I still exist, much to the chagrin of others

[Nate]

Some people may have seen me posting in threads. Upon seeing my posts, they probably have such questions as, "Who is this guy? Is he for real? Why is he so lame? What is his deal? Why won't he go away?" It is my hope that this thread will answer some of these questions.

If anything I try to be unconventional, so rather than be like "Oh hey today is my fifth year on CAA!" or whatever, I'm doing this on a date that has absolutely no meaning to me whatsoever. Most people here already know me, but this is a public service to those who are newer and are unfamiliar with my style (or lack thereof).

There really isn't a lot to me. I was born, went to school for some years, and then was in the Navy for six years. I started out in the Naval nuclear program (lured in by the money), but ultimately failed out and was sent to a marine transport ship (USS Nassau, LHA-4) as a conventional electrician, serving out the last four years of my obligation there. I left as soon as I was able, fed up with the ridiculous rules and regulations and the lack of respect engineers received in the Navy (yes, I realize engineers in the real world get no respect either, but that's beside the point).

All in all, the pay was good (especially considering that if you live on the ship food and shelter are already taken care of), the experience was great, and I visited many cool places, but to me the cons outweighed the pros, which is why I left. I won't encourage anyone to join the service, but I will not discourage them either, as it would be good for them I think.

I actually found CAA while in the Navy, and am ashamed to admit how I came across it, but CAA actually somehow came up on a google search I did for "Sailor Moon yuri." I made a note of the site, intent on joining it when I got out of the service, and I did. A few weeks later my dad died, sending the life of myself and all my family members spiraling out of control. I somehow managed to make a few good friends on the site in my short time here, who helped me through my trouble, and I greatly appreciated it.

Shortly afterwards I was involved in a relationship with someone I met on this site, who shall remain nameless for privacy's sake, which lasted for almost the entire duration that I began to attend a local community college, intent on getting a nuclear engineering degree. I would just like to say that for every successful couple who meets on CAA and ends up getting married (Nick and Ashley for example) there are many, many more that end bitterly. In short, CAA is not a dating site, so don't go looking for a partner here, and don't think every relationship is destined to succeed if you do find someone.

I attended college for a while after that, but hit a wall as far as what classes I was able to take at a local community college for a degree like mine. I needed to transfer, but there was one problem: MONEY. So I got a job at a warehouse for a company called Dollar General, where I am currently working. I do plan to return to college, but it will no longer be for a nuclear engineering degree. I have found that I am absolutely horrid at physics (a large part of that field of study), so I need to rethink what I'm going to go to college for. I'm thinking pharmacist, as that's what my dad was, and I suppose I feel some sort of calling to follow in his footsteps. That, or I just can't think of anything better so I'm using that as an excuse.

Outside of actual events in my life, there isn't much to me. I'm not as much of an anime fan as I was, rather, I am now heavily, HEAVILY involved in the toku scene (Kamen Rider especially, Super Sentai and a few other random series). I'm a big fan of JRPGs and SRPGs, not too keen on western RPGs as I don't like real-time combat, I prefer turn-based. I'm a big Pokemon and Dragon Quest nerd, and Final Fantasy Tactics is and will always be my favorite game ever (unless a worthy sequel gets made).

As far as personality goes, I'm probably not the best judge of my own personality. However, I'll say what I believe can be considered objective facts. I'm more or less introverted; however, I am EXTREMELY dependent on others and very very touchy-feely. Like Coach Z, I have more than two problems, though I'm not at liberty to discuss them publicly. I have a tendency to get very depressed at times, and I have little self-esteem and I beat up on myself a lot (emotionally, not physically). I don't take very many things online seriously, and tend to either be sarcastic, snarky, or silly in my posts on here. I also can be arrogant and rude, especially when I think I'm right (which is a lot). However I do try to be nice to other people and trust me, if you think the stuff I post is mean, you should see them before I edit them down to be nicer. XD

Um, as far as religious stuff goes. I was raised in a Christian family, so I've been exposed to Christianity most of my life. I did turn my back on my faith for a while in the Navy and was atheist, but being atheist did not make my life feel any richer or more rewarding, and I'm certain that the Lord was calling me back to Him, and with Him I shall stay, no matter what shall come. The church I attended as a kid was non-denominational, so I'm not any particular one, nor do my beliefs fit well into any denomination there is. I tend to be very morally conservative, but fairly centrist politically, with liberal leanings. Purely for the sake of information (and not debate, so please do not post in response to this), I am an Old-Earther/theistic evolutionist, and do not NECESSARILY believe in a pre-trib rapture (it'd be nice but I won't count on it). I'm not a big fan of Revelation, but I am fond of Romans and Job (which sounds weird I guess to have "favorite" books of the Bible but there you go).

I was baptised about four years ago. I was never baptised as a kid and I'm glad I wasn't (not putting down those who were). Baptism is a very important ceremony, and I'm glad that I was able to think for myself about it, to show publicly my faith and my convictions, by my own desires, rather than my parents coercing me into it. It was something I wanted to do to show my commitment to God's love and mercy. I urge those who are serious about their faith to get baptised. It isn't a necessity and there's nothing "magical" about it, but it is a very good display of your devotion to the Lord.

Well that's my life up to this point. I don't know what the future holds in store, but I know God has a plan, and I can only trust Him to take care of me. I don't know if anyone even made it this far, unless you skipped down to the bottom of my post because the rest was so boring. It's okay, I don't mind. :p I'll shut up now because this is already way too long. Should you have any questions feel free to ask I guess? I'll answer anything, though I can't imagine myself being anywhere near interesting enough for people to have questions.

[Kkun]

I already knew most of this stuff from talking to/hanging out with you, but still.

I'm glad you posted it. Nate rules, new people who might be reading this.

[goldenspines]

I only knew about half of the stuff here, I'm an awful friend. D:
I'm glad you posted this as well. ^__^


Also, quoted for truth.

Nate rules, new people who might be reading this.

[Radical Dreamer]

Yes, this was a review of my knowledge of the life of Nate, but I'm glad you posted it 'cause new people still don't know you all that well sometimes I think! Also I'm glad you're still around and existing! XD

[Mr. SmartyPants]

Nate rules, new people who might be reading this.

Trufax, trufax. XD

Nate's gonna go back to school one daaaaay! Yay!

[LadyRushia]

This was educational, XD. Existing is always good. Also yeah, this should be pretty helpful for new members to get to know you better.

[Peanut]

Very informative Nate. And yes, existing is good, I do it all the time.

[chibiphonebooth]

interesting! some of this i didn't know about you, some of it i did though. XD

[sharien chan]

You're my favorite poster here (besides Chibi)....in a completely non sketchy, stalker kind of way. XD

[EricTheFred]

So at last the awful truth is exposed! Contrary to the hopes of many, Nate is not in fact a figment of our collective imaginations.

Quite a bio. Fascinating read. Thanks.

[Fantasy Dreamer]

Nate rules, new people who might be reading this.

^ True fact! He does indeed, new people. Don't take his comments the wrong way. He means well? XD (why is that a question?)

I knew most of this. There were a few things that were new, but the most of it I learned from talking to you in chat and stuff. Good to see it put into a chronological order though. I'm glad you still exist! ^_^

[Tsukuyomi]

*Hugs* You were one of the first to actually talk to me

<- Is in nostalgia mode

It's always nice getting a refresher on The Nate \o.o/

Asdfjkl, I thought you joined before me :-? Then again, I was more of an active lurker XDD

[Phantom_Sorano]

Wow.....we have been friends for almost three years, and I am just now learning all of this about you. I'm glad you posted it, and I am glad we are still friends.

[Etoh*the*Greato]

Definitely fills in some gaps! Glad to know you, man.

[Cognitive Gear]

I'm glad you posted it. Nate rules, new people who might be reading this.

[quote="dictionary"]
chagrin | sh ə]

I think there is a mistake in the title for this thread. It should read, "I still exist, much to the delight/joy/pleasure/triumph of others."

[Peanut]

I think there is a mistake in the title for this thread. It should read, "I still exist, much to the delight/joy/pleasure/triumph of others."

Well...you can't have chagrin without grin in it...and grinning usually accompanies happiness...

But yes, Nate you shouldn't be so hard on yourself, I think most people are showing that they are happy you are still around. And those that aren't probably don't know you very well (of course, this is mostly my assumption...who knows how well people who don't like Nate actually know him...)

[~darkelfgirl~]

Wow, that was an interesting read! (Yes, I read the whole thing).

I stink at Physics, too, just to let you know that you aren't the only one trying, hehe.

Dude? What are you talking about? I'm glad you're here!! Your posts are always so funny/loaded with common sense xD!

And that random guy in your sig *dies from laughing*. < ^__^ >

The new folks are still getting used to things, hehe.

[ADXC]

Very good Nate, of course I have always had respect for you. It is a good thing when a person gives a post like this that is very discriptive of who one is. And I have over the last almost two years caught on to your character but I wasn't quite sure if I was right. So this post reaffirms my thoughts and it was good to learn more about you. This post is also good for new members so they won't be confussed about who you are.

[Fantasy Dreamer]

.

[Sheenar]

Well...you can't have chagrin without grin in it...and grinning usually accompanies happiness...

But yes, Nate you shouldn't be so hard on yourself, I think most people are showing that they are happy you are still around. And those that aren't probably don't know you very well (of course, this is mostly my assumption...who knows how well people who don't like Nate actually know him...)

Yes, don't be so hard on yourself, Nate. It has been great knowing you and I am glad that you are here! You bring so much life to this community.

[rocklobster]

Well, despite our differences, I'm actually glad to have made your acquaintance, Nate.

[Kaligraphic]

Aww, we love you, Nate*. All of us**. In a totally non-creepy way***.

*really
**except some
***well, there's a couple of people I can't speak for on that point, but mostly non-creepy

[Sheol777]

-In b4 wave of threads just like this-

(I think you might start a trend)

Anyhow, great post. I understood mostly what angle you came from with most of your posts, I think we have a similar sense of humor. You were one of the handful I think would be interesting to meet in real life. Maybe I could say hello to you at Otakon this year.

Way to be honest on the net. It seems you have many fans here in CAA. Glad you felt you could share with us.

[RandomBurrito]

Nice to know Nate.

God bless.

[Doubleshadow]

If anything I try to be unconventional...

I originally read "unconventional" as "uncontroversial". Har.

[Dot]

aww nate, i've missed you.. especially chatting with you on the chat line.
yay for being baptized! i am aware that your time was 4 years ago (i did read your post), but i'm excited to hear your thought on baptism. i have to say i agree. i only got baptized less than a year ago and, like you, i'm very happy it was my own decision.
i'll be in prayer for you as you make a decision about skool, and such.
good to see you're still around! *hugs*
take care friend