Pixxelations.net

You all know where I work, and I’m sure have seen my company and the closing of three of it’s sites in the news last week. It’s hard to comment on this situation. I’ve been here eight years, and as I said to a friend tonight, for all the complaining I’ve done over the years this is like home. I grew up here, built a career here, and it is sad to see it go. Most of all there are so many people I will miss. That is what I loved most about this place, the people. I’ve made a lot of friends and while there are many that have become a part of my life and I will keep in touch with, there are many that I’m not so sure about. Not because I don’t want to make the effort to maintain the relationship, but it would be foreign and potentially uncomfortable to try to do so outside of seeing them on a regular basis at work. Even people that I may not be the most found of, it will be strange not to see them regularly.

Before I get to down and nostalgic I have to say, I actually still have a job, I have not been laid off. I work for headquarters and there is a different plan for my group. This makes me feel some what guilty as everyone around me has been given notice of the end of their position. I’m not sure what else to say on this just now. I am ready to move on and am prepared to become consumed by masters work and career transition, which makes me feel even just that much guiltier. Someone who needs this position more should have it.

There is still a lot to come as this shutting down process takes place. I am anxious to see how it all goes and concerned for the well being of so many of the employees here. There has been a large out pouring of support from our community which I have very pleased and surprised to see. I hope that these efforts will pay off for many of those losing their job.

I had so much fun at school today! I know I am a nerd, can’t help it. The day started out great in geology with a discussion about ocean sediments and ocean levels, plus discussion of sediments in the desert and how wind is a major factor. Good stuff. But that was just the tip of the ice burg! Later in the day in geography I had the coolest lab ever! Last weeks lectures were on GPS’s and compasses. We got to go out and play with a GPS for a bit. Today though we got to play with compasses and GPS’s! We did a scavenger hunt using a compass to guide us and marking way points with our GPS along the way. The end destination was a little coffee shop off campus where my professor was waiting and bought us all coffee. I had so much fun. I had a great time navigating around and calculating the azimuth and what not. Plus the UNM campus is a great plus, the weather was so fall like and crunchy leaves were falling every where. I had a blast. I am so pleased with the program I chose to go in to. =)

An instant message conversation that should have occured between myself and my, shall we say, “liberally oriented” friend. Instead, the conversation ensued between myself, using of course the business sanctioned group screen name used for all contacts, and my bosses boss.

Me on Business Sanctioned SN: hey… ever watch jay leno’s headlines? thought you would find this one amusing hehe http://www.nbc.com/nbc/The_Tonight_Show_with_Jay_Leno/headlines/H_3219/34.shtml#headline

***Horrified I stare at the screen trying to comprehend what I have just done***

Me on Business Sanctioned SN: eek my apologies, that was meant for the other window

***Thinking I could make this better by adding some humor went on to say***

Me on Business Sanctioned SN: it did make me giggle though lol

Big Boss: hey no worries

Big Boss: now stop wasting company bandwidth

My gut reaction, instant mortification! Let’s hope and pray that the some how the context of the humors link was lost on him. Not possible… Next week when “random” drug testing is requested all co-workers will blame me! Innocent lil me!!

Maybe that second job will come in more handy than first suspected.

Between last Friday and today, I have acquired and started a second job!! Why in heaven’s name would I do such a thing? haha It’s actually really cool. I got an internship style/part time job at a business specializing in the supply of geographic technology tools and resources. I interviewed for two hours this past Friday with the owner/ceo and was hired on the spot by him after he genuinely found out about my goals and ambitions and then customized the position for me. It was a great experience! I had a fun first day, learned a lot, and I think this is going to be a great opportunity as I begin to transition career fields into geo tech. Good stuff.

However… I can’t let go of my ball and chain job just yet. They pay me to well and I want to make sure all goes well with the new gig before giving it up. So in the mean time, or until I can’t take it any more - I will work my two jobs and go to school. Wish me luck!

In other news, weekend before last was an awesome trip to Colorado. The weather was beautiful. I got to hang out with my friend Tim and his family and catch up which was great. I also went to my friend Shasta’s wedding. It was a fairy tale wedding held in a castle in the mountains. It was spectacular, no expense was spared and no preparation was left un-thought of. A more detailed account of the weekend and pictures coming soon. In my free time. lol