Fall 2009
I spent several months trying to locate a job in Seattle, but the economic situation displaced a lot of software developers who are now vying for the same positions as college graduates. I had many interviews and leads in Seattle, but in the end it proved too competitive to break into. Now that the ink has dried, I can reveal that instead I’ve been hired by a government research lab to do software maintenance in the Tri-Cities. This works out in the end since I have friends and family here. I know the area, the pay is good, and I’ll be doing what I like.
Since moving back, I’ve reconnected with friends from years past. There are two groups of friends, both of which who hold LANparties on a frequent basis, which is great. A lot of the problems that I’ve alluded to in the past about friends in this town have worked themselves out, so maybe karma exists after all. At any rate (I seem to be using the cliche ‘At any rate’ often this week…), Susanna and I have a great new apartment, things to keep me entertained, friends to hang out with, and a stable job with great potential for advancement.
Seeing as how the Tri-Cities is wine country, I figured I’d ought to educate myself on wine and try all the different types around here. I’ll probably create a page on this website with wine reviews, and possibly open it to others to add to. So far, my favorites are a 2005 Hogue Late Harvest Reisling, and a 2006 Maryhill Cabernet Sauvignon. I have an iPhone app that gives me pointers on local wines that have won awards and where to find them, which is handy. Any advice on wine is greatly appreciated.
With all the LANparties I’ve gone to, I’ve started gaming more. So far I’ve been playing Team Fortress 2, Call of Duty 4, and a new game Demigod. Demigod is interesting because it’s the same idea as Warcraft 3: DOTA, but simplified and streamlined. Apparently the network code for the game was atrocious at release, but has since been greatly improved due to the popularity of the game.
Susanna and I haven’t moved all of our things from our old apartment yet, because my new employer is processing paperwork to pay for my relocation. Instead, we’ve moved the small stuff; Computers, food, hygiene, TV, couch, etc. It’s a very large apartment and without our furniture, it seems vacant at times.
Look for that wine review page soon.