Back Again
6 months ago
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Unsuccessful
The rocket launch last night was great, but the outcome was not. Read the story and see video here.
We watched an incredible sight of the rocket lifting off and going up, up, and way up. The sound was great! It was spectacular! We say the first and second stage separation, and then it was out of site at our location. We soon found out the the final separation of the metal fairing holding the space vehicle did not open. It plummeted to the antarctic ocean.
My own video tape of the launch proved a failure. I have nothing but other peoples video and pics to show you all...
Monday, February 23, 2009
Rocket Launch
Tonight while you are sleeping, Sarah and I will be looking to the sky as another rocket launches at Vandenburg Air Force Base. The last time a launch happened, it was cancled, then when they did launch it, we missed it.
So, we try again to see a launch go off. This launch is a smaller 4-stage rocket which will deliver a scientific instrument to measure the atmospheric carbon dioxide. Click here to read more about it.
So, we try again to see a launch go off. This launch is a smaller 4-stage rocket which will deliver a scientific instrument to measure the atmospheric carbon dioxide. Click here to read more about it.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
Death, Taxes, and Cats Laying On Laptops
It's tax time. I know this because I'm staring at documents that make no sense to me, no matter how many beers I drink. -- Dave Barry
Ahhh, the joys of arranging stacks of 1099's, w-2's, forms 8889, 8880, 8917, and 1040 (with schedule B and D of course). All this crap sent from the many jobs, banks, and various other sources of taxable income. They say it's the digital age! I lay it all out on the floor, organize it, start a spreadsheet to tally up our data, and then come the attention-starved Feline Buzzards of the vast and boring house...
As you know, you can never attract only one buzzard to the tax carcass...
It is hard enough to even start doing this excruciating task, but add the cats and soon I was playing with feathers and catnip toys and forgot whatever it was I was doing. And yes, I did take a lofty deduction for cat-interference.
...24 hours later, I finally completed the taxes for our first joint return. It was interesting doing both Sarah and my taxes this time. She has many things that I have never seen before. I think I got it all worked out, mostly due to the fact she had last years return to aid me. It looks like Uncle Sam has been robbing us blind this year! Thanks to all the losses in stocks, investment funds, high costs of school, we will get a decent refund.
Regarding our home state of California: Uncle Schwarzenegger ain't paying anything...unless I send my ferocious tax cats to collect...
Ahhh, the joys of arranging stacks of 1099's, w-2's, forms 8889, 8880, 8917, and 1040 (with schedule B and D of course). All this crap sent from the many jobs, banks, and various other sources of taxable income. They say it's the digital age! I lay it all out on the floor, organize it, start a spreadsheet to tally up our data, and then come the attention-starved Feline Buzzards of the vast and boring house...
As you know, you can never attract only one buzzard to the tax carcass...
It is hard enough to even start doing this excruciating task, but add the cats and soon I was playing with feathers and catnip toys and forgot whatever it was I was doing. And yes, I did take a lofty deduction for cat-interference.
...24 hours later, I finally completed the taxes for our first joint return. It was interesting doing both Sarah and my taxes this time. She has many things that I have never seen before. I think I got it all worked out, mostly due to the fact she had last years return to aid me. It looks like Uncle Sam has been robbing us blind this year! Thanks to all the losses in stocks, investment funds, high costs of school, we will get a decent refund.
Regarding our home state of California: Uncle Schwarzenegger ain't paying anything...unless I send my ferocious tax cats to collect...
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Valentine's Day
Wondering what we did for February 14th? This is all you need to know...
(click on picture to enlarge and drool)
(click on picture to enlarge and drool)
Sunday, February 08, 2009
A week has gone at the new job. The week went fast. Things seem to be going well. I look forward to the next week.
This weekend, there was a break in the rain, so we went to see the Elephant Seal colony just north of here (see video below). It was fun seeing those huge, randy animals mating. There were new babie seals (pups) everywhere.
This weekend, there was a break in the rain, so we went to see the Elephant Seal colony just north of here (see video below). It was fun seeing those huge, randy animals mating. There were new babie seals (pups) everywhere.
Thursday, February 05, 2009
While my chicken Currie is simmering, I thought I might type up a little blurb here.
The new job is going great. It is not a job for people who think about germs as a "bad" thing, don't like rain, panic easily, or don't like sick humor. I must not mind all this since I only think of this when I am telling others what it is like.
Today was a muddy mess, but a good day. I got rain gear, which was much needed since it rained all day. I was mentored by a different person today. He was eccentric but the best trainer I have had. I realized today that I am not intimidated by the wastewater plant as much as I thought I would be.
We had a safety meeting today that comprised of me signing my name, hearing gossip, then leaving. Unlike my last job, they have Internet and server access on a thing called a computer. We had a seminar today about a chemical pump system that will be used in the new plant. After the overview, we went out to physically check it out. The company who was installing it tried to show us how it worked, but the city plant workers noticed right away something was wrong. They found a valve closed nearby that was very important to the system functioning. It keeps us on our toes. As this new plant is being constructed around us, we will do our best to keep an eye on the functionality of what will be left for us to operate.
When I was out doing plant checks or rounds, I found water bubbling up from a gravel road. I called another operator over and he asked me if it was hot water. I touched it and it was warm. Apparently the construction crew had crushed a pipe. I even got a compliment from the operator today when he said, "At least they didn't hire an idiot."
At home, Sarah is having a tough time with her classes. She studies all the time. We have been trying to watch a rocket launch from the local Air Force base, but they keep postponing it and now the weather is bad. So, it is not likely we will see one launch for a month or so.
Well today is Sarah's Friday and tomorrow is my first Friday at this new job.
The new job is going great. It is not a job for people who think about germs as a "bad" thing, don't like rain, panic easily, or don't like sick humor. I must not mind all this since I only think of this when I am telling others what it is like.
Today was a muddy mess, but a good day. I got rain gear, which was much needed since it rained all day. I was mentored by a different person today. He was eccentric but the best trainer I have had. I realized today that I am not intimidated by the wastewater plant as much as I thought I would be.
We had a safety meeting today that comprised of me signing my name, hearing gossip, then leaving. Unlike my last job, they have Internet and server access on a thing called a computer. We had a seminar today about a chemical pump system that will be used in the new plant. After the overview, we went out to physically check it out. The company who was installing it tried to show us how it worked, but the city plant workers noticed right away something was wrong. They found a valve closed nearby that was very important to the system functioning. It keeps us on our toes. As this new plant is being constructed around us, we will do our best to keep an eye on the functionality of what will be left for us to operate.
When I was out doing plant checks or rounds, I found water bubbling up from a gravel road. I called another operator over and he asked me if it was hot water. I touched it and it was warm. Apparently the construction crew had crushed a pipe. I even got a compliment from the operator today when he said, "At least they didn't hire an idiot."
At home, Sarah is having a tough time with her classes. She studies all the time. We have been trying to watch a rocket launch from the local Air Force base, but they keep postponing it and now the weather is bad. So, it is not likely we will see one launch for a month or so.
Well today is Sarah's Friday and tomorrow is my first Friday at this new job.
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
2:22 am
What are you doing tonight at 2:22 am?
Watching a Delta 2 rocket launch from Vandenburg Air Force Base? Me too.
Here is a site about it...Click here
Poo Plant Diary: Day 2
Day two at the poo plant was a bit more interesting.
Of course we had our usual breaks every two hours and then an ice cream break, but I actually participated in dirty work today. I assisted in the inspection and repair of a part covered in poo. We replaced some parts and tightened others. I was the "gopher" for tools and holding the ladder. I had to get some wrenches twice since they were dropped into the aeration basin we were working in. I even used a pipe wrench, twice!
After lunch, a low pressure alarm for the plant water system buzzed. I threw on my hard hat* and safety glasses and followed the operator in charge of me, Brian. We went to the site of the water tank and checked all the pumps. We radioed the boss. He radioed the construction boss. They radioed us. No one hit a pipe and no one knew where the water was going. After running all around looking for water, we found out two tanks were being filled by the construction crew. They talked about telling us, but didn't think it would impact the system. We reset everything that needed to be and what do you know it was time for the daily meeting. Nothing was discussed that I can repeat here, and certainly nothing useful was done here.
For the last half hour of the day, I took a nice walk around the plant. I looked at the new parts of the plant (Not online), since they contrast the old plant so well. I walked through each area and each building trying to trace the water or other products as they go through the system. I got to know her a little more, since it will be my home for a while.
Tomorrow, I have SCADA training. This is the computer control system that the plant will use to monitor the plant. It would have helped us today in identifying where the water was going. Most of these guys have never seen it. I can't wait to be involved in the start-up as it happens.
*Since the plant is being completely upgraded, the entire area is a construction zone. We are required to wear hardhats, safety glasses, and yellow vests during this.
Monday, February 02, 2009
Poo Plant Diary: Day 1
Today I started a new job.
I work for a city on the central coast of California at a wastewater (Poo) plant. As, you may know, I had previously worked at a wastewater plant in the lab. This time things are not so, lets say, "sterile". I am an Operator in Training.
I have never worked in a labor union or city type of atmosphere. I noticed that things are different. The biggest thing I noticed was that people all took breaks at set times throughout the day. I am not used to this. Lunch can be the exception, but even then I commonly took lunch when there was a break in the work I was doing. the fifteen minute breaks were never really a big issue for me, unless I was working hard. To these people, a break every two hours is the way it is.
Here is what happened on my first day...
Day 1
8 am: I arrived at the plant, met my supervisor then, toured offices.
8:30 am: An Operator, Pete, showed me around some of the the plant.
9:30 am: Pete took me to a store to buy hard hat and safety/sun glasses (city paid $50)
10 am: break
10:15 am: Drove to town 30 miles away and got steel toe boots (city paid $150)
11:20 am: Stopped at Mexican restaurant and had tacos for lunch
12:15 pm: Arrived back at plant and the boss told Pete and I to go to lunch. I just had lunch, but Pete seamed like another lunch would be nice, so he went to the break-room. I walked around outside.
1 pm: More touring of the plant, got picture taken for city ID card.
2 pm: Break
2:20 pm: Took a tour final outfall or where the treated water goes to a creek.
2:50 pm: Attended a daily meeting for maintenance and operation staff. A bunch of yelling, cussing, and figuring out what got done and needs to be done. A lot of goofing around, including jokes about farting. On the up side, it lasted only ten minutes.
3 pm: Another meeting, this one was for me. My boss and I went over a list of basic items I need to complete as a new employee.
4 pm: Gone home
The plant is being completely upgraded and redesigned. If you are interested in reading more about this plant, the website is here. I am happy that I am with this team at a time when change is "king" and the old guys are crying about this new system. I thrive on absorbing all the new stuff! At the same time, I have to learn the old "hands on" with the old plant and equipment.
I work for a city on the central coast of California at a wastewater (Poo) plant. As, you may know, I had previously worked at a wastewater plant in the lab. This time things are not so, lets say, "sterile". I am an Operator in Training.
I have never worked in a labor union or city type of atmosphere. I noticed that things are different. The biggest thing I noticed was that people all took breaks at set times throughout the day. I am not used to this. Lunch can be the exception, but even then I commonly took lunch when there was a break in the work I was doing. the fifteen minute breaks were never really a big issue for me, unless I was working hard. To these people, a break every two hours is the way it is.
Here is what happened on my first day...
Day 1
8 am: I arrived at the plant, met my supervisor then, toured offices.
8:30 am: An Operator, Pete, showed me around some of the the plant.
9:30 am: Pete took me to a store to buy hard hat and safety/sun glasses (city paid $50)
10 am: break
10:15 am: Drove to town 30 miles away and got steel toe boots (city paid $150)
11:20 am: Stopped at Mexican restaurant and had tacos for lunch
12:15 pm: Arrived back at plant and the boss told Pete and I to go to lunch. I just had lunch, but Pete seamed like another lunch would be nice, so he went to the break-room. I walked around outside.
1 pm: More touring of the plant, got picture taken for city ID card.
2 pm: Break
2:20 pm: Took a tour final outfall or where the treated water goes to a creek.
2:50 pm: Attended a daily meeting for maintenance and operation staff. A bunch of yelling, cussing, and figuring out what got done and needs to be done. A lot of goofing around, including jokes about farting. On the up side, it lasted only ten minutes.
3 pm: Another meeting, this one was for me. My boss and I went over a list of basic items I need to complete as a new employee.
4 pm: Gone home
The plant is being completely upgraded and redesigned. If you are interested in reading more about this plant, the website is here. I am happy that I am with this team at a time when change is "king" and the old guys are crying about this new system. I thrive on absorbing all the new stuff! At the same time, I have to learn the old "hands on" with the old plant and equipment.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
24
Tick-tock... tick-tock...the minutes are counting down as I have only 24 hours left at my current place of ill-employment. My days of hydrocarbon testing are done, for now.
I am leaving the "poisoned" attitudes behind. Good thing too, I was just starting to run out of all the things I needed to do my job! I gave my two-day notice yesterday and had my exit interview today. The HR gal asked me questions like, "What are the top three reasons you are leaving the company?" Uhmmm...I don't want to die! Well, I did come up with some short answers, but I tried to leave it behind without making a big deal about it. Companies like this get what's coming to them. The county is currently changing it's "laws" to be able to regulate "Gross Polluters" and other companies like this one.
So, I am moving on. I have to go in tomorrow to work, but I don't have any projects to work on. The last day at places is always strange. I don't see things the same. I will probably go and say goodbye to some of the guys. One person in particular, a fella named Nate, he started the same day as I did. We went through company orientation together. He also just gave his notice to leave the company to take a job with the state transportation department, Cal-Trans. He leaves this Friday. We almost made it through the probation period, but in this case the company didn't last it's own probationary period.
Goodbye...
...to a company that has a blank web site
...to a company that spills more than babies
...to a company that when you look it up on the Internet, you say WTF!
...to a company that never noticed I was there
I guess, when they hand me my final check, I'll just go.
Now here is a salute to this "great" company:
I am leaving the "poisoned" attitudes behind. Good thing too, I was just starting to run out of all the things I needed to do my job! I gave my two-day notice yesterday and had my exit interview today. The HR gal asked me questions like, "What are the top three reasons you are leaving the company?" Uhmmm...I don't want to die! Well, I did come up with some short answers, but I tried to leave it behind without making a big deal about it. Companies like this get what's coming to them. The county is currently changing it's "laws" to be able to regulate "Gross Polluters" and other companies like this one.
So, I am moving on. I have to go in tomorrow to work, but I don't have any projects to work on. The last day at places is always strange. I don't see things the same. I will probably go and say goodbye to some of the guys. One person in particular, a fella named Nate, he started the same day as I did. We went through company orientation together. He also just gave his notice to leave the company to take a job with the state transportation department, Cal-Trans. He leaves this Friday. We almost made it through the probation period, but in this case the company didn't last it's own probationary period.
Goodbye...
...to a company that has a blank web site
...to a company that spills more than babies
...to a company that when you look it up on the Internet, you say WTF!
...to a company that never noticed I was there
I guess, when they hand me my final check, I'll just go.
Now here is a salute to this "great" company:
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Why Me?
Not again!
It seems that no matter where I go, I get summoned for Jury Duty. I have been called several times over the last several years. I am lucky, however, that I have not actually had to go. I always have to plan that I am going, then it's cancelled at the last minute.
Well, I just got a new summons for Feb. 2nd.
I think it will be funny that as soon as I start a new job, I may have to take time off for Jury Duty.
It seems that no matter where I go, I get summoned for Jury Duty. I have been called several times over the last several years. I am lucky, however, that I have not actually had to go. I always have to plan that I am going, then it's cancelled at the last minute.
Well, I just got a new summons for Feb. 2nd.
I think it will be funny that as soon as I start a new job, I may have to take time off for Jury Duty.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
4 day weekend
I am starting a four day weekend today! Woo Hoo! I have been working 8 days straight, so it's my time to relax.
I am on the cusp of starting a new job at a wastewater plant. I have my health physical tomorrow. This seems to be the final thing I have to do to get the job. I am not sure what day I'll start, but it should be soon.
I won't miss my old job too much.
Yesterday, I told my current boss, "It would be easier for me to get a new job than to get the supplies I need to do this one." He laughed.
I am on the cusp of starting a new job at a wastewater plant. I have my health physical tomorrow. This seems to be the final thing I have to do to get the job. I am not sure what day I'll start, but it should be soon.
I won't miss my old job too much.
Yesterday, I told my current boss, "It would be easier for me to get a new job than to get the supplies I need to do this one." He laughed.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
A bunch of SLOB's
What do you call 25 guys and gals who stand around drinking and talking about beer?
Some call them SLOB's! In fact they call themselves SLOBs or San Luis Obispo Brewers.
I recently attended my first meeting with this loose-knit group of home-brewers. As you may know, I have been brewing beer in my kitchen for the last six months. I can't stop. I have brewed a few good batches now and thought this would be a good way to share and get some input about my beer.
So, I packed up a few of my latest Imperial Pale Ale bottles and hit the road.
All I can say is that this little "meeting" was both a dream and a nightmare. I had some brews that I loved like a nice Dopplebock and Strawberry Mead. Mead is a honey based brew that is light and pleasant to drink. This one was fruity and similar to champagne. I also had some that just made me say, "Whoa, that's interesting" like the sour Belgium beers. Others, like the very strong Russian Imperial Stouts helped me realize some things I may not like.
I shared my pale ale with the group and they actually did not spit it up and tell me not bring anymore. I received a couple of compliments even. One guy said, "Well, I don't smell or taste anything wrong..." and another said, "What hops did you use?" I take these as compliments since they didn't give me hints about how to brew better or say "Why does your brew taste like dirty socks?"
This was one interesting social group or maybe subculture would be more descriptive. I expected people to talk about their beer in detail then serve us. Each tasting taking five to ten minutes. I expected a formal tasting type of setting, not unlike a wine tasting.
I was wrong. I showed up to Doc's Cellar brew shop and was told to fetch a cup and help my self to a brew on tap in the fridge. The meeting started with us organizing the order of brews to be presented, like at a wine tasting when they serve the light whites to the bold reds. However, unlike a wine tasting, these guys did NOT have a place to pour out any drinks, like a spit bucket. These guys drank, it seems, everything! I did not.
So we started with a nice German pilsner lager and then it got weird fast. The theme was spiced brews for the winter season, so we had many strange concoctions, including pumpkin spiced ale.
Anyways, I tasted 23 types of beers*. The first ten I drank freely, but then I realized I was getting a bit sauced or light on my feet. The remaining beer I had to just sip and then pour out the rest. I should have said "NO" at some point, but I hatted to miss even one.
The final drink I had was something called Barley Wine. It is a strong type of beer that is aged for a year or so. I don't think I'll ever want to make any, but it sure was uhmm...interesting.
After some time and a cigar, I headed home to a wife that won't want to kiss me for a few hours.
*Below is the list of brews served:
Cider - Dave
Pilsner - Chris
German Hefeweizen - Russell
American Red Ale (Hallertauer hops) - Eric B.
American Red Ale (Chinook and Amarillo hops) - Eric B.
Dopplebock - Andy
Imperial Pale Ale - Tom J.
Belgian Strong Ale - Mike
Strawberry Mead - Daryl
Spiced Ales - hosted by Jason
Belgian Grand Cru - Ken
Spiced Vanilla Ale - JJ and Scott
Spiced Ale - Eric V.
Oaked Spiced Ale - Richie
Chocolate Coconut Porter - Chris
Pumpkin Ale - Jason
Heather Ale - Jason
Gruit - Jason
Russian Imperial Stout - Russell
Russian Imperial Stout - Ken
Barleywine - Dave
Barrel Project - Jason
Some call them SLOB's! In fact they call themselves SLOBs or San Luis Obispo Brewers.
I recently attended my first meeting with this loose-knit group of home-brewers. As you may know, I have been brewing beer in my kitchen for the last six months. I can't stop. I have brewed a few good batches now and thought this would be a good way to share and get some input about my beer.
So, I packed up a few of my latest Imperial Pale Ale bottles and hit the road.
All I can say is that this little "meeting" was both a dream and a nightmare. I had some brews that I loved like a nice Dopplebock and Strawberry Mead. Mead is a honey based brew that is light and pleasant to drink. This one was fruity and similar to champagne. I also had some that just made me say, "Whoa, that's interesting" like the sour Belgium beers. Others, like the very strong Russian Imperial Stouts helped me realize some things I may not like.
I shared my pale ale with the group and they actually did not spit it up and tell me not bring anymore. I received a couple of compliments even. One guy said, "Well, I don't smell or taste anything wrong..." and another said, "What hops did you use?" I take these as compliments since they didn't give me hints about how to brew better or say "Why does your brew taste like dirty socks?"
This was one interesting social group or maybe subculture would be more descriptive. I expected people to talk about their beer in detail then serve us. Each tasting taking five to ten minutes. I expected a formal tasting type of setting, not unlike a wine tasting.
I was wrong. I showed up to Doc's Cellar brew shop and was told to fetch a cup and help my self to a brew on tap in the fridge. The meeting started with us organizing the order of brews to be presented, like at a wine tasting when they serve the light whites to the bold reds. However, unlike a wine tasting, these guys did NOT have a place to pour out any drinks, like a spit bucket. These guys drank, it seems, everything! I did not.
So we started with a nice German pilsner lager and then it got weird fast. The theme was spiced brews for the winter season, so we had many strange concoctions, including pumpkin spiced ale.
Anyways, I tasted 23 types of beers*. The first ten I drank freely, but then I realized I was getting a bit sauced or light on my feet. The remaining beer I had to just sip and then pour out the rest. I should have said "NO" at some point, but I hatted to miss even one.
The final drink I had was something called Barley Wine. It is a strong type of beer that is aged for a year or so. I don't think I'll ever want to make any, but it sure was uhmm...interesting.
After some time and a cigar, I headed home to a wife that won't want to kiss me for a few hours.
*Below is the list of brews served:
Cider - Dave
Pilsner - Chris
German Hefeweizen - Russell
American Red Ale (Hallertauer hops) - Eric B.
American Red Ale (Chinook and Amarillo hops) - Eric B.
Dopplebock - Andy
Imperial Pale Ale - Tom J.
Belgian Strong Ale - Mike
Strawberry Mead - Daryl
Spiced Ales - hosted by Jason
Belgian Grand Cru - Ken
Spiced Vanilla Ale - JJ and Scott
Spiced Ale - Eric V.
Oaked Spiced Ale - Richie
Chocolate Coconut Porter - Chris
Pumpkin Ale - Jason
Heather Ale - Jason
Gruit - Jason
Russian Imperial Stout - Russell
Russian Imperial Stout - Ken
Barleywine - Dave
Barrel Project - Jason
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Picnic at the Beach
***NOTE***
The song I used has been silenced by "the man", so enjoy it in peace.
If the video below stops working, please leave a comment so I can fix it. Thanks
The song I used has been silenced by "the man", so enjoy it in peace.
If the video below stops working, please leave a comment so I can fix it. Thanks
Photos Essay of Work
Below are photos I have taken at my work recently. The inside pictures are of the laboratory where I work. The outside photos are of the refinery and oil pumps nearbye.
Monday, January 05, 2009
Christmas 2008
Our left-leaning Christmas Tree!
Below, Blackberry is in our new picnic basket!
Sarah is young at heart and loves to color, so I got her some crayons and a coloring book...
Sarah got me this beer brewing book. It has recipes for things like Smoked Habanero Beer and other crazy things. I love it.
The cats also got some gifts...
And finally we had a great Christmas dinner with ham, scalloped potatoes, stuffing, and green beans with chestnuts.
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