After I left the power plant and went to work for Dell on August 20, 2001, I wrote letters back to my friends at the plant letting them know how things were going. This is the ninety seventh letter I wrote.
4/9/04 – Dell-ivering Quality
Hey friends at Sooner Plant and “beyond”,
So. I heard the big news yesterday. I heard that the Illustrious Sooner Plant Manager has decided to throw in the towel and call it quits. I wonder what changed his mind? Has he had a change of heart? Does his wife know about this? I guess she knew it would come to this “Sooner” or later.
That reminds me of my mom. A few weeks ago, my dad mentioned that he was thinking of retiring. He’s going to turn 70 this December. He was thinking that it was time to start collecting his retirement and relax a little. — Needless to say, my mom talked him out of it “really” quickly.
I can still remember the dumbfounded look Mrs. Godfrey had on her face when we were having the big retirement party during the first downsizing and Leroy Godfrey was retiring. His daughter stood up and said, “I can imagine that it must have been difficult to work with Leroy, but remember, I had to LIVE with him!!” (followed by cheers and uproarious laughter)
Note to Reader: To learn more about Leroy Godfrey’s retirement party, see the post The Passing of an Old School Power Plant Man — Leroy Godfrey.
I suppose that’s the reason that Jim Arnold is still around. Could you imagine what his wife must say whenever he mentions retiring?
Maybe Bill Green is just going to surprise his wife the day he retires. — I can hear it now: “Honeykins. Don’t you think you should get up and go to work? It’s already 6 am.” “Why no, my dearest cherub (I’m sure that’s what Bill Green calls his wife), I’m not going to work anymore. I’ve retired.” “Did you say you re……….AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” Get Up Right Now and go find another job!!! I don’t care what you do! Go be a greeter at Wal-Mart!!!!
Anyway. I realize that it has been over three weeks since I wrote last. It only seems like a couple of days. I’ve been in a time warp working on a whole bunch of little projects all at the same time.
I think I broke a record this week on the shortest project in the history of our team. It lasted for about 4 hours. Then it was cancelled. That was quick.
Yesterday, the program manager that I had for the big Kronos project came by my cubicle and said, “Boy, you are sure getting popular among the PMs.” I asked her why and she said that everyone was trying to get me on their projects. I think it’s because I like to do paperwork, and they think if they get me on their team that I will do all of their paperwork for them.
I understand that you guys are just finishing up with Overhaul. I hope everyone was safe and no one was hurt.
Well. I better get back to work. This typing up paperwork on the computer is really an experience. — Whatever happened to “Writing Programs?” Oh that’s right. We do that in India now.
Your friendly Dell programmer,
Kevin James Anthony Breazile
______________________
Kevin J. Breazile
Global Financial Systems I/T
Dell Inc.
(512) 728-1527
Power Plant Men 
I know people have probably said this to you a thousand times.. but have you ever thought of putting this in a book?? because I truly think you have a way with words, stories and all that putting these all in a book would be a blast to read. And I don’t think that’s just coming from me, someone who loves to read, because I know nothing about power plants or working in them, but I feel I’m part of the power plant family after reading your posts for so many years now. 🙂 Thanks for that!
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