I’d like to post more here. I want to convert more of the site to using ridiculous fonts and scripts you wouldn’t be able to understand. However, I’ve been busy.

Essentially, here is a recap. Since last October, I’ve immersed myself in the local tech scene. I’ve met a lot of people, learned about the local tech culture, and read about and talked to people about how startup companies work. I’ve written code in PHP, learned a bit of Ruby and Python, and utilized CSS/HTML/XHTML skills in building or assisting with several websites.

Now all the hard work is getting close to paying off. I’m pushing hard to find a new job in this field. I’m incredibly close to reaching my goal of finding a new job by the end of August. Only a few days left, but I’ve been interviewing for a web developer position. If all goes well, I’ll be in a whole new world by Fall.

Update: I should have more news by next Wednesday.

Categories: Life, Work
Tags: excuses, scene, technology

My mom is using an RSS reader now. It means she’ll know about each post right away. It also means my mom knows more about technology than you.

I applied for a different job today. Same employer, same title, (almost) same building, but different scenery. I hope I get it. The biggest benefit would be a reduction in the amount of time I spend talking to customers and an increase in the amount of time I get to spend using my brain.

Categories: Life, Work
Tags: job, mom

I shoved $140 down the barrel of a black-powder rifle. It threatens me to prepare for the GRE. January 12, ready shall I be?

Too late for Fall 2008, but on time to prepare for whenever.

Update: Applied for a few jobs at the university today. Not sure if they’re plausible or not as far as financial considerations go, but they’d be similar in scope to my recent employment. I figure if I’m headed in that direction anyway might as well work there, too. (Plus, cheaper/free tuition if I’m reading things right.)

Categories: Life, Work
Tags: grad school, GRE

I’ve picked a bad time to consider teaching English in Japan. The largest English-language-teaching company in Japan, Nova Group, went bankrupt this past week and has a debt of over 43.9 billion yen. This has left over 4,400 foreign instructors without wages for the last several weeks of employment, and now the company has closed down all of its schools.

Needless to say, with so many people out of jobs, there will be plenty of competition for the English teaching positions that still exist in the country. Based on the requirements of the specific program I’ve been considering (JET), I don’t know that many of these newly-unemployed individuals would be able to apply for these positions, but it will make it more difficult regardless.

I’ve also picked now of all times to become satisfied with life. I’m not complaining about this… I’m actually quite glad to be where I am. Work isn’t perfect, but it never will be and I’m enjoying getting to know the people around me on the bus, at work, church, and elsewhere.

Categories: Life, Work
Tags: Japan

Today’s the last day of the job. Afterwards, I will celebrate by returning home, not sleeping, taking a shuttle to the airport at 3AM, waiting for my 6AM flight, and flying to my homeland of Denver (while listening to Bright Eyes - “At the Bottom of Everything” and Sherwood - “This Airplane is a Ribbon“). At some point in life I’d like to watch the first episode of LOST on an airplane, but I’m not sure that’d go over well so I won’t.

So I’ll sleep sometime tomorrow and then begin enjoying my vacation. I CAN’T WAIT!!! Woooooo!

Update: Yup, I’m done done. I even escaped a couple hours early. Good thing, too, considering I haven’t packed yet. I’m rushing my laundry through during the next few hours and then I’ll be good good good to go.

Categories: Life, Photographs, Work
Tags: Bright Eyes, Sherwood, travel