Exciting News

Well, I suppose it's not really exciting now that the people that actually read this blog already know, but just in case....I HAVE A JOB INTERVIEW on Wednesday with Weather Command! I am totally excited, and completely nervous. I pray that it goes well, but I think this may be my only opportunity in Chicago for getting a 'weather job'. So, no pressure at all. haha, right. My friend Shelley works at the water survey in Champaign, and she knows a person there that used to work for Weather Command. It was helpful knowing a little of what to expect and what it's like on the inside. It sounds like a typical private forecasting job, which is what I was expecting. For those of you that are in the meteorology community, you know what I'm referring to, so I'll leave it at that. ;)

On another note, I wish I was going to the AMS conference in New Orleans this week. I've never been to N.O. , and this would have been a great way to experience it. Oh well. I should be honest, it's not about N.O. or the conference, it's about the free pens, calendars, posters, and other random fun free stuff given away at the conference. Not to mention the fact that the AMS meeting is really just spring break for meteorologists disguised as a conference. (To all my friends that are down there right now...have a drink for me!)

On a totally unrelated note...I was watching an episode of West Wing tonight (yeah, I'm huge fan and a huge geek), and it made me realize...I want to be in Washington for the inauguration of the President. Maybe it'll be next year, maybe it'll be 30 years from now, but some day, I want to experience it. I think it'd be fun to be a part of history. Also, I'd looooove to go to one of the inauguration balls. There's nothin better than getting in a ball gown and dancing the night away. This week, the Library of Congress announced that they recently discovered pictures that were marked incorrectly and are actually rare pictures of Lincoln's second inaugural. This is the first inauguration where African-Americans were allowed in the parade. Here's a link to those photos. I think if I couldn't make it as a meteorologist I would have been A) a used book store owner or B) a historian. I loooove history and loooove seeing it unfold before me. Maybe someday I can combine meteorology and history by writing a book on some sort of historical event that was affected by weather or just a history of weather. haha.

Now, to end with a great PhDcomic:


until next time...

New Year Brings Change -OR- More Ramblings

It has been a loooong time since I last posted, but I'm back. I'd like to keep this up to date but keep in mind that this is not a high priority for me. With that said, on to updates....

Thesis:
Not much to report here. It's slowly coming together. I did offically 'apply to graduate' today! WooHoo!

Job:

This has been surprisingly going well. Murray & Trettel, Inc. of WeatherCommand is hiring a weather forecaster! I was shocked when I saw the job post on the AMS website. I've known about this private firm for several years-well, about 3, since Ian moved to Chicago-because they are one of the only firms in the Chicago area right now. I had been keeping an eye on any hirings going on there and this is the first I've seen since I started watching for it. The timing could not be better. Am I crazy about shift work? No, but it should be a good first job. The firm is actually in Palatine, a NW suburb, but that is completely fine. Also, I've been able to get a few names at Argonne Labs and at UIUC to contact for potential job openings. It seems that this aspect is going well, but now it's time for some job interviews! That's scary to think about! Worry about when it comes to that.

Unrelated notes:
1) I just got my new iPod Nano in the mail, and I love it! My very first iPod! A great new toy to get me through to graduation.

2) Presidential Primaries/Caucuses - - I was shocked but excited that Obama led the democratic Iowa Caucuses last week. Although, this excitement is somewhat cautionary for tomorrow's NH primaries because even though Obama beat Hillary, he only won one more delgate than she did. That really is not much. But the press is making a deal of his 9 point lead over her. His speech that night was absolutely incredible, too! It was inspiring, hopeful, and 'presidential'. So far, Obama has a 9-10 point lead in NH, but NH has a way of surprising you. So, I won't hold my breath.
(Sidenote- If Huckabee wins the Republican nomination, that will be the best thing that could ever happen to the democratic nominee. BUT that's looking doubtful.)

3) Tornaodes in January?!?! Is this global warming?!?!

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!


But it sure is exciting. It's funny cause I was just commenting today on La Nina and how that may or may not affect the storm chase season. Here we are in early January with a tornado outbreak. It doesn't necessarily mean that it'll be a great season, but it sure does give you hope.

4) Juno really is one of the best movies of the year. If you need a good laugh, see this movie. I also want to see, There Will be Blood, Charlie Wilson's War, No Country for Old Men, Atonement, 27 Dresses (lol), Sweeney Todd, ... to bad I won't get to all of them.

5) I'm not sure how many of you have been following the missing hiker story of Meredith Emerson, but I have been. And it's sad that they have found her body tonight in the Dawson Forest in Georgia in an area where she was last seen hiking. Amazingly, many, many people were observant New Years morning on that trail and saw her talking with an older man. This has led to his arrest and to finding her bloody clothes and wallet in a dumpster close to where her dog was found. I really am just hashing out what's already on the news, but I just wanted to say how sad it is that these horrible things go on all the time and for what? $300?

6) Dr. Phil, even though you're probably right, Britney does not deserve to be exploited!

7) WGA strike needs to end! But at least Jon Stewart and Colbert are back on in time for the primaries. I'm upset that the WGA strike has forced the LOST producers to cut their promised 16 back to back episodes to only 8! I agree with why they have to strike, but I miss my shows!

Ok, I think my ramblings for the day are over, oh except I forgot one...

8) BCS is a joke and OSU better lose but whatever cause I'm not even watching the game.

that is it. I promise. On to closing with

phdcomics:

Until next time...