Long Overdue

Yes, I’ve been a bad blogger. Time has gotten away from me and I apologize. Here’s what’s been going down.

FHSU – I’ve been working on the Fort Hays State University Foundation site. All has gone pretty well. Stressful at times, but it is all downhill from here. The site is live at the time of this writing. Please check it out and let me know what you think. This is the largest redesign that I’ve done so far, and, I reckon, the most successful. Having a long leash is pretty beneficial in web development and the Foundation project gave me the chance to try some new things design-wise.

NEW - I’m working on a project that is just in the beginning stages. Besides the regular work that I do for the company, I am starting to get into some web application management and implementation. I’m pretty excited about this opportunity although a little apprehensive at what’s to come. A short stint in London may be involved. (more…)

First week in VA

So the first week of training is over. The hardest thing to learn so far is which program will be used for what. Like any new position there is a learning curve that I will have to get over. Probably one of the most frustrating things is that there is no actual ‘training class’. We basically sit in with the current agents and learn by watching. It’s different than anything I’ve experienced before. Of course I don’t know how much a class would help because of the randomness of situations. There are so many one off situations that it wouldn’t make sense to spend much time training on them. This may be the best way for this department to train so I’m rolling with it and trying to make the most of the training that I am getting.

School has been difficult to keep up with to say the least. I was used to having days off in the middle of the week and time in class to work on homework, but now the only time I have is after work. I’ve been couped up in the hotel room working on site mock-ups and javascript projects for four hours a night. I’ve got quizzes and exams and discussions due this week so I’m sure it’s going to be another busy week.

To be…

I have some good news. Two weeks ago I was denied a promotion mainly based on scheduling conflicts. A week ago I was offered a schedule that would’ve been workable although not as convenient (12am-8am). Then 3 days after that I was offered the original schedule that I was denied for (5am-2pm), so things have definitely been a little crazy. I’m happy to say that I have accepted the morning schedule and will begin training on the 25th.

I’ve talked to my instructors and it appears that they can work with me on the scheduling conflicts that I had originally thought unworkable. My FHSU job will only change by a few hours, so I will get to keep that position.

I’m getting pretty excited about the coming months. I love getting in on new projects, which is what got me into my current position. I know that this new opportunity will end up better than the last one.

Three weeks in Virginia…I’d better get started on my school work.