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The quote in the title is by George Will, and it describes perfectly my life over the last several weeks. (On a side note, George Will also made one of my other favorite quotes, stating on The Colbert Report that he was an agnostic because he is "not decisive enough to be an atheist.")

I actually held off writing a blog entry on this for a few days because I wanted it to sink in to myself before I told everyone else about it (though if you Facebook, you probably already knew)...

I have had a lot of things going on lately, but one of the largest decisions I've had to make in recent memory involved whether or not to change jobs. In my current position at Georgetown, I had been responsible since May for reviewing the contracts that came through our group, and recently had been receiving contracts from other managers, as they found out I'm an attorney and was reviewing some of these contracts.

With that in mind, and because it is something I genuinely enjoy doing, I decided to look into doing this on a permanent basis. Both Georgetown and George Washington University had a similar position open as the Contracts Manager for all IT contracts. I knew that I wanted to stay in higher education, and I also knew that it was time for me to make a change to something a little different and more challenging. After doing some research, I definitely thought that this was an avenue I wanted to investigate. While both jobs had some intimidating aspects to them, I feel that it would make things that much more exciting.

After applying for both positions and going through the normal interview process (albeit a shortened one at Georgetown), I received offers from both places. After thinking it over and negotiating a bit, I decided to remain at Georgetown. They have been very good to me there, and I enjoy working with the people there. While GWU was very fair with me, made me feel very wanted, and made a good offer for my service, I just feel that Georgetown is a better fit for me right now.

The new position begins October 29th. I was asked to wait a little while because the office I currently work in is undergoing some big changes, and they want to make sure everything goes well. I had no problem with that, as I owe a lot to my supervisor there, as she has done a lot for me. While I am sad to go, I'll only be around the corner from where I was, so in that respect I won't be leaving to much behind. I'm genuinely happy with this decision, and looking forward to getting started in the new position.

Anyway, some more exciting/fun things happened this weekend. I'll write about those later this week!

Posted by Jeremy Sarnovsky at 11:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Yesterday was my 29th birthday. I cannot believe that I'm already 29 - it seems like just yesterday I was celebrating my 21st birthday in concert with Brian Potter's housewarming party. But incredibly, that was eight years ago! Birthdays have taken a new meaning with age. No more are they something I inherntly looked forward to as a step towards manhood, but more of a reminder of how quickly life progresses.

So, with only one year left in my 20s, I decided to start it off right. Thankfully, my friend Dave helped set up a get-together at Bailey's Pub at the Ballston Common Mall in Arlington. I'd only been there once before, so it was nice to go somewhere I don't frequest. I had a few beers, some good food, and good company in the form of a few guys from the Wolves hockey team, as well as my friend Frank. I was there from 7:30-10 and it seemed like the time just flew by. Anyway, it was a very good time, but the absence of one person in particular tempered how good the party could have been. Unfortunately, the one person who I wished was there most of all was not able to attend.

Regardless, I wanted to have a good time. Just getting out and doing something felt really good, although I did have to both work and go to class on my birthday - which leads me to a thought: we should push the government to pass a law that requires you not to work (but still get paid) on your birthday. Wouldn't help my brother (Jan. 1st), but sure would help me!

So, I'm a year older, and a year closer to 30. I am tempted to look back on the last 29 years and sort of critique where I am now, but I think I'll save that for next year when I'm 30 and things have settled down a little more. Right now I don't have any idea where I will be in a year's time - personally or professionally.

Oh, and I got a funny The Office card from Frank, some organic cupcakes from Alicia (that were quite good, despite the organicness), a golf bag from Martha, a Wii game from my parents, and some new goalie pads from myself.

Posted by Jeremy Sarnovsky at 02:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Recently, I've been trying to reconnect with some friends of mine whom I haven't seen in a while. There are a few here in DC, and a few in Michigan that I've been doing my best to get back together with. So, when I've stared hearing about some events that are taking place with my friends, I've been doing my best to get to them.

On Wednesday, I heard from my friend Frank (who runs the fantastic blog The Soft Lounge), about a trivia night that he would be hosting in a part of the city that I had not been to. It turns out that the trivia would be own on U Street at a place called Solly's U Street Tavern. I haven't participated in team trivia in a long time, and it sounded like a lot of fun, so I headed down to the bar. It turns out that the trivia nights are used as a fundraiser for various philanthropic goals. The night that I went, it was to benefit the fight against Luekemia.

Anyway, I heard about the trivia night a little late (the night before), and I tried to round up some friends and/or co-workers who would be interested in attending. Unfortunately, I had no luck with rounding up anyone, so I headed down by myself. At least I would know Frank, even though he was the MC of the event.

So, when I arrived, I filled out a team card, for a team of one - since I didn't know anyone there. (I was the "Fight or Flights"). Anyway, I was fully prepared to have to take on the trivia questions b myself, but luckily, Frank had a few other friends who showed up for the event a little later on. So, I ended up teaming up with Frank's friends. We didn't do great, but we weren't terrible, either. I think we finished in the middle of the 10 teams. All the while we enjoyed some cheap food and Yuengling lagers. There were, however, way too many football and Bill Murray questions. I'm pretty sure it was the latest I've stayed up on a Wednesday in a couple of years.

Anyway, it was a load of fun - and I've really needed to have some fun lately. I will definitely be going back, hopefully with a few more people next time. Anyway, if you are in DC on the first or third Wednesday of the month, stop by Sully's around 8pm for trivia. Frank's a great host, and you will have a great time.

Posted by Jeremy Sarnovsky at 09:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)