Inspection is like fishing. The fisherman doesn't know what his catch will be until he pull in his lines. The inspector doesn't know what the day will bring until the phone rings.
I've been fortunate ever since I've been certified as a CWI, now it's been some twenty plus years. As for what the new year will bring, only the "Good Lord" knows. I won't know until December 31st, 2009. Until then, I do my job the best I can and try to stay on top of my game by reading and studying.
There's never a time when I think to my self, "I know it all", because I know that's far from the truth. I try to associate with people that are smarter than me and those that I hold in high esteem. I value them as friends and I know I can count on them to offer their help when I'm totally perplexed. I try to distance myself from those individuals that think they know more than they do, are closed to new ideas or ways of doing things, or are negative about life. There's always something new to learn everyday.
I've been a CWI since 1981 and a SCWI since 1997. I've attended many CWI courses since attaining my certifications, yet I hear something new or hear a reminder of something I've forgotten every time I sit in the class as a student. If you ever have the misfortune of attending a class with me, you'll know me as the one always asking questions. If you want to leave class early, you better hope you're not in my group, because I'm there to learn as much as I can from that instructor. When I'm teaching the class and you get fidgety, I'll tell you you're free to leave anytime you want because no one is chained to their seat. I try to give value for the money you pay to attend and I try to pass on any knowledge I have to offer.
It's a wonderful world and I want to enjoy as much of it as I can.
How's the inspection game in the U.S.? Just wonderful is my reply. I don't know of anything I would rather do. If things slow a little, so be it. It will give me more time to prepare for my next big project.
Best regards - Al