Where to start?

Alright, so, some time has passed since my last post. So, I will try to fill in some of the blanks. As my last post indicated, we lost the contract for the weather squadrons to L3 and I asked my company (SAIC) to get us back to where we came from. I lined up a new position back in Florida, and my Business Unit in Hawaii was gracious enough to agree to spend the money and relocate us back. Between that, and some additional relocation from my current Division it was agreed to help and we were able to get back to Florida. What a whirlwind adventure, to say the least. Moral of the story - Hawaii is a nice place to visit but not to live - SO much had changed since the last time I lived there. Hawaii was way too crowded for what it was worth. Feels good to be back in Florida! We've managed to hook back up with friends and it all seems like a distant memory now. My new position is working with the Joint Special Operations University and so far, it is real cool. The people are real nice and the mission is very cool. Bottom line is, they need someone with my skills... It's great to be back and see Wayne & Rita, Jack, Camille, John, Kenny, and Tyler Cook, Rich Powers, Cliff, Ashley, Dave, and all the others. Thanks for making us feel welcome back here... Here's to 2009!

Contract GAH...

OK, well, it was announced today (2 PM local), that we, SAIC, did NOT win the OWS contract I am on. Hmmm, well, this presents a lot of weird scenarios to say the least... Do stay in touch for the future will bring many new twists and turns, for sure...

Delayed Contract Decision - Oh My...

Well, they have decided to delay the decision on the contract I am on, gah... Looks like they won't make an actual choice until December 1. This really sucks! In reality, I lose out on money because of this. Well, that's bullshit to me, so I am looking for a new job (relocation or not - SAIC or not). I have a great lead on a position with the Bonneville Power Administration, we'll see how that goes... There are rumors of some cool, high paying jobs on island here that I am looking into as well (within the SAIC network). The whole limbo and stringing me out thing is about THE worst thing you could do to me. Stay tuned, who knows what's gonna happen...

Also, along those lines, my Division Manager is coming to Hawaii next week for 'face time' with his people. It ought to prove to be interesting, for sure...

This is It!

Well, the week of contract negotiation is upon us. We should hear this week (on or about the 14th) whether or not we re-win our current contract or not. Sheesh... In any event things will be happening... Either, we'll re-win the contract, which means a PHAT raise for me, or we'll lose the contract which means either - new company with winning contract, with new offer (not likely due to the fact that if THEY win, they were low bid - no good), or SAIC finds me a new job 'somewhere'... Pretty open ended at this point. None the less, we should know this week... Stay tuned.

Also, I am starting a technical blog, since it doesn't seem appropriate to mix personal and professional together, so expect that real soon (especially in lihgt of the stuff I have been figuring out recently).

Anyways, mahalo, and hope things are well with everyone... Buckle up... Chat with you soon...

Hawaii Bound...

Well, things are happening quick here. I was offered the position in Hawaii on Monday and yesterday I agreed to it. So, basically in approximately 4 weeks I should be in Hawaii. There is still some negotiations in relocation and stuff, but other than that it is a done deal. Aloha! Mahalo...

SuiteDreams Framework

Wow... It looks like I am currently getting betrayed by my own company! People who know me, know that I have been involved in Framework Architecture for almost 10 years. In fact, my lineage of framework design goes back to AT&T Wireless and my Cheyenne Mountain framework in 1997, through GroundControl (in PHP) in 2000, The Phoenix Application Framework in 2003, and now my SuiteDreams Framework. Well, today there was a huge meeting at work about 'this' framework, and lo and behold, I wasn't invited (even though I am the ONLY one who knows anything about it) and it could very well be possible that someone else is stealing my thunder. Nice... And from a company that speaks so much of 'ethics'. I can only hope that as I travel from this Division to another, that the next might be more considerate and truly 'ethical'. This does really infuriate me... This should be interesting to see how it works out...

Hawaii in the future?

Just to not catch anyone off guard, there is an excellent chance that I may be relocating to Hawaii in the future. I have started the process of preparing my 2 cats (Shelby and Jewels) for the Direct Release Program (meaning I can take them from the airport directly and they won't have to do quarantine). They only need their KSU rabies blood test still and 120 days from that date I can bring them in. I am so glad that Hawaii has eased their quarantine laws. Anyone who knows me, knows I would have tried to go back there a long time ago had their quarantine laws allowed for the direct release. Anyways, it is looking to be about March or so when we could possibly make the jump to the islands. I am SO looking forward to living there again. In fact, I have told Diana to push me to to one of the things I always wanted to do, be a surf photographer. So if and when we get there I plan to start taking a bigger interest in photography, in particular surf photography. Stand by on this one!

Warner Robbins

Well, another trip to Warner Robbins done. Gah, I really hate going to that place and from the outcome of this latest trip, I guess it could be the last time we go there. We'll see...