Following in what is apparently some sort of fad, I am posting here today - the 8th anniversary of my signup with the Vast Empire on November 15, 2001 - to announce my retirement.
I originally joined the Vast Empire during the early part of my senior year of high school. It was an exciting time, things were changing, people were moving around. The first several months of my membership eventually resulted in a form of the Vast Empire that would endure for several years. However, like any club, people come and people go. For many years, I watched them. Now, it seems, it is time for me to go.
I am in a very different place in life than I was when I joined. I had not yet finished high school and was looking forward to getting out on my own and enjoying the college experience. After five grueling years of higher education, I went out into the workplace. Three years of that has convinced me that, perhaps, work is not for me. I'm headed back to school in the spring for a second round of punishment.
The activities I engage in, the people I know, and the time I commit to work (and soon school) do not leave much time left over for me to invest into the Vast Empire. Certainly not to the degree that it expects and deserves. It is thus with a heavy heart that I reluctantly submit this, my formal notice of retirement. The next two months promise to be exceptionally hectic as I cease working at my job at Dell, pick up a new (somewhat lower paying one), move back to the town where my school is, and restart my education. Will I have the time or energy for the Vast Empire in the future? I'll never say never, but I cannot accurately evaluate that at this time.
The Navy is, I observe as I futilely attempt to absorb unread posts, certainly in a time of change. People are rallying to get things moving, to change systems that they do not think work and to replace me, the absent head. I cannot blame them - moreover, I commend them. I did exactly the same thing eight years ago (and look where it go me! Moral: Be careful what you wish for. :P).
To the Navy, my home away from reality, I will miss you all dearly. You have provided me with literally countless hours of entertainment, camaraderie, and fun. There are simply too many individuals that have had an impact on my time with the VE to try to single you all out. Suffice it to say that it has been an honor to serve with each and every one of you.
This has been exceptionally wordy, so I will wrap things up now. Adieu, Vast Empire, until we meet again.
