Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Thank you?

I made this collage from pictures I found while Googling "the most American thing ever"
So, whenever "the future" comes up in conversations I always dread it.  But not because I hate talking about the future, no, in fact I love talking about the future.  No, I dread it because I never quite know how to react when people thank me for joining the Air Force.

I'm just like, what? Why are you thanking me?  I didn't find the cure for cancer, I just voluntarily enlisted in the military.... because I needed a way to pay for college.  Also, I wanted to be the awesome of America.  Free speech! Bald eagles! Guns! Gay marriage! Good 'ole Amuricah! (okay, so maybe we don't have the gay marriage thing yet...)

I usually just smile awkwardly and say, "Oh, no biggie..." and then duck my head and quickly exit the vicinity.

Another thing that happens: people congratulate me.  I mean, guys.  Back when I was still going to college and people would ask me what I was doing, the most I would get was an "Oh, that's nice.  I bet you're excited."

Now that I'm doing the Air Force I get a "WOW! Congratulations, that's so awesome!"

Maybe it's because I live in Texas?

Maybe it's because it's adults, instead of my peers that are responding?

Maybe it's because I've underestimated how important my decision was?

I don't know.  The reactions continue to catch me off-guard.  At least I have a tiny shred of social grace to respond with a cordial response in a timely manner.

Now if only the people I used to go to school with would stop freaking out...

11 comments:

  1. I don't know you personally and I'm freaking out about it a bit. I know America really loves their armed forces so really this is something you're going to have to get used to. It's not bad I suppose, but I do think there should be something else glorified.

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    1. Prior to enlisting I was never one to glorify the armed forces (although I did respect them a lot), but I honestly didn't realize what a big deal it was until I joined.

      Also, don't freak out! I'm still the same bookish, spazzy girl. I'm just working for the military now.

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  2. Yikes! I think I've thanked you and congragulated you. :/

    I realize now how sort of a strange position that puts you in. I believe I also stated why you personally doing it meant something to me, so maybe that's not as bad? But in any case, I'm sorry!

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    1. No, no, no! Don't apologize! I'm just really awkward at dealing with social situations IRL :P

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  3. It seems strange to me that people thank you for joining the military. I guess that's an American thing. I mean, in Canada, it's just viewed as another career path or occupation. It isn't quite glorified to the same extent.

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    1. You know how Americans can be sometimes... Haha, I kind of wish we were more chill about it like Canada.

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  4. Well at least you have something figured out. I still have barely idea what to do once I get my degree. ._.

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  5. Well, my reaction would be "WOW! That's awesome!" because I'm a big wuss, and would be too much of a 'fraidy cat to join the Air Force. Perhaps that's why people are impressed.

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  6. Seems a bit odd, but I suppose if you got a job people would congratulate you for that :S x

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  7. I think it's because you've made a brave decision to defend your country through signing up for the Air force, who cares if it was just so you could pay to go to college?

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  8. I dunno, I guess there's just something about the military that stirs up people's political feelings.

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