A First Time for Everything - 4Q18
I worked in my first refinery for about 9 months before moving to Louisiana. After my relationship ended, it took me a few weeks to figure out what my next steps were. Out of desperation, I called up my old Work Husband (office mate). I explained that I needed to come back to Texas and wanted find a way back into the refinery. He told me that the plant was fixing to start a Turnaround (TA) and I should call my old manager to see if they'd take me back. (Side Note: TRY to always leave a job on your best behavior; don't give them reason to not want you back.) Thankfully, they said yes.
When God has a plan, he makes it happen. I called my Work Husband at 11 a.m.. By 2 p.m. the maintenance Project Manager was starting my re-hire paperwork. By 7 p.m. I had found an apartment and set up all my moving plans. What a day! I started my first Turnaround (TA) in September of 2018.
Let me tell you. Working 12 hour days, every day, for months, is not for the faint of heart. Thankfully, I was broken hearted and loved every minute of being out of the house. As one can imagine, people who work during Turnarounds become close knit. You spend more time with your coworkers than you do your family. Most of the time, it's because you work away from home living in a travel trailer or hotel. At work, you're getting it done. After work, everyone is at a trailer grilling and drinking. Same people just about every time.
During this first Turnaround I was a part of an inspection group. Since it was the same plant I'd worked before, I knew a few folks. The TA crew was a WHOLE different ball game though. These people KNEW how to make the most of the situation we were in. Our office was a smaller conference room with computers lining the walls. Once everyone got on site, they put a table in the middle and made it all snacks. Chips, muffins, pops, water packets, you name it. Everyone pitched in and kept it stocked. Throughout the week, we planned our "meals." Who was bringing what for potluck style lunches? If you contributed, you got to eat. Man, did those guys know how to cook. It was incredible (except for my jeans getting a little tight...). My contribution was baking. This evolved into birthday specific treats. These guys were far from home with no family to celebrate with. I decided that everyone should feel special on their birthday so if I knew about it, they got to request any type of baked good they wanted. The crews got treats, and I learned how to bake a WIDE variety of goods. Everyone wins.
I did not travel much as this was my first event. Our adventures were primarily small group trips. We went bowling, bar hopping with Jenga tournaments, strip clubs, and so many trailer park parties... This was the life. I had so much fun; I knew this is where I wanted to stay. This was how I wanted to work. The people I met, the memories I made; irreplaceable. I found a place where I belonged.
IYKYK