What, Me, Plow?

The only thing that’s been difficult about my daily commute is the snow. Normally, a few inches of snow would be no big deal, but it turns out that they don’t plow the roads in Michigan. Part of it is that they’re running out of salt due to a national shortage, but it’s also because the state government is so underfunded (close to bankruptcy!) that they have a hard time paying for fuel for the snow plows. Well, the extra time spent driving just gives me more time to listen to my podcasts. Right now I’m listening to some American history lectures, the usual Mars Hill podcasts (highly recommended!), the Rails Envy podcast, MacBreak Tech, and IT Conversations.

I’m still playing soccer on the weekends and things are improving. I can now pass the ball and it takes me at least 4 minutes to get winded!

As spring approaches, the fever for home improvement has been kicking in. Our plan is to turn our main level closet into a half bathroom and re-tile/re-counter our kitchen. It’s interesting how much your perceptions of a house change after living in it for almost a year. The charm of an older house is nice, but you start to find interesting quirks over time. There are so many things that have been “hacked” or “cobbled together” by previous residents. Sometimes I get the urge to just “refactor” (read: tear apart and rebuild) some things, like the ductwork, wiring, walls, etc. But then I realize it would cost money and tons of time.

I’ve been keeping busy with various software development group meetings and watching Arrested Development. The show is absolutely hilarious! It’s so packed with puns and in-jokes.

Already, my family is planning a trip to Europe (mostly Italy) next year. I’m hopeful that it will come together. I’m feeling the need to travel again!

I’m also finding some of Michigan’s hidden gems. I’ve been extremely impressed with Ann Arbor. It really is a gem. They’ve managed to keep a lot of development within the city and there are a ton of innovative companies there. It’s a very vibrant town and is like a little slice of the East Coast. Overall though, I’ve found that I’m starting to acclimate to Michigan. Not just the cold, but the fun and interesting things the state offers. I think finding a great job has a lot to do with it. Oh yeah, and the fact that I see the sun at least once every few days now.  Next excursions: the Michigan Historical Museum and the Museum of Surveying.