It's easy to see based on the last post date that this blog has been an increasingly lower priority over the last few months. With work, my professional blog, my new girlfriend and just life in general, blogging has become less important in terms of keeping people up to date. Plus, with Twitter and other social networks I'm able to communicate instant thoughts to people, without actually writing a full blog entry. And so, I have decided to stop writing for Almost Georgetown.

This July will mark two years since I moved from California. In that time, I've posted 350 blog entries, you have made 596 comments, there have been more than 55,000 visits and all on custom code that I wrote two years ago. Not bad. Not bad at all.

For those who have been faithful readers, thank you. This season is ending, but I am still blogging, on professional topics, on Twitter, on social networks. And for those in Washington, fret not; I'm not leaving the area (on the contrary I expect to be here for a long time), so many of you I will see at beverage subgroups or meetups. Thanks for your support and friendship.

2:24 pm | Comment (0) | Print | Categories: Blog Administration, Relationships

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

A few weeks back, I met a young conservative female and we hit it off. We enjoyed talking about lots of non-political things, as well as debating politics. You'd think that someone like me, who believes in government regulation of insurance companies, forcing Wal Mart to allow unions, and all the other positions I have, and her, a libertarian who believes that there ought not be a minimum wage, we wouldn't be able to get along very well.

But surprisingly, not so. Continue Reading...

11:54 am | Comment (1) | Print | Categories: Politics, Relationships

If you had asked me on June 18th, 2007 why I was coming here, I would have told you for one reason: to make a difference. I had this idea that lending my voice to the chorus of others would somehow make an appreciable impact on the region and on the society at large. As of today I have been here for eight months less two days, I have been on-again, off-again with Claire, changed jobs, and watched the economy change around me. Thinking about the time spent and the impact not felt, I felt discouraged at what had been accomplished, or not accomplished.
Continue Reading...

9:11 pm | Comment (2) | Print | Categories: California, Contemplation, Relationships, Washington, DC

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

Claire and I have broken up. The breakup was largely mutual, though she was the one who did the talking. I'm not bitter about the whole thing, but I am sad. Relationships are complicated, and I know that there's a lot of things that we both have to work out and deal with, both separately and corporately. Still, it being right doesn't make it doesn't make it any easier, or any more fun.

9:24 am | Comment (1) | Print | Categories: Relationships