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It's been a little while since the last update, so I present to you a recap of the things that have been going on in the past few weeks...

The New Job
On Wednesday, October 29, 2008, I started in my new position at Georgetown as the Manager of Information Systems and Technology Contracts. So far it has gone fairly well, at least as far as I can tell. As with any job, there is a certain learning curve involved, so I've had to ask quite a few questions. Once I get the basic procedures down. though, I can start working on making it my own. I already have a couple ideas that I think would help the processes out a little bit. I just want to make sure I'm comfortable with everything before I start messing with any existing processes. One thing that I am really happy about with this position is the fact that I'll get to telecommute once a week. I've been looking for a position that offered that for a while now, and finally have it. I've decided to telecommute on Mondays, but won't be starting that until around Thanksgiving - when I should be more comfortable with everything that I'm doing.

Halloween
I haven't gone out to do anything for Halloween in quite a few years. This year, since I would be going out by myself meant that I was going to attend a few parties that I'd been invited to. So, the first stop on the evening was to a party hosted by a few guys I play softball with. The picture you see here is a shot of all the guys who were at the party who played for our softball team (the Money $hot$) during the summer and fall leagues. (As a side note, after the team finished 0-18-0 in the summer league, we finished 9-8-1 in the fall league). Anyway, it was quite a good time, as with the number of people who attended, they ended up going through three kegs by midnight.

I'm the guy in the blue and yellow face paint. My shirt said "Go Ceiling" on the front, and "Ceiling is Number 1" on the back. What was I? A ceiling fan. A little humor for you there.

I ended up not making it to the second party ("by accident"). When I got back to Shirlington I got a call from a friend who lives in my building and I met his wife and him at Bungalow for another hour and a half. After shutting the bar down (and playing some pool), we went back to the club room for a little while. I ended up being up until a little after 4 AM - the latest I'd been up in a few years.

All in all, a great Halloween.

Fitness
I've been fairly dedicated to my workout routine for the past two months. This weekend marked the fact that I've been on a weight training program for an entire month. I have noticed that it has gotten easier to get my butt downstairs to work out the more I've been doing this. Based on the exercises I've been doing (as well as the cardio I do nearly every day), I can definitely see results. I've lost about 25 pounds since June, and I can see a change from the weight lifting, which is what I really wanted. They say if you can continue to do something for 60 days, it becomes habit. If I can get through November and keep this up that whole time, I should see some fairly significant changes. I've already seen about 15% increases in the weight I can lift.

Travel
In the next two months, I'll be traveling to a few places. Over Thanksgiving, I'll be returning to Michigan again. I'm actually hoping they see some snow on Thanksgiving again, because I rarely get to see any measurable amount here in DC. I'm planning on driving up, and may go to Canada as well for a day or two. In December, my mom is taking us to Disney World. She took me for my law school graduation, and she's going to be taking everyone again as Tom will be graduating from PA school next summer - but this was the best time to go, as over the summer it was likely both Tom and his girlfriend would not be able to go. I'm sure it will be quite a bit different than the last time I went to Disney, but I'm really looking forward to it. We're going December 20-24, which unfortunately means I'll be flying back in to DC on Christmas eve, and won't be spending the actual holiday with my family. I might go up for New Years and Tom's birthday, but haven't decided yet. It all depens on the financial situation.

So, that's the story for the last couple of weeks. I'll try to update again soon with some more thoughts....

Posted by Jeremy Sarnovsky at 02:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

This weekend I was back in Michigan for a short vacation. I had planned it because we get Columbus Day off in DC (though nobody in Michigan seemed to). The other reason I came back is that my brother Tom and I were going to throw a suprise party for my parents.

See, my parents have been married 35 years this month, and we wanted to do something special for them. While I wasn't able to do a lot of the planning from DC, Tom, Lindsey, Stacey and Chrissy were able to get everything together for the event. It turned out that about 25 people came to the party, which was a very good turnout. Unfortunately, we couldn't get a hold of some people, but nevertheless, it was a great time.

It's amazing to think that my parents have been together for 35 years. Really, you just don't see relationships lasting that long in the United States as much as you used to. Maybe it's because my parents are from a different time, but I think it is because they genuinely love each other. I think we can all agree that spening 35 years together is pretty impressive regardless. When we get married, I think we all expect (or at least hope), that the relationship will turn out like my parent's has, with years of enduring love. Unfortunately, all too often that does not happen.

It was good getting back to Michigan for a little while. It's hard to only be back for 2 1/2 days though - there are so many people I want to see, and I haven't been able to see a couple of the people I really wanted to. The weather was fantastic the whole time I was visiting, and it felt good to relax outside for a while. But I do have to say it is a little disheartening to see all of the houses up for sale or auction, as well as the sheer number of McCain/Palin signs in the area.

It's back to the grind soon enough - I can't wait to get back up to Michigan at Thanksgiving.

Posted by Jeremy Sarnovsky at 01:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

In hopes of helping our quests to get in shape, Martha and I have decided to start taking day hikes on the weekends when we have nothing else going on. Two weeks ago, we took a trip out to Great Falls Park, Virginia to do some hiking. We ended up taking the "River Trail" for some scrambling over rocks that tested our endurance. The rest of the time, we were hiking the main path that was pretty flat and level.

This weekend. to enjoy the unseasonable 82-degree early August weather, we decided to enjoy a longer hike that would put us in the sun for a large portion of the hike. So, we decided to head out to the Manassas National Battlefield Park. We ended up hiking about 10 miles of trails on the day, which took us approximately four hours.

Continue reading "Hiking Manassas" »

Posted by Jeremy Sarnovsky at 09:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

When I moved to Richmond for law school, it never occurred to me how difficult going back to Michigan for vacation might become. It isn't the travel or cost that make it difficult, either. Unfortunately, it comes down to trying to squeeze seeing all the people I want to see in to a week (or less in some cases).

I'm heading back to my parent's house for a week vacation between June 28 and July 6. Of course I'll be staying at my parents house, and I assume they want to see me and spend time with me (seeing as how they are my parents and all), but there is so much else to do. I think it was easier when I was in law school, and most people were still centrally located.

Continue reading "Juggling Commitments" »

Posted by Jeremy Sarnovsky at 03:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Last week I was in Michigan taking a break from things to see my family. Everytime I go back to where I grew up, I get extremely nostalgic for the old days. Realistically, were I to move back to White Lake now, things would be nowhere near the same as they once were. Most of my friends who I spent the majority of my time with no longer live in the area, and the area has changed enormously.

I took my father's truck out for a drive on Sunday, before I left to return to my now-home, DC. It occurred to me just how much it had changed around there in the 7 years I have been gone. (Wow, seven - that's a long time!) Anyway, while some things felt familiar, most looked drastically different. It was almost surreal, in a way. Even then places where I spent a large amount of time - the old house, Lakeland Arena, and Lakeland High School - have changed so much in the time I've been away, that it doesn't feel right anymore. Of course, it could just be that it really isn't home for me anymore.

I do intend to move back to my home state someday. Of course, it is easy to say that myself, but I have a wife to think about now, and potentially children in the future. Who knows what will happen in the next several years?

I think the thing that bothers me most when I go back is the feeling that I've lost touch with my roots. I grew up in a neighborhood, but it was still fairly rural. I spent my summers with nature either in Michigan, or at my parents farm in Canada. I still love nature (and dislike the crush of people that you get in the city), so being reintroduced to that environment sort of tugs at me.

Of course, I have responsibilities and friends here, too. I mean, I left for one game, and my hockey team loses 9-2. Ouch. Blame me, I guess.

Posted by Jeremy Sarnovsky at 04:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I'm in Arizona this week, attending a conference on Identity and Access Management presented by CAMP - the Campus Architectural Middleware Project. Here are some random things that have been said or some of my random thoughts from the sessions:

"Bar codes on students are really handy."

A question was asked about what the rationale for giving applicants to a University an identity at the University, before they are accepted. It was suggested this was for a sense of community, and another person spoke up and said "branding." The reply was, "We don't brand students anymore. We stopped doing that 20 years ago." There were also several "yee-haws" yelled.

Continue reading "Blogging from CAMP" »

Posted by Jeremy Sarnovsky at 12:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I've been away from my home state of Michigan for some time now (it was six years in August!), and during that time I've realized that I miss something a lot since I've been there. No, I'm talking about family or friends (although if forced to admit it, I would).

I'm taking about Michigan-made products, or products sold there but not in VA or DC.

Continue reading "What's good for the goose is good for the Michigander" »

Posted by Jeremy Sarnovsky at 01:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Many of you know that Martha and I went to Antigua on our honeymoon. We stayed at a Sandals resort while we were there... Well, it was not what we expected at all, and I've tried to get some sort of response from Sandals, but to no avail. So, my recommendation to everyone from now on will be: don't go to Sandals.

Take a look at the letter I wrote to their guest liason...

Continue reading "My Letter to Sandals" »

Posted by Jeremy Sarnovsky at 09:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

So far, 2007 is off to a very good start (despite the fact that I have yet to see snow in any considerable amount).

For those of you who do not know, I have accepted a position with a firm in Richmond, Virginia. The name of the firm is Dozier Internet Law, and they can be found here: http://www.cybertriallawyer.com. This is a great opportunity for me, as the firm practices only internet law – the exact type of thing I was looking for. After my interviews with them, I was certain that this is the type of law I want to practice. I’m looking forward to getting started next week.

Of course, since I will be taking a job in Richmond, I am also moving to Richmond. This isn’t a bad thing as after spending three years there during law school, I’m mostly familiar with the area. I’ve also got several friends in the area still, and while they don’t have a highest level professional sports team, I think I’ll be good (thank you NHL Center Ice Package!)

The last two weeks have been incredibly hectic for me because of this new development. Not only did I have to put in my notice at Georgetown, but I’ve had to find an apartment in Richmond, pack up my half (plus some of Martha’s) part of the apartment, and change my status with the VA State Bar to Active (from Associate). The most hectic part has been changing status – no matter how many times I’ve sent things marked urgent, they either say they never received them (my dues), or that they will take a few days to get in (MCLEs). There has to be a better way to do both of those things, but alas, it isn’t in place yet. On the other hand, I have the apartment and am mostly packed, so that is the good news.

Martha will be staying in DC. This obviously is going to be difficult for us to do, but it’s what is best for our long-term futures. This job is one of those that she and I both recognize as great opportunities. Plus, it will allow her to work on the wedding stuff. I also plan on spending the weekends up there, time permitting.

Georgetown will be a tough place to leave, given all that they have done for me, and the great people I work with. I know I never would have gone to Qatar if it weren’t for Georgetown. I can’t say enough good things about working at GU, but like I said, this opportunity was one I couldn’t pass up. I’m excited to begin a new chapter in my life, and hope this job is everything I know it can be.

Posted by Jeremy Sarnovsky at 01:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

This weekend was filled with hockey, as most of my weekends are from September through March.

On Friday night, my 0-8 Blue Jays travelled down to DC to take on the Catholic U. of America Cardinals in search of our first win. Despite CUA's boisterous crowd, we came out hard and played strong all game long, taking a 9-4 victory in a penalty-filled affair. It felt pretty damn good to get the first win, and the guys seemed to be in a good mood for the most part. On Saturday we travelled up to New Haven, CT to take on Yale. This game was special because it was 110 years (and change) since the first known hockey game in the United States - a contest between Hopkins and Yale on Feb. 1st, 1896. We've decided, with Yale, to make this game a yearly tradition. If you want to learn more about the game, go to the Hopkins Hockey website.

We came a bit flat - either bus legs, five hours sleep, or the fact that we were crammed in a storage closet and not a lockerroom, but we just did not have it. We won the third period 2-1, though.

Other than that, I found out the results of the shoulder MRI. I have rotator cuff tendonitis and degeneration of the labrum causing impingement. The good news is that there are no tears in either the rotator cuff or labrum, which is what the doctor and I were afraid of. So, my prognosis is good - I got a cortisone shot Friday and have to do physical therapy 3 times a week for 3 weeks. We'll see how that goes...

Lastly, I played in my own hockey game on Sunday night at the new Capitals Practice Facility in Ballston - Kettler Capitals Iceplex. It's a very nice facility, but there were a couple glaring problems that I hope the recognize and work out. First, the elevators (owned by the mall it is attached to) are always out of service. I stood there for 15 minutes with my equipment before trying to find the stairs, which were also incredibly hard to find. As of right now, you can't park on the 8th floor, where the rink is - or if you can, the entrance to the 8th floor is incredibly hard to find. Next, the lockerrooms did not have locks. Not a big problem except the elevators are right next to the lockerrooms, and with the mall downstairs, I'd be concerned at who has access to the arena. Also, with such a nice facility, I'm suprised that they only put ONE showerhead in each lockerroom's bathroom.... weird. Most importantly, I thought the ice sucked. It could have been a function of bad zamboni-ing, but I have played on better pond ice. It was almost as if the Zam put down water, but didn't scrape the ice. Very bumpy...

I play there again next Sunday, so we'll see how it is then.

Posted by Jeremy Sarnovsky at 03:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

My assignment in Doha, Qatar has officially come to a close. Six weeks really fleww by. I'm a little sad to have to go, because I had a lot of fun while there, and made some pretty good friends as well. Hopefully I'll get to go back some day.

Over the last couple of days in Doha, I spent some time hanging out with Maya, because she was doing things and John and Mike were out of town. On Saturday we went out to the Family Store souq so I could replace a part on my shisha that I had broken, and we grabbed a bit to eat and some shisha at a pretty good restaurant. Monday we headed out to the Hyatt Plaza, which is a smaller mall in Doha. I found some good gifts there to bring home, as well as some things for myself. I had some middle eastern fast food while I was there, and it was pretty good.

Last night at 11:30pm was my flight out of Doha. I got there early and got all checked in. Two super huge and heavy bags to check, my shisha in a bag and heavy backpack to carry around. After that I stopped by Duty Free and purchased a few more things, and went to the business lounge. I was amazed at just how small the Doha airport actually was...

Now I'm in the British Airways Lounge in London, awaiting my flight that leaves at 10:55 GMT - so about 2 hours from now. I had a shower, ate some free food from the Larder, and chilled out with some internet access. If this lounge was in Doha, I could probably have shisha! So, I've got an 8 hour flight ahead of me, and I know I'll be dead tired when I get in. I had trouble sleeping on the way to London, and I doubt that will change on the way to DC.

I miss Doha already, but it will be good to get back to see Martha, Sabre, and maybe even Glory.

Posted by Jeremy Sarnovsky at 03:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Well, I made it to London without any problem. My flight was just over 7 hours long, and I'm sitting here in the business lounge. I have to say, business class (or Club World as BA calls it), is the way to go. I had in-flight movies, a full dinner, unlimited drinks - and a chair that folded flat. For the first time ever I was able to sleep in a moving vehicle. I got about 4 hours of sleep, and although I woke up and couldn't feel the left side of my body, it was a minor miracle that I got any sleep.

So, I came up to the Club lounge here in Heathrow - another benefit to GU flying me business class. I took a shower, and am now enjoying using some free internet. I'm about to go grab a pop and maybe a bagel and head out. I have about two hours until my flight, but I'd like to take a look around the airport if I can. This is the first time I've ever been in the UK.

In fact, I just realized, this is the farthest I have ever been from home, period. Of course, that will all change in about 8 hours. So, until then....

Posted by Jeremy Sarnovsky at 03:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

Finally, I've got the online journal up, and I can start using it. What is the occasion? The fact that I'll be traveling to the Middle East.

When people hear that an American is heading to that area of the world, only two thoughts seem to come to mind. These are either: 1) He must be in the military, and upon finding out that I'm not - 2) He must have a death wish. I can assure you however, I most definitely do not.

I was offered the chance to travel to Doha, as my employer, Georgetown University, has begun a campus in Qatar's "Education City." If you are interested in reading more about it, I suggest taking a look at the Georgetown School of Foreign Service - Qatar website. When the opportunity arose, I was told it was for six weeks. While that is a long time to be away from my fiance Martha, my cat, and my life in DC - it was an opportunity I just could not pass up. Who has a chance to go to the Middle East? Not many people that I know of!

At this point, I am equal parts excited and apprehensive. The more I think about being away for six weeks, the more concerned I become. However, I know that in the long run, taking this opportunity and getting out of my comfort zone will be well worth it. While there, I am staying in a compound called "Samyra Gardens" - which is very nice, so I hear. I am sure I will be doing some sightseeing, and I am bringing a digital camera, and hope to post pictures on this blog for my friends back in the States to read.

My plane takes off from DC on May 2 at 7pm, and I land in Doha on May 3 at 11:00pm (local time) - with a stopover in London. It's almost 15 hours on the plane, which is a new experience for me. I am sure that everything will go accoring to plan, however.

Posted by Jeremy Sarnovsky at 11:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)