This week I had a seat at the table of a 3 star Japanese general and a 2 star Japanese general. It was a table set for 8 at an event held in honor of my battalion commander in appreciation for his partnership. I was invited because I do a lot of liaison work with the Japanese forces. My boss was awkward, telling stories about himself without asking any questions and trying to focus on American sports talk. The hosts were graciously accommodating to him. I asked the 2 star a couple of questions to break the ice and get people laughing. By rank, it wasn't a table I belonged at, but I had a place at the Japanese table I would never have at an American military table where it's unlikely I would eat with even the 1 star general who I escort on a regular basis.
Church. I grew up in the church where everyone is supposed to have a place at the table. I'm the wrong demographic for church now. I'm trying to find a church community group. I'm not a young couple or a couple with kids or a mom or a young single nor do I have "every man's battle." I emailed the contact for the group listed as "everyone welcome." I was told they are all families with young children.
People who do have a place for me at the table: A nice couple of married non-officer Marines I met who went to Explosive Ordnance Device school with a friend of mine from Basic Training. The wife got out and is now a bouncer. The husband is a bodybuilder. They are big, lusty people who give bear hugs and eat great piles of food with a lot of cheap beer. I also met a nice Mormon girl with an LDS book club I'm trying to worm my way into.
