When I retired from the Navy 12 years ago, I thought I'd never be near jets or such ever again. I've worked with DOD contractors for 9 of those years, and about 3 1/2 years ago, got the chance to jump to DOD. I spent 2 years each with the first two contractors, laid off first for a contract modification and second due to war funding deficits. The third moved me to Utah. And then I literally moved across a parking lot doing a very similar job as I did for my last contractor job. I KNOW and believe what I do most days has a direct impact for the warfighter in harms way. We do a lot for a group that is currently undermanned, and our counterparts around the country are always amazed at what we pull off. There aren't but a handful of non-DOD jobs like mine. I'm lucky to be employed, I know. And will never say otherwise.
Due to my wife's never ending medical issues, we aren't on the best financial footing. She spent half of last year at Promise at LDS hospital. But I don't mention that sort of stuff much. We planned ahead for the summer furloughs and were fortunate to have them MOSTLY scheduled 1 per payday. There was a double that hurt, and we got over it. But if this goes more than a couple weeks its going to get tight and difficult. I've already pared my vehicle insurance down to the bone and cut a vehicle for the time being. Luckily, we have food storage and we CAN get by otherwise frugally.
A shutdown won't fix anything. THe system is broken and something does need to be done. I have lost some faith in the 2 party system. I, like many others, served my country to defeat and avoid communism and socialism, only for the braindead amongst us to invite it in, like inviting a vampire in with crackers and wine (or whatever you invite a vampire in with...)... Today's generations aren't being taught WHY this country is so great, but how we robbed and plundered our way to being the world's biggest bully. The occupier of the White House has no love of this county or what it stands for. Its difficult seeing what this country is becoming.
Since I have time on my hands, I might get some additional training in for my new puppy. I need to replace the timing belt and waterpump on my Dodge Neon, at least I bought the parts ahead of time. I've been taking care of some last yard work before it snows too much, but won't splurge for the overseeding I should be doing. Garage needs cleaning and the shed needs some straightening. I have a coupel sets of 35s that won't likely pass inspection but are probably good trail tires if anyone is interested. I need to winterize my lawnmower and pull my snowthrower out and prep it. I have another snowthrower project that might include Hickey's old Chinese dirtbike. (Just think, a 150cc, 5 speed snowthrower from hell, able to scoop up and toss slush, newspapers, the neighbor's cats...) Or maybe I'll just sit around and drink beer and feel sorry for myself... Nah, I couldn't do that for myself even when I broke my back and wasn't sure I'd even get back to work...
Look, I understand the generalizations and ideas people have of .gov employees. I see it. But not out of my own group for the most part. At least I'm not in a cubicle farm weaving red tape for the masses. Is there waste in our .gov? Indeed! On the other hand, my group is so short of funds we have arguments over fuel or office supplies. I sure wish I was privvy to the multi-million dollar seminars and "working groups". Shoot, I always seem to be working for the wrong groups to have any of that sort of fun.
Now if only we could get Congress to do what they are constitutionally bound to do and stop playing playground games...
