Checking In

A catch-all, catch-up post

There are 1,133 posts filed in Checking In (this is page 61 of 114).

Greenway ride

My friend Scott invited me out today for a ride on the Raleigh greenways. We rode from my house up to Optimist Park and back, covering over 19 miles in two and a half hours. Not all of that was riding, though, as we took a break at the Optimist end and stopped to talk to some people along the way.

It felt so good to be riding again! I’ve neglected my bike since I lost my downtown job and this was the first serious ride since. I’ve been wearing a stupid grin all day.

Imagine me getting into shape enough to ride in a charity ride like the MS 150 or Tour De Cure: two events I’ve only volunteered with but never ridden. I should be able to do one or the other in 2009, right?

Uncle Arthur’s obituary

Uncle Arthur’s obituary ran in today’s The State in Columbia:

Arthur Manning Flowers Jr.
ANDREWS – Arthur Manning Flowers, Jr. died Monday, December 29, 2008, at Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community in West Columbia.

Mr. Flowers was born June 26, 1930, in Andrews, son of the late Arthur Manning Flowers and Mattie Lee Long Flowers. He graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1951, and served in the United States Air Force during the Korean conflict. After completing his service to his country, Mr. Flowers returned to Columbia and graduated from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1958. Mr. Flowers practiced law in Georgetown for 38 years as a partner in the Moore, Flowers and Doar law firm (which merged in later years with the McNair Law Firm).
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Uncle Arthur

One of the 2008 highlights I expected to write was relief that no one close to me died this year. Looks like I’ll have to revise that one as my Uncle Arthur passed away this morning at the age of 77.

We spent many summers at my aunt and uncle’s beach house in Garden City, SC. Arthur was always quick to tell a joke or to tousle our hair. He had suffered from Alzheimer’s for the past several years but could still tell a joke. He seemed in good spirits the last time I saw him.

We spent Christmas Day with my parents, during which I took a moment look at photographs. I found my eyes lingering on a picture of Uncle Arthur with my aunt.

He lived quite a full life. I’ll link to his obituary tomorrow.

Offer on the way?

I’ve been told that an offer is on the way after all. It apparently is on the way to the staffing person, though the holiday probably got in the way. Still not fun being told that I’d be getting a call and then not calling. I thought I had been stood up or something.

With only days to go between now and my expected start date of Jan. 5th, there’s not a lot of time to prepare. But at least it looks as if I’ll have something for which to prepare!

My phone stayed quiet today

My phone didn’t ring today as I’d hoped it would. Could be just an oversight, but it certainly would’ve been nice to hear something – anything.

Hell, its been six weeks since I had a job. What’s another few days?

Interview recap

So I had my interview at 2PM today. Got there 5 minutes early, met the team, and spent the next two hours running the gauntlet of technical interview questions. I think I escaped relatively unscathed. I’m expecting a call tomorrow with official word, but my feeling is that I’m the guy they want.

Some details need to be worked out (my pay, which recruiter firm will be involved, etc.), but I expect this will be a a good place to hang around for the next six months, and hopefully longer. On the last front, the boss couldn’t make any promises there would be something at the end of this six-month rainbow, but though this company currently has a hiring freeze it is certainly not standing still – building a massive datacenter that will be my playground. I think this bodes well for my chances.

Christmas might come a day early tomorrow. Wish me luck!

Luxury

Man, I could get used to 8 AM wakeups. It will be bittersweet when I have to give them up for a commute again.

Phone interview!

I just got off the phone with a large storage area network company in the area for a short-term contract. It went really well! They want me to come in for an in-person interview tomorrow afternoon.

There are still lots of details to be worked out and there’s no promises at the end but I’m certainly encouraged. This is a top-notch company that would be great to join.

Wish me luck!

Progress!

I found a short-term contract position advertised and submitted my resume. The recruiter called back immediately and is submitting my resume today.

Its only a three month contract but that would be enough for me to get in on any first quarter hiring. Plus its with a good company so I might get a chance to stick around.

I’m no lock on the position and nothing’s been offered yet, but its better than my phone not ringing!

Wish me luck!