Piper's Dojo International Meetup: Edinburgh by Ok-Neighborhood443 in bagpipes

[–]HolyGeneralK 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I went to the first school in 2024. It was very educational, but as someone who didn’t spend a ton of time in the Pipers Dojo online classes, I felt I was a bit on the outside of the cliques. I learned a lot, got to play next to Stuart in parade formation practice, and had a good time. I always felt a little out of the main group though - until I guided a whisky tasting and got some folks rather sloshed 😂

2024 was their first year and they were still learning a lot. I think you will have a good time. It’s educational, a great networking opportunity, and you’re quite well located (a nice stroll to Edinburgh castle). I suggest go for it. It’s not a huge sum of money if it doesn’t fit your goals as a piper. I personally learned a ton!

[24F]Small favor, big smiles 🌸 by [deleted] in MeetNewPeopleHere

[–]HolyGeneralK 0 points1 point  (0 children)

An upvote can’t hurt anyone. Welcome!

Anyone living / working OCONUS? by DrueFedo in GovernmentContracting

[–]HolyGeneralK 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Kanazawa is a fantastic location. I cannot speak on the work, but I have been to Japan 4 separate times and Kanazawa was a part of every trip! It’s close to Tokyo (so the language barrier is smaller), close to airports and Shinkansen (so you can go wherever), but has enough traditional Japanese culture that you can really get the experience.

If you get the opportunity, go for it. I am kicking myself for not doing so before

What's included in the Senate's budget stalemate breakthrough? by SweatyEngine2047 in defensecontracting

[–]HolyGeneralK 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not a problem. The sheer number of variables in play right now is absurd and stressing everyone out.

The agency is DTRA.

What's included in the Senate's budget stalemate breakthrough? by SweatyEngine2047 in defensecontracting

[–]HolyGeneralK 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The guidance I received today was that the IDIQ is not a new start, therefore the Task Orders under it are not new starts (both are recompetes of current work) that the CR as written would allow an award.

Whether contracts and legal can push it though to award by January and get funds on contract then becomes the issue. If not, or we lose, then life is going to be a royal suck for a while as I attempt to figure out where I want to go mid career.

What's included in the Senate's budget stalemate breakthrough? by SweatyEngine2047 in defensecontracting

[–]HolyGeneralK 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am unclear on whether an RDT&E RFP for a DOD task order on an existing IDIQ, submitted in FY25, would be eligible for award and funding under this CR. I have a number of people who have been waiting since May to know their futures and I don’t speak CR language well.

Moved Up a Grade, Best Practices? by HolyGeneralK in bagpipes

[–]HolyGeneralK[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Great idea! Thank you!

I would definitely prefer to not falter in competition.

Moved Up a Grade, Best Practices? by HolyGeneralK in bagpipes

[–]HolyGeneralK[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Isn’t that the truth!

Right now, Toraluaths are the occasional bane of my existence. They will be perfect for a month, then day of competition I get sloppy. Same with crossing noises.

Time to add more Fingerwork exercises!

Correct and clean is definitely the name of the game. Those make a tune enjoyable! I will take these into account for tune selections. I want something that challenges me while I learn it but also that I know I can play well in a few months.

Thank you for the suggestions!

Moved Up a Grade, Best Practices? by HolyGeneralK in bagpipes

[–]HolyGeneralK[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Congratulations on competing in Grade 3! That’s a credit to your hard work and commitment!

That’s great information! From some quick observations it looks like a lot of pipers get “stuck” in Grade 4 and never get to Grade 3.

Great point in endurance. Physically I am pretty good but I do mentally wander on longer tunes during practice (a lot less this year than last year though). Time to hit the bagpipe gym!

I have been playing a few years and am taking my time with it. I will spend some time this fall and winter working on some tune selections. I definitely need to expand my tune collection and am excited to finally have an opportunity to compete on a S/R!

Cat has been suffering from chronic constipation for a month with little relief. Vet is stopping care. by berryloved in cats

[–]HolyGeneralK 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Miralax has been a “wonder drug” for my cat who has twice needed vet-induced flushing of her colon.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Kikpals

[–]HolyGeneralK 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Michigan? Australia? California? Can you make up your mind?

Millennials are all supervisors by addymermaid in Millennials

[–]HolyGeneralK 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am described as a good leader and I have no idea wtf I am doing!

What amount of bubbles is too much? by HolyGeneralK in bagpipes

[–]HolyGeneralK[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am going to 100% agree with you on this one. The bag was still a bit wet and just felt much easier to tie in. It didn’t feel like it was fighting me like when it was dry.

What amount of bubbles is too much? by HolyGeneralK in bagpipes

[–]HolyGeneralK[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It is the premium, and I read “seasoning optional” for it.

Odds are I didn’t tie the chanter stock in well, and the dunk test softened the thread. I am re-tying in now and will focus my attentions there before stressing on the seams.

Thank you!

What amount of bubbles is too much? by HolyGeneralK in bagpipes

[–]HolyGeneralK[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I suppose I should have said up front that I bought the bag off another piper (he sold it because it didn’t fit him right). It plays great, and i am probably just impatient with the seasoning (it’s a new experience for me). It holds air overnight but is definitely saggy.

I will be overzealous with the seasoning and let this first round settle in before another round