Thursday, July 19, 2012

A little bit of what's going on (in bullets)


  • My dad apologized for pushing me too hard, but still thinks that I have a lot of growing up to do.  I know he's worried about me because I am the oldest child and the first one to leave "the nest", so I can sort of understand where he's coming from.  He just wants me to be successful, and wants me to show more initiative and responsibility. I am going to start training with this guy from our gym once a week for leg-work and running, which is a small start.
  • Yesterday I received an abrupt phone call from my recruiter informing me of a job opening in the mechanical field, HOWEVER the ship date is August 14th, despite my contract stating that the earliest I could leave would be October.  When I declined the job offer he called me in for a face to face meeting and tried to convince me to take it.  His commanding officer was there and he was a bit... overzealous.  As someone once put it, military recruiters are the best used car salesmen around, and they will use every tactic in and outside of the book to fill their quotas.  They made me feel guilty, selfish, and all around an awful person for trying to decline the early ship date and even tried to turn my family against me.
  • After a lot of discussing with friends and family (and a little bit of stress crying from me) I decided to turn down the August 14th ship date.  No matter what anyone says, I do not feel mentally or physically prepared to enter basic training in less than a month.  My contract states that the earliest I can leave is in October, so in no way am I being penalized for not taking this opportunity.  When I called in today to tell the recruiter my decision he was more understanding and even a bit apologetic for the misplaced "passion" his boss had for the Air Force.  If I wanted to feel guilty for saying the word "no" I'd go live with my mother.  I would like to make a career out of the Air Force and forcing me to take a job that I don't want is pointless.  I understand that the needs of the Air Force come first,  which is why I want to be around longer than four years.  I want to enjoy my job and take pride in serving my country.
  • All of the aforementioned earned me a lecture from my dad about how I need to start thinking and acting like an adult, and less like a teenager.  I understand where he's coming from.  I do need to be more responsible.  I do need to re-prioritize my life.  I am entering a new world full of consequences and disappointment.  I'm used to working hard and having rewards for doing so, and the realization that hard work won't always be rewarded is a tough concept for me to understand.  My dad made it very clear to me that I now live under his roof with an expiration date that coincides with my ship date (whenever it is).  I don't take any of this for granted.  It still sucks to hear it, but it's the truth.
  • And finally, I have to re-iterate how thankful I am to all of you for reading and supporting me.  As silly as it sounds, I share more on here than I do in real life.  As an introvert it's easier for me to communicate through this medium.  I appreciate all of you guys so much for being here for me.

15 comments:

  1. I'm glad you got to decide for yourself. I'm very proud you're going into the military -- they're lucky to have you. I also think you're changing my mind about the stereotypical meathead or JROTC jerk. I need to imagine people more complexly and I admire your dedication to get physically and mentaly fit. The Air Force has always been my favorite, though.

    You're awesome. A mix cd and letter are on their way soon. :)

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    1. Thanks, I'm glad I'm changing your mind about military people! I think all the meatheads are either in the Marines or the Army anyway :)

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  2. I admire your ability to stand your ground. I am one to crack. It's just the way I function so when I hear that other people made a decision themselves, despite the crap they got from other people it evokes admiration.
    Also, I'm glad your dad apologized :D
    And finally, growing up is so... weird. lol. like...woah.

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    1. Yeah I know. I feel like I was 12 just yesterday :P

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  3. I definitely share more of my life on my blog than in real life. I think that you are acting like an adult. You made a smart decision to decline the early ship date and you knew you weren't ready. You're doing good, don't let yourself be beaten down now.

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    1. Thanks, Mark. And I'm too damn stubborn to get beaten down!

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  4. I'm glad your dad apologized, but you are still a teenager, you know? there's no need to grow up so fast just because people are asking you to.
    when I was going to join the national guard, the recruiter that I talked to was incredibly honest with me and said he just did it because he needed money to help his family and he also told me it was okay if I didn't join. such a nice guy.
    I hope everything goes well with you and I think you made the right choice to not take the offer for August. Your health, both physical and mental, should come before anything else.

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    1. Thanks, Mayte! I'm glad you had a good experience with your recruiter. It's nice to know that there are some good ones out there :)

      Personally, I don't really feel ready to be thrust into the adult world, but alas my father thinks differently.

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  5. I'm glad that you were able to do what you felt was best for yourself despite the pressure from others, because I'm sure that was difficult to do. I think waiting until you feel most comfortable and ready is a smart choice. We're obviously young with plenty of growing up left to do yet, but you're definitely nowhere near immature, or selfish, or any of that. Heck, we're the same age and I look up to you immensely. I don't think I would be nearly as strong as you are if I were in your shoes dealing with so much stress. <3

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    1. *blush* Man. I'm really honored that you look up to me... And I wish my parents would understand the concept of "growing up" and how it doesn't happen overnight.

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  6. I am so incredibly proud of you. And while it is always a good thing to realize that one can make personal improvements, I- and this is the protective side of me that comes from being raised by parents who encouraged me to do whatever and whenever I wanted, resulting in a hardworking, successful woman- think it's important to realize that just because your Dad thinks you're irresponsible and un-prioritized and whatever else, doesn't mean you actually are. You rule. And fuck that guy for trying to pressure you into anything. You are killing it.

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  7. Knowing when you're ready takes way more maturity (in my opinion) than just going for it. From what I can tell, your decision was wise and well thought out and the fact that you stood by your guts shows that you have courage and resolve. Like Shelby said, I am also proud of you. And I know that you will make a great use of the months that you have and if that means living up your last few months, I'm sure you will find a balance.

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  8. I agree with what everyone else has said, especially Shelby. I am glad that you made your own decision. The fact that you didn't cave under pressure from some higher-up asshole shows that you know what you want and what you're capable of. Good job. <3

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