Post by SeaRat on Dec 20, 2006 11:48:35 GMT -8
Chuck, thanks from bringing us from Christmas 2005 to Christmas 2006 in one thread. I said above that:
Well, this year has been busy. I transferred within our company into a position as an industrial hygienist (I am also a Certified Safety Professional, and worked previously as an Environmental Health and Safety Engineer). My old position was scheduled to be gone in May, so the transfer ensured that I would continue to work for my company, Applied Materials, Inc. Applied is a very good company to try to work with employees who's jobs are being terminated, and I was able to laterally transfer, and still work with the group I had for a number of years (there is still a need there too). But in order to fully qualify, I needed to pass the Certified Industrial Hygienist board exam. I went to a refresher class in March, and in late April took the exam; I did not pass. So I studied all summer, and again took the exam on November 28th, and this time, which was the third time I tried, I finally passed the CIH exam. My first attempt was in 1994. In doing all that study, I decided that if I was going to do it right, I needed to get more than just the CIH, so I also applied to Tulane University's Distance Learning program, and am working towards a Master's degree in Industrial Hygiene. So personally it has been a very, very busy year.
As a vintage diver, I have experimented with many different things. I worked on fin designs (I'm getting the Mares Quattro Excel fins for a Christmas present--with their scoop design). I'm now also working on a new underwater swimming technique, which I'll probably discuss in more detail as soon as I have the protection I need to do so. But vintage diving has its pluses; there is a perspective of where we've been, and from that a better knowledge of where we probably should go in diving techniques and equipment.
I thought I'd share this with you, and wish everyone a Merry Christmas time, and a Wonderful New Year. Who says that you cannot teach an ol' vintage diver new tricks?
John
It's been a tumultuous year for me professionally, but very satisfying personally. I also wish everyone a wonderful Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a great New Year.
John
John
Well, this year has been busy. I transferred within our company into a position as an industrial hygienist (I am also a Certified Safety Professional, and worked previously as an Environmental Health and Safety Engineer). My old position was scheduled to be gone in May, so the transfer ensured that I would continue to work for my company, Applied Materials, Inc. Applied is a very good company to try to work with employees who's jobs are being terminated, and I was able to laterally transfer, and still work with the group I had for a number of years (there is still a need there too). But in order to fully qualify, I needed to pass the Certified Industrial Hygienist board exam. I went to a refresher class in March, and in late April took the exam; I did not pass. So I studied all summer, and again took the exam on November 28th, and this time, which was the third time I tried, I finally passed the CIH exam. My first attempt was in 1994. In doing all that study, I decided that if I was going to do it right, I needed to get more than just the CIH, so I also applied to Tulane University's Distance Learning program, and am working towards a Master's degree in Industrial Hygiene. So personally it has been a very, very busy year.
As a vintage diver, I have experimented with many different things. I worked on fin designs (I'm getting the Mares Quattro Excel fins for a Christmas present--with their scoop design). I'm now also working on a new underwater swimming technique, which I'll probably discuss in more detail as soon as I have the protection I need to do so. But vintage diving has its pluses; there is a perspective of where we've been, and from that a better knowledge of where we probably should go in diving techniques and equipment.
I thought I'd share this with you, and wish everyone a Merry Christmas time, and a Wonderful New Year. Who says that you cannot teach an ol' vintage diver new tricks?
John