“There’s a fine line between cuddling and holding someone down so they can’t get away.” – Unknown

We’ve had a number of young engineers visit our rig lately. Mid to late twenties.

Nice people. Well mannered. Obviously well educated. The future of Conoco. I believe the company is in good hands.

They are open and friendly so we have pleasant conversations.

I always get around to asking them where they went to school and they are quick to sing the praises of their alma mater. University of Texas, Texas A&M, and LSU dominate with a sprinkling of other colleges like the University of New Mexico sneaking in.

Earlier, a young Asian man drives up. After establishing that he works for Conoco and that he’s an engineer, I asked him where he went to school.

China.

I’m sorry. Where?

China.

No kidding. Wow. How long have you been in this country?

4 years.

His English was excellent with hardly an accent. I was impressed.

Where is your home?

In Houston. My family is there.

So how often do you go back to China?

Haven’t gone back and don’t know when I will.

How do you like it here?

Love it. I can actually see the sky. In Peking the smog is horrible.

And that was his pro of this country and con of China.

Ponder that.

“You do not need a parachute to skydive. You only need a parachute to skydive twice.” – Unknown