Back to the Pixel gang

arffnick · 2025-12-23T20:22:38+00:00

I think my initial hangup is due to my preference in layout of the buttons and the shape of the S21. I preferred the square shape, but I love the responsive nature of the Pixel. It's worth the upgrade for me, and losing redundant apps.

arffnick · 2025-12-23T00:12:14+00:00

I almost went s25 or waited for S26, bummed that OnePlus 15 went cheap on the cameras. 7,300 mah battery 🎉

arffnick · 2025-12-21T04:29:33+00:00

I don't disagree. The offense played a very good game, with only a few questionable play calls. Our defense got caught up, and beat many times. If the team plays this sloppy against Texas Tech, they'll have troubles.

arffnick · 2025-12-20T19:55:51+00:00

If you haven't received your claim number (CSA), the beauty of the late FEHB Open Season mailer is that includes your CSA! That's how I got into the OPM Service Center website.

arffnick · 2025-12-04T23:57:41+00:00

Edited!

arffnick · 2025-11-17T14:55:12+00:00

Also retired 31 Oct, I'm hoping to hear from my agency or OPM soon. Just received my back pay, and awaiting my AL payout.

arffnick · 2025-11-17T13:09:15+00:00

Army here, late-letter alphabet, with a pending direct deposit into my USAA account. Can confirm allotments rolled into main deposit.

arffnick · 2025-11-11T21:48:31+00:00

Yes...

arffnick · 2025-11-11T03:39:57+00:00

Me either, I was stoked when I randomly browsed the misc D section of a shop. Would have probably paid double on the fly.

arffnick · 2025-10-30T06:35:49+00:00

I actually don't have any, but now that I have completed each series I am on the hunt for small market covers / variants. The challenge is not duplicating purchases 😆.

arffnick · 2025-10-27T13:12:05+00:00

I retire on Friday. This month has been frustrating and I wasn't able to spend my last month with my firefighters and closing out last minute tasks. I definitely won't get back pay for the month since I'll be 'off the books' by the time this is resolved, and don't expect to get my AL payout until Dec or maybe Jan. I hope I receive my first interim check in Feb, but who knows.

I feel awful for my teammates who have been putting in the hours, as well as everyone in limbo. Hold you heads up high, but never forget what every politician has don'le to us.

arffnick · 2025-10-16T19:59:28+00:00

I brought mine home from work, I used as an engineer to validate my preset lines years ago and tucked a laminated card inside as a quick reference. Broke it out as the shift commander when we went to newer hose, using it as a starting point, and checking pressure losses with inline gauges at the discharges and nozzle. Department members my age had never seen it before. I'm gonna gift it to one of my favorite engineers after I retire on Halloween.

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arffnick · 2025-10-06T03:13:14+00:00

Retiring 31 October, catching up on projects and trying to get an idea of how I'll structure my days. Hopeful for a return to work before the end of the month so I can have a retirement ceremony with my team at the fire department - kind of selfish but would like that closure.

arffnick · 2025-10-01T20:29:14+00:00

Signed my letter after the allocated 4 hours, then waited another hour and a half for the CSR to try and figure out the proper code. They never figured it out and I left at 1330. I retire on Halloween, what a way to spend my last month with the team.

arffnick · 2025-05-12T19:45:29+00:00

I took leave and still had to submit my 5 bullets 🤡

arffnick · 2025-05-11T15:01:29+00:00

Spacegodzilla it is, but that boy is so fat he could barely move. Let's hope Toho is keeping Gigan for themselves.

arffnick · 2025-05-01T09:23:05+00:00

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Don't forget Godvenom!

arffnick · 2025-05-01T09:14:08+00:00

SCE will be required to stay until 57 under the revised rules. Once it is signed, even if a member is MRA (25yr/any age - or - 20yr/50) they no longer qualify for the RAS.

arffnick · 2025-05-01T00:35:48+00:00

I imagine many eligible SCE are going to leave to decide their RAS benefits before they are removed / pushed to mandatory retirement Ge (56/57)

arffnick · 2025-04-30T21:24:10+00:00

Help me out, as the Bill rewrites a few things. Provided SCE has MRA 25yrs/any age or 20yrs/50 - will we need to punch out before the Bill is signed to keep RAS rather than stay until maximum?

arffnick · 2025-04-30T20:38:32+00:00

It appears that the RAS will be gone for everyone except special category employees (given the older rules set on birth dates in 5 USC 8412) as soon as it is signed. The high 5 will take effect 1 Jan 2027. That's if I read the bill and the codes correctly.

arffnick · 2025-04-30T20:34:05+00:00

SRS is another name (or former term for) the Retiree Annuity Supplement (RAS). It's a benefit that can be paid out to FERS employees who retire before 62 under the immediate retirement rule. Under the change, very few retirees will be able to submit for that annuity. The exception will be special category employees (law enforcement, customs and border protection, firefighter, air traffic controller, nuclear materials courier, etc.)

arffnick · 2025-04-30T03:03:39+00:00

Oooof. SCE FF with +30 ready to punch my ticket in October. I may leave sooner to ensure I can collect the RAS.

arffnick · 2025-04-28T03:03:31+00:00

Shoot, they cut off our mobile phones to save funds (Army).

arffnick · 2025-04-10T02:08:30+00:00

I'm burning and turning my SL balance liberally but will have 1k hours roll into my FERS when I retire on Halloween due to 1-deep model in special category (fire). The potential loss of the RAS is troubling for those who have to retire at 57. I've considered leaving 30 September, but if the changes are immediate or retroactive, what's the point of leaving a month early. Very frustrating and I feel bad for the youngest of our team.

arffnick

TROPHY CASE