Richard's Animorphs Forum

RAF Section => Introductions & Departures => Topic started by: wildweathel on February 03, 2009, 05:33:50 PM

Title: Present and absent (wildweathel)
Post by: wildweathel on February 03, 2009, 05:33:50 PM
OK, so rather than necro my intro thread with the huge-bleedin'-post at the beginning, I'm making this one to track my presence and absences here.  This weekend, I'm going to San Jose, CA.  I'll bring my laptop, and there's sure to be Internet access from time to time (it is Silicon Valley ::)), but if I disappear a little, that's why.
Title: Re: Present and absent (wildweathel)
Post by: Faerie Larka on February 03, 2009, 06:48:26 PM
Have a good time!
Title: Re: Present and absent (wildweathel)
Post by: wildweathel on February 03, 2009, 08:11:29 PM
Thanks.  I'll try to at least have a good time for the circumstances.  It does suck only visiting for funerals.
Title: Re: Present and absent (wildweathel)
Post by: goom on February 03, 2009, 08:35:58 PM
bye ww!
Title: Re: Present and absent (wildweathel)
Post by: Cloak on February 03, 2009, 08:53:55 PM
Until we meet again, my friend.
Title: Re: Present and absent (wildweathel)
Post by: Horsefan1023 (Seal) on February 03, 2009, 10:16:18 PM
Well, farewell.  Hope to see you soon, lil' were-ferret!
Title: Re: Present and absent (wildweathel)
Post by: wildweathel on February 03, 2009, 10:44:12 PM
Flying Thursday and Sunday, really busy Friday.  Back on Monday
But, there's probably wifi along the way (airports and Santa Clara's free municipal), so assuming my snazzy new iwlwifi driver works, I'll be around. 

Just maybe not as prolific.  And it's only a long weekend, so don't be sad.  The worst part will be no microphone (unless I decide to take it.  Not sure yet.  It's a little pricey to subject to airline baggage handling.) which will further delay my review of Ken's lines (I'm beginning to believe that character really is cursed.  Stop being lazy, Weathel; stop being lazy.)
Title: Re: Present and absent (wildweathel)
Post by: Liz on February 04, 2009, 12:20:53 AM
San Jose?  You should visit me and estrid.   :P
Title: Re: Present and absent (wildweathel)
Post by: Dameg on February 04, 2009, 03:05:13 AM
It'll be strange not to see you around for a while... ^^'
But have fun! ^^
Title: Re: Present and absent (wildweathel)
Post by: Zana89 on February 04, 2009, 02:04:02 PM
Only visiting for funerals :( I'm sorry. I hope you manage to have a somewhat good time anyway!
Title: Re: Present and absent (wildweathel)
Post by: Toc' on February 04, 2009, 02:17:23 PM
For funerals?  :-[
I didn't know that.
Title: Re: Present and absent (wildweathel)
Post by: wildweathel on February 04, 2009, 05:36:27 PM
For funerals?  :-[
I didn't know that.

Well, that's not entirely true, it's just felt like that the past couple of times where one family member or another has been in the hospital if not recently-deceased.  Anyway, I'm going now (2230) to finish up packing then wake up at 0700 (all times now UTC, to work around jetlag) for an 1130 flight out of Boston, finally arriving in San Jose around 1900 (I guess I'll try to keep my usual bedtime of about 0100; that's an 18-hour day, though, so I might actually retrograde a bit to 0000 or even 2300 if I'm tired then.)

Anyway see you all Monday at the latest.


Ahh.  Tadaima.  It's good to be back with all you wonderful people.
Title: Re: Present and absent (wildweathel)
Post by: wildweathel on February 14, 2009, 02:33:26 PM
And, I'm off to CA again.  I'm packing and traveling during the RAFparty.  Oh well.  At least I won't have to fly pet-class this time, hopefully.  Anyway, I'll be about a week, but I might make a pringles-can antenna with my uncle--to get a usable wifi signal. 
Title: Re: Present and absent (wildweathel)
Post by: Toc' on February 14, 2009, 03:19:57 PM
Bye
 :)
Title: Re: Present and absent (wildweathel)
Post by: estrid on February 20, 2009, 02:37:48 AM
OK, so rather than necro my intro thread with the huge-bleedin'-post at the beginning, I'm making this one to track my presence and absences here.  This weekend, I'm going to San Jose, CA.  I'll bring my laptop, and there's sure to be Internet access from time to time (it is Silicon Valley ::)), but if I disappear a little, that's why.


dude, this is really old, but i didnt know u were comin to town!
mirriene is rite, u shoulda come to visit us! :P  altho u should avoid berkley, the ppl there are so wierd they make raf look normal ;)
Title: Re: Present and absent (wildweathel)
Post by: Liz on February 20, 2009, 03:58:43 PM
dude, this is really old, but i didnt know u were comin to town!
mirriene is rite, u shoulda come to visit us! :P  altho u should avoid berkley, the ppl there are so wierd they make raf look normal ;)

Haha, you got that right.
Title: Re: Present and absent (wildweathel)
Post by: wildweathel on February 20, 2009, 05:30:51 PM
Actually, my father went to Berkeley once...

And, yes, let's visit sometime.  Not this trip, though.  I'm visiting family, and I think the parents would be weirded out by "hey, mind if I disappear for a day or so to hang out with these two gals I met online?"

But, there is a very good chance of me going to school here.
Title: Re: Present and absent (wildweathel)
Post by: estrid on February 20, 2009, 08:37:16 PM
Actually, my father went to Berkeley once...

And, yes, let's visit sometime.  Not this trip, though.  I'm visiting family, and I think the parents would be weirded out by "hey, mind if I disappear for a day or so to hang out with these two gals I met online?"

But, there is a very good chance of me going to school here.

u should! the bay area is awesome for school, every1 comes here for school

( i swear im not just sayin that cuz im slightly biased :P)
Title: Re: Present and absent (wildweathel)
Post by: wildweathel on February 20, 2009, 08:40:33 PM
Um actually, I'm thinking of
http://www.napavalley.edu/
Title: Re: Present and absent (wildweathel)
Post by: estrid on February 20, 2009, 08:41:10 PM
ur comin all the way out to cali for community college?
Title: Re: Present and absent (wildweathel)
Post by: wildweathel on February 20, 2009, 09:03:20 PM
The local ones suck monkey balls through a teeny-tiny straw.  Seriously.  New England is only good for the prestige schools.

I have ~0 respect for prestige, by the way.  It's in my personality type.

These are the broadcast engineering schools in the US.
https://www.smpte.org/membership/student/student_chapters

There is one school in New England.  The next closest is in New York.  Honestly, though, if I'm going to live in an "assault weapon" ban state (every single one of those schools except the one in Waco, TX--and I understand their law enforcement is a bit crazy--like burns-religious-cult-to-death crazy), I'd prefer to have family nearby.

So, that means Stonehill College in Easton, MA or Napa Valley in Napa, CA.

Anyway, I hope that's educational or at least entertaining.
Title: Re: Present and absent (wildweathel)
Post by: estrid on February 21, 2009, 03:28:55 AM
come to norcal!

wait, what do u wana do? broadcasting engineer? y is it so hard to find a school 4 that, isnt that just engineering, which alota schools have?

(im a bio major, so i dont know much bout that :-\)
Title: Re: Present and absent (wildweathel)
Post by: wildweathel on February 21, 2009, 03:17:11 PM
It's engineering with high-power precision equipment.  The kind where you have to use vacuum tubes, 'cause solid-state stuff is too wimpy to handle the energy you're throwing around.  You get 10^24 electrons sloshing around in a hundreds-foot long wire pushed by a 5 kW amplifier with enough finesse to capture every detail of a Bach fugue, and that is magic.

I don't know why there aren't more schools.  Perhaps because it is a bit of a niche specialty and you need lots of equipment for the students to play with.  If they don't fry each other with microwaves, they get their diplomas and go out into the big world.
Title: Re: Present and absent (wildweathel)
Post by: estrid on February 21, 2009, 10:30:24 PM
well doesnt cal poly or san jose state have it? i know those are 2 of the best engineering schools in cali
Title: Re: Present and absent (wildweathel)
Post by: wildweathel on February 22, 2009, 07:14:12 AM
Mmm.  Maybe.  My fear is that I end up studying theory-only for four years and end up with no employable experience.  But, can't think to hard right now.

Just got off my first red-eye ever.  Ugh.

It beats pet-class.  Barely
Title: Re: Present and absent (wildweathel)
Post by: estrid on February 22, 2009, 03:33:29 PM
lol ya coach or economy or whatever it is called sux. on my way to tx i had only had an hr sleep the nite b4 cuz of being up all nite packing, and even tho i was exhausted, i STILL couldnt sleep on the plane, and it was a 6 hr flite! even watching night is rhodonth couldnt knock me out in those seats :P
Title: Re: Present and absent (wildweathel)
Post by: Faerie Larka on February 22, 2009, 03:42:59 PM
I actually LOVE night flights, when it's clear.  I just sleep later lol.
Title: Re: Present and absent (wildweathel)
Post by: esplin on February 22, 2009, 03:45:55 PM
*on topic.*
Title: Re: Present and absent (wildweathel)
Post by: Taiyoh on February 22, 2009, 06:59:49 PM
I envy you this, weathel; I enjoy flying.
Title: Re: Present and absent (wildweathel)
Post by: wildweathel on February 22, 2009, 07:01:17 PM
Ok, Russel.  

I'm back now.  I haven't had good sleep in over 36 hours.  Don't expyect me to be cohaerent  until munday, when maybe we might continue talking about schools somewhere else.

Taiyoh, I like fliing too, jst not as much as sleep...
/me passes out.
Title: Re: Present and absent (wildweathel)
Post by: Taiyoh on February 22, 2009, 07:03:42 PM
Ciao, weathel.  Pleasant dreams.
Title: Re: Present and absent (wildweathel)
Post by: wildweathel on February 28, 2009, 06:37:22 PM
Hey, guys.  Sorry.  Dad got mad at my sister and me.  So, I no longer have Internet at home until further notice.  Sorry.  I'll be back as soon as possible--but that might not be until I move myself out.   :'(
Title: Re: Present and absent (wildweathel)
Post by: Faerie Larka on February 28, 2009, 06:38:02 PM
Lame!  You'll be missed until you come back.  Hurry back!!!!one1!!eleven!
Title: Re: Present and absent (wildweathel)
Post by: wildweathel on February 28, 2009, 08:05:31 PM
If it lasts too long I'll take a walk (long walk, about 45 minutes...) to the library.

'Cuz I can't miss my RAFpeeps.
Title: Re: Present and absent (wildweathel)
Post by: estrid on March 01, 2009, 01:06:13 AM
dude, thats lame! but i hear ya, my dad used to be like that when i was in high school too.
Title: Re: Present and absent (wildweathel)
Post by: Taiyoh on March 01, 2009, 01:30:21 AM
That's not good...
Title: Parting is such sweet sorrow...
Post by: wildweathel on March 10, 2009, 08:47:28 AM
My beloved RAFians,

Three months ago, I was lost in the cold space between graduation (when society said I was supposed to know something) and the point where I begin to truly understand myself.  Three months ago I needed warmth, community, a home.  Three months ago, this cold chapter in my life came to an end.

When I met you all.  More than my school, my family, my rapidly dissolving circle of friends, you gave me a place to be at home.  You are an old and tight-knit online community, but not an insular one; you welcomed the poor lost werret.  You listened to my rambling, indirect, and frankly more than a little angsty introduction.  No one put me in my place as a noob.  Even when I did barge into Audiobooks, and, well I guess I'm getting ahead of myself.

Yes, this is my farewell post.  At least one of you has reached for the reply button so far, or is doing so now, to beg me not to go.  I agree.  It's not fair of me to leave.  I don't want to leave. 

But I finally understand something about myself.  I need to leave, and I hope you will understand.  I don't talk much about real life (or, as Powr, Broccoli, **, KOPIMI calls it: life away from keyboard).  Now I have to; you deserve an explanation.

About a year before I came to RAF, I really took a look around myself, and at myself.  Society said this about me:

Quote
National Merit Scholar.  Second decile, in a very competitive class.  Varsity debater.  Two-time AMC school champion.  Four AP scores of four or better to his name--perfect scores on all three AP mathematics exams.  Three time member, state-champion math team--and favorite for a fourth.  Twice member of all-star state team--likely a third.  Member, National Society of High School Scholars.  Not entirely motivated, but fine academic material.

Academic probation.  In danger of failing English class.

The labels can't tell the whole story.  And when even the labels and the pigeonholing are inconsistent, well, something has to be up.

What was up was, in summary at least, simple.  I couldn't take the merry-go-round any longer.  Even as much as the private school was better than the public school, my classes had precious little to do with real life.  I was in no position to take care of myself, no better than I had been four years before.

Same story.  Different year.  And who was to say that college would be any different.  Already there was one giant red flag waving:

"Worry about finding a school and getting accepted first.  Then, you can worry about covering the cost.  With Uncle Sam's dollars."

When I could find a price tag, it was outrageous.  $30-50K per year.  Do you know how much money that is??  That's about twice the US poverty level: enough cash flow to finance a basic standard of living (meaning better than royalty 200 years ago) and still buy a very nice computer.  A new very nice computer, a couple times a year.  Well, ****.  If I can afford an education, why the heck would I want one?

Well, honestly, that's not the real price.  No, they expect you to go through something called "financial aid."  Basically, you fill out a second tax return, and our beloved Federal Government steps in and pays the difference between the actual market price of your education and what the school is able to charge.

[spoiler]Econ note: supply of education--especially big ticket prestige education like the Ivy League--is extremely inelastic in the short run, basically a "market-day" scenario.  The barriers to market entry, both regulatory and hiring, are also quite high.  Demand, on the other hand, is elastic.  Now, I know there's at least one economist out there (Tocade) who can explain what happens when you subsidize a market with inelastic supply.

I'll give a hint, though.  It doesn't lower the price the student pays, nor increase the number of students who can afford college.  Pure graft.  Disgusting.[/spoiler]

Now, I am no savvy, experienced negotiator.  But I do know that a salesman's job is to convince you that their goods are worth your money.  In the college market, that question is nigh assumed in the college's favor.  The question they ask is whether you are worth the distinction of purchasing their product.  Get accepted first, then we'll talk price.

I called bull.

That was the system I was being none-too-gently hearded towards.  All to study fields I wasn't sure I was interested in.  Only a few managed to capture my imagination at all.  Aviation/business.  Computer science.  Even there, I was facing huge price differentials between degree-granting institutions (often with precious little practical experience on the curriculum) and certification courses.

All of them seemed to presuppose that I didn't need any help running a household.  But I do.  Basic life skills are weak points for me.  And the nearly ten months since graduation have not changed that.

But what has changed recently is that I have finally seen a possible career path.  It promises to be delightfully challenging, a niche skillset becoming increasingly, and uniquely, important.  It's a field where the transistor has yet to entirely replace the vacuum tube--there are no transistors big enough to drive ten-thousand-watt signals with enough delicacy to capture every detail of a Mozart concerto. 

Any sufficiently mundane magic is indistinguishable from technology.  Yet, it is magic.  The broadcast engineers of today are magicians, just as Marconi was.  As broadcast, computing, and telecommunication converge it will revolutionize the Internet.

If you think Google Maps on the iPhone is cool today, just wait until the underlying technology is faster, cheaper, and everywhere.

So, what schools teach broadcast engineering?  Not many.  Practical experience requires radio equipment.  Radio equipment is expensive.  It's not like computer science.  But I have found a few schools, and one in Belleville, Ontario is particularly promising. 

But I need to clear the challenge of the price tag.  For the three-year program I need to budget about $70k CAD total, less what I can earn on a student work-permit.  (about $55k-60k USD)

That's possible, but it won't be easy.  I have about $7k CAD now (in USD-denominated assets; I'll talk to a financial adviser about whether CAD-bonds would be smart as I continue to save).  I'm also really bad at jobhunting.  This is due to two factors.  First, my inexperience.  Second, a certain aspect of my personality.

The inexperience isn't something I can change without practice jobhunting.

But my personality has this feature: I am easy to satisfy.  Give me a musical instrument, the Internet, and a decent computer and I'll entertain myself for months--maybe years--maybe forever.  And so, I have to be careful about letting myself be too happy, lest I lose the long term.

And that is why I'm taking leave from RAF.  I'm too happy here.  But I'll be back as soon as I'm satisfied with my progress--when I have employment and $15k CAD saved.  Please don't ask me to stay.  This is hard enough as it is.  Actually, the best thing any of you can do is to give me heck if I'm on.  If I have trouble keeping myself off, I'll even go so far as to ask for a ban.

Now, to tie up some loose ends.

Morf, Guy, others re: audiobooks: don't wait for me, and don't be afraid to find another producer.  I'm sorry the website isn't up yet.  If by some crazy chance you think you'd find it useful, but need help with getting up to speed, e-mail me.

Goom, re: sqirlzmorph tutorial: No, I haven't forgotten.  I've just been, well I'm not sure what's holding me up.  Most important thing I want to share: every single point moves in a straight line from source image to destination.

Also, think of me when you listen to Thieves of Fate or Chrono Symphonic.  (Maybe Spirits, too; I haven't decided yet)  I'll listen to DQD sometime to remember you.

Toominator, re: song: You have two other vocal talents, Horse and Mirienne.  Hope it goes well.  Don't miss me.

RYTX, re: last post wins: You lose.  Everyone else please ensure he doesn't get another one of those long wins he's so fond of bragging about. ;)

ChimichangaChupacabra, re: your posts: Honestly, I love seeing someone who's willing to disagree.  But here's the problem: just because you say something doesn't mean people will listen.  I'd recommend being a little less standoffish.  Otherwise, people will just tune you out.

Slushie, re: toxic girl: Proceed with the rickroll.  Who knows, you might just start an(other) Internet phenomenon.

Claire, re: recreation:  Remember, shooting doesn't give one hangovers--last time I checked at least.  I dunno about the nude cycling, though... ;)

Dino:  The smileys are amazing.  Seriously.  Out of curiosity, have you tried Sqirlz?  Not saying you should use it, just that you might find it interesting.

Hunter, re: SFH: You have my undying gratitude for introducing me.  Any favors you'd like?

Twilight, re: demos:  Be careful: he's nuts.

Demos, re: Twilight:  Be careful: she's nuts.

Those who have asked my advice in chat (you know who you are ;)):  I'm still reachable through e-mail on my profile. 

Anna, Goom, also CDJV and everyone who follows RAFcrush:  I was kinda hoping the Detective would be called in, leading to all kinds of hilarity, since, in fact, Anna is my RAFcrush.  (I couldn't leave you all in suspense.  That would be eeebul)  Perhaps it's more accurate to say I have a crush on Myuri, though...

Estelore:  I don't even know where to begin.  There's nothing on my to-do list that involves you, save Toominator's song.  But, as this section has kinda grown beyond just apologizing for to-dos left undone, I leave you perhaps my favorite G. K. Chesterton quote:
Quote
It is not only possible to say a great deal in praise of play; it is really possible to say the highest things in praise of it. It might reasonably be maintained that the true object of all human life is play. Earth is a task garden; heaven is a playground. To be at last in such secure innocence that one can juggle with the universe and the stars, to be so good that one can treat everything as a joke — that may be, perhaps, the real end and final holiday of human souls.
Wherever your travels take you, may you shine forth that particular aspect of blessed joy.

Especially in a particularly-violent game of Plartz the Wurblik or hot potato. :)

Taiyoh and Tocade:  I still find it hard to believe that not one, but two RAFians took interest in trying to understand my story.  You kept me logging into skype and chat day after day these last few months--and these last few months you've been the highlights of my life.  Thank you.

Richard, and all RAFians:  This place remains my home: the site and the community.  The fact that I must depart for a while does not change that.  Thank you for being RAF.

I expect to be back in six to nine months--better if I can find good wages or if a rich uncle dies. 

Demos, Cloaky (please return or at least tell us where you've gone, mmkay?), Faerie, and any others who know Death on a first-name basis:  All things considered, I prefer my rich uncle alive, thank you very much for your concern, though.

Sincerly, and with grateful affection,
your Werret of Portland,
Wildweathel.
Title: Re: Parting is such sweet sorrow...
Post by: DinosaurNothlit on March 10, 2009, 10:25:33 AM
Dino:  The smileys are amazing.  Seriously.  Out of curiosity, have you tried Sqirlz?  Not saying you should use it, just that you might find it interesting.

Thanks, and thanks for the recommendation.  I have not tried Sqirlz, but I've seen a few people here using it, and it looks interesting.

I wish you the best of luck with everything.  Sorry to see you go, but I completely understand.  I'm almost jealous of you, even; you have the willpower to put your long-term well-being over your short-term happiness.  I respect that, and have often wished that I had that kind of strength.
Title: Re: Present and absent (wildweathel)
Post by: Gaz on March 10, 2009, 11:03:25 AM
Best of luck out there in the world. All I will say is that we'll be thinking of you and wishing you the best.

And don't worry, if I see you in here before you make an official "coming back" announcement, I'll give you a swift RAFkick. lol.

Again, good luck! You'll be missed.
Title: Re: Present and absent (wildweathel)
Post by: esplin on March 10, 2009, 01:03:47 PM
I hope things work out for you, take it easy.
Title: Re: Present and absent (wildweathel)
Post by: estrid on March 10, 2009, 02:02:19 PM
sad to see you go weathel, but i hope everything works out for u!
Title: Re: Present and absent (wildweathel)
Post by: Taiyoh on March 10, 2009, 03:33:44 PM
Goodbye.

I would plead for you to stay, but you asked us not to.

I would give advice, but I do not feel qualified to.

I would help in any other way...but I can't.

So that leaves me with, "Goodbye."  Heh...  It seems such an empty response...It seems strangely inadequate to describe the separation of you and the RAF"family".


But it is a response I must give.  I feel honored to have meant as much as I did to you, and it saddens me to bid you farewell.

However, you'll be glad to know that you, in your leaving, generated good chat-fodder...

[15:31:59] Gaz: how is everyone today?
[15:32:10] Reiyn: By the way, Weathel is leaving.
[15:32:13] Blue: good
[15:32:21] Blue: OMG not good cuz he's leaving
[15:32:26] Blue: DAMN MY TIMING
[15:32:30] Reiyn: Heh...

Here's wishing that life treats you well, and that you return soon.  Goodbye.
Title: Re: Present and absent (wildweathel)
Post by: Liz on March 10, 2009, 03:41:21 PM
HA!  I totally guessed it was Anna, your clue was way too obvious.  ;)

Best of luck in all your endeavors.  I'll miss you and will be awaiting your return.
Title: Re: Present and absent (wildweathel)
Post by: Coal Kropotkin on March 10, 2009, 04:36:41 PM
...holy crap! dude we are going to miss you so much!
mucho RAFlove!
*is damn near in tears!*
Title: Re: Present and absent (wildweathel)
Post by: Mr. Guy36 on March 11, 2009, 06:42:01 AM
Weathel,

I will definitely be extremely sad to see you go. I respect your decision, and will be anxiously awaiting your return. I am guessing I speak for many of us saying that I would help if I could.

Your work on the audiobooks was exactly what we needed, and I definitely plan on implementing your site. I believe that Richard is just laying low about the whole Queen incident, and he still has what you sent him, but if there is anything else, I would like to get a hold of it.

You'll be the first to know when we have something to show.

...I shall await your dramatic return.
Title: Re: Present and absent (wildweathel)
Post by: Faerie Larka on March 11, 2009, 02:51:44 PM
Demos, Cloaky (please return or at least tell us where you've gone, mmkay?), Faerie, and any others who know Death on a first-name basis:  All things considered, I prefer my rich uncle alive, thank you very much for your concern, though.

DANG IT!

Well, since that's not an option, I suppose a goodbye is in order.  Bye!  And now I'm going to keep my mouth shut (or, since it's a keyboard, my fingers off) to refrain from attempting to make you stay.  So, goodbye.  It was awesome getting to know you.

[spoiler] I will find that word in Esperanto or whatever for pot/drugs or whatever word it was  ;) [/spoiler]
Title: Re: Present and absent (wildweathel)
Post by: wildweathel on March 12, 2009, 10:59:59 AM
I respect that, and have often wished that I had that kind of strength.

Heh, me too. 

Okay, I just applied for a job that I'm feeling really good about (even though rejection is the name of the game here), so I'm very briefly back.

So that leaves me with, "Goodbye."  Heh...  It seems such an empty response...It seems strangely inadequate to describe the separation of you and the RAF"family".

Aw, crap.  :'(  I started crying.  Again.  I feel like such an ass for leaving, especially so abruptly.  But, I'm glad to see that things didn't blow up the past couple of days.  RAF will survive.

It has to, or I'm gonna be mad.

Quote
However, you'll be glad to know that you, in your leaving, generated good chat-fodder...

[15:31:59] Gaz: how is everyone today?
[15:32:10] Reiyn: By the way, Weathel is leaving.
[15:32:13] Blue: good
[15:32:21] Blue: OMG not good cuz he's leaving
[15:32:26] Blue: DAMN MY TIMING
[15:32:30] Reiyn: Heh...

I'll never let Blue forget that. >:D

Guy, thank you.  Feel free to take over administration.  Richard has the passwords.  And again, e-mail me if things confuse you.
/me dodges a RAFkick from Gaz.

Okay, okay, back to work.  I'll let y'all know how things are going as soon as anything changes.

Peace, all.
Title: Re: Present and absent (wildweathel)
Post by: Taiyoh on March 12, 2009, 02:46:07 PM
Okay, I just applied for a job that I'm feeling really good about (even though rejection is the name of the game here), so I'm very briefly back.
Hopefully you get the job  :)

So that leaves me with, "Goodbye."  Heh...  It seems such an empty response...It seems strangely inadequate to describe the separation of you and the RAF"family".

Aw, crap.  :'(  I started crying.  Again.  I feel like such an ass for leaving, especially so abruptly.  But, I'm glad to see that things didn't blow up the past couple of days.  RAF will survive.

It has to, or I'm gonna be mad.
Aw, that's the last thing I wanted to make you do.  :-\

Don't worry; RAF will survive.  It'll be here when you're ready to return.

We'll be here to welcome you home.
Title: Re: Present and absent (wildweathel)
Post by: Gaz on March 12, 2009, 10:43:00 PM
lol. I'll let the kick slide this time. But watch it, there won't be a second warning.  ;D

Again, best of luck. We're rooting for you!
Title: Re: Present and absent (wildweathel)
Post by: goom on March 12, 2009, 10:47:27 PM
bye wild! :-\
Title: Re: Present and absent (wildweathel)
Post by: Coal Kropotkin on March 13, 2009, 05:57:28 PM
dude! i can't believe i missed you!
hit me up on Gmail or something *misses you alot!*
Title: Re: Present and absent (wildweathel)
Post by: Toc' on March 14, 2009, 04:45:32 PM
 :'(
And you announce that just when I am too busy to stay hours on the net ...

If it can make you laugh, this week i said:

1/4+1/4= 1/8
 ;D

Yeah, it's obvious huh  ;D
Title: Re: Present and absent (wildweathel)
Post by: esplin on March 15, 2009, 12:36:59 PM
Are you back? Ive seen you on.
Title: Re: Present and absent (wildweathel)
Post by: wildweathel on March 16, 2009, 04:04:10 PM
Busted. 

But I have cut my RAFtime back quite a bit.  And the jobhunt goes if not well, at least much better than it did before.  I have at least one interview this week and am working on a second.
Title: Re: Present and absent (wildweathel)
Post by: Faerie Larka on March 16, 2009, 04:05:31 PM
Well that's good.  It's nice to see you  :)

Oh, wait...Shoo!  You're not supposed to be on!
Title: Re: Present and absent (wildweathel)
Post by: Taiyoh on March 20, 2009, 02:00:38 PM
So is this our moment to welcome you back?
Title: Re: Present and absent (wildweathel)
Post by: Gaz on March 20, 2009, 02:48:01 PM
Best of luck with the job hunt!
Title: Re: Present and absent (wildweathel)
Post by: wildweathel on March 20, 2009, 08:50:54 PM
Well, here's the status report.

SMF ate my status report.  Damn it!

Well, here's the highlights.

Trouble called from the end of Basic.  He says I should jump in.  The water's fine in the US Army.

The chief engineer at WPXT-TV says I should enlist, too.

No one called me back.  I guess I should follow up tomorrow, hunh?

And send out more resumes.

And manipulate Dad's connections at IDEXX and or KPWM.

Or maybe I should enlist.  There's plenty of career development possibilities in radio and communication tech in the Army. 

So what do you all think?
Title: Re: Present and absent (wildweathel)
Post by: Toc' on March 22, 2009, 06:00:55 PM
Well, here's the status report.

SMF ate my status report.  Damn it!

Well, here's the highlights.

Trouble called from the end of Basic.  He says I should jump in.  The water's fine in the US Army.

The chief engineer at WPXT-TV says I should enlist, too.

No one called me back.  I guess I should follow up tomorrow, hunh?

And send out more resumes.

And manipulate Dad's connections at IDEXX and or KPWM.

Or maybe I should enlist.  There's plenty of career development possibilities in radio and communication tech in the Army. 

So what do you all think?


What ?
WHAT ?
WHAT?
Where is our wildy ?? :o

The Yirks took him !! Noooo
Title: Re: Present and absent (wildweathel)
Post by: Taiyoh on March 23, 2009, 02:06:47 PM
Trouble called from the end of Basic.  He says I should jump in.  The water's fine in the US Army.
Hey, it's good that your friend called you. 


The chief engineer at WPXT-TV says I should enlist, too.
Are you considering it?

No one called me back.  I guess I should follow up tomorrow, hunh?

And send out more resumes.

And manipulate Dad's connections at IDEXX and or KPWM.

Or maybe I should enlist.  There's plenty of career development possibilities in radio and communication tech in the Army. 

So what do you all think?

Well, enlisting is really kind of a big jump.  Going from "I'm going to Canada" to "I'm thinking about enlisting".  Heh.  Well, do whatever you think is best for you.


What ?
WHAT ?
WHAT?
Where is our wildy ?? :o

The Yirks took him !! Noooo

*weak laugh*
Title: Re: Present and absent (wildweathel)
Post by: wildweathel on March 24, 2009, 12:09:24 PM
Well, Canada wasn't just an option for draft-dodging purposes, y'know?  The thing that attracts my interest is that they actually have a diploma program for radio engineering that's not too far from home.  That's really, really hard to find in the US; I'd have to go all the way to Chicago (if Chicago weren't totally out of the question) or, failing that, the west coast. 

The Army has the Signal Corps, the absolute best builders and maintainers of secure telcom under adverse conditions.  I think you can see what I like about that. 

Really, my only concern regards the security clearance, and especially the obligation to protect classified information forever.  I'm a little worried that that requirement might limit what I can do in the private sector, especially because military technology tends to trickle down.  (WiFi's a good example; direct-spread-spectrum digital technology was classified at one point.)
Title: Re: Present and absent (wildweathel)
Post by: Faerie Larka on March 24, 2009, 03:10:40 PM
If you could go to Chicago, I would totally visit you.

And good luck in whatever decision you make.
Title: Re: Present and absent (wildweathel)
Post by: Mr. Guy36 on March 24, 2009, 09:17:53 PM
If you could go to Chicago, I would totally visit you.

And good luck in whatever decision you make.
1. Ditto

2. Ditto

I really can't think of anything else useful. I'm sorry.
Title: Re: Present and absent (wildweathel)
Post by: Toc' on March 25, 2009, 10:20:14 PM
The Army has the Signal Corps, the absolute best builders and maintainers of secure telcom under adverse conditions.  I think you can see what I like about that. 



Yeah, why not...
But yet, if you sign in the army, you are commited, aren't you?
If they want you to go "I don't know where" you can't discuss and have to do "your duty" and serve your country blahblah... ? ? ?

Is it really what you want??


Honestly i remember your first post here... You talked about your friend and how you failed in preventing him to go in the army...
And now that you "leave" raf, you write in your last post that you are going to follow him?

I think the situation is a little ironic ^^
Title: Re: Present and absent (wildweathel)
Post by: wildweathel on March 31, 2009, 08:48:39 PM
Alright, everyone here's the scoop.  I've applied for a couple of apprenticeships.  I don't know why I didn't think about that before.  Seriously big D'oh! there.

But, there's a couple of week's wait before the Navy (I applied for a civilian job, building and fixing ships) gets back to me.  So,

(http://www.geocities.jp/rocketqed/gazou/tadaima.png)



Tocade,

I'm sorry I gave the impression that I didn't want Trouble to enlist in the Army.  We both agree that it's the best thing that's happened to him.  Before he enlisted his days consisted of daytime drama and World of Warcraft.  Pathetic. 

Now, if I were to enlist, yeah that's an eight-year contract: typically five of active duty, and the remaining three years are non-training, non-paid "individual reserve".  Also, by enlisting I'd put myself in the very first category to be conscripted: the military sometimes requires solders to continue past the end of their enlistment.

But, let me tell you something about conscription.  For the next seven years and a few months, until my twenty-sixth birthday, I am legally required to notify the Federal government within ten days of changing address.  Failing to do so is technically a felony, even though the SSA hasn't been real strict about enforcing the law.  If the US needs soldiers, I'm going whether I want to or not.

It's a good thing I'm mostly a fan of the US military.

Title: Re: Present and absent (wildweathel)
Post by: Taiyoh on April 01, 2009, 12:41:04 AM
[insert post]

Welcome back, then :)
Title: Re: Present and absent (wildweathel)
Post by: Toc' on April 01, 2009, 02:36:30 AM
Welcome back, indeed  ;D


Quote
I'm sorry I gave the impression that I didn't want Trouble to enlist in the Army.  We both agree that it's the best thing that's happened to him.  Before he enlisted his days consisted of daytime drama and World of Warcraft.  Pathetic. 

Jeez, I might have my own Trouble then...
Well, I had a friend (not my best friend) who was like that too.
He spent his days playing WOW and he slept during the day-time and "lived" during the night.
Sometimes he did not eat for several days and then he ate a lot.
His life was completely messy (maybe as messy as his place and I had trouble walking in his flat...)

Till... He enlisted in the army ^^
We were all like "WTF  ??? This guy? In the army? HAHAHA."

But actually, since he is there he is "happy" (even if he has to clean his room and all and all everyday....)

I guess some people need a very strict frame to "blossom" otherwise, ... They don't know what to do with themselves.
Title: Re: Present and absent (wildweathel)
Post by: Faerie Larka on April 01, 2009, 11:09:05 AM
WILD!  *glomps*

HI!  :clap: