Breaking the chains of tyranny

I'm free, I'm free! My Java programming class project is done!!! Woo-who!!! It's a book inventory/keyword system and I initially had a lot of fun with it. At one point it could almost be distributable as freeware/shareware. Then the evil code bloat from artificially added features. It had to kitchen sink all the different shit we learned in class so it features such wonders as a video splash screen that has as much use as Microsoft's paperclip avitar. I did a shoddy job on the documentation, but just didn't care. I suspect it's more than good enough for the project but I wouldn't be using it to highlight my writing skills. Actually, not all of the documenation is crap. I think I did a pretty good job on a technical overview document that explains the program internals. It wasn't even an explicit requirement, but I thought it was important to have. All that's left now is the final exam.

Had another job interview, but didn't get the job. In this case, that's ok. There were definitely caution flags on the field after the interview. I was spared having to make what could have been a difficult decision.

My friend Roger and did a Seattle day trip last week. It was a nice little escape. I scored big at a used book store and found 3 David Weber books I was looking for. We did a hike at Snoqualimi Falls, only 1 mile but a lot of steep vertical. I finally got to see what all the fuss is about with Krispy Kreme. They're pretty good, but I wouldn't be selling my first born for them.

Books (Finished):
Clear and Present Danger - Tom Clancy
The Maltese Falcon - Dashiell Hammett

Movies:
The Importance of Being Earnest

I've got some good news and some bad news

Well I'm just a few weeks shy of my 1 year layoff anniversary and my EI benefits seem to have ran out. I rechecked the letter I received when they started. It states I eligible till August, but benefits may run out sooner? No shit, thanks for the precision.

It isn't all doom and gloom, though. I've received my income tax refunds from the last four years and it amounts to some pretty good numbers. In the mail with my final EI check was a tax refund check equivalent to four months of benefits. I think I actually have more money now than when I started on EI. Yeah. I was all set to buy some really cool toys ... hello I-Book. Oh well, just going to have to wait.

Judging from the postings the job market is picking up. I'm seeing a lot more than I was a few months ago. Having jobs to apply for helps keep the attitude positive. Course, interviews and job offers would be even better.

Where has freakin March, April and May gone, any way? I wrote rent cheques for them, but I think I was shorted on time. Seriously, I barely remember them. No, I was not doing drugs ... though if I had I would have a reasonable explanation.

Books (Finished):
Rama II - Author C. Clark & Gentry Lee
Sailing to Sarantium - Guy Gavriel Kay (thanks Laurie)
Lord of Emperors - Guy Gavriel Kay (thanks Laurie)
Red Storm Rising - Tom Clancy (thanks Roger)
The Puppet Masters - Robert A. Heinlein

Movies:
Spiderman
Starwars - Attack of The Clone Wars
About a Boy
Sum of All Fears