Too long between posts...

I need a couple of days off! Hopefully I will get to take all the days between Christmas and New Years. The last month at work has been insane. I keep thinking that it isn’t possible for things to get any busier and then we win another contract or one of our older systems has a problem…time for another big demo or trade show. We have hired new people, some better than others, and two new interns will be starting in the next two weeks, but I don’t seem to be lifted of any work. I can blame some of this on our old CEO who essentially stripped our company to the point where we are one deep. I have been working from 6:00 A.M. until 3:00 A.M. almost every day for the last three weeks and I am ready for a break! I still love my job, it is infinitely interesting and the more I learn about what we do the less I realize I know. Is it possible to get dumber by learning more? I really should stop complaining. Working for Rockwell Collins has been a positive experience. There are some downsides like the unified computer systems (EVO=EVIL) and some plus sides (who can say they don’t want a 30” LCD monitor running on a dual-dual core processor with top of the line video card?). We are bringing a bunch of people back that we should have never let go to begin with (hurray for Anthony), and for the first time in 5 years I am not worried about coming into work to find the doors locked with chains.

I just got back from our annual trade show for simulation products last Friday (I/ITSEC). This was the first big show since Rockwell assimilated us into the Borg. It was huge. Last year we went to the show with about 20 people, 5 of whom actually worked the booth. This year we had over 100 people and our booth was twice as large. Long story short is that the show went well. I had little time this year to walk the floor and check out our competitors but I did get to run the 5k “Fun Run”.

Oh and last night I had my first real “gay” experience. Those of you who know me have probably seen my “fur” coat. For those of you who haven’t seen it…It is a silver 4” long nylon fur coat made by Spyder. It is gaudy to say the least and my favorite thing to wear. I ran to the gas station last night to grab a gallon of milk. While waiting in line this guy outside pumping gas in his Scion (wearing a leopard jacket no less) goes out of his way to come inside to tell me, “That coat is absolutely FABULOUS! Can I pet you? (said in your best “gay” voice)”. I responded in my gay voice, “I think I would be offended if you didn’t.” “Oh that is sexy, what animal did you have to kill to get this?” he continued. As he began to pet me I did my best to purr. At this point I think I was freaking out the gas station attendant. After he walked out I asked the girl behind the counter, “Do you think he was gay?” She laughed so hard she started to cry.