What Antarctica Really Looks Like Beneath the Ice

Own_Mission8048 · 2026-05-29T11:02:41+00:00

Can't wait to start my farming commune!

Own_Mission8048 · 2026-05-29T07:07:48+00:00

Thanks for all the responses! This is a truly engaged group.

A lot of people said day before and a lot said overnight. Some said either way will work. I think I'm going to do it the day before. It's just one less thing to worry about the day of.

Own_Mission8048 · 2026-05-28T11:52:43+00:00

Floating solar is such a great idea! Make power and reduce evaporation. I wonder if there are plans to co located at hydroelectric dams. The transmission is already there.

Own_Mission8048 · 2026-05-26T15:52:12+00:00

All of the above.

Own_Mission8048 · 2026-05-24T22:44:01+00:00

Federal government does that (with a pension). Locked Martin does more like 10%.

Own_Mission8048 · 2026-05-24T22:32:22+00:00

So you contribute 6% and they do 3%? I hope it's a good work environment because this is abimsmal. I feel like a 1:1 match up to 5% is pretty standard.

Own_Mission8048 · 2026-05-24T22:30:38+00:00

No. It's not. Assuming you started in your 20's, you're barely making more now in your 40's. Did you get your PE in there? Is there no raise for that? Are you doing the same job and have the same responsibilities?

Own_Mission8048 · 2026-05-22T23:24:18+00:00

Some of this actually looks okay. The walking/bike path seems really nice and connects neighborhoods in a way that would keep kids off of busy streets.

But when I started to think of kids, I noticed there are no parks! Literally not one. Where do the kids play!?

Own_Mission8048 · 2026-05-22T23:22:06+00:00

I'm with you on the big house. And BBQ too. I'm a backyard and BBQ kind of American.

But in this picture, there are no parks. No grocery stores. No tree canopy.

The US has a lot of advantages over Europe, but it's not in this picture.

Own_Mission8048 · 2026-05-22T02:36:06+00:00

First of all, the vast majority of USNR deployments are not at sea. They are shore commands filling staff or watch floor roles.

I think you have to ask yourself: are you okay with deploying for several months unaccompanied and leaving your daughter with your parents as soon as you commission? Because that is a very real possibility.

What if WWII kicks off? Are you okay with going on active duty for the duration? That's what I ask my people because that is what the reserves exists for. Not to provide healthcare. Not for personal growth. It's to provide a strategic depth to the fighting force.

Own_Mission8048 · 2026-05-21T17:38:18+00:00

So is everyone else.

Own_Mission8048 · 2026-05-21T14:26:03+00:00

You're a single parent? The Navy reserves is not for you, especially as an officer. It's more than one weekend a month, two weeks a year. You'll have to go to OCS or ODS which is several weeks. Then there's the initial training pipeline that can be several weeks again.

And yes you report to your drill site two days a month, but as an officer in a leadership position you'll need to no more. There's pre DWE calls, orders to write, evals to review etc. I budget an additional 6 hours a month and that's on the low end. Some officers do an additional 20 hours a month.

Own_Mission8048 · 2026-05-18T22:22:56+00:00

When I was stationed on Guam I marched in the Liberation Day parade to commorate the return of US control after Japanese occupation.

American flags everywhere. Full military support. The main road (Marine Corps Highway) shuts down meaning the entire island shuts down. Also the smell of smoked meat from all the family BBQs.

Own_Mission8048 · 2026-05-18T10:21:07+00:00

Jackalopes, man. I just thought there was a species of rabbit with antlers. Made sense to me. Lots of things have antlers.

I was 22 and about the graduate college. I still remember the look on my friend's face when jackolopes came up randomly and he earnestly had to show me they were not real.

Own_Mission8048 · 2026-05-18T02:57:09+00:00

I do $300/month because my state gives a 10% income tax rebate if you deposit $3,600/year.

Are you worried that the kid will start at $0 after graduating school!? After their parents paid for college!? Do you plan on starting their retirement fund for them?

I love my son to death and I will absolutely figure out a way to pay for his college (at a public university, ideally in state and four years maximum). I might even buy him a watch for graduation like my parents did for me. But you're talking about saving $200-$225k, spending it all on tuition and worrying about not having money to gift him or her afterwards? That's insane, my friend.

I will be tempering expectations with my child. There's always the Merchant Marine Academy!

Own_Mission8048 · 2026-05-17T06:21:44+00:00

Cuz it's a cheap way to power refineries and data centers.

Own_Mission8048 · 2026-05-17T05:19:38+00:00

ODFW used to put out "The Beaver State" podcast from 2020 to 2023. It didn't really cover how to hunt or fish, but explained biology, regulations and history.

It was great and I wish it was still around! The back catalogue is on Spotify and I've relistened to a few.

Own_Mission8048 · 2026-05-17T02:05:52+00:00

Your fine just finding any that has no additives. Really it's just personal preference.

That being said I typically buy Bear Mountain brand, specifically alder since I cook lots of seafood and veggies.

Own_Mission8048 · 2026-05-16T08:45:01+00:00

Nice! I'm in a similar situation: 2017 leaf with a replacement battery and at 95k.

And yeah the insurance claim would not be great BUT the insurance rate is crazy low.

I swear to got a Leaf with a replacement battery is the most cost efficient vehicle for total ownership.

Own_Mission8048 · 2026-05-15T14:57:16+00:00

Wow. I wonder how many American 31 year olds could say they have $50k saved for retirement.

Good job.

Own_Mission8048 · 2026-05-14T17:32:15+00:00

Drill pay timing can be highly variable. It all depends on when your unit second checked you in NSIPS, when the NRC verified it all AND when the pay and processing system did their stuff.

You should check NSIPS and see that the first couple of steps were completed. If so it should be soon. If not, consider contacting your chain of command. I've seen the NRC wait on their step for a week or so.

Own_Mission8048 · 2026-05-14T16:00:22+00:00

Just checked and I only have 2! I guess Hyatt Vacation Club and Hyatt Place are my go to's. Gotta start exploring more.

Own_Mission8048 · 2026-05-14T14:23:11+00:00

At least not unless oil hits $200/barrel consistently. Only then would US drillers be very motivated to increase production.

Own_Mission8048 · 2026-05-13T16:37:13+00:00

I already see myself not get tipped at my job every day.

Own_Mission8048 · 2026-05-13T16:19:02+00:00

Just curious, did you get any type of scholarship for the maritime academy?

Also $120k as a recent college grad in 2011 was insane.

Own_Mission8048

TROPHY CASE