out of the blue

This morning I found out that today was the revised planned date for my departure from my current job site. This came as a pretty big surprise to me, delivered to me by the tool superintendent without a hint of apology. Citing the slow down of tool installation for the next month, he told me that I was to finish the setting/checking of four tools that day and that they would call me back in for one more day in two weeks.

I was bummed.

I have enjoyed my current job very much, spending 20 months there getting to know the clients, mastering the ethos of the particular job, and standing out in the face of some daunting tasks (setting $35 million machines is not particularly relaxing). I have heard from many clients that I have done a wonderful job, that they are particularly happy with my work, with my abilities, and the end results of the many, many datums that I set. So now I face going back into the cold, into a job in which I sometimes have ethical dilemmas, in which I participate in the continued growth and expansion or "progress" of us as the American public. It am vexed.

Later in the day I got a page that said that I was to come back tomorrow to finish another tool, that my hasty exit would be delayed a day, and that my full time services would not be needed beginning on Monday. A slight reprieve, sure, but one that is almost moot in meaning. So tomorrow begins my last day, the end of a work era for me, the venture from the world of quiet, clean, solo work to the world of outdoor construction. I am not looking forward to it at all.

Tonight we had a wonderful dinner (a giant Costco chicken pot pie) with B, T, and Tre' J and Tom and Erica. It was a delicious meal and fun to have a houseful of friends/family. Tom and Erica brought over Tom's brand new Nintendo Wii and it was decided that it should be tested. It was pretty fun and funny, and it was a kick to see Shirley playing, having fun, interacting with friends. It was definitely a good time, although I don't think the young boys really understood it or were really all that interested anyway, but it was fun. Shirley beat us all at the bowling game, and we all realized that we stink at Wii golf. Oh well. It was a good night.

Anyhow, I should rest. And look at the want ads.