Internship Update

After working everyday for the past month on the San Diego Gas and Electric East County Substation I got moved to a new project right before SDG&E closed out. This was kind of upsetting to me because I missed out on all of the internal review meetings before the final quote is due.

But on the bright side the new job I got put on is also very interesting. It is a wastewater treatment facility that is being renovated in Oakland, CA. Now wastewater treatment plants usually aren’t the best places to work but this plant is putting in digesters that will collect methane from the wastewater and in turn power the turbines that will run the plant. Pretty exciting stuff to me because its always been a dream of mine to work on alternative energy projects.

Work is going good, and I am always busy. My only complaint is that I have to sit in front of a computer or in a desk all day long. I definitely can’t see myself sitting at a desk working for the rest of my life but at least I’m getting my foot in the door at such a versatile company.

Every intern spends there first summer in the Boston office. Then the next summer, should you chose to come back, you get to have a say in what job site you want to be at. I’ve requested to be on an alternative energy job site, and out west, in the Rocky Mt. Region. The man who recruited me to work at MEC this summer told me that I would be getting another job offer for next year before I left this summer. So it will be interesting to see how they deal with my requests.

Some life Changing Decisions

I’ve been thinking the past couple of months about one of the biggest decisions I’ll have to make in my life. The question that I have been pondering is, what do I want to do with the rest of my life? Not just what do I want to do, what is going to lead me to happiness? Some people see happiness linked to wealth, power, or fame, but will these things lead you to truly happiness?

Having insurmountable wealth or power may put a smile on some people’s faces but the fact is these things are only things of material pleasure. They lead down a path that does not interest me. Sure having money to sustain and support a family and live a lifestyle comfortable to the standards of the average person does help in making you happy. I do believe that having a loving, supportive wife and raising children that return your love brings you to happiness. But beyond that what brings happiness into the deepest crevices of your heart?

At this stage in my life trying to wrap my head around these emotions is difficult. I believe certain people throughout history have pondered the same question that I am pondering today. Some people act based upon their answer to this question. Some people put this aching question off into the back abyss of their mind.

And so I continue to ponder…. What will bring me to the hapiness that I truly seek?

The Summit of Mt. Adams, and walking the Presidential Trail.

This weekend me and two of my roommates got out of our Boston Apartment, and traveled to northern New Hampshire. We went to hike up King Ravine, the most challenging trail to get atop of Mt. Adams. The trail travels through the valley between the ridge line of the Presidential Trail then goes up the rock wall gaining 1000 ft of elevation in a half mile. It was a difficult path but in the end we conquered it.

Standing on top of Mt. Adams.

The views that awaited us atop Mt. Adams and the smaller surrounding mountains were absolutely breathtaking. Five neighboring states and Canada can be seen from the summit.

Half way up the Rock Wall.

Eating breakfast and drinking coffee along the trail.

Yelling into the openness.

Walking out.

Atop the Rockefeller Center in NYC.

Last weekend we took a trip to NYC. We didn’t get into the Yankees game due to ticket prices being so high but we did get to tour the city.

Where I've been, in the past month.

Nantasket Beach, MA

Looking at Niagara Falls from the Canada Side

Heading into Fenway Park

On the beach in Honduras

Moving to Boston

Accepting an internship at an engineering firm after my freshman year at college was a very hard decision to make but no matter what I told myself I couldn’t turn down the adventure. Coming to Boston I knew one other kid from college, but didn’t know him well. So with my eyes closed, and leaving behind the small town I’ve grown to love in Iowa, I accepted the job offer and moved to Boston.
After two weeks of working and living in an apartment with three other guys I couldn’t be happier with my decision. The work I’m being given is very meaningful and is directed towards the environmental side of engineering.
Since I have gotten to Boston, I’ve wanted to go backpacking on the Appalachian Trail. The Trail I will be hiking in the next couple of weeks runs along the western edge of Massachusetts. I figure if I leave Friday after work, sleep in the car by the trail that night, I can get up early and get a good start the next morning. I don’t plan on hiking the whole length of the state, because I have to make the return trip to my car. It should be fun spending some nights under the starts.
In about two more weeks I’m heading home to be the best man in my brother’s wedding. It will be good to get back home for a week and see my family and friends.