Hello Old Friends
I Hope this post finds everyone still doing well. I know it's been awhile since I've posted anything meaningful up here and so thought I'd give you all a quick update for what's going on.
The new book is coming along and I should be done with all writing soon, focusing purely on some revisions and copy edits. While my own critical eye looks over the pages that have been written and sees mainly the rough edges - I do have to admit that there are some chapters and sections of the book that I am particularly proud of. I'm convinced I will write again as it is something that I truly enjoy - however I do believe that this will be the last book that I agree to create upon someone else's terms and deadlines. So perhaps I'll simply write the next book myself and then shop the completed manuscript around to a few publishers or perhaps I'll explore some simple self-publishing options. Not sure which way I'll go yet, but I do believe that the completed product would be better if I simply wasn't under as many time-constraints and that's a frustrating feeling.
In work, I recently gave my notice to Perot Systems and will be leaving my contract at the National Weather Service next week. I'm leaving to join a startup company working to revolutionize the coupon industry. Leaving a very secure job for a startup can be a little unsettling (especially in these uncertain economic times) - however I felt that this particular startup has both a really great work environment and a unique and compelling solution. But most importantly, I felt that this particular opportunity would offer me a chance to stretch and grow out of some comfort zones that I've picked up as a developer. So at the very least, I should become a better developer out of the experience.
As for this blog, now that the book is nearing complete - it'll be time to re-launch this blog. I've already made a deposit with a fantastic graphic designer who I'm working with on the design for the re-branding / re-launch of this blog. When the blog re-launches - it'll be under a new domain name (don't worry - I'll announce it here and set up a forward), as well as it will undergo some content shifts. While there will be a section on the blog for my personal posts and updates that I've mainly been putting up here - the emphasis of the new blog will be more on some original content. I'll be writing more informational and editorial level stuff on the new blog - providing tips and tricks for web development and sharing insights and thoughts I have about work, business and career management. It should be a much more entertaining and informative ride for both of us.
