In chess, an end game is a period of time where there are few pieces left on the board and you have limited means with which to win. A well positioned end game can mean the difference between winning and losing.

A friend of mine made me sit down and strategize my "end game" for my life. She made me sit down and work out four major goals, and then milestones in reaching those goals. Accomplishing them is my "end game" - my life well lived.

The goals that I set are as follows:

• Earn a law degree.
• Run a successful technology-focused business.
• Bring honesty into politics.
• Maintain a healthy, happy, loving family.

5:12 am | Comment (0) | Print | Categories: Business, Jobs, Politics, Relationships

March is here! I have to say I'm excited to see it come. February was a difficult month in many ways...a breakup, changing jobs, fighting with the previous employer, having the flu followed by bronchitis and possible pneumonia. February had some high points, too, like a trip to California, and a growing experience.

March is starting well, with a sunny day albeit cold (though 49 isn't bad). I have a job that I'm thoroughly enjoying, and even though I work more hours and travel farther I feel more productive and important in the overall scheme of the company.

Here's to March as a good month!

10:58 am | Comment (0) | Print | Categories: Health, Jobs, Relationships

A few people asked me last night how my new job was going so I thought I'd let you know.

The new job is going well. I started yesterday. I really had a good time. There's a lot to learn, and I think that's pretty normal, but the people I work with are bright, intelligent people and I really enjoyed my first day.

You can expect to see in the coming weeks some improvements to Almost Georgetown as a result of my job, because I'll be getting better at PHP and finding new, open source solutions that will let me create great new features. Stay tuned...

9:09 am | Comment (0) | Print | Categories: DC PHP, Jobs

Today was my last day working for CACI, as next Monday I start a job at a software developer in the DC area. While I have enjoyed my time at CACI, I only wish it had been at times less difficult to navigate. The new position will not be on site, so I will not be working in a government facility, something I am to some degree thankful for. CACI was a great company to start with, and even though it's time to move on I won't soon forget the lessons learned there.

3:34 pm | Comment (1) | Print | Categories: CACI, Jobs

Roy Pearson, the DC Administrative Law judge who sued a dry cleaner for $67 million alledging a pair of lost pants, has lost his job.
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11:40 am | Comment (0) | Print | Categories: Jobs, Washington, DC

This is the book I'm studying from.

10:01 pm | Comment (1) | Print | Categories: CACI, Jobs, Technology

A few weeks ago I blogged about how CACI was sending me to training for my Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) certificate. Well, as it turns out the certification program doesn't qualify under CACI's tuition reimbursement rules, so I had to drop the class (since I couldn't afford to pay for it on my own).

Instead I bought the books that would have been used in the class and I'm preparing to take the exams on my own. While it's a dissapointment that CACI wouldn't pay for the courses it does open up considerable opportunities once I've earned the degree, since my certifications won't be tied to CACI for a period of time (had I accepted their money I would have been required to stay for 12 months).

So with intense study hopefully I'll be able to obtain these certifications in the same time frame as the Georgetown course. Here's to hoping, right?

1:11 pm | Comment (1) | Print | Categories: Continued Learning, Education, Jobs

One of the most frustrating things about the career I'm in is the number of things I don't know. Or so people think, because I lack this or that certification.
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9:27 pm | Comment (7) | Print | Categories: Education, Graduation, Jobs

Like...wtf mate?

McJob - McJob is slang for a low-pay, low-prestige job that requires few skills. The term comes from the fast-food restaurant McDonald's, but applies to any low-status job where little training is required and workers' activities are tightly regulated by managers. Most perceived McJobs are in the service industry, particularly fast food, copy shops, and retail sales.

12:16 am | Comment (0) | Print | Categories: Education, Facebook, Jobs

The Washington Post has an article this morning that's fairly interesting, especially considering that it talks about the man who runs the office that my contract serves. While our contract is not in jeopardy, I would presume that his position is, especially given the contents of the article.
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8:38 pm | Comment (3) | Print | Categories: Jobs, Politics, Washington, DC

Well, I've clearly missed my "three updates a week" for a little bit. I've been very busy, starting my job and working and hanging out with friends made here in DC. It's been exciting, exhausting, and exhilarating all at the same time.
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7:02 pm | Comment (3) | Print | Categories: Apartments, Jobs

I had my first day of actual work today at the State Department!
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7:40 pm | Comment (1) | Print | Categories: Jobs

Well, good news...my clearance came through!
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11:08 am | Comment (3) | Print | Categories: Adventures, Friends, Jobs, Washington, DC

8:42 pm | Comment (5) | Print | Categories: Graduation, Jobs, Politics

I've decided on my job. I'm taking the State Department offer.
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6:52 pm | Comment (2) | Print | Categories: Jobs

This morning I had a phone interview with my pastor from back east, and he offered me a job.
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5:21 pm | Comment (3) | Print | Categories: Jobs

My pastor from Washington, D.C. works for a company that does contracts with the State Department. He works in technology, and he may have an open position for me.
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11:22 pm | Comment (2) | Print | Categories: Jobs

Starting on the 23rd of July (my first Monday in Washingotn, D.C.) I will be working for the Washington Post as a Technology Journalist! My job will consist of writing code, developing tools, and doing other technology-related things (I guess). Finally all that code-writing paid off!
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11:11 am | Comment (5) | Print | Categories: Jobs