Weekly Geek Outs - 09/16/16

Greetings!

Here's what is going on in my world this week:

• Supergirl

I finally got the opportunity to start watching this show since it came onto Netflix recently. It is a mixed bag for me. I appreciate the optimistic, fun tone of it, but it has some cheap costumes and effects, and also has some frustrating plot holes or just glazes over a lot of stuff. It feels like the show also has some hardcore Superman envy. A lot of the plot points seem ripped out of a Superman 101 class versus trying to make the show its own thing. It overall doesn't compare to The Flash for me, which I enjoy the most of the current slate of network superhero shows (Netflix's Jessica Jones and Daredevil still give Flash a run for his money, see what I did there?). I'm hoping it will improve by the end of the season, as I have a few episodes left to go (I can't wait for the Flash crossover!). I'm hopeful also for the transition of Supergirl over to the CW next season. Maybe they'll know how to better handle it from their current experience with superhero shows.

• OJ: Made in America

I've been watching this mini docu-series on Hulu after hearing good buzz about it since it premiered a little while back. Another great entry in ESPN's 30 for 30 lineup, this in depth, multi-part look at the career, life, and trial of OJ Simpson as well as the time and world that shaped him. I highly recommend it. It is very thorough, and while at times it can feel like it is going down tangents, it all comes together to weave the complex fabric of society that influences us all. This article is a great (albeit long) companion to the series. You get a full context on everything, and it really gets you thinking. Check it out! 

• Maryland Craft Beer

My partner and I recently went to a local arts and craft beer festival near us and it was a lot of fun! We got some neat locally made goods and drank a lot of beer (and water, gotta stay hydrated!). There is definitely a flourishing scene here just like there was back up in Maine. While I haven't find my choice beer yet, I always have a good time meeting with locals and talking about beer. I look forward to continuing with this new hobby and searching for my new favorite local brewery and beer!

Thanks for stopping by!

Weekly Geek Outs - 06/10/16

Greetings!

Another week is in the books, and that means there is another set of (random) geek outs for you all!

• Haircuts

Moving is stressful for a bunch of reasons, one of them is starting off new with different grocery stores, restaurants, and (the especially worrisome for me) barber shops. I got my haircut for the first time since I moved this week, and it went well! I always dread getting my haircut since I haven't ever had a good, consistent relationship with a barber. It ends up being a gamble each time and it is hard for me to explain how I like my hair. This time was good, and while it is jarring every time I cut my hair shorter, I look forward to going back to this place (White's Barber Co. to give them a well deserved shout out) and starting to build a better relationship with getting my hair cut.

• Couches

My partner, Jenn, and I have been living pretty lean so far in our new apartment. We don't have a lot of furniture but we're making it work with what we have. One big thing we've been missing is a couch. We went and looked around after doing some initial research online ahead of time. It's tough deciding and purchasing these big items. It's exciting though too to build up our place and make it our own. We're not really fit for guests yet, but I also look forward to hosting folks for the first time soon!

• Driver's Licenses (& Other Stuff)

Last but not least, Jenn and I have to get all of our addresses changed on our various profiles, get new driver's licenses, and register to vote in Maryland. Jenn has been taking care of some of her stuff and I've been lagging a bit with going to the Motor Vehicle Administration (Maryland's DMV). It's just always one of those things that is a pain to do but is obviously necessary. Hopefully it isn't too bad when I go this weekend to take care of my driver's license. All of this stuff is the part of moving that is annoying, but hopefully we don't have to do it again for a while (at the very least we can stay in the same state for more than a couple of years).

Thanks for stopping by!

Weekly Geek Outs - 05/20/16

Greetings!

I'm back after a short hiatus with an update on what has been going on with my life lately. Check it out:

• My New Job!

I started this new job last Monday (May 9) so it has been two full weeks at this new gig. It is totally different from my past experiences, and I like it. I work at 2U, which is a company that supports online academic programs for higher education institutions across the country. They have offices all over the world and do great work to bridge the gaps in modern higher education. Their main offices here in Maryland are super cool and laid back, with a casual dress code and plenty of snacks. I'm looking forward to not being the "new guy" anymore and getting more involved with my team. Next week is our company retreat in Orlando, where the entire global team will come together to get energized for the year to come. Stay tuned for more thoughts on all of this, and specifically moving out of a traditional campus job in the near future.

• My New Apartment!

I picked up the keys to my first apartment last Wednesday, so a lot of time recently has been spent packing, moving, and unpacking. I also went up to Maine to see my partner graduate last weekend and help her pack her stuff, so that kept me busy. We're finally settling in a bit and while we still have a bit of ways to go to make our apartment really functional, it feels great to have our own space together and already feels like home.

• My Birthday!

I'm turning 27 on Sunday! It is strange to think about my exact age sometimes, since I sure don't feel like I am almost 30 years old but I do feel pretty mature, especially with everything going on in my life right now. I'll be spending some time in Delaware with my brother this weekend, and then spending the long Memorial Day weekend with my partner. It will be great to toast to all the good happening in my life, to relax, and spend quality time with the people I care about.

Thanks for stopping by!

Weekly Geek Outs - 04/29/16

Greetings!

Here's what is going on in my world this week:

• Final Job Search Update!

As was teased last week and formally announced on social media this week, I have accepted an awesome new job at 2U, which provides services and support to online academic programs for colleges and universities all over the country (and world). I will be a Student Support Adviser starting very soon down in Maryland. I'm very excited for this opportunity as well as for the next step in my life with a great job with a great partner. This also means I will be moving off-campus! Which leads me to my next point...

• Apartment Hunting

My partner, Jenn, and I are searching for an apartment together, which is a first for both of us, so we are definitely getting a little anxious about this process. We have a general budget for rent with my new job but we have never had to pay utilities before so we don't know how much to budget for that. Also, all the places we look at seem nice, but then all the reviews are bad. Which is frustrating because none of the places we look at have good reviews, they just have entirely bad feedback which is hard to believe. It just seems like those are the only people who feel inspired enough to write a review. Obviously this just complicates things further. I know we'll figure it out and it will be okay, but it is just a new, stressful experience that I am learning from. I look forward to more new growth from this and from living in as well as decorating our new place!

• Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

On a lighter note, Jenn and I enjoyed watching the new season of this show on Netflix over the weekend. Continuing as a sort of spiritual successor to 30 Rock in the sense that it sense that it shares much of the same humor, this season was a lot of silly fun. The jokes come at a breakneck pace, so even if one doesn't land, there are more coming quickly. I like the smart humor of this show (very much similar to 30 Rock) and how optimistic it is. This is another strong show in the growing library of equally strong and unique shows Netflix has produced (Love, Master of None, Orange is the New Black, House of Cards, Daredevil, Jessica Jones), not to mention its strong tradition of supporting standup comedy.

Thanks for stopping by!