tory of my five decade career as an over-ambitious but under-appreciated, well-intended but misguided, nerdy mechanical engineer in the oil industry. From my Vietnam laden college days, to my COVID influenced retirement, I have always strived to make a difference in this world, as well as make it a cleaner place. But my path to doing this was anything but straight. My career took many strange twists and turns, and bumped into a lot of walls - as I dodged the expectations of others, and gained the confidence to find my own way. Reading this fun tale will have you laughing a little, crying a little, and learning a little about the quirky oil industry and its effect on our environment.