I think my sense of humour comes out a lot better in public than it does on this board. I think I possess more tact here than in real life. For instance, I sent an email message out to various individuals at various military installations around the globe trying to collect "lessons learned" information from the recent war in Iraq (and Afghanistan). I have met all these people at least once, and know some of them well. The message started out
"Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages" and ended "Thanks kids for all your great support."
Some guy the same rank as I took great exception to being refered to as "kid" and said so, calling me "Unprofessional" (this is a grave insult amongst Non-commissioned officers.
This is just how I operate, and won't change for anyone. Approaching serious issues with a sense of humor has generally made the work environment much more cooperative. When asked on a competitive board by my Command Sergeant Major what my strongest leadership quality was, I said, my sense of humor. I explained that it helped people to not take themselves so seriously, made owning up to mistakes easier, and built cohesin quickly, amongst other things. When he first heard my answer he was aghast, but I think I won him over.
I'm rambling...at any rate, I show myself a pretty good time...mostly out of boredom I think. As I go through the gates to get on Post I'll stick my ID card to my forehead,,, I'll point out that I'm the bald guy in the picture on the upper left hand corner of the ID Card...wish the guards "Merry Christmas" as I depart (in fact I think my Tombstone will probably say "Merry Christmas" on it).
Today in Wal-Mart, as a gal was pushing a Lawn Mower up the aisle for purchase I walked up and said, "It's OK, I already cut the grass in the front aisle" she laughed, I enjoyed making her laugh, and I went on. This is me. A million serious thoughts running through my head at once, a song always on my lips (Usually a Sinatra song) and always seeing the quirky side of everything.