Quad's Updates and Stuff

quadraptor's picture




Goodness! I can't believe Quad's almost 9 years old! I registered close to Halloween because I saw this on Deviantart:



And just wanted to know what the heck this Endless Forest was. Didn't know it was going to completely change my life, and that Quad would be a good friend to me for almost a third of my life.

Thanks for continuing to be an amazing community, guys.




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quadraptor's picture

So a bit of good news today,

So a bit of good news today, I'm planning on starting my 40 hour OSHA HAZWOPER course next week. The course is done online so I'll be working on it between work days. After I complete it and update my resume saying I have HAZWOPER training, I plan to send out job applications for a geology career.

In addition, I'll check with Publix and see about tuition reimbursement. I don't know if they'll count the class or not, but I figure I might as well ask.

After everything's all done, I'm going to be looking for jobs close to family and friends like I have before. I'm hoping the combination of working for roughly 6 months at Publix plus having the HAZWOPER training will make my resume much more favorable for an entry level career.
quadraptor's picture

Great news, guys! I should be

Great news, guys! I should be able to start my 40 hour OSHA HAZWOPER course after Thursday!

If you all wouldn't mind, please keep an eye out for any entry level geology/environmental technician jobs or companies looking to hire. I'm interested in well/sampling technician, gas technician (landfill), mud logging, entry level geologist, or any other opportunities involving petroleum, environmental, or park service jobs.

Especially anything in Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Tennessee, West Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Maryland but of course it's not limited to those states.

Thanks a bunch, wish me luck in finally getting this certification done

quadraptor's picture

Waiting for a bank transfer

Waiting for a bank transfer to get done (I was a few dollars short of affording the class), but once it transfers, I'll take my 40 hour HAZWOPER class! Then I'm going berserk on sending out job applications
quadraptor's picture

I'm happy to report today

I'm happy to report today that I started my 40 hour HAZWOPER course.



I got 3 of the 9 modules finished, so I think that's pretty dang good progress for my first day working on this 40 hour HAZWOPER course. The first module was just an introduction to OSHA and HAZWOPER, discussed terms and history and so on. The second module talked about various hazards such as corrosion, mutagens, and carcinogens. The third module was really important and made me realize why as a geologist I need to have this training - it discussed Phase 1, Phase 2, and Phase 3 site evaluations (which are frequently listed as things I have to do in geology job descriptions), and other things like assessment zones, perimeter surveys, and hazards while wearing a HAZMAT suit.

The second module was sort of funny because it had a lot of general chemistry information that I was like "well duh!" to, like explaining what the three forms of matter are (Solid, Liquid, Gas), and explaining the pH scale.
AlisonRobin's picture

That sounds exhausting. I

That sounds exhausting. I like the acronym HAZWOPER, I was pronouncing it in my head to rhyme with "whopper" and kept picturing a hazardous burger.
quadraptor's picture

Haha I thought it was a funny

Haha I thought it was a funny acronym too. It means Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response.

There's another thing called Superfund that I hear about all the time. It's related to HAZWOPER as well.


Also, apparently there's an acronym for my name - Chemical Hazard Response Information System Manual (CHRIS)
quadraptor's picture

5 of the 9 HAZWOPER modules

5 of the 9 HAZWOPER modules finished! I really liked the 4th module, it talked about a lot of different things like PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), respiratory devices, chemical protective clothing, gas detection, and sampling methods and procedures. The last section in particular was of high value to me since I want to find a career as a sampling technician. Needless to say, I took a lot of notes.
The sampling section discussed gas sampling, soil sampling, surface water sampling, and groundwater sampling, as well as sample containers you use, chain of custody information, and shipping information. This was very important for me to know about. I know quite a bit about groundwater sampling thanks to my hydrogeology professor (and know about soil sampling from sedimentary petrology). This section couldn't stress enough the importance of integrity and accuracy when sampling, and after working where I have, I've learned that integrity is something I value while working. I think this field will be perfect for me.

quadraptor's picture

I had a great day, got a 50

I had a great day, got a 50 cent raise today. But also they were a month late getting my evaluation so I'll get 'back paid' all the 50 cents I didn't get from last month. Pretty excited to see how much my next few paychecks will be Eye
Pegasicorn's picture

Nice. =D

Nice. =D
AlisonRobin's picture

Gonna be a fun paycheck.

Gonna be a fun paycheck.
quadraptor's picture

XD I'm probably going to put

XD I'm probably going to put it in savings since doing my HAZWOPER course pretty much wiped out everything I had...

...but I may buy one thing for the hell of it *shrugs*


Speaking of the HAZWOPER class, I'm going to try to finish it today.
quadraptor's picture

Officially finished my 40

Officially finished my 40 hour HAZWOPER course!

PLK217's picture

I hope for you to have the

I hope for you to have the free Adobe Reader then.
quadraptor's picture

I sent out 9 applications for

I sent out 9 applications for various jobs around Chattanooga today, for various jobs including environmental engineer, environmental test technician, driller, natural resource specialist, and several general applications. Gonna keep my eyes peeled for any new postings.
quadraptor's picture

I'm trying to think of a

I'm trying to think of a relatively inexpensive costume for a Halloween party we go to. I've had a couple of ideas but don't really know. Anyone have any suggestions?


A few thoughts I had were...

Dovahkiin/Dragonborn from Skyrim, since I have my knit helmet and a fur cape, I'd just have to piece together the rest of the costume.

V/Guy Fawkes from V for Vendetta, they have the mask at Party City and I could look around for the costume to go with it.

Generic Ninja, though may be hard to find cheap pieces for unless I sort of made it myself.
AlisonRobin's picture

I heard an idea for a

I heard an idea for a halloween costume a while back that I never did, and since you like a lot of fantasy stuff you might like it--be Barad Dur with Sauron on top. You wear mostly black and grey with spikey shoulders if possible and then paint your face like Sauron's eye all red and orange. Laughing out loud
Aivilo's picture

http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a

http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Ninja-Mask-out-of-a-T-Shirt
^Cheap, quick ninja costume. Or most of one.

Frankly, though, Alison's idea is pretty good xD
quadraptor's picture

@Alison - I love the idea,

@Alison - I love the idea, however I forgot to mention one small detail...I don't like facepaint. Never have really, I've only ever used it for zombie walks but otherwise I'm a little grossed out by it. It's hard to explain but yeah...I really appreciate the idea though, I'll have to see how others have done it.

@Aivilo - That's...perfect! There's a thrift store down the street that I know always has cheap t-shirts, so maybe I'll be able to find two that match - a blank long-sleeve one to be the actual shirt and the one for the head wear. Then I'd just need some jogging pants of the same color. Thank you!
quadraptor's picture

Since finishing my HAZWOPER

Since finishing my HAZWOPER about a week ago, I've applied to 12 jobs, starting in and around Chattanooga, but now I've started to look around Atlanta, Pittsburgh, West Virginia, and South Carolina.


I'm excited and nervous at the same time.
AlisonRobin's picture

Hmm, without facepaint you

Hmm, without facepaint you could just paint a paper place and cut holes in it to make a simple mask. Very little cost too for the thrifty halloweenist. Aivilo's got good plans too, work with what feels good Laughing out loud
quadraptor's picture

Hey guys, I'll be walking

Hey guys, I'll be walking with a coworker's team for Alzheimer's. We can use all the help we can get as far as donations. Anything at all is greatly appreciated!

Click here for my page!
SoliloquyChryseis's picture

When my paypal updates, I'll

When my paypal updates, I'll send you something <3
quadraptor's picture

Thanks Soliloquy!

Thanks Soliloquy! *Nuzzlenuzzle!*

Also Aivilo -





I LOVE this costume! Found everything today at thrift stores (even the sword) for about $12!


We even tried it wearing my skunk Spirithood -



Not sure if I'll wear that or not because it did get a little too hot, but anyway, thank you for the suggestion! I'm going to get my mom to send me my rubber throwing stars as well. The party is going to be way too much fun trying to 'assassinate' people
Aivilo's picture

Wow, that looks good! Haha, I

Wow, that looks good!
Haha, I think the skunk hood is a nice touch! Probably would get pretty warm, though
quadraptor's picture

A little good news, my

A little good news, my coworker has a friend who is either a geologist or works at a geology firm. She sent them a text message yesterday asking if they could help me get a job. I'm pretty psyched and honored she'd do that for me.
quadraptor's picture

Hey guys, a little bit of bad

Hey guys, a little bit of bad news today. My sister-in-law's parents are threatening to evict us. It's kind of a long story but we were trying to make something work so that we didn't have to pay rent while my sis is about to have a baby, but they said we either had to pay or get out. I don't know what's going to happen but the whole situation sucks.

I'll keep you all updated on it.
Aivilo's picture

Ah, geeze. Everyone's having

Ah, geeze. Everyone's having trouble lately.
Best wishes for you, as always, Quad.
AlisonRobin's picture

That sucks You're in my

That sucks Sad
You're in my thoughts man
quadraptor's picture

I think they've decided to

I think they've decided to pay the rent until January and in the meantime try to find somewhere else to live. I'll be here to help with moving and whatnot, but yeah...still don't know exactly what'll happen.

Also fingers crossed, guys. I may have a geology job in Chattanooga. I got an email today asking if I was still interested in it, so I called and left a voicemail. It would be an entry level Driller position :3
SoliloquyChryseis's picture

Glad everything seems to be

Glad everything seems to be working out for you! Keeping my fingers crossed for that geology job, sounds really interesting!
Awentia's picture

tracking.

tracking.<33
Discord: Tzvii#9954 // Signature by Wake.
quadraptor's picture

The guy actually called me

The guy actually called me during work! I had to step outside to call him back and...well...

I HAVE AN INTERVIEW ON TUESDAY!!

I am so psyched! I really hope I get this job!

As a Driller I you will act as an assistant to Drillers. This is an entry level position designed to train the individual in the various aspects of becoming a driller. You will act as an assistant to help the driller more easily perform drilling tasks; work as part of a two-person team to perform field tasks including site layout, soil boring and sampling, obtaining water levels and installing observation wells under the direction of department head or project manager. Perform maintenance tasks as requested.

Essential Functions and Duties:


Drives medium duty trucks to various job sites as directed by supervisor. Performs required boring layout and elevations for projects.

Learn to read drawings so required boring layout can be performed. Training on basic survey and leveling equipment will also be performed.

Familiarize and learn the different types of augers and bits used during the drilling process. Become familiar with the basic operation of the drilling equipment with emphasis on Kill Switches.

Trained in the duties that pertain to performing test borings and installation of groundwater monitoring wells.

Performs duties assigned by rig foreman that pertain to performing test borings and installation of groundwater monitoring wells.

Loads appropriate drilling sampling and well installation tools and supplies onto trucks or drill rigs as directed by supervisor.

Performs preventative maintenance tasks as assigned by supervisors and prepares documentation.
Performs miscellaneous maintenance duties in field or shop as directed by supervisors.

Excellent compensation and benefits package including: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plan, and paid holidays.
Pegasicorn's picture

Nice! =D Sending good vibes

Nice! =D Sending good vibes your way, dude.
quadraptor's picture

Tomorrow's the big day. I'm

Tomorrow's the big day. I'm excited and nervous at the same time.

Also my mom sent me a South Paw plushie (my college's mascot) because there's some thing about taking pictures of him all around the world. I wanted to help out, so I've got a new photo gallery on my Facebook called 'South Paw's Adventures'. It only has these three pictures so far, but it's a start XD

I was going to go up to the top of the Wilder Monument (AKA the Chess Piece) at the Chickamauga Battlefield in Fort Oglethorpe, GA, but it was closed today. Maybe I'll try again soon, hopefully when the fall colors have come out some more. But in the meantime, I got these pics.





quadraptor's picture

The interview went very well,

The interview went very well, sounded like a lot of fun. They would have me doing a lot of traveling and a lot of cross-training in various departments in the office, but that sounds right up my alley, since I do the same sort of thing at Publix. And it sounds like I'd be a very good fit too, since I've got some experience with field testing, lab work, and watching some well installations.

There are five other candidates for the job, and they know I'll have to give Publix two weeks notice. Let's hope this is the one.
quadraptor's picture

So hey, I uhh... I'm an

So hey, I uhh...

I'm an uncle today XD

My sister-in-law was able to birth Serena successfully as of 6:15 PM today, and from what I've heard everything has gone well. She's nice and healthy.

I'll go and see them tomorrow before work. I won't put up pictures just out of respect for my bro and sis, but Mom said Serena has my brother's cheeks XD
Pegasicorn's picture

WOO! 8D

WOO! 8D
Flyleaf's picture

Congratulations , Uncle Quad

Congratulations , Uncle Quad Smiling
Avatar @ Sluggs Siggy @ Amazegenalo
Bouncing Fly by Mary13
quadraptor's picture

The driller job was a no-go.

The driller job was a no-go. I'm going to look in Pittsburgh and Atlanta again.

Don't know what I'm doing wrong...
Aivilo's picture

Have you asked any of the

Have you asked any of the ones who've turned you down to give you some tips on what you need to improve on for interviews/resume type stuff? I can't imagine you're missing something big after being at it for so long, but it might not hurt to have a fresh eye.
quadraptor's picture

I know I have too much deer



I know I have too much deer stuff already, but dang it, those Santa Reindeer at Build-A-Bear were too cool not to pass up!

I made Blitzen (though of course I refer to him as Blixt). Always was my favorite of the team.
quadraptor's picture

A little update from me

A little update from me -

I'm considering going back to school. I may be able to get into an internship that way, but also would have another degree/certificate useful for my resume.

There are two universities I'm currently looking at programs. One has a Master of Science in Education with an Outdoor Education emphasis, another has both an Environmental Field Technician degree and an Associate of Science in Environmental Science. I don't know which one would be best to pursue.
quadraptor's picture

I'm not going to have time to

I'm not going to have time to write a bunch of Christmas stories like I have before, but uhh...would you guys like one for old times sake?

I may have an idea already, don't know if I've written something like it before or not, but who knows...


Also I know I haven't done any walking meditations lately. Maybe soon I'll try to schedule one when I know I'll have some time where I won't have to watch Serena. Whenever I'm not at work, I tend to be randomly handed her without warning, so hopefully I can be able to do a walking meditation at a time where it wouldn't be so bad...
quadraptor's picture

On the way to work today, I

On the way to work today, I got a call from a job in Norcross, GA (close to Atlanta)...

They want to interview me tomorrow!

So I'll be heading down to interview tomorrow at 11. It would be an Environmental Technician job, exactly what I'd like to do.
quadraptor's picture

Ohhhhhhh boy. Went for the

Ohhhhhhh boy.

Went for the interview today and it went great, and they'll let me know if they have a job offer tomorrow, but it looks like I could be starting as early as Monday down there. I just spoke with our friend in Kennesaw, GA, and she's absolutely thrilled that I may be coming to stay with them for a few weeks.

It's going to be a very long wait for that call/email knowing if I'll be an Environmental Technician in Norcross, GA
quadraptor's picture

Hey everyone, ready for the

Hey everyone, ready for the news?

I've unofficially gotten the job! They're going to finalize it with their Human Resources department but it was all in favor of me having the position. My first day is on the 19th so I'll be heading down to Mobile for a few days and then I'll head back up to stay with our friends in Kennesaw. I'll be with them for a few weeks while I look for an apartment.

I'll be an Environmental Technician in Norcross, GA just above Atlanta. Sounds like a great job, they'll have me doing all sorts of stuff like methane gas monitoring, groundwater sampling, lab work, and other various tasks, and they want to help me further my career and help me achieve my goals toward being a hydrogeologist. They said they'd love to teach me all sorts of things including landfill design and concrete testing.

And they said they wear casual clothes out in the field! I'm thrilled!

So anyway, it's been a great day! I'm finally getting my first steps toward living my dream!
Flyleaf's picture

Hey , cool for you

Hey , cool for you !
Congratulations Smiling
Avatar @ Sluggs Siggy @ Amazegenalo
Bouncing Fly by Mary13
Jiaruqa's picture

I'm proud of you! Go Quad, go

I'm proud of you! Go Quad, go Quad! *raises hands in da air*
Snowsauria's picture

Congratulations on the job,

Congratulations on the job, you really deserves it! n_n
Pegasicorn's picture

WOOOOO! *launches the

WOOOOO! *launches the fireworks* 8D