Choosing public service over a lucrative private job? Not a sacrifice, just a choice - and damn weren't you lucky to have one.

Yes, but choosing public service also entails giving up certain things, such as your privacy, regular work hours, being able to speak your mind without second and triple checking any repercussions and so on. And as someone else mentioned, Gabby Giffords is an example of public service potentially meaning sacrificing much more.

Oh, that's charming, msbelle. And Tep.

Bah.

Cannot get my head in the game today. And yet the work keeps on needing to get done. Tiresome.

I would argue that to sacrifice something you actually have to have it before giving it up.

I don't think I agree with that. I would concede that the thing being given up has to be a viable possibility, not just theoretical, but I can imagine giving up the possibility of something one does not actually have yet being a valid sacrifice.

I talked with a coworker and there was one verbal convo about the way we process fuel changing, but I do not process fuel and do not maintain any of the reports they referenced. They just want me to build the PO for this thing I have nothing to do with, and never thought to include me in emails concerning said PO.

Communication Geniuses.

Hi Cindy!

I think sacrifice possibilities is definitely still sacrifice. It reminds me of a segment on NPR where they talked about the meaning of gifts at Christmas were initially intended to be sacrificial. In fact, they implied the most meaningful gifts are ones that require sacrifice from the giver.

Relatedly, someone - I forget who - said something about Clinton's suits being boxy to hide the flack jacket underneath, and now I can't see her sartorial choices any other way.

Same with all of the presidents and Obama's suits, while boring, are fitted better than hers. Even the academic regalia that POTUS and FLOTUS wear at the commencement addresses are kevlar lined.

the meaning of gifts at Christmas were initially intended to be sacrificial. In fact, they implied the most meaningful gifts are ones that require sacrifice from the giver.

See also, O Henry's The Gift of the Magi.

George Stephanidontknowhowtospellitopolus

I love this.

I don't think I agree with that. I would concede that the thing being given up has to be a viable possibility, not just theoretical, but I can imagine giving up the possibility of something one does not actually have yet being a valid sacrifice.

Agreed. Like, say, choosing the priesthood if you're Catholic.

Ok, over the last couple of days I've become a lot less worried about Trump being president. Not that things can't change quickly. He had really been surging since early to mid-July, but man has that changed.

See also, O Henry's The Gift of the Magi.

I'm so ridiculously literal that this story always bothered me because it's not equivalent. Her hair will grow back! He will not grow a new watch! (Because that would turn it into a totally different -- and MUCH COOLER -- story.)

Same with all of the presidents and Obama's suits, while boring, are fitted better than hers.

I heard a fascinating interview recently with Obama's tailor (and that of most presidents for the past twenty years or however long. Parts of it were harrowing - he learned his trade at Auschwitz. But really, it was a very funny interview. He doesn't think a lot of Obama's fashion choices. ("Grey, navy. Grey, navy. Get a pinstripe already!")