12/30/2005

As many of you know, I wear fire retardant coveralls to work every day. While very convenient in the fact that I don’t have to decide what to wear nor bother with makeup, hair, etc., they have the side effect of often times feeling less than lovely. So, a while back, I decided that on the Fridays I have to work, I’ll dress up (normally meaning jeans, a nice shirt, and done hair). Fridays are an ideal time to not wear Nomex, because there are fewer people around and less chance of needing to go outside to the unit (which is why we wear the Nomex). With the hurricane, holidays, and other happenings, I haven’t been able to do this to regularly, but today I figured I could.

Last night, in preparation, I washed my clothing of choice and set my alarm for half an hour earlier. I normally get up at 5:45 am so I can leave by 6:00 am, but with a morning shower (as opposed to afternoon), doing my hair and makeup, and etc., I figured I’d need a little more time. When I woke up at a quarter after I jumped out of bed (instead of trying to steal a few more minutes) and started getting ready. Shower: check. Hair blown dry: check. Hair curled: check. Teeth brushed: check. Clothed: check. I was just getting ready to put on my makeup when I decided I’d better check the time. I had a feeling I was running a little late, which would limit the amount of makeup I’d have time to put on. Sure enough, it was a minute after. . . except, not a minute after 6:00 am like I expected. No, my bedroom clock read 1:01 am! I thought something had happened to it. I rushed to the living room to check the clock there. Same time. Finally I pulled out my cell phone, since it automatically updates. Sure enough it was just after 1:00 am. I must have woken up naturally at 12:15 am (only 2 hours after I went to bed) and still been so tired I somehow missed that a) the alarm hadn’t gone off, and b) the clock said 12 and not 5! I felt so stupid! To make matters worse, I didn’t know what to do. I just stood there for a few minutes trying to wrap my head around what had happen and figure out what to do next. Eventually I put on some clean jammies and went back to bad, but not to restful sleep. No, no, I had terrible dreams about being late to work because I was right and the clocks were wrong. Just as I was calling my supervisor to let him know I was going to be late, I turned to look at the time, and as I did I woke up and was looking at my clock: 2:40 am and it was still dark out, so I figured I wasn’t missing work. I finally fell back asleep, woke up at 5:45, got all pretty (minus the shower and hair, since that was already done) and sure enough, was late to work, though not the three hours I had dreamed.

The kicker? I ended up having to go outside anyway, with my Nomex pulled over my nice clothes. And since it was a pretty hot day, I was all sweaty when I came back inside. Too bad for looking pretty!!!

12/05/2005

For any of you who know my mother's "hah faws" (high falls) experience with southern accents (and even those who don't know), you may be interested in knowing that I have had a "hah faws" experience of my own.

I was out at the unit picking up some samples to take to the lab. I had gone over straight from the morning meeting and hadn't been able to get a little go cart, so I was driving my own car. As I was taking the samples out to the car, Don, my production specialist, told me I better protect my little car by taking some "why paws" to put underneath the sample basket.

"Why paws?!!" As in, why would paws protect my car? And what paws are we talking about anyway? No way I'm letting one of the many feral animals we have near my car! I was utterly confused and I'm sure it showed. "You know, why paws," Don repeated as he handed me a few of the heavy duty napkins we use in the refinery. When the confused look remained, he got out the box they had come in. "WypAlls" was written on the front.

"Oh, WIPE ALLS," I said, exaggerating the 'p' and 'l' sounds. "Yeah, why paws. Don't they teach ya'll to speak up there in Yankee country?" By this time, the rest of the operators were practically rolling on the floor in laughter and I had to stick up for CO. I pointed out that at least in CO, we learn how to spell. No wyp instead of wipe for us! At which point he ungraciously had to point out that "WypAlls" were made by a Denver company, which he backed up by pointing it out on the box to me.

"Well," I replied, "it's probably a company created by some of you Texans who are taking over our beautiful state!" So we diverged into discussing the relative merits of our respective states, the truck versus shoebox (as he calls my car) debate, and all other manners of friendly banter.

Gosh, it's hard work being an engineer! ;)

11/30/2005

As promised to a few of you, here's a link to John Hofmeister's (President of Shell Oil Company and U.S. Country Chair) testimony before a joint hearing of the Senate Energy Committee and the Senate Commerce Committee on November 9.

http://www.shell.com/home/Framework?siteId=us-en&FC2=/us-en/html/iwgen/news_and_library/press_releases/2005/zzz_lhn.html&FC3=/us-en/html/iwgen/news_and_library/press_releases/2005/senate_testimony.html
en/html/iwgen/news_and_library/press_releases/2005/zzz_lhn.html&FC3=/us-en/html/iwgen/news_and_library/press_releases/2005/senate_testimony.html

Scroll down to the bottom of the page and there's a link to a pdf file of the transcript.

I've talked to a couple of you about the nature of working in the oil business and how, even though we may be making record profits, it's not all a bed of roses. I could go on and on about my personal experiences (and am more than willing to, if you care to ask for more), but Hofmeister actually makes all the same points.

Anyway, on a lighter note, since I'm talking about work, here's a couple pictures of me as the "Diversity Defender." Don't ask!! ;)

11/28/2005

It's no fun being sick. It's even worse being sick at work. And having to miss a planned date with a friend to see a movie you've been waiting to see for a while. But the absolute worst is coming home to no one. No one to comfort you and wash your face, no one to give you those pity points, no one to make you laugh and bring you out of your funk. Bah humbug!

At least I'm watching Grand Prix Paris!

11/27/2005

The apartment is all decorated for Christmas. The tree is up, the tinsel is hung, and the ornaments are strategically arranged to prevent the tree from tipping over. I must say, it does look rather nice, even if I am the only one who will enjoy it. Maybe someone should come visit me ;).

The more exciting news, though, was Grand Prix France. Another two hours of figure skating with 3 more tomorrow. Oh, I can't wait until the Olympics!! :D :D :D

11/26/2005

Home again, home again, jiggity jig. That's where I am, after a wonderful Thanksgiving in Michigan and a rather bumpy ride home.

I flew out to Michigan Tuesday night and, after some confusion over the layout of the Detriot airport (they really should have better signs!!!), met up with my parents. We drove to Lansing the next day to spend Thanksgiving with my dad's family and Peter and Melissa, who were fortunately able to come as well.

It was great to see all my Michigan relatives again, after having not seen most of them since last Thanksgiving. My cousins are beginning to walk (Cassie, 2.5), drive (Ken, 15.5), and get ready to graduate (Ruthie, 17). It's so weird to see those last two growing up. Just as with my cousins on my mom's side, I still envision them as my (much) younger relatives, and to see them about to leave high school makes me feel old. Of course, I imagine some of you may be laughing about a 21-year-old feeling old (and I must admit I'm nowhere near as old as some of you! ;), but knowing that kids I babysat are now old enough to babysit others is a little sobering. It makes me feel like I should be, you know, adultish. Oh, perish the thought!

Anyway, we also celebrated my grandfather's 80th birthday (one of those who is far older than me), and I, the slacker I am, had nothing. I didn't have anything for our Christmas celeration either. Can I still blame it on the hurricane? Probably not, but here's wishing you a happy 80th, Grandpa, a Merry Christmas to all my Michigan relatives, and a promise that maybe I'll send something in the mail . . .

Well, I better go work on getting my Christmas decorations up, because if I don't do them now, I never will. It's just hard to work up the motivation to do something no one else will probably see (cue the violin music . . . :)

Adios!

11/18/2005

Why do guys have the best clothes? I went to Kohl's grand opening today to use a $10 gift card I had received in the mail (from them) to purchase a gift for a friend. The item I picked out was less the $10, so I was looking at the women's clothes and was immediately drawn to some striped button-down shirts. I am a sucker for striped anything, especially button-down shirts. Don't ask me why, I just am. Unfortunately (well, fortunately for my wallet) neither of the 2 styles they had fit me well. But why did they only have two styles?! The guys' section was loaded with shirts I absolutely loved. I was tempted to try them on, but knew they would give an even worse fit. *Sigh.* It's a sad world. So I bought myself some luxurious, oversized towels to assuage my grief. :)

11/15/2005

One blood donation does not a veteran make. That was my lesson of the day. Last summer I gave blood while in CA with no problem. I was able to leave almost immediately after with no blackouts, queasy stomach or other difficulties. Hence, the formation in my mind of the idea that giving blood is no big deal. So today I go to give blood for the first time since then (after a year's hiatus due to an ear piercing). There was no problem giving the blood; I sat for the required time after the needle had been taken out, stood up and felt fine. So I left. Halfway back to my office, I had to sit down in the lawn so I didn't black out. After about five minutes I forced myself up the stairs and into my office where I promptly shut my door, dropped everything I was carrying and collapsed on the floor. I was sure I was going to throw up, pass out, and then die. Well, maybe not the dying part, but definitely the other two! Fortunately, after 30 minutes on the floor, I was able to sit up and eat lunch and then napped for another 30 minutes. I was worn out for the rest of the day and nearly blacked out again when I climbed the stairs into my apartment. Needless to say, I will rest for a while before leaving the donation site next time!

Find a site where you can give blood too at http://www.americasblood.org/.

11/14/2005

I broke down and bought a TV. I'm such a wimp. It really does get lonely, though, without a roommate. The purchase (and cable) paid off yesterday and today, though. Three words: Cup of China. Woohoo!! I can't wait for the Olympics!

On a sadder note, I just talked to my brother for what will probably be the last time for a year. His deployment date got moved up a day and he shipped out today as opposed to tomorrow. I'm glad my parents told me last night or I might not have called him in time. We didn't really talk about too much. Just how the rest of his leave had been and if he'd gotten everything together. Nothing serious. But after I said goodbye, I shed a few (or maybe more) tears. In some ways, I think this deployment is worst than the first one, at least in my mind. I don't know why. Maybe because the situation is so less clearly defined or maybe because I don't have the distraction of school. Whatever the reason, I'm praying even harder for his safety. Please do the same.

I love you, Michael!

11/12/2005

Well, I am officially an enginerd. Not that I wasn't one already, but I've cemented that fact with the people down here as well. They know me well enough that when a few of them were looking for a fifth player to round out their Axis and Allies group, I was called upon because I "think like them." They're all engineers, so there you go. I have just spent the last 5.5 hours playing Axis and Allies. I am happy to say that the Allies won, with the U.S. (me!) taking the finally victory city (Rome). The poor Axis hadn't a chance. As Japan (Kyle) said, it's intimidating to have history siding against you. Ah, victory is so sweet! :)

11/8/2005

Well, I'm back in Beaumont, TX, after a long weekend home. The time with my family was great, expecially since this will be the last time I see Michael for a long time. Peter was also able to make it back, and I know my mom enjoyed looking down the pew on Sunday and seeing all of our bouncing legs!

The most exciting part of the trip was actually the flight out, or rather, attempting to catch the flight out. You know how tickets say that you have to be to the gate 15 minutes early or you'll lose your spot? Completely untrue! I proved that you can get to the gate 15 seconds before closing and still get on! Although, I must say, it's not an experience I'd like to repeat. I guess I'll leave a few minutes earlier next time (Just kidding, Dad! I'll leave at least, oh, half an hour earlier!). Oh, and here's my public recognition to God for letting me catch my flight. On Tuesday (11/1) at Bible study we were discussing how often we forget to thank God for what He's done, especially the quick "help me" prayers. Well, I definitely offered a few of those on my mad drive to the airport, so thank you, Lord!

Aside from seeing my family, the best part of this weekend was catching up with some friends that I hadn't seen since high school. Christi and Megan and I were great friends in youth group and on the missions trip to Bolivia, so it was great to find out what they are up to. We're basically the same as when we last met, single and with no prospects of that changing, but with one important difference: none of us really cared. It's amazing how far I've come in the past few months in regards to my romantic desires, and to see how all of my friends are at the same point too. Who knows, I may be an old maid yet . . . ;)

Good night!

11/3/2005

Seven more hours! In 7 more hours, I will be leaving my apartment and heading for home. I'm so excited to see CO. I was looking at the forecast and it's weird to think about bringing wintery clothes. I'm still wearing short sleeves here, so it'll be nice to cool off for a little bit.

I went and voted today. The Texas election isn't until Tuesday, but since I'll be in CO, I went in early. It was so weird how you could see the difference in wealth between this county and those I've voted in in CO. When I went to early vote for the presidential race last year, it was this huge setup with electronic balloting and everything. Here? Punch cards. Don't worry, I checked for hanging chads! What I found even more amazing, though, was how few people, at least at my plant, realized there was an election going on, even though there are some pretty big issues on the ballot. Namely, Prop. 2 to add an amendment to the state constitution to ban gay marriages, but there are 8 other possible amendments up for ratification as well. I guess I can give them the benefit of the the doubt in being distracted because of Rita, but still . . . . ! I went around telling everyone they should take their civic responsibility and go vote. Somehow, though, I got the feeling that no one was going to. They better not be complaining when something they disagree with becomes law!

Tonight I had the guys from work over for homemade pizza. Really, I needed motivation to clean my apartment now that Kristin has moved out. I actually got my wall hanging up AND covered my couch! I feel so productive. Now that I have my living room the way I want it, I just need to work on my bedroom. Somehow, I think that is going to be a much bigger deal.

Well, I had better hit the sack. 5:00 is going to come mighty early!

A bientot!

10/31/2005

So I'm off of nights, finally. Woohoo! Much as I loved working with the operators and getting to see how the down-and-dirty operations of my units work, I'll be glad to get back to a regular schedule. 7-12s (day-hours) have really been getting to me. I'm really happy I worked them, though, 'cause I've gotten to know the operators better and will feel a lot more comfortable going out to the unit more often.

Today has been a day of catching up with people. I was planning on going to friend's house to help her take her baby trick-or-treating (basically, I wanted a baby fix), but a real bad storm prevented that. I was kind of down, since I'm roommateless now and and had no one to talk to, but I ended up talking via phone or IM to half-a-dozen people. I guess God knew I needed a little cheering up!

Well, I must be heading to bed, even though I am far from tired. Today was my switch day, so I need to sleep now, even though I didn't get up until 1:30 this afternoon. I'll leave with a picture I just got developed (finally) from my trip to Europe. That's me and my best friend, Beca, in front of the Colosseum.


Ciao!

Follower

Well, it looks like I'm hopping on the bandwagon. Man, I hate to be following in my brothers' footsteps! In my defense, I've thought of starting a blog for a while, and even signed up for a couple other places, but managed to forget my login info before I did anything with them. Anyway, no promises on frequency of updates (and I doubt I'll ever post like Peter), but here goes!