Month: June 2004

Looking Good

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I went in for my second interview for the new teaching position in south Jersey today. It went well, I think. It’s hard to tell sometimes. The superintendent was very friendly. The school sounds really great. Hopefully, I’ll know one way or the other by Thursday. The good news is that if I take this job, I won’t be taking a pay cut.

There are still other jobs I’m looking at. It’s nice to have options. Speaking of California, my brother has a website now. Check it totally out at his full name dot com (just like my other website is my full name dot com). (Hint: his first name is Scott.)

Ring A Ling

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Starting Thursday, talking on a cell phone while driving without a hand-free device will be illegal in New Jersey. Hands-free devices are generally awkward and uncomfortable… Maybe with new laws (although I don’t agree that this is the best solution), more people will be interested in improving earpieces and headsets.

Bury Spike?

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I think I’m tired of the name “Spike.” No one has called me Spike since high school — a good ten years ago — and I’m thinking of moving on. I re-adopted the nickname a few years ago when I decided I needed a more anonymous internet identity. I still need a slightly anonymous identity, but I just don’t know if Spike fits. Maybe there’s something out there that fits my personality, whatever that is, if I even have one. If you have any suggestions, they’re welcomed here. If you don’t have any suggestions, they’re still welcomed.

Today’s post-midnight thought: If I were a cicada, my hacker handle would be bRo0d/X.

Woo

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Michelle’s up and running with Movable Type and Mark V. Shaney has been writing again..

Today I…

  • Had a nap-dream about moving up in an elevator, floor by floor. Yeah, I shouldn’t be napping, but it just kind of happened.
  • Got a call back from one of my job prospects and set up an interview for Thursday.
  • Received a tour of a few towns along the Jersey shore (Bradley Beach, Ocean Grove, Asbury Park, and Deal) where I saw some nice things such as the Great Auditorium, a factory where the best marimbas in the world are made, and the house “shaped” like a grand piano that Billy Joel and Christie Brinkley apparently sold to “Arabs…”
  • Gave my music theory class their final. I’m happy that class is over…
  • Watched Office Space Wars and laughed out loud.

Speaking of Gmail

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The Powers What Be just gave me invites to spread around. I have six left, so if you are interested in giving Gmail a shot, let me know.

And by the way, for those of you who didn’t catch it in the sidebar, I’ve posted photographs from my day with Amy, hiking in New York.

The Big G

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I’ve been hooked up with Gmail. To reach me, use firstnamelastname[at]gmail.com. I don’t think I’ll be using it as my primary email account just yet, but it’s nice to have for now. The threading feature seems supercool.

Are You Ready to Clean Up?

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This test (source: g) determines how well the test taker is suited for cleaning up the garbage in his or her life. The website on which the test resides describes a program for reaching this goal, with the idea that by following their program an individual will see his score improve and will be more suited for attaining personal freedom. I scored a 63 out of 100, with a lowest score in the “physical environment” category.

Late Night Ruminations

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I haven’t been feeling well, and my sleep schedule is screwed up again. It may be an improvement over the last few weeks, however. Previously, I was getting four hours of sleep every night. Now I’ve been taking naps after getting home from school, waking up and doing school work (grading papers, etc.) or taking care of other responsibilities (applying for jobs, etc.), sometimes going to evening rehearsals, and then maybe getting another three or four hours of sleep for a total of six to seven.

The school year is quickly coming to an end, and I’m trying to stay healthy for the few remaining days. It hasn’t been easy. I’m looking forward to going hiking this weekend with Amy, finals being over next week, taking a break, going back to work at my old place for some money over the summer, going away to California with Becca, and figuring out what road to travel. Exciting times are ahead. Now if I could only be less stuffed-up, my life would be nearly complete. I’m running out of tissues.

And Don’t Call Me Shirley

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For a quick update on today’s events, check my other website. You know — the one I don’t link to from here. Also, I did a “quick” redesign in the wee hours of last night.

Well, it’s Sunday, and you know what that means. New job listings in the classified ads!

A First

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I had my first parent-teacher phone call today.

I was putting it off for a while. For some reason I get nervous about these things. As usual, I had no reason to be. The student’s mother was gracious, understanding and supportive. Now she’ll kick her son’s ass so I don’t have to. He’s a good student, interested in music, but he would rather be defiant and disruptive than learn music theory. There was no answer when I called a second student’s parents, and when I called my third student’s house, I believe the student picked up the phone. I don’t think the parent will get the message.

In other news, I just finished downloading Beethoven’s complete symphonies, piano sonatas, and string quartets in full CD quality (not mp3). It only took a few days (with stops and starts). Awesome.