The First Day

For any who may wonder, Day One at the U went well. It was rather uneventful...typical first day stuff. I met lots of people and was given far too much new information that I probably won't remember until I do the tasks. I can't really do very much until I get all the necessary usernames and logins to access the systems--email, database, calendering app, etc. I am told that by morning I should "officially exist" as an employee--that is I'll have my internet ID, be in the online directory and be able to get a U Card.

Some things I will like about this job:

• Coworkers seem great.
• Casual dress...jeans are ok!
• I get to use a Mac!
• I will learn a LOT
• and so much more...

All in all, this is going to be a very good thing!

Working Man

Any reader who has been following my blog since May knows that I have been engaged in a search for work in student affairs and services at a college or university since graduating from BSU.

I am happy to report that after much contact with the department in the past several weeks, which I mentioned in previous posts, I have been asked to join an office at the University of Minnesota. I had an official interview yesterday morning, and had accepted an offer by 3:30 PM

The pay is decent, good health coverage, and I will be eligible for their staff tuition benefit, which will allow me to continue my education part time at little or no cost. And the people I will be working with seem great.

It's everything I could ask for in a job to begin my desired career, and it starts Monday!

Back For Another Year

Morgan is teaching another group of BSU students to love blogging, and wiki writing too!

The class is just beginning. If any of you out there are curious about what got me started blogging, check them out:

Weblogs and Wikis course site
Weblogs and Wikis Daybook

Answers

Question: What kills a seemingly healthy 22 year old with no warning?
Answer: Wilson's Disease.

If you're a reader from Minnesota, you may have noticed a story in the Star Tribune today about my friend and colleague who passed away just after Thanksgiving. Apparently he had a rare disorder that causes copper to build up in the organs, leading to organ failure.

Definitely something I've not heard of before.

My Blog's Story, Revisited

Loralee recently posted about how she got started blogging, and how the BSU Blogs and Wikis course has played a role in her blogging adventure.

Of course, this blog began as a result of that class. And nearly three and a half years and 600 plus posts later, it is still here. I took a look at my Final Reflection from back then, and while some things have changed, others have stayed the same.

Then: I posted nearly every day.
Now: I post more sporadically...a few times a week.

Then: I wrote about academics and Student Senate.
Now: I write about job searching, politics, and life after college.

Then: I practiced a degree of self censorship.
Now: I still do.

Then: I read the blogs of classmates and a handful of others.
Now: I read upwards of 100 blogs of friends, old classmates and profs, and many others. I have "blog friends." Thank god for feed readers!

Then: I contributed to multiple blogs.
Now: I still do, some public, some more private.

Then: I contemplated moving my blog.
Now: I still do...most often to Word Press, now that there is a free version.

But no matter where this blog ends up, it will still be. I love it!

Apple's MacBook Air

Today, Apple released several new products. Among them is a super thin new laptop dubbed "MacBook Air"

The laptop looks neat and is indeed ultra-portable, but I have to wonder if it will appeal to very many average consumers, at least initially. The price is significantly higher than other MacBooks, and there is no optical drive or wired ethernet connection point. So, unless you've got wireless AND a second machine to use simultaneously while installing software and etc. you're out of luck.

Cool product indeed, but I doubt it will be an instant "must have" like iPhone.

BSU Mac Project Gets Major Buzz

Last year, my alma mater began making the transition to an all-Mac campus. Some recent articles on the topic:

Apple Education-Bemidji State University

Campus Technology-BSU Standardizes on Apple Hardware for Dual Boot Initiative

Pretty cool, in my opinion.

(Note: This is the 600th post on "Berne's World")

Slow Week

I'm noticing I haven't been blogging much lately...not really much going on worth noting. It has been a slow week.

We had relatives visit last weekend, and had a nice visit. Unfortunately, mom was sick the entire time and still is. Food poisoning, we think. Not a good thing.

The job wheels are turning, albeit slowly. Hit a snag but think it is fixed now. More waiting....

Progress...

Alicia Asks:
*hopping up and down like a little kid* Any news yet? Any news yet? Anything?!(Must selfishly know...) ;P

I can now say that I have an official application in for a posted position and my contact says she'll be in touch. The wheels are turning.

In other news today:

Obama Wins Iowa: It will be interesting to see how this plays out. It's a major feather in his cap, but I think it is too early to call anyone the front runner on either side. I'm somewhat surprised to see Huckabee break the top tier for Republicans as well, but he may be too far right for most of the country.

Britney Breaks Down: Is this honestly a surprise to anyone? The woman is such a trainwreck it's not even funny anymore, it's downright pitiful.

Welcome to 2008!