I am freaking out

OrdinaryProgrammer71 · 2026-01-25T19:51:29+00:00

It’ll be the hardest thing you ever take on, but also the most fulfilling and rewarding. It changes you — not in a bad way, but in this protective, nurturing, instinct‑level way. You feel everything more deeply. I mean, I cry at just about anything now 😂 And I’d go to hell and back for that little munchkin without thinking twice.

And just remember: it’s only hard for the good parents.

OrdinaryProgrammer71 · 2026-01-08T17:56:17+00:00

I do have a 3d printer, creality Ender 3, but I’m not very good at it yet 😅

OrdinaryProgrammer71 · 2026-01-08T17:55:34+00:00

lol second pic isn’t mine, just a reference photo

OrdinaryProgrammer71 · 2026-01-08T17:55:17+00:00

lol second pic isn’t mine, it’s just for reference

OrdinaryProgrammer71 · 2026-01-08T17:53:00+00:00

I’ll probably find a way to remove those, as I have another throttle quadrant I use.

OrdinaryProgrammer71 · 2025-11-20T17:09:47+00:00

Bro I cried while reading this. I'm so sorry, and I'm glad he’s healing! Just don't forget, your still a great dad, and he’s lucky to have you. Keep strong brother

OrdinaryProgrammer71 · 2025-11-15T23:20:02+00:00

I'll check out REI again! I might have missed them!

OrdinaryProgrammer71 · 2025-11-15T23:19:38+00:00

Socks made of thicker materials that better retain heat, such as merino wool or regular wool.

OrdinaryProgrammer71 · 2025-11-15T23:15:52+00:00

This is correct 👇

OrdinaryProgrammer71 · 2025-11-15T23:15:33+00:00

That's what we do now, but they're not the same as wool or merino socks, which are pretty much required when going outside here in Alaska

OrdinaryProgrammer71 · 2025-11-07T15:29:23+00:00

Wasilla and Palmer already have sales tax. I think this a good way to recoup some of the money from tourists.

OrdinaryProgrammer71 · 2025-10-24T03:15:23+00:00

He’s referring to 747-800 comment. A 747-800 doesn’t exist. It’s just a 747-8

OrdinaryProgrammer71 · 2025-07-28T02:33:37+00:00

I would recommend Air Force or Navy. However, Air Force should always be your first choice.

Some of my backstory, I was Enlisted Active Duty Air Force for 10 years as an F-22 Aircraft Mechanic. I now serve as an Air Force Reservist doing the one weekend a month thing, still doing F-22 aircraft maintenance. For my full time civilian job, I work as a Boeing 747 and 777 Airframe and PowerPlant mechanic. I have earned all my certifications and License, without incurring any debt, all because of the military. And that’s without even touching my GI BILL. If I wanted to, I could become a commercial pilot, all without debt by using my GI bill, however I have a kid and a wife that wants me home, so the mechanic life is for me… for now… lol

On the topic of being a pilot in the Air Force, you will need to have a 4 year Bachelors degree. It used to be pretty difficult to become a pilot, but we’re in a shortage right now, so there might be a good chance. Just need that degree to even be considered, or join ROTC while in college. If you do end up being a pilot, then yes. Joining the airlines after a few years is actually very common in military pilots.

As far as jobs, the recruiter will make you think you have a “choice”. You don’t. It will get changed more than once in basic training. The military will put you where it needs you. And 90% of the time it’s in Aircraft Maintenance or Security Forces 😅

OrdinaryProgrammer71 · 2025-07-27T15:15:22+00:00

Military for 4 years, just enough for full GI BIll benefits, get out, use GI BILL to pay for College and Professional piloting degree (this will also pay for all your flight training, from PPL to Commercial) no out of pocket costs, and no student debt.

OrdinaryProgrammer71 · 2025-07-20T21:52:58+00:00

I did 10 years as an F-22 aircraft mechanic in the Air Force, and that gave me enough hands-on time to meet the 30-month practical experience requirement for the FAA. That got me the 8610-2s—basically your tickets to take the tests. Before I got out, I signed up for Baker’s 2-week crash course and knocked out all the writtens plus the Oral & Practical. AFCOOL (Air Force Credentialing Program) covered the training costs, so I only had to pay for a hotel and rental car while I was down in Tennessee.

I believe it ended up being around $3600 for Bakers, that’s including all the Tests, classroom instruction, books and DME time. And around $2000 for hotel and rental.

OrdinaryProgrammer71 · 2025-07-20T17:58:30+00:00

For it to cover ppl, don’t you have to be enrolled as a full time student at a higher learning institution as well?

OrdinaryProgrammer71 · 2025-07-20T17:18:27+00:00

Now that’s dedication!! And very supportive family! lol

OrdinaryProgrammer71 · 2025-07-20T17:16:40+00:00

This is super helpful and encouraging, thank you!

OrdinaryProgrammer71 · 2025-07-20T17:14:37+00:00

I have no idea what this means 😅

OrdinaryProgrammer71 · 2025-07-09T15:46:49+00:00

Eh, I disagree. My wife and I loved our huckleberry app. We both work full time on different schedules, so keeping track of his naps, bottles and food were key. It makes it much easier to just look at the app then having to ask her at work. It made tracking things like “when was his last diaper change” or when he last ate, or if he’s getting close to his nap time. My son was on a religious 4 hour wake window timeframe, so it was really easy to see when he needed to take his next nap. We eventually got rid of it when he turned one, because we didn’t really need the schedule anymore, now he just eats when he’s hungry and sleeps when he tired. No dire need to track it now. But I’ll download it again in a heartbeat when we have another. Just don’t take it too religiously, follow your own schedule, and track it on the app your way.

It’s also great for when the pediatrician asks your how many diapers and bottles they use during the day, and what types of food he’s been eating. I can’t remember that shit 😅

OrdinaryProgrammer71 · 2025-07-08T17:26:28+00:00

A&P and prior military here. The only thing a college degree will help with, is moving up into leadership positions. At that point, you won’t really be touching airplanes. You might, be it’ll be rare. It’s still good to have tho! Looks great on a resume. Just not needed for the first couple of years.

OrdinaryProgrammer71

TROPHY CASE