MacBook Pro

I am now the proud owner of a MacBook Pro. After 2 trouble free years using our iMac, it seemed a no brainer to opt for Mac when I needed a laptop computer. As I will soon be spending 4 hours on the train each day, I now have the option of doing a bit of work, watching a DVD, or playing the odd game or two.

I was torn between buying the high end MacBook or going for the Pro. I decided to 'future proof' the purchase and eventually went for the Pro. It has a few more bells and whistles, and should last me at least 2 or 3 years. I fully realise that Steve Jobs was waiting for me to make my purchase before he announces the new model MacBook Pro, but in this day and age, most things become obsolete soon after they are bought.

The next time I blog about my new computer will probably be when I leave it on the train whilst commuting to and from work. Until then, I look forward to some computing whilst commuting.

Weathernews

Big news! I have been lucky enough to have secured a job with a Japanese company called Weathernews. Full details available if you click on the link. The company has a finger in a lot of interesting pies such as shipping, aviation, and disaster mitigation. I will be working in the shipping area and my main role will be to present voyage data to shipping businesses so that they can decide whether to enter into an arbitration process to resolve disputes.

It has been nearly 3 months since I made the initial application. Thankfully this long and drawn-out process has borne fruit and I am scheduled to begin on the 14th of July.

Despite enjoying English teaching and having a great quality of life over the last 5 years, the job has provided little long term security or opportunities for advancement. It is time to join the real world and knuckle down. Knuckling down will mean that I will have to get up at 5.30am every day and will probably not return home till 10 or 11pm each night. Four (4) hours of my day will now be spent commuting on one of the busiest rail networks in the world. Ouch!! If things go well, we will probably all move home early next year to make my life a bit easier.
My new office will be in a place called Makuhari. Makuhari is an area of reclaimed land which sits next to the Pacific. I will be based on the top floor (24th) of a building called Technogarden B. I am not really worried about the job - I'm sure that I will pick it up over time. I am really worried about my long and punishing days. I will have to manage.

I will be in the building on the left of the photo, on the top floor. The area reminds me of the London Docklands, with all the new buildings, spacious pavements, and relatively few cars. I am really excited to start and I think that talking about ships (and planes) all day should suit me down to the ground.

Until I start, I am taking advantage of my evenings and trying to make the most of them. Soon the only free time I will have will be on weekends. I am hopeful that it will be a sacrifice worth making.