Can't find an appropriate thread, and senseless to make another one, so I'll post it here.
So I'm one of the many furloughed federal employees. This makes the fourth time since I went to work for our rich uncle back in 2009. New experience for me. The military never shut down in the 20 years I was there, and my S.O. never shut down (although we did have a 24-hour "blue flu" in Patrol Division after the Chief Deputy made us park our cars at the S.O. as punishment for something a staff member did). Not sure where I stand on this one.
Being a "fed" has its' perks. The salary is good. Really good for this area. The benefits are good. Schedule is good. Most nights and holidays off. I love my job; love what I do; and aside from a few close calls with lightning and one incident where I got tossed out of a boat, not all that dangerous. It beats answering calls for 12 hours at less than $20/hour. I've often said, if you have to work, this is the way to do it. I'm sure others have a sweeter gig than mine, but I'm pretty tickled with the deal I've got.
Washington, D.C. is dysfunctional, and has been for a long time. It's no longer about "of, by, and for the People". Hasn't been for...well, a long time. But failing a complete reversal of the tide on Capitol Hill, which ain't happening in our lifetime, it is what it is. Trump is trying, but sometimes he's his own worst enemy, and let's face it...draining the swamp is like trying to stomp on all the roaches in the kitchen at TurdBurger's. Good luck with that.
Money-wise, I'll be okay. Bills are paid, I've got a few bucks in savings, and NFCU is offering interest-free loans to those of us affected by the shutdown. I can last a month without having to beg for money, or rob a liquor store. I can work at the S.O., and will starting later this week, but that ain't gonna pay the bills I have grown in to. Still, I'll be okay. Odds are, we'll get back pay when it's all over, which isn't fair, but I'm not one to bitch when the government throws money at me that I didn't earn. And if we don't, as I said, I'll survive. Which I'm sure gives
@Grand Vol peace of mind, since it means I won't be asking him if I can pitch a tent in his back yard...lol.
So as the New Year begins, I find myself with time to do all the small jobs around the house that never seem to get done...reflect on life in general...spend quality time with the Sheperd...watch some football...and offer a sincere prayer to the Good Lord that this nation finally comes to it's senses and starts living by the principles set forth in the Bible and the Constitution of the United States of America. I doubt it will happen, but I plan to ask.
I enjoy my time on VN, even when it's debating with someone who...in my book...is a waste of good oxygen. Takes all kinds, and I've spent a long time dealing with them face-to-face, so the occasional internet debate is child's play for me. For those of you...and if you're reading this here then you're probably one of them...who make my time on VN so enjoyable, thanks. Good advice, good reads, good fun, good humor, and good picking at one another. Good stuff.
Happy New Year, VN, and fellow gunners. Be nice to get back to work, but until I do, I think I'll hang out here and see what I can get in to.