Hold on there, Cowboy - not so fast!

Meh. Wouldn't you know it: I started the job last week, and things were starting to look all sorts of peachy. Albeit, rural Mitchell, Indiana is not the most exciting place (you quickly begin to understand the reason why Gus Grissom was the hard-scrabble, two-fisted, cantankerous, but lovable astronaut that he was...), but I was working, and that was a nice feeling - then I got the call. Dear Reader, you remember waaaaaay back when, when I mentioned that I was in the reserves (defending the coasts of the Midwest) - seems that the Prez needs yours truly, and that I have been mobilized. Or, will be mobilized (more grammatically correct).

Okay, cool. That is why we get paid the big bucks. No problem. Just, I am not so sure what I am going to say to the new employer: "Um... hey, it has been great, uh, working here for like the past two weeks, but I have some good news and some bad news...". Oh well, guess we'll find out next week when the orders get generated. It should be hilarious (stay tuned for next week's episode: "Ushiku Person: Straight Out of Employment"). On the flip-side, if you thought my postings were sporadic, you are going to probably see a whole lot more of the same in the coming year (I call it my less-is-more-is-less plan).

But, don't cry for me Argentina - this is important stuff, and I will do my best, and I will try to post from time to time. Heck, I might even start a new blog dedicated to Ushiku's experiences in Sandbox A or Sandbox B.

As for the job - it has been interesting. It has been a long time since I did anything technical, but, much like riding a bike, soldering and using a voltmeter are relatively hard to forget. Or, to measure it practically: I haven't melted or blown anything up yet (and seeing that the stuff we work with pretty much costs more that I am making in a year, that's a good thing...).

Yes, Dear Readers, I am a poster child for the Chinese curse "May you live in interesting times" - my life has been and continues to be interesting. I hope to keep you in the loop, but if not, and I am not so sure if that is not a strong possibility, then I will see you all on my return (triumphant or otherwise). Wish me luck - I'm going in. Ushiku out.