Cardboard Boat -

I know it's been awhile since I last updated this blog...the truth is nothing really eventful happened the past few weeks. I think that is a good thing because most of the time "eventful" activities often involve spending money, and until we can afford to fix Lynette's truck we are trying to avoid spending altogether.

One 'event' that has been unfolding rather slowly is a challenge made to us by a neighboring scout troop that meets in the same building as us. They challenged us to a cardboard boat race. The only rules are: use only cardboard, tape, glue and paint. Next week we will test our creation to see if it floats, and to see if the boys will paddle fast enough to win the race.

Our troop of 8 boys divided into two groups that would each build a boat for the competition. Our group wanted to build a boat big enough for all 4 of them to be able to race. So we figured out how to do that by first building models of several boat design options. Each boy built a model out of cardstock and then we discussed the advantages and disadvantages of each design. From the models they choose one design to recreate on a larger scale.

Boxes were collected, duct tape was acquired and we went to work. We lucked out on a few boxes that were especially useful for our design. That helped out, a lot.

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We basically built a row boat. The boat looked pretty bad in the beginning, but it is turning out rather nicely now.

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Enjoy the pic's and stay tuned for next week to see how the boys did in the competition.

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Scott

Some of the models we built on day 1:

Careful Cutting:

If my calculations are correct...

I made some calc's to see if it would float or not on this piece of cardboard

(note--the boat design passed the math test, but the real test is the float test):

This is our troops other boat (under construction):

Our, almost final product:

New York Part 2: "The How’s" --

The conference in New York that I went to last week for work was really interesting, fun and worthwhile. I got to meet many other new graduates hired by my company from all over the country. I was very pleased to see diversity among the new and the company that I belong to. In addition, it was interesting to note NYC’s “personality” and how it differs from my home town.

At the conference we participated in short case-study activities, get-to-know-you games and of course, we listened to speakers. Some were good, others were excellent. One speaker got me really thinking. He talked about how, in this day and age, products and ideas are constantly copied by others. In the past, companies could establish themselves with a new process, idea or product; but now just as soon as a new idea comes along two or three other people copy it immediately.

So, he asserted, that in order for companies to stand out they need to have good relationships with their clients. Clients that enjoy doing business with you will continue to do business with you, even though there may be 10 other companies offering the same service. In some ways, client relations hold a higher importance to success that does the final product.

He then applied that way of thinking to our future personal career. He emphasized that our relationships and communication with colleagues and managers is what sets us apart in a profession with many qualified engineers. He called it, creating your own “personal brand”. While producing quality work is important the “hows” are much more important. How you communicate, how you dress, how you handle stress, how you carry yourself in public all affect your reputation, or “brand”.

Of course, that isn’t anything new, but the point that made me think the most was a quote by Thomas Friedman that explained why the how’s are so much more critical in this day and age:

"When everyone has a blog, a MySpace page or Facebook entry, everyone is a publisher. When everyone has a cellphone with a camera in it, everyone is a paparazzo. When everyone can upload video on YouTube, everyone is filmmaker. When everyone is a publisher, paparazzo or filmmaker, everyone else is a public figure. We're all public figures now. "

This made me think more about “the hows” and their influence on my future career path. Because everyone is watching I need to be mindful of how I conduct myself. Professionally, I hope I can build a good reputation and protect it throughout my career.

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To me the conference accomplished two important items. First, I left with pride knowing a little more of the history, current state and type of company I work for (on a national level). And second, I left New York motivated and energized to be an engineer and conduct myself in a way that will set me on an ethically upward path.

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Again, this post is too long but I have one more post in mind about my trip to New York, and I should get to that early this week. In the meantime, here are some pictures of the event of the conference.

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Scott

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Four-

This is one of those times that I don’t think I’m very good at expressing myself. Today is Lynette and I’s anniversary and we’ve been married 4 years. It is amazing how fast time flies when you are with the person you love.

It's possible, when I made the announcement that I was going to marry Lynette some people were surprised. I imagine that Lynette is not the type of person many felt I would end up with. Looking back, it sort of surprises me also.

Lynette is feisty, independent and self sufficient. She is innovative, creative and diligent. She can get things done and gets them done right the first time. At work, every boss she has ever had was sad to see her leave. If someone tells her something can’t be done, she does it anyways. I don’t think all that can be described in one word, but that is how she is.

Those are some of the qualities that I value much more after being with her for 4+ years. While we were dating, I fell in love with her for other reasons, but these are the reasons why I fell in love with her after we were married. I imagine that 4 years from now I will have a new set of reasons why I love her.

So Lynette thanks for making my world more exciting. Without you, I know I would not be as happy as I am today. I’m glad we are together and can’t imagine anyone else I would rather spend good times and the bad times with. I love that you are always here for me.

Love

Scott

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New York -

Last weekend I got to go to New York. As a new engineer, I was invited (along with approximately 75 recent graduates from around the country) to my company’s headquarters for a conference designed to welcome all the new professionals into the company. I was excited to go and dreading the trip all at the same time. Mostly my dread came from the fact that I was not too sure how I would react to the chaos called New York.

The chaos started early because there had been a security breech prior to my arriving to the airport. TSA shut down the entire terminal and evacuated everyone causing me and many others to have to wait in line over an hour before entering (or re-entering) the terminal. I was disappointed with my fellow human beings as I observed everyone’s reaction to this “inconvenience”. Unfortunately, complaining and cursing was the norm.

The thing that irritated me most were the “elite” ticket pass holders (people who pay big bucks to streamline security). One by one they approached their “exclusive” line and inquired about the delay. Without fail all of them bitterly complained about the situation. One shouted angrily at a TSA official saying: “YOU NEED TO GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER!!!” In some ways, I understand their frustration and that they paid a lot of money for this not to happen, but for them to expect special treatment when approximately 25 pilots and stewardesses were also waiting nearby is just ridiculous to me. If the pilots aren’t even allowed into the terminal than it should be clear that no one will be let in—no matter how much you paid to be considered “elite”.

Personally, I appreciate the increased security measures. I’m not exactly sure the reason for evacuating the terminal, but I’m glad they did—even if they didn’t find any danger. Ultimately, my flight was only delayed by 15 minutes (which was made up in the air). So to me, no harm was done.

Well, that is enough for tonight. This post is already getting way too long. Lynette has kindly informed me that my posts have been a little bit wordy recently. I don’t want to put you to sleep, or make you stop checking my blog so I’ll post some more about the trip later and mention some of the small acts of kindness I observed that helped restore my confidence in humanity.

Scott

We Are SO Cool!

Since all of you have been asking, we want everyone to know that yes, we now have working air conditioning. Thanks to all of our friends and family who took care of us and gave us support through our little tragedy! We really appreciate all of you! So, Thanks!!

The coolest part of getting our new air conditioner was the crane. Also, the workers forgot to bring ladders so they had to climb onto our neighbor’s roof to get onto ours. That was funny! So, we are nice and cool now...and much happier!

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