Working Man

So, a how about a little update on the good ole job? Well the focus of the summer has shifted slightly off track of what I was supposed to be doing. But, hey that's whats happens sometimes. I was supposed to be focusing my time on a five year plan for a state beach here and a off road vehicle area in the desert, but not so much. State parks maintenance crews have a tendency to build things, because planning takes to long and is pointless. Well, it comes back to bite them when they need to get things opened, and they dint have it built to codes, have get to it fire marshall approved, etc. Then they get testy with us, and start pointing fingers and get upset. Well, insert myself into their lovely situation.They have a lifeguard tower they just finished constructing Well, I have been working on construction drawings since they never existed in the first place, that's state parks for you! But I have sat through some heated meetings and site discussions to get these plans approved so they can occupy the building. Progress is happening, but its just a different focus so far. But that's whats great, acquiring different skill sets and opening a a mind to a new way of thinking!

LA

So, a few weekends ago I headed North to the city of angels, in other terms, Los Angeles. Let me start by saying that the city is huge and nothing but a concrete jungle! It did have its good points, so its at least good to go once. I saw some cool things such as: the Getty Museum, Downtown, Hollywood, Santa Monica, Venice, and a Game show (are you smarter than a fifth grader). I will probably be on TV since I was right behind Jeff Foxworthy , calm down, I'll sign autographs later. But anyways, LA was pretty intimidating, since the traffic there never stops! I did meet and hang out with a guy who went to LSU on Venice Beach, it all started because he was wearing an LSU cap. I also checked out an dodgers-yankees game which was pretty exciting, and had a run away bus fly pass me walking up to the stadium, which almost hit three cars and eventually smashed into some concrete pilings, only in Hollywood. I also slept in a pretty dump of a hostel in Venice Beach, but it all added to the experience! Overall it was a good weekend, but needless to say I was happy to get back to the classy San Diego...until next time..

A San Diegan

Hello All,

Well I have pretty much got settled in San Diego now. I have been to a padres game, a few local hot spots, some amazing parks, and an elegant event on board the USS Midway. You can say that I own this town now. Somehow, in the midst of all this fun activity I have managed to get two weeks of work in! Work has been going pretty well. I am basically working under one man who is cool and has been teaching me much. I have been working on two main projects, one at a park in the desert, and the other at a state beach in San Diego. Besides the mains, I have helped put the finishing touches on a one of a kind windmill that pumps water and construction documents for a lifeguard tower that was built with no general documents. Apparently that is how the state parks roll! Shoot first then ask questions as my friends in Tombstone would say. Other than that, I have been relaxing and enjoying my time here in a new place. Right now we are experiencing what they call "June Gloom". It has been about 60 degrees and cloudy everyday, but no rain. The clouds just hover over the coast, while two miles inland it is sunny and warm. But, no worries, they say July is HOT, for multiple reasons! There is much to do here, and not enough time, so I'm off to go find an adventure.... until next time..

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Start

Surfs Up,

I finally arrived in San Diego after 1900 miles, 3 National Parks, big cities, a wild west shoot out, and some of the most desolate land in America. I was a tad nervous about the drive by myself, but it turned out to be a nice peaceful adventure. One of the funniest moments throughout the trip, was at the continental breakfast one morning in the middle of nowhere Texas. A guy came in and asked for fruit and the ladies working responding in Spanish. He complained by saying he didn't speak Spanish, last he checked this was America, he was from Arizona. The big burly biker guy and I gave him a thumbs up and a Heck Yea! We could feel the holes being burned in our necks from the stares of the ladies, but well worth to have a few moments of unity. The National Parks of Carlsbad Caverns, Guadalupe, and Joshua Tree were amazing. At times I was paranoid driving through the vast desert, but it turned out to be okay. I eventually stumbled upon the Ole town of Tombstone. Wyatt and Doc look pretty good for their age these days. I believe they drive cars because I caught them in the parking lot later in the afternoon, good to see they kept up with the times! Tombstone was off the beaten path, but interesting to see. From there, the coolest city I eventually hit was Phoenix. The downtown was pretty nice and had cool architecture. I looked but couldn't find that type of cactus they call the "Shaqctus", most not exist anymore out there.

Well to California,

The house I am staying at is right near the beach, I can see it from my window. Speaking of windows, they are the air conditioner, ha. The Town of Del Mar is quite beautiful and is about 15 miles outside of downtown SD. The beach is a challenge to get to because of the cliffs upon the beach. One basically has to meander their way down three levels to get to the chilly pacific water or you can drive a few miles to the north or south for easier access to the beach, but for now sliding down the cliffs will have to do. The weather here is so nice right now (60-70 degrees), but will get warmer as the summer arrives. Apparently San Diego has a huge LSU Alumni Chapter that puts on a Crawfish Boil every year. I was lucky enough to attend it this year with about a thousand LSU, Saints, and random fans who wanted to come. We had some good crawfish imported from the home state with good ole zydeco music for our hearing pleasure. I meet some great people, especially some architects (good to throw my name out there) and more wild LSU fans. It has been a great experience so far, with more to come. Oh, and I start work on Tuesday! Well that's enough for y'all to handle for now, more to come soon...

p.s. Two ladies have already told me to keep that accent going strong, because women will love it out here!! Well see??

New Beginnings

Here is something in preparation for those days at the park...My departure date is May 24 as I will be driving 1800 miles to Cali in the silver savage. Whew, that's a long way people. Work starts the 1st of June and runs through August 12. I hope to keep you entertained and updated on a regular basis here, so check in on me from time to time, okay. And in the words of a crazy one, stay tan man....