of self-discovery I had eight years ago when I met my wife.  Dating is good deal about interviewing the other person to be the best fit for you.  Anyway, good luck.

Arkansas Warrior

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Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
« Reply #1021 on: 10 February 2016, 09:45:50 »
Go with what you think is best, but always remember, it least you got Soul.  ;)
I was somewhat disappointed I couldn't find a black one, so I could make "as black as my Soul" jokes.
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Arkansas Warrior

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Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
« Reply #1022 on: 16 March 2016, 08:35:39 »
Did you ever have a boss who gave only the vaguest of instructions, then chewed you out for not going above and beyond what he'd told you to do (or for going doing exactly what you'd been told, in one case)?  Or who wrote you up for not fixing a coworker's mistake?  Yeah, I need a new job.
Sunrise is Coming.

All Hail First Prince Melissa Davion, the Patron Saint of the Regimental Combat Team, who cowed Dainmar Liao, created the Model Army, and rescued Robinson!  May her light ever guide the sons of the Suns, May our daughters ever endeavour to emulate her!

Davout73

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Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
« Reply #1023 on: 16 March 2016, 12:27:45 »
I had a boss who pulled me into his office one Friday and tild me he was letting me go.

When I asked why he said he was unhappy with how I was performing my job.   When I asked him why this was the first time I heard about it,  he said he thought I'd realize I was doing a bad job and take steps to fix it. When I said i had never received any negative feedback from my supervisors or co workers,  he said it wasnt their responsibility to tell me.

This all happened on a Friday the thirteenth.   I wish I were making it up.

Dav

Kiiro no Torii, a Battletech AU, found here:
http://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,7316.0.html
Interview with a Mercenary, found here: http://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,319.0.html
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Force of Nature

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Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
« Reply #1024 on: 16 March 2016, 16:53:27 »
I had a boss who pulled me into his office one Friday and tild me he was letting me go.

When I asked why he said he was unhappy with how I was performing my job.   When I asked him why this was the first time I heard about it,  he said he thought I'd realize I was doing a bad job and take steps to fix it. When I said i had never received any negative feedback from my supervisors or co workers,  he said it wasnt their responsibility to tell me.

This all happened on a Friday the thirteenth.   I wish I were making it up.

Dav

That is unfair and you need to involve Human Resources immediately.

DoctorMonkey

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Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
« Reply #1025 on: 16 March 2016, 17:04:02 »
That is unfair and you need to involve Human Resources immediately.


I agree


I too have had crappy feedback but never that bad


To try to talk about more positive things, I have made up for no longer being able to join the Army by going to a local shooting club (yes, we have them in the UK and our NRA pre-dates the US one by over a decade) and had fun trying a .22, archery, airpistol and a .45 blackpowder percussion cap revolver. I discovered my wife is a better rifle shot than I am but I am better with a pistol  :)
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Davout73

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Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
« Reply #1026 on: 16 March 2016, 21:09:55 »
It was two jobs ago, I'm mostly over it.  :-)

That is unfair and you need to involve Human Resources immediately.
Kiiro no Torii, a Battletech AU, found here:
http://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,7316.0.html
Interview with a Mercenary, found here: http://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,319.0.html
Every Man Must Be Tempted, a KNT Universe series: https://bg.battletech.com/forums/fan-fiction/every-man-must-be-tempted
"Violence is the last resort of the incompetent, because the competent use it when it could do some good."

Paladin1

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Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
« Reply #1027 on: 16 March 2016, 22:08:54 »
Did you ever have a boss who gave only the vaguest of instructions, then chewed you out for not going above and beyond what he'd told you to do (or for going doing exactly what you'd been told, in one case)?  Or who wrote you up for not fixing a coworker's mistake?  Yeah, I need a new job.
You could say I'm familiar with the type.

Sorry to hear about the divorce Force, I wouldn't wish that on anyone. At least you have a plan for the future though. I didn't and it made for some interesting times.

Force of Nature

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Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
« Reply #1028 on: 19 March 2016, 01:15:07 »
Yeah Paladin, divorce is the absolute worst experience to go through. For me it ends this Wednesday 3/23/16. Then the healing begins...

Charlie 6

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Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
« Reply #1029 on: 09 April 2016, 10:48:28 »
How is everyone this damp, wintery April day?  I hope well.

I'm on bed/couch rest after a medical procedure.  The kids are staying with their grandparents, the wife is updating our Disney vacation plan, I'm watching Star Wars Episode VI and wishing I could go fiddle with Star Wars Rebellion down in my office.  Our crappy condo is back on the market, I'm finding that the time allotted to me for job hunting is really all about preparing for my retirement ceremony and checking out of the Marine Corps.  Evidentially, I won't be talked to seriously until about four to six weeks before I actually retire.  (Oops Vader just lost his hand)  Oh, and I'm likely in need of shoulder surgery for a torn labrum and two nearly torn ligaments in my right shoulder (thanks pull-ups).  (Shield is down!).

I hope you all are well (Vader's having a moral compass crisis at the moment).

S/F, Matt

DoctorMonkey

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Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
« Reply #1030 on: 09 April 2016, 16:51:12 »
I'm working this weekend but right now I'm sat on my sofa having a beer
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greatsarcasmo

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Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
« Reply #1031 on: 09 April 2016, 17:16:15 »
Man Charlie6, you sound pretty rough! Hope you get better quick and have a smooth transition!
Maker of big things.

Charlie 6

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Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
« Reply #1032 on: 09 April 2016, 19:09:23 »
Man Charlie6, you sound pretty rough! Hope you get better quick and have a smooth transition!
Yeah, this retirement thing isn't turning out to be all that fun.  Thanks for the well wish.

Dan, I hope you enjoyed that beer.

Davout73

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Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
« Reply #1033 on: 09 April 2016, 21:59:11 »
My wife and I put anoffer in to buy a house.  Itwas accepted.  A week later she pulled a sizeable chunk out of her 401.   Insection goes great, were in first round of underwriting, at Nebraska Furniture Mart looking at new couches and the like.  Check Engine Light comes on driving home.  Pull into the dealership, hae them check it out.

New timing belt system required.  Which is only mildy frustrating because I had that replaced three years ago when I was commuting 170 miles a day.  I'm getting a discount on the repair, but that's my wife not getting the new fridge she wants.   >:(

On the plus side, the house is fabulous, as my daughter puts it "We're getting three bathrooms...and a dog!"

Dav
Kiiro no Torii, a Battletech AU, found here:
http://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,7316.0.html
Interview with a Mercenary, found here: http://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,319.0.html
Every Man Must Be Tempted, a KNT Universe series: https://bg.battletech.com/forums/fan-fiction/every-man-must-be-tempted
"Violence is the last resort of the incompetent, because the competent use it when it could do some good."

Charlie 6

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Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
« Reply #1034 on: 10 April 2016, 06:37:56 »
My wife and I put anoffer in to buy a house.  Itwas accepted.  A week later she pulled a sizeable chunk out of her 401.   Insection goes great, were in first round of underwriting, at Nebraska Furniture Mart looking at new couches and the like.  Check Engine Light comes on driving home.  Pull into the dealership, hae them check it out.

New timing belt system required.  Which is only mildy frustrating because I had that replaced three years ago when I was commuting 170 miles a day.  I'm getting a discount on the repair, but that's my wife not getting the new fridge she wants.   >:(

On the plus side, the house is fabulous, as my daughter puts it "We're getting three bathrooms...and a dog!"

Dav
Did you know you were getting a dog?  Between my two properties I have two refrigerators that I despise.  I will never buy another fridge with a ice maker or water dispenser in them. Both have broken and I rarely use either.

Good luck with the house.

Davout73

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Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
« Reply #1035 on: 10 April 2016, 10:42:16 »
Well, were getting  Great Pyrenees, not so much as dog as a small pony....

Thanks for the kind words,

Dav
Kiiro no Torii, a Battletech AU, found here:
http://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,7316.0.html
Interview with a Mercenary, found here: http://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,319.0.html
Every Man Must Be Tempted, a KNT Universe series: https://bg.battletech.com/forums/fan-fiction/every-man-must-be-tempted
"Violence is the last resort of the incompetent, because the competent use it when it could do some good."

Acolyte

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Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
« Reply #1036 on: 12 April 2016, 02:39:49 »
Well, were getting  Great Pyrenees, not so much as dog as a small pony....

Thanks for the kind words,

Dav

Cool! Your daughter can learn dressage!

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Sharpnel

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Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
« Reply #1037 on: 12 April 2016, 02:46:39 »
And remember when you take the dog for a walk, it's more him taking you for one. That's one big, strong dog.
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Charlie 6

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Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
« Reply #1038 on: 12 April 2016, 08:20:00 »
Cool! Your daughter can learn dressage!

   - Shane
Damn, that was much better joke that I could come up with.  Well played.

The Mighty ACHOO

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Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
« Reply #1039 on: 14 April 2016, 12:02:23 »
Damn, that was much better joke that I could come up with.  Well played.

That reminded me of the following picture.
If you are waiting for me to go out of my mind you will have to wait. The exits are not clearly marked and the doors open the wrong way. Oh, and the doors are trapped!

Weirdo

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Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
« Reply #1040 on: 14 April 2016, 14:03:29 »
10/10, would ride into battle again.
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The Mighty ACHOO

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Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
« Reply #1041 on: 18 April 2016, 20:13:01 »
Images of Sir Didymus and his faithful mount Ambrosius come to mind.....
If you are waiting for me to go out of my mind you will have to wait. The exits are not clearly marked and the doors open the wrong way. Oh, and the doors are trapped!

Charlie 6

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Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
« Reply #1042 on: 05 May 2016, 09:27:51 »
Gentlemen, indulge me if you will for few moments of your time.

So, I retired on Friday.  Not retired retired as in never working again but held my retirement ceremony from the Marine Corps.  The pomp and circumstance is done.  Pretty much a ‘the Marine Corps Hymn has been played for you; go get the final paperwork on your own time’ sort of thing.  I came home with less people attending than expected and very introspective on the whole matter.  By the by, there’s a shittiness to RSVP’ing ‘yes’ and not showing...keep that in mind in your social engagements.

Introspection follows along the lines of ‘did I achieve enough’ countered against some things the Retiring Officer related to the crowd.  He reached out to folks I’d served with or those that taught me in high school, all of whom couldn’t attend, for comments.  The crux of his statements were that I was the “smart guy”, the “intellectual”, and the one “that challenged our critical thoughts and made us think critically about them.”  Beyond generous about my contributions but frankly those are the kind of things people had said about me since I was a Captain.

I spoke about home.  I’m not sure you guys know this but I’m second generation Marine.  I’ve carried my Father’s sword for 21 years.  It’s been in active service for nearly 50 years (his first one was stolen in Naples in the ‘60s).  The building I retired in, Harry Lee Hall, is a mile from the house where my Mother passed away in when I was twelve.  I rode past the building on the way to elementary school, went to Boy Scouts nearby it, snuck my dog (against policy) in and out of it when we moved, my brother had his prom in the very same room of my ceremony, and my parents had their wedding reception upstairs from it.  Quantico, for lack of a better word, was my hometown and Harry Lee Hall is a good representation of it.

Afterward, I was struck by a theme I never knew existed.  A more junior officer told me that our interactions, particularly over me cracking open books to learn doctrine, had been a mentoring point of his for the last 15 years.  I thought he hated me but he took time out of his day to come thank me.  A peer told me the most career defining moment for him was realizing that he was wrong and I was right.  He, as a Marine Captain, turned to a Navy Captain and said simply, “Sir, I’ve led you astray.  Matt has it right.”  His lesson:  Courage Always.  Lastly, and this was the one that really got me (near to tears mind you) was what one of my former bosses told me after the ceremony.  He said simply that I shouldn’t forget my contribution to those I worked for:  they wouldn’t be in their position if I hadn’t helped them grow too.  Considering he fought his way through two accidents on I-95 that morning just make my remarks during the ceremony when he could have easily blown my retirement off entirely having his aide instead text me something had came up is telling.  But it was when he fiddled with collar, pulled his Major General insignia off his collar and handed them to me (with stern “don’t wear them”) that I nearly lost it.  I guess I took the kind words from my former battalion CO and also my former MEU CO, now a retired Lieutenant General, in the letters they wrote me too much at face value and failed to realize they aren’t just doing it for good form, they actually mean it.

So, after several glasses of wine over the week, and a couple of scotch, I guess I ought to recognize that yes, I made a difference.  Now I need to get off my ass to fulfill my second life goal, raise a family.  See if your two boys can fulfill more lines of Kipling’s ‘IF’ than you could.  Be the best of men to my wife.

Anyway, those are my thoughts after 21 years of service.  Outside of my wife, you are the folks with whom I share this stuff.  Thanks for reading.

Semper Fidelis, Matt

greatsarcasmo

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Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
« Reply #1043 on: 05 May 2016, 15:23:16 »
I feel honored to read them sir.
I wish you a prosperous "retirement"!
Maker of big things.

Charlie 6

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Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
« Reply #1044 on: 05 May 2016, 17:33:06 »
I feel honored to read them sir.
I wish you a prosperous "retirement"!
Thanks for reading and the well wish.

The Mighty ACHOO

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Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
« Reply #1045 on: 05 May 2016, 18:41:37 »
Although my time in the Corps was brief by comparison (only 3 years) and longer ago than I care to remember (74-77) I salute you sir. Congratulation on your retirement. Your new adventure has begun. Semper Fi.
If you are waiting for me to go out of my mind you will have to wait. The exits are not clearly marked and the doors open the wrong way. Oh, and the doors are trapped!

Charlie 6

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Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
« Reply #1046 on: 05 May 2016, 19:12:59 »
Although my time in the Corps was brief by comparison (only 3 years) and longer ago than I care to remember (74-77) I salute you sir. Congratulation on your retirement. Your new adventure has begun. Semper Fi.
Thanks Leathernuts!  I've always appreciated you as an old hand on the boards and also because you're one of the few Marines around here.  Besides, you were around during the bad old days; you deserve my thanks. Also, thank you for the kind words.  By the way, I'm sure you've forgotten but it is a Hell of a lot easier to get in than it is to get out these days.  Four trips and three phone calls from Admin before I could leave with my DD214.

S/F

Matt

Force of Nature

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Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
« Reply #1047 on: 05 May 2016, 20:29:31 »
Thank you for serving is all I can say Charlie 6.

To Have Succeeded

 To laugh often and love much:
 To win respect of intelligent people
 And the affection of children;
 To earn the approbation of honest critics
 And endure the betrayal of false friends;
 To appreciate beauty;
 To find the best in others;
 To give one's self;
 To leave the world a little better,
 Whether by a healthy child,
 A garden patch,
 Or redeemed social condition;
 To have played and laughed with enthusiasm
 And sung with exultation;
 To know even one life has breathed easier
 Because you have lived...
 This is to have succeeded.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

You have succeeded more than most ever will. The people that were at your retirement are the proof.
Now it's time to move on to your next successes in life.

Semper Fi.

Force

Charlie 6

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Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
« Reply #1048 on: 05 May 2016, 21:17:39 »
Thank you for serving is all I can say Charlie 6.

To Have Succeeded

 To laugh often and love much:
 To win respect of intelligent people
 And the affection of children;
 To earn the approbation of honest critics
 And endure the betrayal of false friends;
 To appreciate beauty;
 To find the best in others;
 To give one's self;
 To leave the world a little better,
 Whether by a healthy child,
 A garden patch,
 Or redeemed social condition;
 To have played and laughed with enthusiasm
 And sung with exultation;
 To know even one life has breathed easier
 Because you have lived...
 This is to have succeeded.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

You have succeeded more than most ever will. The people that were at your retirement are the proof.
Now it's time to move on to your next successes in life.

Semper Fi.

Force
You see my Kipling and raise me Emerson.  Tough move on your part.  I'm not familiar with that poem but see bits of 'IF' in it.  Children are a hard crowd to win over...a bit daunting actually.  Thank you for the well wishes.

DoctorMonkey

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Re: AFFS High Command, Suns Transcendent!
« Reply #1049 on: 06 May 2016, 15:34:14 »
I hope you feel that looking back you did a good job - it certainly sounds like it
This is a huge life-event for you so don't be surprised if the transition takes a while to fully settle


I was thinking of posting something myself - I'm now in NY for a holiday but within about 24 hours of arriving ended up needing an ER visit  :'(  fortunately nothing too serious but it's taken out a day or so out of our time here
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