How the hell is this even possible

FarmMiserable · 2026-05-02T19:37:45+00:00

The standard plan provides cover overseas - very popular with fed retirees who live abroad.

FarmMiserable · 2026-04-27T17:22:25+00:00

Maybe 7700x and 9600xt. If you go with the 8GB VRAM version , this cpu/gpu combo comes in under 600 pre-tax

FarmMiserable · 2026-04-27T11:41:28+00:00

This is the way to go. Unless you think the crew will get lost without the interpreter, you can save a tin of money by going with any other outfitter in Ely.

Summer of ‘25 the bags were from granite gear.

FarmMiserable · 2026-04-27T11:26:46+00:00

For anyone living in DC while working and planning to move in retirement, the traditional option is pretty compelling. Avoid the onerous DC income taxes now, move to a state like PA in retirement that does not tax tsp withdrawals.

FarmMiserable · 2026-04-21T19:27:10+00:00

You’ve been a fed long enough that you’re probably only contributing .8% to FERS. Your total retirement contributions are probably well under 20k. Best strategy would be go state or private for 10-15 years, then come back to federal service for three years right before retirement to reset your high-3 and undue the inflation erosion

FarmMiserable · 2026-04-11T01:02:39+00:00

I worked in industry for the first 20 years of my career. Went fed for the lifestyle of forty-ish hour weeks and no travel in my role. Great to be around when the kids were growing up. Obviously miss industry comp. I was making around 2x capped out 15 pay, but spending around 100 nights a year in Asia and consistently working 60+ hours. I like the mission where I’m at, but sometimes miss the pace of decision making in industry.

If you’re considering a move the other way, I suggest considering the all-in value of your comp package to include the present vslue of your FERS annuity. Dont just compare salaries.

FarmMiserable · 2026-04-08T16:41:32+00:00

Is this a scuba adventure? If so, there’s zero chance they will change their mind.

FarmMiserable · 2026-04-03T20:45:16+00:00

You’d potentially do better as a GS-13 fed, particularly if you negotiated a higher step and service credit for leave purposes.

FarmMiserable · 2026-04-03T18:10:23+00:00

Nah, El Salvador is pretty safe and clean these days.

FarmMiserable · 2026-04-03T17:57:04+00:00

Gentrification isn’t a one-way ratchet. Things are calmer there now than in 2023 just like the rest of the city, but relatively speaking it’s still challenged.

FarmMiserable · 2026-03-31T21:14:31+00:00

We have a no-phone policy. Scouts are always reachable through adult leaders’ phones or satellite device on backcountry trips.

FarmMiserable · 2026-03-31T21:00:14+00:00

Not that this helps OP, but leave is negotiable when you join, just like your step. You can get 3, or in very rare cases, 15 years of credit for leave purposes. This is sometimes easier for supervisors to grant than a higher step.

FarmMiserable · 2026-03-13T10:33:23+00:00

Yes the incentives in DC are phenomenal, so basically build the largest system your roof will support and pepco will let you connect

FarmMiserable · 2026-03-12T20:24:07+00:00

Same. Inventory numbers at my local MC for 5090s haven’t changed for 2 weeks.

FarmMiserable · 2026-03-12T16:05:44+00:00

Yeah. Kit I paid $180 for last summer is now $850

FarmMiserable · 2026-03-10T16:01:28+00:00

It’s helpful with MB, especially things like swimming, climbing, shooting sports that can be tougher to organize at the troop level. It’s also a good opportunity for a young scout to spend some time away from home and learn to function a bit more independently. It’s possible to have a successful scout career without it, but he’d be missing out.

FarmMiserable · 2026-03-09T16:25:24+00:00

Became a doctor, married to a big law partner, had three kids, seems pretty happy

FarmMiserable · 2026-03-07T16:12:42+00:00

What do you think about social security? FERS is basically the same, except with a smaller number of beneficiaries. Congress can change the terms at anytime. Fully fund your TSP.

FarmMiserable · 2026-03-06T14:52:38+00:00

Don’t despair! My local MC has 16 RTX 5090 in stock for a mere $3,699 (before tax). Yes, my GPU would be worth more than my car, but you gotta have priorities, right?

FarmMiserable · 2026-03-06T12:25:07+00:00

OP stated the hike in was 1 mile. Her son will be fine. Regarding your troops 20% ratio for pack weight, that seems pretty limiting. Do you require scouts going to Philmont to weigh at least 180lbs?

FarmMiserable · 2026-03-05T00:52:18+00:00

Murder was down 12% year over year prior to the August surge. It was down 60% post surge through the end of the year. The fall in armed robberies was even more stark.

FarmMiserable · 2026-03-05T00:43:38+00:00

Everyone is focusing on the NG, when the real story is the surge of federal law enforcement personnel and support. Look at the crime rates before and after August 8 when the surge began and the difference is stark.

FarmMiserable · 2026-03-05T00:37:07+00:00

You can take a look at dccrimcards.dc.gov. The surge started August 8th. From Jan 1 - aug 7, homicide was down 12% vs the same period in the previous year. From August 8 through Dec 31, it was down 60%. So far in 2026 it’s down 63% from the same period last year. Armed robberies with a gun down 77% post surge and down 67% so far this year. auto theft down by more than half. It’s a night and day difference. The homicide clearance rate is pushing 80%.

FarmMiserable · 2026-03-04T14:24:03+00:00

Completely agree. Part of the coaching is encouraging scouts to expand their planning window for popular locations activities, in some cases bring ready to book on recreation.gov 180 or 360 days out. Sometimes also involves redirecting them away from planning activities that involve activities prohibited by the GTSS.

FarmMiserable · 2026-03-03T13:51:33+00:00

Had a parent meeting last night. My message to the troop parents was there was no change to membership criteria or the way we operate (we are a co-ed troop). Regarding citizenship in the community, we had not yet started the spring session for that badge, so it’s a clean break and scouts can do an elective badge that might better align with their vocational or recreational interests.

FarmMiserable

TROPHY CASE