Jim had to run out for a bit. That's how I feel today Ed just waiting fo the train to hit.

 

I wanna try to say the following without sounding like a smartass, so here goes. I busted my hump trying to find kids I thought were good enough to be Marine when I was a recruiter from 03-06, and it was HARD. I worked many 30 day months, out of the house from 7am-11pm. I got a lot of "ef you" and "my son ain't gonna join the efin military" and a whole lot more of the same crap day in and day out. But I wonder where those same young, inexperienced kids in NY are these days. I don't understand why more young Americans don't see the military as a viable and steady employment option these days? Heck, I get 30 days vacation a year, a raise every year, I pay less than $50 for medical and dental for a family of 4, I make pretty good money, college is paid for (almost done too) and when I retire in 5 years, I'll have the leadership and mangement skills on par if not surpassing those of employees in my age group. Plus I've never been laid off in 15 years. I know it's not for everyone, there are some folks with medical issues at a young age, but with alot of young 18 to 20-something year old folks out there complaining about lack of work, I hate to say it, but in a lot of cases it's just another excuse..... Again my intent wasn't to offend anyone, just making a point......

 

Thanks, Danny, for your faithful service for the country!! Your point taken, and well-stated, Danny.

For me, I've never been faced with lay-off issues in my 25 years due to having a fairly specialized degree in a very specialized segment of industry. However, the paper industry is going down the tubes in this country, and I have another 20-25 years left before I can retire. That's why I switched from the manufacturing to the engineering office two years ago, hoping I could proactively get my foot in the door to more generic engineering jobs so that I can maintain some stability in my career long enough to join up with my oldest son in settign up and operating a landscaping/commercial nursery business. With all the companies slowing back and pinching the flow of capital right now, unless you're already established in the "green energy" movements, a lot of engineering work is really slowed back as well.

HOWEVER.....

..... I just got some really good news, too... I picked up an assignment that will let me bill my hours for several more days on another contract... hand-to-mouth, but these little tidbits can keep the target off my back!

Whew!! For now, anyway!

 

Hell yeah Pete- good for you bro! I'll admit to harboring a bit of bitterness toward that damn job. Never have I worked so hard for so little. Granted I was making (aside from regular pay) $2600 just for rent, it wasn't worth it. the economy does suck these days, hell my old lady just got laid off and she has a masters and about 18 years in her field. Goes to show anyone can get hit. I hope things get better before they get any worse....

 

Danny, if one of my kids wanted to join the military I would be THRILLED. I remember when my son-in-law came to our house (he was my daughter's boyfriend then) to tell us that he was going to join the Marines. I was very happy in his career choice and encouraged him to follow through. He did and loves being with the Marines and learning a career (aircraft mechanic).

 

Sounds interesting, Pete. I have my own business doing property inspections and preservation right now but havent been pushing it other than handing out cards and such just getting my name out there. Basically taking care of vacant property for banks and local mortgage companies. Good money from the 4 accounts I have at this point, but when they sell Im outta work!

You dont have to tell me twice, Danny. Department of Defense was a gold mine for our family. Father and mother both retired from civilian service. Dad was in the military before goin' civilian.

 

I did, it's just a little to far for work, but if I'm in the area, then yeah I'd do it. I have a serious problem with Everett/Seattle traffic, so I avoid at all costs.

As far as I know, they are legal everywhere, just shoots a lil bitty .22, and the silencer, is of course fake. It's not any different than any other semiauto .22 Just looks cool.


Agreed.

Hey Danny! Had I not been in construction since practically birth, I would have joined for sure. Even got the forms from the recruiter for the Navy. Started making good money by 18 and never turned away. Days I wish I had gone.....

 

You mean to tell me that I can order my Crown while sitting on my azz drinking some??!! Holy chit......I've been in the dark ages too long! That uis friggin awsome!!
Yeah, I know how that feels! Then you find out that you have to buy the whole d@mn mirror because Ford dont sale just the plastic.

 

What you dont want to spend hundreds of dollars in fuel to bring me $1 worth of ice cream?

You Canadians sure do make some good cheap whiskey.

 

cheap bartstard!!

i can think of quite a few fellers here that would jump all over the chance to do just that!!

 

i have a good Marine story for ya Danny.
my nephew is getting a medical discharge because of a vision problem.
the navy and army doctors say he should not even be driving, let along touching a firearm.

the marine doctor says there is nothing wrong with him.
who does the pentagon listen to?? yup, the navy and army docs.

he wants to stay in, and has glowing references from his all his superior officers, and CO, missed expert marksman on his first time on the range by one point.

but he is out, and the drug addicts that are trying everything to get out are staying in.

it's kind of crazy that someone who made lance corporal by the time he got out of boot and will do almost anything to stay in is getting the heave ho, and the total screw-ups that are scraping the bottom of the barrel as privates after 1 year, and will do anything to get kicked out are staying in.

 

I did that once...but it was $5 worth of ice cream and only 14 miles...but she sure was appreciative!

 

I would spend hundreds to bring ya an ice cream

And, that pretty much describes us canadians, good, and cheap haha

 

SNAFU!

Evening all!

 

Hey Brad What going on today?