/   Electrician's Helper

Love because I got married and passion because I returned to Baton Rouge where I'm passionate about so many people and things.

It's been a while since I last updated this personal blog, way back in 2021. Time has a funny way of stretching out in hindsight, doesn't it? Looking back in 60 years, the gap between 2021 and 2024 will  seem minuscule. But in these past years, life has been a whirlwind. I've built a home in Baton Rouge, found the love of my life, continued my career as a Construction Project Manager, and am getting close to launching our technology startup company. These monumental events have kept me away from documenting my journey on this blog.

OHHH!!! There's one more significant development in my journey of personal growth: the emergence of large language AI models like ChatGPT. From now on, I'll be enlisting ChatGPT's assistance to refine my posts on this site. However, I won't be revising any of my previous entries using AI. I find it more intriguing to observe the contrast over time. Eventually, I'll write a blog post delving into why I embrace the use of ChatGPT for assistance now that it's available.
What are the chances large language AI models blasted off during the same time my life kind of blasted off (move home, build house, get married, start company, etc,)?  I didn’t ask GPT to reword this sentence or the previous one lol!

Unlike keeping a journal, I often rely on Facebook or Instagram photos to jog my memory. So, let's take a stroll down memory lane.

Transitioning back to Baton Rouge from Ohio wasn't exactly met with open arms from my managers. In the construction business (and other businesses as well), there's a notion that more money can be made when managers are on the move, overseeing projects. The idea of settling down isn't always well-received. Despite feeling undervalued after contributing significantly to the company's profits, that feeling was a nonfactor after being reunited with my cherished family and friends. In this circumstance, the decision to prioritize personal fulfillment over financial gain was well worth it. After all, my travels across the country weren't just about earning accolades; they were about accumulating invaluable knowledge and experience.

After years of moving from one temporary apartment to another, each furnished with nothing more than a mattress on the floor, a folding chair, a folding table, and a little TV, my next goal was to establish roots by building a home close to family and friends. During my travels, I monitored the real estate market in Baton Rouge, knowing precisely where I envisioned my future home. I made the decision to construct a home just 10 minutes away from my family, another 10 minutes from my now-wife's family, and a mere 5-minute commute from my construction office. This sanctuary we've created has a manageable yard and front flowerbed, and every amenity we could ever desire at this stage in our lives. It encompasses all the elements I've wished for in a first home: a walk-in shower, a half bathroom for guests, and a spacious, open-concept dining/kitchen/living room area perfect for social gatherings. It's truly a dream fulfilled, a testament to the personal sacrifices made over the past nine years of hard work and diligent saving.

As for matters of the heart, I mustered up the courage to ask my crush on a date in late 2021. Initially hesitant due to my extroverted reputation, she eventually warmed up to the idea. Our first few dates laid the foundation for something special. Inviting her to my friend Dylan's wedding in Mexico was a bold move, especially before meeting her family. However, an impromptu family gathering at a nearby restaurant went really well.  I loved them immediately the same way I did her. From there, our journey together was filled with laughter and adventure. It didn't take long for me to realize she was the one. While she jokingly set a two-year dating rule before proposing, I could tell she was ready for the next step a year sooner. And so, about a year into our relationship, I took the plunge and proposed.

Surrounded by our closest family, friends and coworkers, we exchanged vows on April 6, 2024, in a celebration that was spectacular. In the weeks following our wedding, several attendees approached me to express how much they enjoyed themselves. While I initially wondered if their kind words were mere politeness, their sincerity convinced me otherwise. Numerous guests shared that our wedding was the most enjoyable they'd experienced in years, and their genuine sentiments resonated deeply with me. It really felt like they were speaking from the heart.

Following our wedding, it was time for our much-anticipated honeymoon. For a year prior, I meticulously planned and researched every detail of our trip. At the suggestion of a trusted friend, I made the decision to invest almost all of my liquid savings into this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. This friend, who had already navigated the waters of marriage and early parenthood, had advised me early on in our engagement to seize the opportunity for adventure with my wife before starting a family. Embracing his wisdom, I crafted our honeymoon itinerary to the far reaches of the globe. From the cityscape of Singapore to the tranquil shores of Bali, Indonesia, every moment was flawlessly orchestrated, culminating in an incredible and luxurious adventure. 

Upon returning to Baton Rouge, I was assigned to our estimating department by upper management. There, I leveraged my experience in managing construction projects to excel in estimating. Thanks to this experience, my success rate was unusually high during this stint in estimating. After three months, a project management position opened up within our Telecommunications department here in Baton Rouge. That's where I transitioned, and I've remained in that role ever since (as of 05.27.24). I'll delve into more detail about my stint in estimating and my current project management position in the "Early Life, Academics, and Work” pages.




Last updated 01.24.21 - PJ