November 19

Late night, but not as late as some!  I'll explain.  A Friday at work, thank heaven's I'm done with the first week  It's not really a weekend, because the job isn't like that, but it's nice to think that I might have a day off.  Jess, Nick, and I put together a tool string and tried to make it work in the tool operating system.  Quite a challenge, since it's a different system than we're used to, but we're getting better.  Jess and I left work a little early to help Callum, an engineer that is my age, but with 3 more years experience, get ready for the staff party.  Rob and Laura are two engineers that are leaving Perth to do other things with their lives, so they had a party for them!  The shopping with Callum (said Kellum) was an interesting experience, and needless to say, we spent a lot of money on alcohol.  SLB people sure like to drink.  :)  Callum did all the cooking, he wouldn't even let us help, so Jess and I chilled till people started showing up.  I drank my Dark and Stormy (rum, lime, ginger beer), and everybody else dived into the beer.  We had some mixed grilled veggies, sausages, garlic bread (it's not real garlic bread like in the US, but it's okay), and chips and dips.  Overall, good, but one of the operators brought this rice dish and marinated baked chicken.  Now that stuff was incredible.  I can't tell you where Reuben is from, but he sure knows how to cook!  Spent quite a few hours just hanging out and talking, and got to hear some nice words from Rob and Laura about the good and the bad times they've had in Perth.  We were going to go out clubbing, but decided to retire instead.  Apparently the group that kept partying managed to stay out till 5 AM at the casino.  A great time was had, but they partied hard with some clients that came by the party.  Oh well, next time I know to take a nap beforehand.  :)