Author Gunny376 Posted July 30, 2010 Author Posted July 30, 2010 It is indeed relevant. I am poor I suppose. Poor by some people's standards. There's hardly any money in the bank. The divorce will be final and leaving me already needing to be completely self-sufficient, and it's a tough go. The antique trade isn't what it was several years ago. Frivolous purchases are low on many people's spending list. But I have my cottage. I have inventory to sell. I have my health so far--knocks on wood. I've only been in the hospital two days in my life--when I was born, and when my daughter was born. So who's to say if I'm rich or poor? How is it measured? I still have most of my wits about me, that makes me rich compared to those who don't, at least I think! My health is pretty good--rich compared to those with endless ailments. I have my cottage, although my taxes are behind. No mortgage. There's families right now living in cardboard boxes all over the world. My cottage is a small place. Am I rich or poor? I have a roof over my head, that's something. I take great joy in everyday life, sunshine, a good tune on the radio, a sweet breeze blowing over the lake. Laughing with another person--that's rich, it's downright priceless. I can't afford expensive wine anymore, expensive vacations, dining out often. These things are not in my immediate future whatsoever. I bought some beer last night. I don't particularly like beer very much. But how much of a priority is alcohol? Very low on my list. One might be good after I mow the lawn today. I don't have HBO anymore, waaaaaaaaa! Well just about everything I could want to see is online anyway, somewhere. What we value in life. If it were material possessions and throwing money around, the world would cave in on itself. Luckily, so far, humankind still holds a few other things valuable. This is what I'm talking about. People living to work ~ instead of working to live. Most of the guys that I use to work with have some kind of "second" job or income. Granted one is raising cattle ~ and losing his shirt doing so. Another has rental income and is constantly harassed over the phone about a clogged toilet, this that and or the other. Who needs all of that. I don't have any and everything I want? But I've got everything that I need ~ and its bought and paid for. Granted you probally couldn't give it away at a yard sale? But compared to when I first went into the Marine Corps back in 75'? I'm living in "high cotton" I remember back in tha' day when if you could even get a fan blowing in the direction of your bunk? You were doing good. Living in an open squad bay (think prison type environment with one big room and rows and rows of bunks) and four big fans (two sucking air in ~ two sucking air out) with forty other guys, gang showers, no privacy toilets. When you took a shower, if one of the guys flushed to toilet without screaming "Fire in the hold!" you got scolded with hot water. One day while alone in the barracks I cut off the circuit breakers and took out all of the electrical receptacles ~ save the one by bunk? Took them two weeks to put them back in ~ but I had peace and quiet and the only fan. Happiness is all relative!
quankanne Posted July 30, 2010 Posted July 30, 2010 civil service jobs after military careers ain't double-dipping, IMO – who else better qualified than someone who knows how to take orders and get shxt done? My husband was in a civil service job when I met him, way back when, only got out because the government was trimming budgets and his area suffered lay-offs. other thought is that the folks who see it as double-dipping are part of a military culture. That's the great thing about SA, people are very supportive because of the five bases (that used to be) there. It's a whole other mentality. BTW, if you *do* decide to grace SA with your presence, definitely give me a shout. I visit friends/family several times a year (and hope to God that one day, I'll be able to retire out there), and would enjoy getting to meet you face to face. If you're good, I'll introduce you to my 'Bama boy and you old military farts can paint the town red :laugh:
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