thebandit27 Posted January 24 Share Posted January 24 So, TBD, it’s been a while. No, I don’t expect that most of you have missed me, and yes, I’m glad to see that the board has gone on just fine without my bluster. For those of you that asked and never got an answer: I’ve been around. I’ve lurked a bit, thought a lot, but mostly it’s been business as usual as a Bills fan. I still watch every NFL game every week, and my Bills passion hasn’t changed one single solitary iota. But this post isn’t about me, it’s about you. All of you. See, some of you reached out to ask where I’ve been, and a few even asked me why I left (thanks for the concern from all of you—yes, I’m doing well and the family is happy, healthy, and grateful). It started simply enough: I was tired. Tired of spending more time than I should typing the same thoughts over and over to an audience that didn’t routinely bring out the best in me (a fault that lies with me, not you, dear reader). Then, at some point (I can’t exactly say when), I realized something. Something big. Something life-changing. I don’t need this. Not to say that TBD, the Bills, or Bills Mafia aren’t great. They are. I love the Bills. I love Bills Mafia. More today than I ever have before. And being a part of this community gave me a platform to express thoughts and share ideas that I never would’ve otherwise explored. But… The time away showed me that I don’t need the platform. I don’t need people to validate my thoughts, rants, ramblings, tirades, shtick, or whatever you want to call it. I’m enough without it. And that brings me to the reason for this post: I want to share that one final thought with all of you. You’re enough. Right now. Right where you are. You don’t need outsiders telling you who you are, what you represent, what you deserve. You don’t need a Bills’ victory over the nemesis, you don’t need our QB (the best in the world—yeah, I said it) to win MVP, and no, you don’t need a Super Bowl. You. Are. Enough. Look, I know how it sounds. Like some happy nonsense oh-well-it’s-okay-if-we-lose-sad-sack-crappola. Yeah, I used to think so too. When T-Bass’ kick sailed wide right, I was crushed, just like all of you. But it’s a different kind of crushed now. I’m sad for the team, not because of the team. I want these kids to win for them, not for me. Because I know who I am, I know who made me, and I’m never going to let the result of a sporting event affect how I view myself in the grander scheme of things. And neither should you. You’re not a punch line, and you’re not a victim. You’re Bills Mafia. You chose this, you LOVE this, and no matter what you or anyone else may say, you wouldn’t give it up for anything else in the world. And neither will I. And I have good news: there’s no worst nightmare left. The worst thing that could ever happen to us as fans has already happened many times over. Be not afraid. We’re in this thing together; to the bitter end. Because being a Bills’ fan isn’t about winning games, breaking records, or breaking tables. Heck, it’s not even about football—football is just the setting; the arena. Being a Bills’ fan is about being a community. It’s about having each other’s backs, and letting each other know that I don’t care how hard we get hit, or how many times we get knocked down. I’ll keep picking you up as long as I know you will do the same for the rest of us. And that, my Bills Mafia brethren, is enough for me. And I implore you all: let it be enough for you, too. Bandit, signing off. 6 12 9 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruffalo Posted January 24 Share Posted January 24 Sir, this is a Wendy's... 22 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rm -rf /* Posted January 24 Share Posted January 24 Christ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RyanC883 Posted January 24 Share Posted January 24 some truthful stuff in this post (ex: you are enough), but many come here to share ideas, learn things about prospects, etc—and engage in sports talk/debate that they would otherwise not be able to do. But if you are coming here for some sort of “validation” you are correct, you don’t need that. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phypon Posted January 24 Share Posted January 24 Wait, so you're saying to fire McD? 1 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dillenger4 Posted January 24 Share Posted January 24 Deeeeep thoughts. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewEra Posted January 24 Share Posted January 24 Thanks for that B! You are missed here Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
extrahammer Posted January 24 Share Posted January 24 I've lurked for 3 decades and will continue to lurk. FYI 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D. L. Hot-Flamethrower Posted January 24 Share Posted January 24 9 minutes ago, thebandit27 said: So, TBD, it’s been a while. No, I don’t expect that most of you have missed me, and yes, I’m glad to see that the board has gone on just fine without my bluster. For those of you that asked and never got an answer: I’ve been around. I’ve lurked a bit, thought a lot, but mostly it’s been business as usual as a Bills fan. I still watch every NFL game every week, and my Bills passion hasn’t changed one single solitary iota. But this post isn’t about me, it’s about you. All of you. See, some of you reached out to ask where I’ve been, and a few even asked me why I left (thanks for the concern from all of you—yes, I’m doing well and the family is happy, healthy, and grateful). It started simply enough: I was tired. Tired of spending more time than I should typing the same thoughts over and over to an audience that didn’t routinely bring out the best in me (a fault that lies with me, not you, dear reader). Then, at some point (I can’t exactly say when), I realized something. Something big. Something life-changing. I don’t need this. Not to say that TBD, the Bills, or Bills Mafia aren’t great. They are. I love the Bills. I love Bills Mafia. More today than I ever have before. And being a part of this community gave me a platform to express thoughts and share ideas that I never would’ve otherwise explored. But… The time away showed me that I don’t need the platform. I don’t need people to validate my thoughts, rants, ramblings, tirades, shtick, or whatever you want to call it. I’m enough without it. And that brings me to the reason for this post: I want to share that one final thought with all of you. You’re enough. Right now. Right where you are. You don’t need outsiders telling you who you are, what you represent, what you deserve. You don’t need a Bills’ victory over the nemesis, you don’t need our QB (the best in the world—yeah, I said it) to win MVP, and no, you don’t need a Super Bowl. You. Are. Enough. Look, I know how it sounds. Like some happy nonsense oh-well-it’s-okay-if-we-lose-sad-sack-crappola. Yeah, I used to think so too. When T-Bass’ kick sailed wide right, I was crushed, just like all of you. But it’s a different kind of crushed now. I’m sad for the team, not because of the team. I want these kids to win for them, not for me. Because I know who I am, I know who made me, and I’m never going to let the result of a sporting event affect how I view myself in the grander scheme of things. And neither should you. You’re not a punch line, and you’re not a victim. You’re Bills Mafia. You chose this, you LOVE this, and no matter what you or anyone else may say, you wouldn’t give it up for anything else in the world. And neither will I. And I have good news: there’s no worst nightmare left. The worst thing that could ever happen to us as fans has already happened many times over. Be not afraid. We’re in this thing together; to the bitter end. Because being a Bills’ fan isn’t about winning games, breaking records, or breaking tables. Heck, it’s not even about football—football is just the setting; the arena. Being a Bills’ fan is about being a community. It’s about having each other’s backs, and letting each other know that I don’t care how hard we get hit, or how many times we get knocked down. I’ll keep picking you up as long as I know you will do the same for the rest of us. And that, my Bills Mafia brethren, is enough for me. And I implore you all: let it be enough for you, too. Bandit, signing off. I'm just glad to hear you're doing well. Had all kinds of thoughts going through my head when you disappeared at the end of 2021 (it was Covid time you know!). Always enjoyed your commentary, as I considered you my favorite poster. I hope you stick your head back in on occasion just for fun. Myself, well I've started dismissing myself from the board for periods (usually after the draft until start of the season), and posting more infrequently. Others, such as Yolo have taken time off as well. Great to hear from you and my best to you, stay well my friend! Are you still lifting? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BuffaloBillyG Posted January 24 Share Posted January 24 That was more than 1 thing. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dablitzkrieg Posted January 24 Share Posted January 24 LAMP? 2 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teef Posted January 24 Share Posted January 24 i'll agree with the notion of being sad over the loss. usually i'm more annoyed/angry fan after a loss, (not in an intense way) but this loss was far more sad and tiring than any. then seeing the letter written by hyde's wife, i'm realizing what they built over the last few year is ending. not that this team will be bad, but there's a sadness that this group couldn't pull it off. there's always next year. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nedboy7 Posted January 24 Share Posted January 24 If you keep reading you will realize why you actually left. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Jones Posted January 24 Share Posted January 24 Awesome post! One thing though: Is your real name Jack Handy? 🤔 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Green Lightning Posted January 24 Share Posted January 24 I have come to a very similar place of late. After following the team since 1963 and weathering all of the incredible soul crushing loses, (Still bitter they traded Lamonica away) I've had to reassess how much of my stomach lining I can give to the team. Like the OP, I am working on caring a bit less and not letting the Bills dominate my mood and outlook as they have in past years. That said, I reserve the right to B word. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimmy10 Posted January 24 Share Posted January 24 tl;dr 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrDawkinstein Posted January 24 Share Posted January 24 4 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jauronimo Posted January 24 Share Posted January 24 1 hour ago, thebandit27 said: So, TBD, it’s been a while. No, I don’t expect that most of you have missed me, and yes, I’m glad to see that the board has gone on just fine without my bluster. For those of you that asked and never got an answer: I’ve been around. I’ve lurked a bit, thought a lot, but mostly it’s been business as usual as a Bills fan. I still watch every NFL game every week, and my Bills passion hasn’t changed one single solitary iota. But this post isn’t about me, it’s about you. All of you. See, some of you reached out to ask where I’ve been, and a few even asked me why I left (thanks for the concern from all of you—yes, I’m doing well and the family is happy, healthy, and grateful). It started simply enough: I was tired. Tired of spending more time than I should typing the same thoughts over and over to an audience that didn’t routinely bring out the best in me (a fault that lies with me, not you, dear reader). Then, at some point (I can’t exactly say when), I realized something. Something big. Something life-changing. I don’t need this. Not to say that TBD, the Bills, or Bills Mafia aren’t great. They are. I love the Bills. I love Bills Mafia. More today than I ever have before. And being a part of this community gave me a platform to express thoughts and share ideas that I never would’ve otherwise explored. But… The time away showed me that I don’t need the platform. I don’t need people to validate my thoughts, rants, ramblings, tirades, shtick, or whatever you want to call it. I’m enough without it. And that brings me to the reason for this post: I want to share that one final thought with all of you. You’re enough. Right now. Right where you are. You don’t need outsiders telling you who you are, what you represent, what you deserve. You don’t need a Bills’ victory over the nemesis, you don’t need our QB (the best in the world—yeah, I said it) to win MVP, and no, you don’t need a Super Bowl. You. Are. Enough. Look, I know how it sounds. Like some happy nonsense oh-well-it’s-okay-if-we-lose-sad-sack-crappola. Yeah, I used to think so too. When T-Bass’ kick sailed wide right, I was crushed, just like all of you. But it’s a different kind of crushed now. I’m sad for the team, not because of the team. I want these kids to win for them, not for me. Because I know who I am, I know who made me, and I’m never going to let the result of a sporting event affect how I view myself in the grander scheme of things. And neither should you. You’re not a punch line, and you’re not a victim. You’re Bills Mafia. You chose this, you LOVE this, and no matter what you or anyone else may say, you wouldn’t give it up for anything else in the world. And neither will I. And I have good news: there’s no worst nightmare left. The worst thing that could ever happen to us as fans has already happened many times over. Be not afraid. We’re in this thing together; to the bitter end. Because being a Bills’ fan isn’t about winning games, breaking records, or breaking tables. Heck, it’s not even about football—football is just the setting; the arena. Being a Bills’ fan is about being a community. It’s about having each other’s backs, and letting each other know that I don’t care how hard we get hit, or how many times we get knocked down. I’ll keep picking you up as long as I know you will do the same for the rest of us. And that, my Bills Mafia brethren, is enough for me. And I implore you all: let it be enough for you, too. Bandit, signing off. Are you and Turbos still close? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GunnerBill Posted January 24 Share Posted January 24 You are missed @thebandit27. Of all the old faces lost to this forum yours was the one that took with it most value. Appreciate you feel better without it, so that's fair enough. But don't feel you always need be a stranger. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gugny Posted January 24 Share Posted January 24 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevestojan Posted January 24 Share Posted January 24 But do you add the pickle juice to the pasta water while cooking or after the pasta is finished? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
muppy Posted January 24 Share Posted January 24 (edited) 2 hours ago, thebandit27 said: So, TBD, it’s been a while. No, I don’t expect that most of you have missed me, and yes, I’m glad to see that the board has gone on just fine without my bluster. For those of you that asked and never got an answer: I’ve been around. I’ve lurked a bit, thought a lot, but mostly it’s been business as usual as a Bills fan. I still watch every NFL game every week, and my Bills passion hasn’t changed one single solitary iota. But this post isn’t about me, it’s about you. All of you. See, some of you reached out to ask where I’ve been, and a few even asked me why I left (thanks for the concern from all of you—yes, I’m doing well and the family is happy, healthy, and grateful). It started simply enough: I was tired. Tired of spending more time than I should typing the same thoughts over and over to an audience that didn’t routinely bring out the best in me (a fault that lies with me, not you, dear reader). Then, at some point (I can’t exactly say when), I realized something. Something big. Something life-changing. I don’t need this. Not to say that TBD, the Bills, or Bills Mafia aren’t great. They are. I love the Bills. I love Bills Mafia. More today than I ever have before. And being a part of this community gave me a platform to express thoughts and share ideas that I never would’ve otherwise explored. But… The time away showed me that I don’t need the platform. I don’t need people to validate my thoughts, rants, ramblings, tirades, shtick, or whatever you want to call it. I’m enough without it. And that brings me to the reason for this post: I want to share that one final thought with all of you. You’re enough. Right now. Right where you are. You don’t need outsiders telling you who you are, what you represent, what you deserve. You don’t need a Bills’ victory over the nemesis, you don’t need our QB (the best in the world—yeah, I said it) to win MVP, and no, you don’t need a Super Bowl. You. Are. Enough. Look, I know how it sounds. Like some happy nonsense oh-well-it’s-okay-if-we-lose-sad-sack-crappola. Yeah, I used to think so too. When T-Bass’ kick sailed wide right, I was crushed, just like all of you. But it’s a different kind of crushed now. I’m sad for the team, not because of the team. I want these kids to win for them, not for me. Because I know who I am, I know who made me, and I’m never going to let the result of a sporting event affect how I view myself in the grander scheme of things. And neither should you. You’re not a punch line, and you’re not a victim. You’re Bills Mafia. You chose this, you LOVE this, and no matter what you or anyone else may say, you wouldn’t give it up for anything else in the world. And neither will I. And I have good news: there’s no worst nightmare left. The worst thing that could ever happen to us as fans has already happened many times over. Be not afraid. We’re in this thing together; to the bitter end. Because being a Bills’ fan isn’t about winning games, breaking records, or breaking tables. Heck, it’s not even about football—football is just the setting; the arena. Being a Bills’ fan is about being a community. It’s about having each other’s backs, and letting each other know that I don’t care how hard we get hit, or how many times we get knocked down. I’ll keep picking you up as long as I know you will do the same for the rest of us. And that, my Bills Mafia brethren, is enough for me. And I implore you all: let it be enough for you, too. Bandit, signing off. WHOA. as this is a first time reader of the OP I appreciate your sharing on a topic you held dear to your heart. Was that a one hit piece and poof again? I wouldn't burn bridges with an online chat community as great as TBD but thats just me. Best. m Edited January 24 by muppy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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