WorldWide Drilling Resource

29 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® MARCH 2017 Ronnie Said “No” by John Christ J.C.’s Drilling Consultant I gave Ronnie [ WWDR Managing Publisher] a call to tell her I was going to quit writing articles. The reason being, I want you as a reader to get the best information possible. I have been out of the industries - water well, horizontal direc- tional drilling, mining, or construction applications - for a few years now and just don’t have my finger on the pulse of what’s relevant. Things do change. Ronnie understood why I wanted to stop, but also wouldn’t accept me quit- ting. She has always been a motivator for me. Since I have been disabled, she has gone above and beyond to help me. So, she said there may be some people out there who have a subject they would like to get out to the industry, but don’t have the time or just don’t like writing articles. I may be able to help. I have the time, if you can provide the subject matter. Explain to me the pertinent points and I will put together the article. What do you readers think of this idea? Also if you have a ques- tion on drilling fluids or the drilling of a well, I always have an opinion! Just contact Michele here at WorldWide Drilling Resource ® and she will let me know. Just in case this is my last article, I have a few things I would like to say. Those of you who know me, know I have said what I think, no sugar added. I had a boss who wanted to see how I was taking care of business. So, he came to the territory to ride with me. We were going down the road and saw a horizontal directional drill working along the side of the road. I jumped out and checked out the situation. I walked up to the supervisor of the jobsite and said he was doing everything wrong! Needless to say, this set up a confronta- tional discussion. I explained why I said it in my unique way, and by the time we went to leave, the supervisor shook my hand and gave me a bro hug! My boss and I got in my truck and he said, “Unbelievable.” Some people have said I’m cocky; no, just confident in my abilities at the time. Why was I confident? Because if there was a training class or seminar on any subject, I was there. Over the years, I have heard from drilling professionals who were too busy to go to the training, seminar, or convention. The time could probably save you many more hours throughout the year than you spent at the event. These forums are also a great place to network, whether to find potential work or help with a project. Get involved in your state, regional, and/or national associations. It is one of the most rewarding things you can do! I have many true friends who have come out in my recent situation. I was going to name names, but it was more than my article is allowed to be. Please friends, you know who you are and be assured I do appreciate everything you have done to help me through such a trying time! You can’t pick your family and you can only be half the factor in picking your friends. Those who have chosen to accept my friendship are the best friends anyone could ask for. Those who have chosen not to accept, oh well, your loss! After putting more thought into this, I really hope some of you give me articles to write. I do enjoy putting my thoughts down on paper, because I believe in what I say and how I do it. I know not everyone does, but that’s all right because my point is really to try and start a discussion on a subject. In the past, I would take the opposite side from the other person or people I was with just to have a comprehensive discussion on a subject to try and get all the points out and really come up with a con- sensus on the matter. In case this is my last article, I thank you all for the years you put up with me! The statements and comments in this article are based on information and references believed to be true and factual. If you have any questions or comments, please forward them to me in care of WWDR . John John Christ may be contacted via e-mail to michele@worldwidedrillingresource.com Atlantis Vault • Simple installation • Trouble-free operation For more information call: (270) 786-3010 or visit us online: www.geothermalsupply.com The Merit Badge for Geology Adapted from Information Provided by the American Oil & Gas Historical Society and Boy Scouts of America The Boy Scouts of America geology merit badge began in 1911 as a mining badge. At the time, it was one of less than 30 badges. The mining merit badge evolved into the rocks and minerals badge and, in 1953, became the geology merit badge. In 1953, the merit badge’s description for what a geologist does said four out of five geologists become “oil geologists” with an expected starting salary of $300 per month. “You may have to be a nomad instead of settling down for life in one spot,” it continued. “You may have to ‘sit on’ a well all night and then drive a hundred miles to report on it. You may have to burn in India, The Merit Badge cont’d on page 58.