In the search for the Qwan!

Well the job search is in full throttle and a few opportunities have popped up here and there. The most intriguing is the fact that Exelon has extended me the job offer they gave me in November, the catch is that I have to wait until September until the job becomes authorized. So until then, I am fielding offers from around the country, literally. I have interviews lined up from Illinois to Mississippi and even up here in upstate New York.

I finally broke down and bought two new digital cameras this weekend: the Canon DSLR 40D and the Nikon S210. Having my one and only digital camera break down (Sony Cybershot DSC-P10) and my trip to New York City looming next month; I figured that now is a good time as any to get the camera I want. So expect a few new pictures on my Flickr site.

On the job search again.

Well five months until my EAOS, at which point the Navy has no choice but to let me go. It has been a roller coaster the last three years with the Navy being the focal instigator of displeasure. Since September last year, the command has been playing games with my tenure in the Navy telling me that they are letting me go, then turning around and changing their minds. They went so far as to giving me a separation date in December, at which I accepted on offer with Exelon to be a operation supervisor at their Nuclear Generating Station at Quad City for a 6 figure salary. Then two days later, the Navy (the command more specific) changed their mind. In the mean time, I have been working for MARF OCTG teaching officer and enlisted students fresh from Charleston. Its been a nice break from shift work and quite relaxing to be able to actually having weekends again. That leaves me with more time to go golfing, fishing, playing with Miles and Louis and to sit in front of the computer and waste my life away.


Last Saturday was the first time I caught a fish in over 20 years!! True, I have gone fishing many times and have had some epic battles with Salmon in Washington; but this time I would not be shut out. Okay, it is not like I reeled in some beauties; I got a 4 oz Perch and a 8 oz Bass ( and that is being generous on the size) but it is a start.

The Journey is almost over.

I received word yesterday that I will be separating from the Navy September 15 (or so); I am both ecstatic and nervous about this great news. Happy because I feel it is time to leave the Navy and move on to something more permanent and better paying. Apprehensive about what career path I should choose, the prospects of buying a home for the first time in my life and having to feed my two boys without the guarantee of a pay check twice a month.


But it is a move I need to make. I am forever grateful for all the Navy has given me these nine years. The skills, experiences, and the people I have met are things that will be with me as I move on to new endeavors.

Now I just need a new job. I am currently pursuing three paths: Senior Reactor Operator, similar paying job, or returning to school. I may even take on two of the three at the same time.

In the Senior Reactor Operator field, I am looking at three different areas, possibly four. Chicago, Dallas and Phoenix, with Ohio a possibility. If jobs come up in Seattle, Portland, San Fransisco or Denver that pay as much, I will be also interested. And there is the real possibility of returning to school to pursue a degree in Aerospace Engineering, something I have wanted all my life.

I hope my path leads me to something far different than what the Navy had to offer. Or at least better paying.

Finally Got My Toe Fixed

So for the past four months, I have been dealing with an ingrown toenail problem on my right foot. It had become progressively worse, to the point that simply touching it become extremely painful; calling it tender was an understatement.


So today I finally got my toenail fixed.


Why did they remove the whole toenail? I also have been dealing with a toenail fungus that gradually thickened the nail to the point that it was difficult to maintain. Sorry the pictures are not the best in the world, but I soon hope to remedy it in the near future by buying a new camera. I have my eyes set on the Canon 30D.

Other then that, Louis celebrated his birthday Saturday; he is now one year old and supposedly no longer a puppy. Yeah right!

Let's try this again.

Alright, my first two attempts at making a blog page were to say the least a failure. My inability to constantly post on the site made it more or less practice for the next attempt. So who knows what to expect on this one. Well, I figure I would go ahead and start again, fresh; and with a renewed vigor to update this page at least monthly. So wish me luck.

So Andrew Acomb introduce me to a new site, flickr.com, and so far I really like it. First off, I got me to start scanning all my photos again, and secondly it give me the opportunity to check out other peoples fantastic photos. It has given me the bug to start capturing life on film again.


He also got me into del.icio.us, a bookmark site I can use to show you what I am looking at while on the web. Fortunately all the sites are for all ages, so yes you can safely click through them.