[Praying Mantidae]

Yes, the time has come for The Wanderer to once again don his traveling cloak and boots, to wend his way through uncharted lands. Onward, into the sunset...

*ahem*

Indeed, in just two days I shall be making my way to Portland, Maine, and spend the night playing videogames and watching movies (its a tough life :P). Then it gets more exciting: wake-up call at 04:45, breakfast, take the bus to the MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station) check in with the ol' recruiter, go to who knows how many briefings, swear in (again), say goodbye to the parents, go to probably a couple more briefings, then fly out of Portland to Philadelphia Airport, catch another bus to the training center in New Jersey... and then the fun really begins. Eight weeks of boot camp! So exciting.

After graduation from boot camp, two weeks (maybe) of leave, consisting of me getting a new car and driving it three plus hours to see a friend (don't worry, I'll probably check in ). Then its out to California for twelve weeks of FS training! Even more exciting.
[hr]


Ever since I decided to join the U.S. Coast Guard, I've been looking forward to this day with a mixture of trepidation and excitement. Its the beginning of a whole new life for me, doing something I'm passionate about (cooking) for a job- nay, a career, and defending my country while I'm at it... I really don't think I could ask for more. They say everyone gets a second chance. Well, this is my second chance.

Call it sad, if you will, but I really don't think I'd be where I am now- standing on the threshold of the rest of my life- without these forums. It might sound crazy, but I really believe that I've grown as a person, thanks in no small part to the Tau Online Forums. Of course, the extreme patience of my parents probably helped a hell of a lot as well. :P

When I first registered I was a disillusioned kid ready to drop out of college. Then I did drop out, and got a job at a restaurant while I figured out what the hell I was going to do with myself. I applied at a Culinary School, but lost my nerve at the last minute. It was then that I decided to join the Military. I set my sights on the Coast Guard, steeled myself, made it through the tests and physicals and finally DEP'd in September.

I think it was probably my summer job that helped in the final push. The job (cooking) in a place (Twin Lake Village) where I have worked for the past five years, every summer. I even started early and helped open this past season, painting a fire escape in 90 degree weather is quite an experience. One of the best employers I've ever had, some of the best friends I've ever had, and the friggin' staff parties every Saturday night... The most awesome summer I've had to date, to be sure.

(this is starting to sound like some sort of wacky acceptance speech : )

However, I can never forget my highschool friends. I can say with all honesty that they are the most influential and unforgettable people in my life. I don't even know if I'd be alive today without them being there through thick and thin. Dancing in the rain and meditating under a full moon. Skinny dipping in natural hotsprings and jumping off 30 foot cliffs in Arizona.

I could go on and on, but I think it is time to bring it to an end. So here it is...


End. Fin. That's it. No more.

To Britt, M&M (twins!), JoeBo, Cross, Coursin, Dave, Keers, Smurf, Saka, Jake "Jesus" Grossman-crist, Ian "Little Asian Girl" Barton and Ian "Squeaks" Mcelroy and everyone else I didn't mention. To all my drinking buddies at TLV. To "Rage", "Wrath" and "Ruin". To everyone here at Tau Online. To all Wanderers lost and found... this one is big, and its for all of you.


Until our paths cross again. (In about eight weeks).
Your beloved Chef,

The All-father,
"Sex Machine",
"Italian Stallion",
Antonio Giuseppe Monteverde.

[elflord9d]

All father. I hopes you have an awsome time in the military. Although I will be sad, I know your going to like it. Visit as oten as you can dude!!!

[A_lil_confuzed]

oh em gee!! Your name totally rocks! And good luck, although i doubt you need it =]

Minako x <3

[Hadhfang]

:'( :'( :'( And so it comes to pass, the great fairwell of our times.


Well good luck All-Father, I hope you have a great time, Hopefully Lonely Tau and Elfy will be able to controll the enclave in your absence.

We'll all miss you, be sure to visit as soon as you can.

*Gives friendly fairwelll handshake*

[cps30hawks]

The-All Father will miss you :P

(This is the chat room name I would use to bug him in chat :P) Good times.

[ChiliFriez]

Good-bye All-father be sure to make us a good meal when you drop in again! Oh and have this:

*Dispenes bowl of chili with chunks of cookie, and tuna floating around in it*

It's my own special recipe, Shhhhhh......

[the emperors flame]

I will definitly miss you all-father :'(, But you are starting a new life, a new job, and buying a new car, I am happy for you. Good luck, and please do drop in everyonce in awhile

[The Canadian Snowbird]

Glad to see you're finally reaching your goals.

Good luck to you All-Father, and please do drop by once in a while!

Snowbird

[Praying Mantidae]

Originally Posted by Minako

oh em gee!! Your name totally rocks! And good luck, although i doubt you need it =]

Minako x <3

Heh... it only really rocks in Italian. The English version is so boring... and I will need luck, thank you very much.

[ToastMaster]

All-Father,

It's been great knowing you. I just wish you could say the same thing about me. I promise to be a better person when you get back.

All the best to you, bud.