vortex

Big, Bad, Bold

I wonder how you'd explain this fine piece of equipment to the customs officer at any major airport.

via Scripting News

Departure

Today I departed the Web Technologies department of BJU for the last time. I can't say that I'm going to miss it terribly, but at the same time, I did enjoy what I accomplished there. I definitely learned a ton. I remember one of my CS teachers telling me that I'd learn more in my first 6 months on the job than I would in an entire 4 or, in my case, 4.5 years of college. He was right. After my first summer at Web Tech in 2001, I went back to class with a far deeper appreciation and understanding for the technologies that I was wrestling with.

I have to admit that there were some things that I won't miss. I think most of you will understand when I say that I'm actually looking forward to being able to make the right choices. :) More than that, though, I look forward to not being the guy who's in charge. My last year was pretty frustrating, because I was required to impart what knowledge I had to those who didn't have it. Good for the students, bad for Gabe from a techical standpoint (good for the managerial experience though). If a human can experience stagnation, I think I got a good dose of it. There were some bright spots, particularly in the areas of CSS and other Web Standards. Hopefully, I was successful in communicating the utility and power of those to the others there. I think Danny was starting to feel the burn.

There was, in the midst of the stagnation, a titanic supernova-style bright spot whose brilliance I'm still blinking out of my eyes. Her name is Mandy. I marvel still at the way the Lord orchestrated our meeting. I will marvel forever at His goodness for giving her to me.

Home, sweet apartment

Well, I've successfully made another large step in my soon to be married life. Mandy and I now have a place to call home in Columbia. I went down last Saturday (yes, I was celebrating Ben's wedding too) and located a nice little apartment complex near the Columbiana Mall. It's about 10.5 miles from Truematter, so the trip to work will be a little longer.

They've got a pool, fitness center, and picnic areas, so I'm sure we'll be able to host some sort of get-together at some point. Mandy's pretty excited about the fitness center, so you can be assured that I'll be in shape within a month after we're married. 5:20 comes awfully early, though.

On a completely different note, please pray for Brad. He's the student into whom I'm trying to stuff the last 3 years of accumulated knowledge and experience. Our department recently underwent some rather unexpected and drastic changes, so the pressure's already on. Pray I can get him up to speed quickly.

Uprootings

This post has been a long time in coming. It's been even longer in the prayers of many of you, so take adequate time to rejoice with me. :) I am pleased to announce that I have been taken into the employ of TrueMatter, a small web development firm in Columbia, SC. Thus begins a rather focused period of change in my life which will culminate in my marriage in July.

I've really enjoyed my time spent at BJ (despite the occasional grumblings). The Lord has taught me much about ministry. I look forward to seeing what He's got in store for me/us in the future.

I would appreciate continued prayer for all the things that are involved in moving somewhere. Of particular concern now is finding an apartment. Also, now that Mandy knows where we'll be living, please pray that she'll be able to find a teaching position soon as well.