Hi Dad

Hi Dad,

I'm sorry I haven't written in a while. I think of you everyday. An in fact, I wish you were here more than ever, because you might laugh at how my interests have changed lately. Remember how much I loved hearing about the chemical plants you worked at? The projects, the engineering drawings, the complexities of power plants massive in size and power? Building design, power plant design and the distribution of energy via coal, chemicals and electrical power? Okay all that stuff! I wish you shared more about your day, but I'm glad I learned what I did. So along those lines, guess what I've been learning and studying? The intricacies of building design. I loved studying it at UCI - remember my classes in urban and regional design, architecture, social ecology...oooohhh, it's all coming back now. 

I've been studying site planning, building inspection, building codes and what goes into making a building a building (as elementary as that sounds). I find it so fascinating. I don't think everyday people know what goes into making a slab of concrete a beautiful house. We moved into a new development in a neighborhood called Tamaya in late February - I love it. So let me explain how I fell into learning so much about home infrastructure. As mom taught us - say hello and talk to everyone - you just might learn something. Well, you and me being the Saggitarians that we are, we talk to everyone! And getting to know the builders (also known as superintendents), the inspector and the related building staff has been awesome. I learn so much just hearing about their day, what they have to manage, what they have to follow per house and city codes...wow, it is quite the job. 

I have a profound respect for their professions. They not only have to be meticulous, well-read and caught up with ever-changing building design codes, they have to manage a sea of workers from plumbing, electrical, stucco, water, gas, sewer, concrete, flooring, drywall and appliance companies (I know there's more). On any given day, a builder might oversee 11 different homes with 110 different issues. And an inspector may inspect anywhere from 25 to 50 homes in various stages of development...in one day and in completely different corners of town. That simply amazes me. And oh, let's not forget the homeowners that are calling them or rather chasing them down! 

Thanks to you dad, I take a lot of interest in what they do. It's built a deeper love for the home we live in. It's made me smile knowing how many different chemical engineering plants you have managed and are still burning brightly. I am amazed how professions such as yours and theirs touch so many lives yet no one gets to thank them. I'm making sure to thank them every chance I get. 

I miss you Pappa. But my new-found love for engineering, building and design makes me feel like you are here on earth more than ever. I picked up the latest copy of Road & Track magazine (I haven't changed my taste in cars!) as it had the newest Ferrari models on the cover. I just know that'd make you smile...