Autum 2008

The year has flown, but only because the days were shorter than usual. As 2008 began, one of the most involved projects I've ever been...involved in came into the work picture. I've had projects before, from start to finish, but nothing compares to the sheer size and scope of this one. Tracking pipes that go from manufacturing to coating to welding to installing above ground, in the ground, and/or under water for the movement of oil was finally important enough to warrant a software upgrade from MS Access. You'd think with multi-million dollar projects relying on accurate and reliable data, some thought might go into actually making that data and its collection as important as the pipes that are being tracked.

This is what this project of 2008 is all about. "Where'd that $10,000+ pipe go?" My application will tell you not only where it is, but where it's been, and where it's going. I'll even throw in a nice chart or graph to please the eye.
I don't want to sound so arrogant, since this project is a team effort involving myself, a new developer on staff, and experienced guys in the field who've been tracking pipe since I was a kid! Yeah!

Well, this project is actually starting to come to a close. Ok, not a close, but a milestone point. Another month of concentrated efforts and then we get to a point where we are now, in-place upgrades! There's nothing more demanding than working on a project that is being used as it is being tested. So, I have to expect a 7am phone call referring to "missing" data or error screens on the hand helds.

But, the point of this blog is not to rant about work, but to reflect on what a fast year this has been, full of changes that started in Oah Seven, and continue through Oah Eight. Not only has my career developed into a critical position with Digicomm Systems, but my relationship with Ashlee has developed, despite its share of low points, pain, and frustration. But, that's what growth is all about. Growth comes from pain and anguish, right? As I said in February, with pain comes clarity, and boy was I right. However, I wouldn't take any of it back, since where I am now is light years from where I was a year ago, and man...two years ago? It's like a second round of puberty, but only this time, my emotions are changing voice.

For those of you who actually know me, and as Ashlee pointed out tonight, could you imagine hearing me say the following about a year and a half ago? "Man, tabasco sauce sure tastes great!" Could you imagine me living in a baller apartment with a 46 inch LCD hanging from above the fucking fireplace! Who knew life would be so advanced?! Well, all it took was some pain, clarity, and moving out of mom's for the second time of my life!

All this, and it's only autumn? I can't wait till winter!