RAGBRAI 2010

I was thinking about my future today, and I have come to the conclusion that I can't switch jobs for another two years. Here's why:

I have said I'd go to RAGBRAI in 2010 with Scott (and he better still be on board), so I can't start a new job because then I won't have the vacation time saved up.

And that's all. That is the sole reason I can't move or change jobs. Things like that can really screw up some plans.

Oh, and I just thought of this - after five years at this job, I'll be vested in the retirement plan. Not that it's worth anything, but I might get some more out of it than I would by leaving early. I don't think I've ever stayed at a job for more than four years. Next October will be four years at this one, so we'll see. I hope it gets a little more interesting. But that's for another post.

Can't Say I Didn't Think About It

I've spent some time with my neighbor recently, and discovered that I am slightly envious of him. He lives alone, and is a senior NCO in the Air Force. He is two years older than I am, and he has six years to go to retirement from the military. He seems to have everything going for him and all is in order. Oh, to be like that.

I have battled for several months now about joining the military once more. Sixteen years won't last that long, especially if I choose to enjoy my time. The four years I spent in the Army were very long because I resisted liking anything about where I was or what I did. I want to change that and retire in sixteen years, and then go get a job so I can retire again.

But some things make me not want to. First: the pay. I think I make more now than I would if I went back in, and raises would not come so frequently. Second: I'd have to travel some, for extended periods of time. I have become comfortable being home, especially now that we have a child. When I am gone, I can at least call and be called by the family.

But how else can I get a chance to live in Germany? To have free health care for my family? To go to the gym for absolutely free, and probably find someone to play racquetball with? To have a structured daily life? To not wonder what to wear? To get real-world experience with computers, a security clearance, and probably a $100K-plus job after retirement?

So I'm stuck. It's stability versus comfort. I don't think I'll ever stop wanting my life to be different.

Really Beta.

I got an e-mail from Apple yesterday about joining the new iPhone/iPod developers' forum, now in beta. As an iPhone developer, I have access.

The system runs on Apple servers, running Java, serving JSPs. I had an error setting up my account this morning, and it looks like the whole thing broke. Maybe they should set up a forum to discuss forum issues.

Business Unusual

I got a call today from a woman who works in an office I support. She wanted to buy a laptop tonight. And then she showed up and bought one.

After all the boredom and worry about that little computer store, someone manages to come in and buy something every month. Maybe I will actually make it.

Impatience

I've been impatient. That's the root cause.

I have had this familiar fruity taste in all the beer that has come out of my Mr. Beer kit, and I discovered tonight just what that peculiar taste was: wort. Unfermented beer. I hadn't waited long enough for the yeast to finish consuming all the sugars, and there I was, drinking unfinished beer.

It is very apparent in the latest batch of brown ale, and I had to even pour out a glass. I bottled it after seven days, but should have gone longer since I added Sugar in the Raw during the boil. I took it all out of the refrigerator tonight and will let it sit on the counter for a week. I just hope the tops don't blow off.

The blonde ale I have in the fermenter will stay much longer. Today is the 9th day in there and I don't have any intention of bottling it this week. I'm so disappointed in the last brown ale that I'm going to sit on this blonde for a good while. It's still bubbling, and I hope it turns out okay. Two more ingredient kits are on the way from Mr. Beer and my five-gallon equipment has been shipped. I might need to borrow a refrigerator or have a huge party.

The Debate

My Girl

Anika is a fantastic child. I just thought I'd share with the world this morning's joy.