Quote:
Originally Posted by AzFranz
Good evening all! I have read many threads regarding 9/11, the military, what I did, what I should've done, could've, I have a friend that....and so on. Here's the fact of the matter. You wake up each day and choose to do what you do. Whatever it is, it's a choice. We all have our stories of why we 'are' and what we could have been, but when the sun sets we are who we are.
Who you are brings a unique and relevant skill to society, family, friendship, and this forum. Be who you are and regret nothing. If you have regrets then wake up tomorrow and "do". In less that 20 days I will be in the middle east for another, minimum, 6 month "tour", and will hit my 20 year mark before I get back. I love it. This is great stuff to me and to all of us who have served and continue to. And when I say serve I don't just mean those in uniform. wives, husbands, children, moms, dads, brothers, and sisters serve everyday their loved ones are gone.
I am Hungarian American born to primarily Polish, Scotch, Lithuanian, and Jewish descendant kin. My wife is Dutch Amish and my step kids are half Mexican. I drive Japanese and Korean vehicles and have one car that's "ALL" American the 2009 Chevy Corvette Z06...proudly built in Canada! WTF Eh! Oh and my dog is a Soft Coated Wheaton Terrier...Scottish.
It is, what it is...
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For me looking at the past and seeing where different paths could have been taking is not a regret but more of a learning point as well as a curiosity. If nothing other than by nature we as humans are curious creatures. Think of it this way, how often do you find yourself wondering what’s going on around you? How many movies have given you the "What If" thought?
However Curiosity and Regret are to completely different things but also something to have learned from. Do I in anyway personally regret my 10 years in the Army, no. (2000-2010) Do I wonder what I would have done if I was not following a close friend into the Army and had say chosen the Air Force as my Father told me to or just gone to College as my Mother wanted me to, sure. Do I dwell on it, no not really but I also freely admit I have thought about it. It’s nothing to be ashamed of nor does it diminish how I feel about my life. Had I not made the choices I have at this point I would not be where I am currently and I am very happy with my family and life as well as what I have accomplished as well as pushing myself to accomplish more. Taking the time to think about such things mean that in the future I can help to guide my son and hopefully impart to him some of the things I have learned.
However there is also the point where you have to realize that while wanting to do something is a great thing once you have a family and have started investing yourself in life you have to make choices that serve the real long term goals you have. Could I go get a degree in engineering now, yes of course. However would it be foolish to my family, my life and all the work I have put in at this point to do so it could be. However my son and wife solidify for me that I like my job and there is no reason to gamble at this stage in my life. But this does take us back to the thoughts of making different choices in life and being curious what the outcome would have been, would I have ended up anywhere close to where I am today? Nothing more than curiosity.
The wonderful thing about being in this country is that we are all of mixed back ground. Personally I am Mainly German and French with a little Irish and Indian in the mix. My family came over just as many others did and many of them served in World War 2. We all look back on those who laid the ground work for the lives we have today with reverence and respect because without them we would not have had this opportunity.
As a car enthusiast I would like to believe we have all tried different vehicles and found the fun, enjoyment and intrigue in all makers. We may not like them all but there is usually one we can agree on that's caught our attention. I can say I have owned many different cars across most makers and always found something I enjoyed. That diversity is what makes things interesting in my opinion.
Stay safe over there and good luck, I hope you return once again safely!