Life is good! =)

Lately the weather's been terrible for surfing so I've been programming and studying.

Studying for the GRE is sometimes depressing as shit. Its simply rote memorization. I don't think its a good measure of determining intelligence; I think it emphasizes a little too much on a person's command of the English language and how much time they can afford to invest. I haven't been to school in over 5 years, but I've gone from scoring in the 1000's to the 1300's in the practice tests simply by putting in time. However, not everyone can afford to quit their job and study for a month.

Anyways, during one of my study sessions, I started wondering about what I could do with a Masters in Public Health. I started browsing for jobs around the area and found a position at Rady Children's Hospital as a Business Analyst. The position would analyze databases to do statistical analysis of health issues, demographics, etc. Hmmm.. I thought to myself, I might be able to do this job (other than the "minor" issue of not knowing any medical terminology). I applied anyway.

A week and a half later (on a Monday), I was surprised to get a call from Rady Children's Hospital. We talked briefly and they asked if I could come in the next day (Tuesday) for an interview. Shit, I didn't think I was going to get an interview; I don't even own a suit (with the exception of two wetsuits). I asked if we could schedule it for Wednesday. They agree.

I buy my suit the next day and come in Wednesday morning. During the interview, I find that the methodology for homeless data analysis is strikingly similar to medical data analysis (with the exception of the terminology and with one set of data lacking addresses). The interview lasted about an hour and by the end, I felt pretty confident. I was told that they would have their decision in the next week or two. As I leave, I see the next applicant entering in a suit. I'm glad I went and got a suit!

An hour later I get a call from Rady's. They want me back for a second interview... in a few hours later that day. I agree (and I'm really relieved because I don't have to buy another nice dress shirt). This time I'm interviewed by a whole staff of 7 people. They were a great group and seemed really passionate about their jobs, which in turn sparked my enthusiasm further. I simply love working with a group that wants to make a positive difference in society.

I'm surprised yet again because right after the interview, I get the job offer. It was so surreal. I think about it for a minute and accept. It was too nice of a learning opportunity to pass up so I'm deciding not to apply for graduate school yet (though I will take that GRE test in the upcoming months). Getting an interview, a second interview, and a job offer all on the same day (in this economy and for a position that I'm really interested in) must be a sign.

So other than studying (or lack of), I've been spending my time programming. My Android Development class has been going great. The instructor is very talented, especially in balancing academic theory alongside real world applications. I feel fairly confident in searching through reference code and applying it. I've been looking through Google's resource list and the amount of information is incredible, but time consuming. I find myself losing hours or days at a time sitting in front of my computer. I forgot how meticulously demanding programming can be.

My goal is to have a good, clean, and polished app out in the Market before Christmas.

Other than that, my friend James and I have our trip to Ecuador soon. I'll be gone from November 17th to December 7th. We'll spend 10 of those days on the Galapagos Islands! I'm very excited about the trip. We're pretty much going to bring a carry on bag with a few board shorts, a few shirts, a sweater, and a couple of towels. We'll buy surfboards there and sell them once we're leaving. I would like to brush up on my Spanish and learn some Salsa dancing before then.

Last, and certainly not least, I've been seeing an incredible person that makes me light up every time I see her.

Simply put, life is good =)