Through the narrow viewfinder

Halliburton

Halliburton is one of the biggest service companies in the world. Service companies doesnt drill for oil, instead, they provide services to aid recovery. They provide the pipings that pump hydrocarbons from geologic formations.

We were brought around the lab where the cement concoction used in well bores was prepared.

The manager was really kind. He offered to pay for lunch. We dined at Champ's BBQ

I was attracted to the all-in-1 platter. it included: a platter with a serving of ribs, slices and shreds of meat.

There were also 2 side dishes of buns, coleslaw and potato salad. Needless to say, no one, including the manager, believed i could finish it.

Oh but i showed them alright.

Aera Energy

We started the next day at 5.30am in the morning. Thankfully, Aera Energy was so kind as to provide us with delicious breakfast burritos.

We went through a 45 minute safety briefing before starting the tour of Aera's operations

After that, we were off to the Bellridge field. Contracted under Aera Energy, this is one of the largest oil fields in Southern California, making up for a huge percentage of the state's export. We get to see how wells are completed today.

The fracturing of the wells are done by BJ operators. We were shown the cool properties of the fluids holding the frac sands.

After a long day's work, the company gets their reward: Sweet, sweet crude!

At around midday, we headed back to Aera's Headquarters in Bakersfield for lunch.

The food was great.

California Field Trip

The California and Rocky Mountain group were treated to a hearty lunch midday of the 14th. After a safety briefing, the California group were off to the airport. First stop, was Pacific Operators, nestled off the coasts of Ventura.

We were given a 2 hour briefing on the company's operations and history. After that, subway sandwiches were up for lunch.

We were shipped to platform Houchin, roughly 3 miles off the coast.

Even the seals were delighted to have us as company.

Platform Houchin is a sight to behold.

At the end of the day, we thanked Pacific Operators for the interesting tour.

I had to have a picture with the Chief Operations Officer. He looked like Bricktop from Snatch.

Deja vu . . . ?

Both John O' Shea and Rio Ferdinand scored at Fratton Park today. However, one of it was an own goal.

When manchester united lost to roma last wednesday, i was drowning in a big bowl of cendol

i parted with my hair the last time. what next?

Heart Blood Come Tide

The past 2 days were tumultuously filled with depression and frustration. i had exhausted all resources to keep me afloat. i told myself that if i ever made it through unscathed, i would part with the locks that have been constantly obstructing my vision. i was thinking maybe it was those strands of keratin that brought misfortune. Thank heavens, i was invigorated on the morning of good Friday. the details were too gory to comprehend. but i stayed true to my words.

i stood behind the Malaysian Flag, basking in its glory.

standing by my decision, i took a deep breath

and then another.

and stood up, a totally new man.

Gamma x-2

two huge boxes were blocking the door one day. there was a smaller box,

and there was a larger box.

The smaller box contained ruby, diamonds and emerald.

while there was a treasure chest of gleaming platinum in the larger box.

happYness.

21st bday

i turned 21 on the 21st of March this year

Apparently, the Coors Brewery behind the Colorado School of Mines gives coming-of-age-minors a special treat. i wanted to check it out, so i followed Travis and Dave,
season campaigners with a wealth of experience.

It was a tradition to down 3 glasses of fermented barley on your 21st birthday. i tried Dave's
recommendation, Harvey Moon. it tasted great.

i was also presented with a shirt admist the cheering of everyone in the bar.

My birthday ended with a bang and a splat. at the end of my wednesday shift, Mike (slate cafe's ex-international station chef) grabbed me from behind while Tiny (slate cafe's ex-pasta station chef) shoved a chocolate cream pie in my face. staining my yellow fila shirt in the process.

Im 21. The drought is over.

Washington DC

Petronas held a Freshmen briefing at Sheraton Crystal City Hotel.
Me, Benson and Keith had Fabulous as our tour guide

We got to take a picture with PF

But overall, it was the food that left a lasting impression

keystone

Dan brought me to keystone last friday. he was there to teach his younger brother joe how to ski. he also gave me some very useful pointers along the way. we were there till sun down.