Summer 2013

We're about a week into Summer of the year 2013. I wish I had something witty to write, but unfortunately I do not. I also wish I was writing this post because of some exciting revelation or discovery, and again, I do not. As I'm watching the final laps of a NASCAR race postponed from yesterday due to rain, I'm writing this to pass some time. You see, I am somewhat stuck home or close to home for the next 24 hours. I am having a routine medical procedure tomorrow that requires me to have a diet of clear liquids today. I am allowed tea and coffee, and even with sugar. But no creamer or milk. I am also allowed to have Jello, so I have a batch of Lime Jello in the refrigerator. Obviously I am off from work tomorrow. With Thursday and Friday being days off for the Independence Day holiday, this is going to be a short week at the office.

So what else is new? Not very much. The status of the two non-running motorcycles has not changed. I still haven't scheduled having my hip replacement surgery. Actually, the hip hasn't been too bad recently. Sure, there are days when the pain is bad, but overall it has been bearable.

Speaking of the new job, I'm still learning the ins and outs. But I have been able to contribute much more over the past couple months and I am settling in. Definitely enjoying my new gig.

That's about all I have for now. So until next, take care.

Return to Work II

Hello readers. Sorry once again for the somewhat lengthy lapse of time since my last post. I'd like to say that I've just been too busy to take time out to write something, but that would not be truthful.

So I've been at the new job for just over three months. I'm still learning the lay of the land, but I am enjoying it. I am working with a bunch of great people, and getting the opportunity to work with a wide variety of tools, applications, and technologies. Soon, I will get to travel to Cheyenne Wyoming to visit our main data center for a meet and greet with coworkers I only know from email and teleconferences. I've been to Wyoming a few times and I'm looking forward to the trip.

There is not much else to report. The status of all the vehicles are pretty much the same as always. But I did get a new desk for my office at home. Replaced the old computer desk I had when I moved here with a nice L-shaped desk from Staples. I finished the desk last week, and I'm still doing a little rearranging. Being this is May, I booked flights for my annual Thanksgiving week trip to visit dad in Florida. I'm not sure if I will be able to see Reagan or not, but it would be nice to hang with my daughter even if it's just for a few hours.

I know it's not much, but that's about all I have for now. Until next time, enjoy.

Return to Work

In my last post I informed you all that I was no longer employed. Not being too worried about the situation I called it my 'Trial Retirement'. I also told you about three prospects that I had been pursuing. Not too long after that post I was informed that an offer was in the works. Even better was it from the company that I had applied for outside of a recruitment agency! I came close to getting an offer from the number 2 prospect, Cisco, but I was informed that they had rehired a former member of their team.

Apparently though, there was some administrative confusion and an official offer was delayed. But that was a good thing. Still a little unsure, I was able to enjoy the holidays and a few weeks just relaxing and not worrying about searching for a new position since I figured I had one almost in hand. Then, about mid-January I did receive a formal offer for the position. After a background check I was cleared to start. My 'Trial Retirement' officially ended January 28th.

Where did I end up you ask? I'm a Senior System Engineer at EchoStar / Sling Media here in Foster City. That's right, Foster City. My commute is now about two and a half miles. But it's not just the commute I like. As I felt that in the past couple years my talents were wasting away at Northrop Grumman, the work at EchoStar is challenging and engaging. I will have opportunities to learn and utilize new technologies that were the domain of a different team in a different data center at Northrop Grumman. While at the same time, utilizing skills and experience from my past for other duties.

At this point, I am really glad that I didn't accept the first offer that came along just because it was an offer in hand. I also cannot help myself from pointing out that Romans 8:28 comes to mind. I posted that passage on Twitter and Facebook not long after I was laid off from Northrop Grumman. In the end, all things have worked together for good. But I have to say, I was getting used to not using an alarm clock...

Until next time my friends.