Mmmm...valves

So I just finished my second week of work at my new job...and I have to say that there is a lot more to valves and actuators than what I previously thought. :)

I can now look at a 15 digit part number and tell you what type of valve it is, what it is made out of (the body, seat, stem, and disk), what size it is, whether it has a handle, a gear or comes bare stem, and whether it has any special add-ons. Looking at a different 15 digit number, I can even tell you what actuator is on the valve, what the supply air is in psi, and whether or not it's a dual-acting or spring return actuator. I know, it may not sound too exciting, but it's progress and it's actually fun. I spent the first week learning about them and our business and this past week, I worked in the shop and actually put together the valves. Yay! :) Incidentally, if anyone knows any cool ways to get tough grease (silicone, etc.) out of my most favorite St. Pat's sweatshirt, I'd be forever in your debt.

This week in the shop has proven more educational than just learning about valves. I also now know many more words to "SexyBack" by Justin Timberlake and have been exposed to a country song called "I Want To Check You For Ticks." I'm not kidding. We also got to listen to a Spanish radio station (obviously, the workers got to fight over which stations they were listening to), but since I don't know what the words were to the songs, one could've been called "Cacahuates" for all I know.

In other news, I turn 30 this week...which is more than a little weird. At first, I thought that it would be no big deal, but as it turns out, I think it IS a big deal. :) I don't feel that weird "I'm not where I thought I would be, so I'll just sit at home and feel bad about it" but I guess I feel like I should be acting a tad more grown up...meaning, taking better care of my body and start saving for retirement, etc. But it's not all bad...I'm sure being 30 has it's perks. For starters, I think I've really started to accept who I am. Now, before I get all Oprah on you, just know that it's been a long time coming. While I may not be insanely pleased about every aspect of who I am, accepting it is a start.

I'm meeting with my realtor early this week so we can start working on selling my house...aparently several companies are expanding and transferring people to Denver, and many are looking in HR - so we're going to put it up a little sooner than what I thought. But I would love to ditch this high house payment as soon as possible...so keep your fingers crossed!

Some of you have asked about Elizabeth, so here's the update: the doctors don't think that it's cancer according to some further testing, etc. that they have done. Long story short, she'll have a biopsy on May 11th and then we'll know for sure after that. For now, it seems like it's a mass that they'll most likely remove so that it doesn't turn into anything bad.

I guess that's it! Sorry for these blogs as a way to update people - things have just felt super busy these days, so I haven't been in as good of contact as I should've. :(

Hope all is good in your world!