Chapter 5: A fresh Start

The last land job I did in the oil patch was back in 2003. Yet I know exactly what that sign means, it says - bring your dirty ass somewhere else.

I find it funny that after nearly 25 years of working I find myself back at the beginning. It is as though I have been given a second chance to build back the fortune I burned. This time, no oil field clothes.

In 17 years of O&G I watched my clothes evolve from dirty coveralls and redwings to Brooks Brothers and Allen Edmonds. In many ways I may have gotten lost in that transition.

I got caught up in making it to the top, I got mesmerized by titles and money. There is nothing like sitting at a laundromat, washing clothes to remind you of the fall from the top.

I spent this past week moving dirt, making coffee on a Coleman stove and sleeping in a bunk room. Land rigs are a luxury compared to this season. I am having a blast, I dare say it, the best season of my life.

As I write these words I see the gold ring on my hand, it is my 2013 class ring from Rice. I giggle to myself and say, of all of my classmates, who would be crazy enough to be here with me? In fact, I think of most of my friends and acquaintances and ask the same question, who would do this?

It is amazing what you will do when you finally put to rest the two most annoying voices in your head, Pride & Ego. I know this is a season, let’s call it the wilderness season. This season is different than the time I did it back in the early 2000’s. This time I know not to fall for the songs of the sirens. This time, I will not take my focus from what is right in front of me, giving my best to each day and praying to get another one.

I am more comfortable these days wearing blue jeans, boots and tee shirts. I find pleasure in knowing that I am leading from the front, not from behind a desk. The quite confidence that 17 years of O&G has given me is priceless. As I take on different and more challenging projects, I know that I have worked in some of the most extreme environments in this world. I know that time in a bunk house is only temporary and I know that dirt washes off.

What a time to be alive.

Thank you for reading along.