Well, I can now pretty openly discuss the fact I'm leaving my current job and moving to Morgantown, West Virginia for at least 2 years. I've accepted a post-doctoral research position at West Virginia University, located in Morgantown, and will be continuing with pulsar-based research.
While this is the kind of oportunity I've always hoped I'd be getting, I'm quite sad to be leaving my current job. There's no research involved, which is a downer, but I've discovered a bit of brains and a knack for learning as you go (which I've "developed" / got by with over the 7 years since I started university) is a good combination for a software programmer. I've learned a lot of stuff in a short time, and I think I was proving pretty good at the job.
However, this IS the kind of job I've wanted to do, so I'm going to give it my best shot and see if I get offered another after that! Right now, I'm working my notice period and trying to organise myself for leaving the country. Step one for now is getting some reading material. For that, I bought a Kindle (see image :D )! I'm pretty excited about actually using it in anger and getting the benefits of an eBook device.
Unfortunately, earlier in the year I also bought a stack of paper books - which I'm trying to make my way through. Hopefully I can do this before I travel, otherwise the Kindle will be somewhat wasted. Fortunately, at least, I bought all the books at bargain prices so if I leave them behind or whatever then it's not the end of the world.
Anyway, Kindle FTW - I've downloaded about 15 books so far, and not spent a single penny. I've been stocking up on those classics I've never read - and mostly ones I've wanted to; if I don't like them, well, I didn't pay.
First impressions are great. The screen is even crisper than I remember from my sister's Kindle, and the contrast is really awesome, and there is no "ghosting" (that's my term, I'm sure there's a real one!) when the screen updates in book mode. I've noticed a little of this when selecting things from menus etc, but since the primary function is as a book, this doesn't bother me too much.
That's that for now, but hopefully I'll keep this blog well maintained over the next couple of years as I'm sure I'll have lots to rant about!
