I hope this post finds you all well. why does it take me so long to post? Idunno. I did get a facebook account recently, so I'm posting a bit more there, but this blog is nice because I can post whatever and it doesn't necessarily broadcast it to all my facebook friends. Understand, it isn't that I don't want anyone there to read this, but sometimes facebook posts tend to demand the attention of one's friends, know what I mean? This blog, on the other hand, does not necessarily alert anyone when it is updated (unless of course you subscribed to the RSS or atom feeds). At any rate, for that reason, I feel like I can post more here somewhat more anonymously without subjecting everyone's eyes to my rantings. Of course, I'll prove myself wrong and post a link to the this on facebook, but somehow it just seems different. Go figure.
So where I have I been? I have been working with the family in Orland, CA. as a design engineer for ENE, Inc. lots of little projects going on there. Not as many large projects finishing, but I'm working towards things.
I did have some news to report in my personal life though. I am now dating a wonderful girl named Kristen! We have known each other for a while, but have recently reconnected. It is unfortunate that we live a little ways apart (she in Sacramento, I in Chico), but we make it work. Below is a good picture of us after my last birthday party... this was the day-after cleanup. Actually, come to think of it, we were both in pretty good moods considering that we were running low on sleep! ;)
Anyhow, it has been great getting to know her these last few months (since November). I suppose this is neither here nor there, but if you haven't tried Mythos beer, you should really check it out; it's good stuff!
Speaking of parties (since I was talking about cleanup) I just celebrated my 32nd birthday on the 17th. Every once in a while I have a big theme party, and this year was just such a year. This time I had guests come as an international, historical noun, so I had lots of creatively dressed friends helping me celebrate. Kristen did a tremendous amount of planning and footwork beforehand and a whole bunch of cookin' the day of. I don't think she got enough praise for all of her hard work, so I think this is a good place to brag about what a great job she did. We had food from six different cultures and apetizers from three. Beer and other beverages spanning those same six cultures as well. It was great. The best part was that lots of people came and helped us celebrate, and they all seemed to have a fun time.
Another thing that has happened since I last posted: I bought a truck! yeah, baby!
It's a 2007 GMC Sierra 4x4. Man! It is so nice to be driving a truck again. Mind you, I'm not saying that I didn't appreciate the loaner vehicles from mom and dad this past stretch, but it feels good to finally have a vehicle that is closer to my personality. I'm really diggin' the crew cab too. Now it isn't a pain to invite more people to ride with me... ;) It should be noted that my original plan is still in effect: add lift, tires, wheels, sound, etc. But as is oft the case, things turned out to be a bit more expensive than I anticipated and I had a bit less cash than I was counting on originally. All-in-all, I'm very pleased with the purchase though.
Living situation-wise, I am back in Chico living with my brother and roommates. I had thought for a while that I would try living by myself. I haven't totally given up on the idea, but I still am thinking that I am a social enough person that I benefit from living with roommates, etc. So all that is working well.
I have completed the Army AFDD / NASA Ames stuff as far as my project duties, but I am still in the midst of authoring my portion of an American Helicopter Society Forum paper. That is kind of exciting, expecially since I've never been a co-author (or author) on anything published before.
My thesis is making very slow progress these days, but I intend to crank up the heat on that. I have to complete the modeling procedures to represent my plant, and then explore a few controller architectures. This should be straight-forward, but for some (strange) reason, I am trying to get re-motivated to work on it since i'm not getting paid to (funny how that works). Also, the fact that there is no deadline is really playing tricks on my psyche.
Hmmmm... what else can I update y'all on... I have spent a good deal of time thinking about mechanical harvesting equipment and the technology surrounding some potential ideas I've had for olive harvesting (in addition to other crops), that I think could knock the socks of people. I'll have to give some more details on that in another post.
I would appreciate prayer for my family, generally. We are all going through some tougher times and as at all times, need God's grace to persevere. Pray that He will give us all peace and endurance.
Personally, I face many upcoming decisions in a lot of areas of my life, and desperately need wisdom that is not of earthly origin. Please hold me up in prayer as well.
I'm not sure if this is really a good marketing tactic, but tune in soon to hear some more technical details and my latest schemings; I promise to thrill! ;) cya! BTW, if you wanna drop me a line, send it to gavin.nielsen@gmail.com I'd love to hear from you.
