Houston

I am in Houston, TX. I have been here for a few days and have aew more. I am staying with my girlfriend's family. They are one interesting family. Several things are happening, some are the reasons I am here.

I came here because we needed to bring Zoe the cat to her summer castle. So Zoe will be watched by Sarah's parents. Her dad, Bill, will be keeping track of her and letting us know what she is up to with short stories on Zoe's blog site: http://thecatnamedzoe.blogspot.com/ .

I also came here to see Sarah's brother, Chris, graduate from high school. My University graduation was in a hot, muggy gymnasium with bad sound and a speaker that I only wanted to stop talking. He was unknown to the students, and likely unknown to most watching before they fell over from heat exhaustion.

In contrast to my graduation, this high school graduation will probably put my University ceremony to shame. It is in the year-round air conditioned Toyota center, home of the Houston Rockets basketball team. It has a serious sound system and box seats. It already sounds more inviting then my own. We go tonight.

Regardless where it is, the graduates don't care. They just want to get it over with, get the fake diploma, and leave to the after party. It is here you really feel like you accomplished something.

I still am not quite sure what it means, but I get to move on. In my case, to a new environment, the professional environment.

I Graduated!

I Just Graduated!!! May 19th, 2006.

I had some great parties over the weekend. I had many of my friends and family attend a BBQ in my honor yesterday, Saturday. This post-graduation party was so great. I had my friends, sisters, girlfriend, parents, nieces and nephews all there to wish me luck. People came from San Diego, CA and Houston too see me. I could not have better friends and family that support me. I had a great time and the gifts they gave me were more than generous. Thanks everyone for coming!

I have accepted a job in Rocklin, CA. It is a laboratory analyst position. My job will be to run daily tests in a waste water treatment facility. Below is good summary of what I will do:

My Job Description: Conducts a variety of physical, chemical, biochemical, and bacteriological tests and analyses associated with water and/or wastewater systems; performs field sampling and analyses; prepares and monitors flow-through bioassay; operates and maintains a variety of laboratory equipment, instruments and probes; prepares bacteriological media, chemical reagents and standards; cleans laboratory glassware; keeps laboratory records and prepares laboratory reports.

I have a lot a hard work ahead to learn about all of this. I have started my own pre-training for this job. I have been reading everything I can get about the treatment process. I want to learn the overall processes so I am not so overwhelmed when I start. I was real lucky to get this position and I can't wait to start. I will leave from here in Missouri on about June 1st or 2nd. I plan to start on June 5th or 6th. Since I have never driven 1850 miles, I don't know exactly how long it will take.

California or Bust!

JOIN OUR SALES TEAM! (or don't)

I get emails almost everyday now from companies wanting to hire me after seeing my resume on some site like Monster.com or Careerbuilder. However, These are NOT companies I want to work at. They are sales jobs in financial or insurance services.

I get a laugh out of the way they try to snare me in to their web of the Sales-Zone. Here are some of the funny things they say in the emails:


"I think you have many of the qualities we look for..."

"...we hire only the best agent candidates"

"50/50 advertising assistance " WHAT? Only half the time??

This is the BEST one...
" ...we require no upfront investment and actually pay you to get your career started!" Now that is amazing! You pay me to work, WOW!

" First year earnings can range as high as $100,000" YEAH RIGHT

I love these people. They are what make the world go 'round, kind of like centrifugal force.

Old People !?

She says to me, "I have to go to the bathroom so the dog will eat her cookie."

WHAT?!

"Well she is used to me going to the bathroom after I give her a dog biscuit."

So, do you pretend to "go" even when you don't?

"Well, it's her routine..."

Do you sit on the pot?

"Yes, she likes to eat her cookie in there."

Do you drop your pants?

"No, you make it sound like I am crazy!"

[ I can't tell you who this is but you may find out in a MOMent.]

Homeless + Jobless = Graduation Party!

Hello Everyone!

As you know I am graduating. I am still waiting for that one solid, quality job. I have been offered one chemist position. I didn't quite like it, but I haven't said "No" yet. I have many leads and may end up anywhere in the lower 48. That reminds me, I need to look into chemist positions in Hawaii. My "send resume" finger is tired.

Sorry, back to the point here.

I would like to invite you to a day-after graduation party on May 20th.
It will begin at 4pm and end when you leave.

It will take place at my parents house.
You can park in my drive way at or on the neighbors lawn (no donuts please).

Please RSVP and let me know if you are bringing anything and what it may be.
If you want to bring a side dish or dessert that would be great, but it is optional!

If you are family, you don't have to RSVP 'cause I know you're coming.

Any questions email me.

See you all soon,
Tom