Well, let’s make this short and sweet.

I didn’t get the job.

So my chances with Union Pacific are pretty much zero now. I can’t even reapply for the job until next year. That doesn’t work for me–I’m just about broke. I need a job now.

Well, it hasn’t exactly hit me yet. I’m shocked I didn’t get the job. I talked to Scott, and he’s pissed they didn’t hire me. He doesn’t know what happened either.

So now what? Fuck it. I don’t even want to think about it right now. I’ve got a case of Coors Light in the fridge and a liter of Cappy calling my name.

See you Monday.

I found out yesterday that UP is having a hiring session each day this week. 80 applicants each day x 5 = a lot of cattle. And they only intend to hire about 30 people. Things will be tough, but I’m hopeful.

Yesterday morning we started at 7:30. They spent the next hour or so explaining to everyone just what to expect from a life on the railroad. People began to trickle off. By 10am there were less than 40 people left.

Then came the written exam. It was all reading comprehension–easy for me. I didn’t miss a single question. After correcting all the exams the cut was down to 18 people.

Then came the physical strength test. I scored really high on the grip and upper body tests. And, uh, average on the abdominal strength test =). I was well above passing grade. More people failed this test so now 80 applicants were down to about 8.

Time for interviews–I went first (thanks Scott!). Scott went down to the yard office at 7am yesterday to talk to the managers and put in a good word for me. When I sat down to talk to them during my interview it seemed less like an interview and more like bullshittin’. We laughed and talked about hunting and fishing, traded funny stories about my railroadin’ buddies, shook hands, and that was it.

So I was done by 1pm. Things look pretty good. My other railroad buddies are going to pop in to the yard office and put in a good word for me this week. If I get hired they’ll call me Friday night. Saturday I’ll drive back down to Roseville to fill out paperwork. Monday I’ll start rules, regs, and safety school.

So look to Hippocleides on Friday night around 9pm for the next Union Pacific update!

I’ve been a busy little gun owner this week.

I bought a brand new 7mm magnum rifle on Monday. It’s a Savage, synthetic stock, with scope. I get to pick it up next Friday. I’m at little more than excited. I can’t wait!

Yesterday I woke up at 3am. I drove up to my favorite spot, drank some coffee, and watched the sun come up. I brought all 3 of my handguns, my shotgun, clay launcher, and a shitload of ammo. It took a couple hours, but I used it all up. It felt great.

I also renewed my NRA and CRPA (California Rifle and Pistol Association) memberships this week. I gave the NRA a little extra too. I am a responsible, law-abiding gun owner. I should be able to buy and own any gun I want to. Hell, I should even be able to carry a concealed weapon if I so please. These groups are the only ones fighting for my rights in an irrational, rabid, anti-gun society, and so I support them as best I can.

And finally, I bought my hunting license, a book of boar tags, and two deer tags this week. I can’t wait for October.