Random Thoughts About Thoughts Random

Post by **Shirley** » Mon Apr 30, 2018 11:35 am

It probably can't hurt to let them know that you realize that you didn't things properly and you've already sought out help. Hopefully if you show that you're quickly taking steps to address the problem, they'll show some understanding.

sancarlos · Post by **sancarlos** » Mon Apr 30, 2018 11:47 am

Keep your chin up, buddy.

mister d · Post by **mister d** » Mon Apr 30, 2018 12:29 pm

Hang in. 99% of the time these things don't look and feel nearly as bad once you're a week out.

bfj · Post by **bfj** » Mon Apr 30, 2018 12:55 pm

The important thing is to take care of yourself. There is a life after you leave the Air Force and you have people that need you around. You're ok, everyone deals with stress differently. Therapy, meds, meditation, whatever works for you. Just take care of you.

degenerasian · Post by **degenerasian** » Mon Apr 30, 2018 1:01 pm

Yes please take care of yourself. Are there people in the military that can help you? A support system back in the US?
Don't let the two commanders conspire to screw you over. You're a good guy, get help and don't let a momentary lapse of judgement cost you everything.

Johnnie · Post by **Johnnie** » Mon Apr 30, 2018 1:29 pm

I sought help today which felt good. 2 hours just yelling my story and how I feel. I just wish I could be better at handling things right now.

I have my girlfriend, friends, and family waiting for me to return. I have you guys (and gals!). I just need to stay positive and get through this.

This is certainly a crossroads for me. I'll have to continue therapy and everything else once I get back. And most importantly no alcohol. I haven't had a drop since before I left.

Giff · Post by **Giff** » Mon Apr 30, 2018 2:16 pm

All I know is when Johnnie is finally out, we're going to have a Swamper Stoner meet-up somewhere.

Moreta · Post by **Moreta** » Mon Apr 30, 2018 3:01 pm

Can I just say how glad I am that you guys are so accepting of therapy and even encouraging it? I think there might be hope for humanity yet.

Johnnie, I hope this leads to you being in a better place, both physically and emotionally. <3

degenerasian · Post by **degenerasian** » Mon Apr 30, 2018 3:18 pm

Moreta wrote: ↑Mon Apr 30, 2018 3:01 pm Can I just say how glad I am that you guys are so accepting of therapy and even encouraging it? I think there might be hope for humanity yet.

Johnnie, I hope this leads to you being in a better place, both physically and emotionally. <3

I'm at the point now in my life where I encourage anything that makes one feel better. Health is #1. Nothing else matters.
Not customs, perceptions, guilt, fear, money or what others think.

Post by **Sabo** » Mon Apr 30, 2018 3:28 pm

degenerasian wrote: ↑Mon Apr 30, 2018 3:18 pmI'm at the point now in my life where I encourage anything that makes one feel better. Health is #1. Nothing else matters.
Not customs, perceptions, guilt, fear, money or what others think.

Agree completely.

bfj · Post by **bfj** » Mon Apr 30, 2018 4:16 pm

degenerasian wrote: ↑Mon Apr 30, 2018 3:18 pm
Moreta wrote: ↑Mon Apr 30, 2018 3:01 pm Can I just say how glad I am that you guys are so accepting of therapy and even encouraging it? I think there might be hope for humanity yet.

Johnnie, I hope this leads to you being in a better place, both physically and emotionally. <3
I'm at the point now in my life where I encourage anything that makes one feel better. Health is #1. Nothing else matters.
Not customs, perceptions, guilt, fear, money or what others think.

Whatever helps Johnnie. Talking about myself for two hours sounds like torture to me.

Post by **brian** » Mon Apr 30, 2018 5:37 pm

Are my wife and I the only people who get about three to five unsolicited "spam" phone calls a day from a phone number exchange that looks like ours? I thought the government was supposed to be prosecuting people who do that shit?

A_B · Post by **A_B** » Mon Apr 30, 2018 6:51 pm

I get 2-3 a week. Don’t even bother answering anymore

Pruitt · Post by **Pruitt** » Mon Apr 30, 2018 6:57 pm

brian wrote: ↑Mon Apr 30, 2018 5:37 pm Are my wife and I the only people who get about three to five unsolicited "spam" phone calls a day from a phone number exchange that looks like ours? I thought the government was supposed to be prosecuting people who do that shit?

On a recent podcast ("Reply All" or "Planet Money") they talked about the new tech that allows callers to mask their numbers and substitute it with one similar to the person being called.

We get 4-7 air duct calls a week, and the same number of calls from Windows from calls that seem to be from the neighbourhood.

Got to be honest - I like the Windows calls. They let me vent, big time.

Post by **brian** » Mon Apr 30, 2018 7:05 pm

I get air duct ones too. Must be a lucrative business. Though again not sure how government can’t shut that shit down. Unless it’s a scam shouldn’t take Columbo to track down the responsible parties.

DaveInSeattle · Post by **DaveInSeattle** » Mon Apr 30, 2018 7:18 pm

I get calls from a 'Canadian Pharmacy' offering to sell me Viagra or Cialis. The numbers are always spoofed as something like Manchester, NH or Paducah, KY...totally random.

I've gotten to wear I don't answer if I don't know the area code.

Post by **Shirley** » Mon Apr 30, 2018 9:36 pm

I haven't answered a call from a number I don't recognize for years. I'm surprised you guys don't screen that way. The only exception I ever make is if I'm already expecting a call from a number I may not recognize (which is rare). If it's important, they'll leave a voicemail.

Rush2112 · Post by **Rush2112** » Mon Apr 30, 2018 11:26 pm

I've been getting "My car warranty is about to expire!!!" calls. My car is a 1981. Truth, itt only has 80K on it, but still thinking it's expired.

Post by **brian** » Mon Apr 30, 2018 11:49 pm

Shirley wrote: ↑Mon Apr 30, 2018 9:36 pm I haven't answered a call from a number I don't recognize for years. I'm surprised you guys don't screen that way. The only exception I ever make is if I'm already expecting a call from a number I may not recognize (which is rare). If it's important, they'll leave a voicemail.

Oh Jesus I don’t answer. I’m not an idiot. It’s still annoying though.

duff · Post by **duff** » Tue May 01, 2018 4:59 am

Rush2112 wrote: ↑Mon Apr 30, 2018 11:26 pm I've been getting "My car warranty is about to expire!!!" calls. My car is a 1981. Truth, itt only has 80K on it, but still thinking it's expired.

Is it a call from Howard Williams?

DSafetyGuy · Post by **DSafetyGuy** » Tue May 01, 2018 9:34 am

Occasionally, I have answered because it may be a work-related call (LA phone number), but Marriott really wants me to enjoy a free weekend somewhere.

mister d · Post by **mister d** » Tue May 01, 2018 9:36 am

Same. Got tripped up on that because it was 617 and I thought it was the senile lady who calls every 2 weeks thinking I'm her sister.

The Sybian · Post by **The Sybian** » Tue May 01, 2018 10:38 am

The calls increased a few months ago. I have to answer sometimes, as my work calls get forwarded to my cell, and we have clients all over the country. I get a lot of calls from numbers that look similar to my kid's aftercare, so I fall for those. Usually a way-to-chipper female voice calling about my credit card, or a very convincing recording who doesn't hear you at first claiming to be from some police-related charity. The computerized voice actually responds differently when you are silent or keep saying hello.

duff · Post by **duff** » Tue May 01, 2018 10:42 am

Never answer using your name. I just answer with "Hello."

Got a call from a police fundraiser and asked them how they got my number. The guy went on the defensive about how they are not part of the no-call list. I told him I really didn't care and to take me off their list. Then I may or may not have told him to enjoy killing unarmed brown men.

A_B · Post by **A_B** » Tue May 01, 2018 10:49 am

I get the “is bob there? No, maybe you can help me”

Giff · Post by **Giff** » Tue May 01, 2018 10:53 am

I let them go to VM. I had a few last week that was the good ol IRS scam.

Pruitt · Post by **Pruitt** » Tue May 01, 2018 11:00 am

"Am I speaking with the homeowner?"

GoodKarma · Post by **GoodKarma** » Tue May 01, 2018 11:03 am

I don't understand why everyone else I know seems to get telemarketing calls but I don't. Other than Miami U begging for money I get, maybe, one call per month. Been that way my entire adult life. Wish I knew what I was doing right.

A_B · Post by **A_B** » Tue May 01, 2018 11:08 am

Maybe it’s the karma?

Nonlinear FC · Post by **Nonlinear FC** » Tue May 01, 2018 11:13 am

Shirley wrote: ↑Mon Apr 30, 2018 9:36 pm I haven't answered a call from a number I don't recognize for years. I'm surprised you guys don't screen that way. The only exception I ever make is if I'm already expecting a call from a number I may not recognize (which is rare). If it's important, they'll leave a voicemail.

Yeah, I'm very surprised you guys are picking up the phone. I'm not sure what list my wife put us on, but we get EASILY 7-8 calls a day that ring one time and then get screened out. Then another 3-5 that we just let ring because we don't recognize the number.

The ONLY exception to this is when one of the kids is out and about and a call from a "known" area code comes in (301, 240, 617), because that could mean they need us. Even that would be extremely rare, because the kids obviously do most of their communicating with us via cell.

A_B · Post by **A_B** » Tue May 01, 2018 11:13 am

The only ones I pick up are from exchanges where I work with people. It bites me.

Post by **brian** » Tue May 01, 2018 11:16 am

Nonlinear FC wrote: ↑Tue May 01, 2018 11:13 am
Shirley wrote: ↑Mon Apr 30, 2018 9:36 pm I haven't answered a call from a number I don't recognize for years. I'm surprised you guys don't screen that way. The only exception I ever make is if I'm already expecting a call from a number I may not recognize (which is rare). If it's important, they'll leave a voicemail.
Yeah, I'm very surprised you guys are picking up the phone. I'm not sure what list my wife put us on, but we get EASILY 7-8 calls a day that ring one time and then get screened out. Then another 3-5 that we just let ring because we don't recognize the number.

The ONLY exception to this is when one of the kids is out and about and a call from a "known" area code comes in (301, 240, 617), because that could mean they need us. Even that would be extremely rare, because the kids obviously do most of their communicating with us via cell.

Yeah, I don't answer but I don't have kids and I don't have work people calling me on my cell, but the issue is that the calls are spoofed to look like they're from your area code and local exchange (so for me it would be 702-769-xxxx) making it appear as if it is someone "local".

I still don't answer because there's nothing that can't go to VM but it's annoying to know it's happening, especially since it's supposed to be against the law.

Post by **Sabo** » Tue May 01, 2018 11:50 am

brian wrote: ↑Tue May 01, 2018 11:16 amYeah, I don't answer but I don't have kids and I don't have work people calling me on my cell, but the issue is that the calls are spoofed to look like they're from your area code and local exchange (so for me it would be 702-769-xxxx) making it appear as if it is someone "local".

I get this all the time on my cell phone, and occasionally on my home office phone.

But I screen almost all of my calls, so it's pretty rare for me to answer the phone if I don't recognize the number.

The Sybian · Post by **The Sybian** » Tue May 01, 2018 12:14 pm

duff wrote: ↑Tue May 01, 2018 10:42 am Never answer using your name. I just answer with "Hello."

Got a call from a police fundraiser and asked them how they got my number. The guy went on the defensive about how they are not part of the no-call list. I told him I really didn't care and to take me off their list. Then I may or may not have told him to enjoy killing unarmed brown men.

Jesus, just got this call again. Within an hour of mentioning it.

I also saw somewhere not to say "yes." They can record you saying yes, then use that to say you consented to something. There is a recording that sounds real, and the female voice says, "Hi, can you hear me?"

EnochRoot · Post by **EnochRoot** » Tue May 01, 2018 12:41 pm

Hey, it's Suzanne again. I meant to get back to you last week about that quote. It turns out that an additional $50,000 line of credit is doable. If you wait until the 1st of next month we can lock in a better rate. Give me a shout when you get this message so that we can talk some more. Just a head's up we got a new phone system and my new extension is #4201. 410-555-1234.

I don't think I've ever talked to anybody about a business loan. But boy oh boy, she definitely made it seem like we'd talked before. I better call her to see what's up. Maybe I forgot about this?

duff · Post by **duff** » Tue May 01, 2018 1:26 pm

I answer when it is from parent's area code and from the local area code.

Anything else, I let it go. But there are sometimes I will answer and ask to speak with someone. I had some guy from the subcontinent ask me how his dick tasted over the phone. All because I was super excited about them lowering my credit card costs. He didn't even know that I don't have a credit card.

BSF21 · Post by **BSF21** » Tue May 01, 2018 2:05 pm

This is a big problem for me. I cover 5+ states for my job and you gotta answer everything. Never know when it's going to be a customer.

If it is, I try hard to get a real life person on the phone and drag them on or swear at them. It's a fun game when you're on the road.

A_B · Post by **A_B** » Tue May 01, 2018 2:10 pm

BSF21 wrote: ↑Tue May 01, 2018 2:05 pm This is a big problem for me. I cover 5+ states for my job and you gotta answer everything. Never know when it's going to be a customer.

If it is, I try hard to get a real life person on the phone and drag them on or swear at them. It's a fun game when you're on the road.

Ima start calling you from random numbers

DSafetyGuy · Post by **DSafetyGuy** » Tue May 01, 2018 2:44 pm

brian wrote: ↑Tue May 01, 2018 11:16 amYeah, I don't answer but I don't have kids and I don't have work people calling me on my cell, but the issue is that the calls are spoofed to look like they're from your area code and local exchange (so for me it would be 702-769-xxxx) making it appear as if it is someone "local".

I still don't answer because there's nothing that can't go to VM but it's annoying to know it's happening, especially since it's supposed to be against the law.

I got one this afternoon that came from the same area code, but a different exchange than my cell phone. I ignore the ones from the same exchange (or even the same first two numbers of the exchange), but since this was different, I picked up. Alas.

ETA: Having kept my old number from Los Angeles, I feel like I can ignore pretty much any phone call from a Syracuse area number. I recognize the school phone number and expect that anyone else would have my number would be in my phone, as well.

Side note - People seem to disregard my different area code (310 vs 315). It's also quaint to see local commercials that give only seven digits for their phone number.

sancarlos · Post by **sancarlos** » Tue May 01, 2018 3:57 pm

I put a free app called Truecaller on my cell phone and it has reduced the number of spam calls I receive.