Written - 4-28-05 Well, we’ve been having internet problems on the rig lately. It just kinda goes in and out. And we have a bunch more people onboard now, so it’s harder to secure a place to work online. This is really irritating, but I have to remind myself that I AM in the middle of nowhere on a floating piece of junk iron. Okay, done griping, I think. I know I haven’t put an entry in in a couple of days, or a couple of my days anyhow, we have switched from working noon to midnight to midnight to noon. This is called shortchange. I’m a day you adjust your sleep pattern, and BAM overnight you are on an opposite schedule. Kinda sucks when we are going balls to the wall, and things are really busy……Basically you work your regular 12 hours and then get off for 6 (of witch you get to sleep for about 3) and go back to work for 6 hours, and get off for 12, and then back to work for 12, and so forth. I have talked to a bunch of guys out here this time that have either worked around, or with the company that I am going to work for. It’s kinda funny, before I told any of them anything, I was talking to a guy that does subsea controls, just B.S.ing, and he asked if I had a resume. I kinda chuckled, and explained that I already had a new job lined out. He asked with what company, and I told him, and he was just kinda like…..wow. Said that if I didn’t get along with them, to give him a call, and he’d get me in with his guys. THAT made me feel really good. Written - 4-27-05 Here is a novel idea - write my journal entry for the day while I’m sitting here watching mud pumps and not really doing anything constructive. Thank God for tally books (notepads)!! Usually I hang out down here and write letters to my girl or write poetry or song lyrics, but I wrote her a letter about an hour ago when I was working in the derricks, and I’m not feeling really inspired to write any verse. I think I am going to take this time to put down what I currently think are the ingredients of a good man, or a good person in general, as far as that goes. I strive to be this every day, and improve on it every chance I get. I was originally going to brag on myself a bit, but I think that would be really pompus of me, and that is something the no one really likes to be around. Anyhow, here is how I see it: A good person makes the most of what they are given to work with, and shares their wisdom with the world, helping others to make the most of themselves. I don’t mean just physical possessions either. It is about being mentally, physically, spiritually, and financially stable. It definitely involves having a good sharp head on your shoulders. Do all that you can to learn every day and to expand your knowledge of nature, physics, and language. Also learn psychology. It will only do you well to know what is going on in your head, and it helps you to get along with others to have an idea of what’s happening in theirs. I believe that we should all strive to be physically active and strive to keep our bodies in top condition. If your body fails, all that you have learned is worthless to you or anyone else. And lets face it, looks matter. You don’t choose a mate based on their IQ. Not usually anyhow. And if you care to attract someone that has good genes to pass on to your offspring, you must look your best. Trim down some if you can, and don’t be afraid of gaining weight due to working out……muscle looks SO much better then anything else that grows on your body. Spiritually…..Well, in my way of seeing things, there is but one God, and I realize that this way of thinking is not for everybody. I certainly think that what I believe is right, but to each his own. Perhaps we’ll all see each other in hell. I certainly hope that this is not the case. Anyhow, back to the topic at hand. We all need something to believe in. I gives power to the mind, strength to the body, and if you don’t believe in the power of prayer, if for no other reason, do it just to see what everybody else is up to. I have purposely kept financial stability for last. I feel that it is the least important of the things that I believe make a good person. Money and possessions are not a cure-all. They are not the root of all evil, either. Money is a great stress reliever, but if you are not a person that is happy with yourself to begin with, money will not make you happy. It, unfortunately, is necessary, as raising a family depends on being able to support everyone, but it is far from all that is needed to be a good person. Well, I’m sure ya’ll are bored out of your skull now, but I just wanted to get that written down, I kinda wonder if my views will change in the next weeks, months, or years. I suppose we’ll see! Ya’ll take care, and God bless.