Moving Once Again

So to start off this entry, I'd like to thank all of my supporters, contacts, references, former colleagues, and new colleagues for a relatively painless transition to a new job. One such former colleague, the lead programmer on my last project at Total Immersion, had enough respect to offer me a position with a team he was building at a startup. He managed through his own contacts to become technical director and I was honored to be brought on board to continue working with a talented developer. That new place is now officially called Fierce Wombat Games and although my title of Game Programmer is generic, it is purposely vague as I've already started development in various systems of our game engine. It is exciting to be in a versitile environment a startup offers and so far the entire team is filled with excellent people. The only caveat of my new position is the location, given where my current apartment is. Thus the reason for the title of this entry, and the reason for said move is the commute.

I currently drive from Oakland (near Emeryville) to San Jose and have been averaging 1hr30mins with guaranteed bumper to bumper cars for 65% of the drive. Although I am usually a patient driver, california motorists can do the most inconsiderate things and this makes the drive particularly taxing. After searching for the perfect place, Nikki and I will be moving at the end of August and saving both my sanity and my car. We are hoping for her to transfer Aerotek locations as there is an office near the San Jose Airport. With any luck we will have our afternoons back and can stop bleeding money for gas. If you wish to have our new address feel free to email me. Other than that things continue to move on, Ashley has gone back home for college after a wonderful 2 months, Jasmine & the Guinea's continue to be loved and cause mischeif, and Nikki and I continue planning our beautiful future together.

Best wishes to all of you.

Mark G.