What's in an interview?

I think there are very few things that give you an instant shot of adrenaline, but I think a job interview is one of them. There is nothing like selling yourself that gets the heart racing a bit. I know it does for me, but that may be because I have not had much experience with interviews, specifically for jobs. In fact, my last job interview may have been 6+ years ago. I mean I've had jobs during my Ph.D. but none of those required interviews. So despite my qualifications and my familiarity with the department that is about to interview me, I fully expect there to be some nerves. I also hold myself to a higher level of pressure because of my qualifications; after all I am a man of higher education and they should expect a lot from me (as much as I expect from myself). This will be different than most other interviews I've had because not only will I be expected to talk about my own past research, but I will have to show how I can add value to a different area of research. Like most things, I look forward to the challenge and wish me luck..!

Do bad things really come in bunches?

For those close to me, you will know that this has not been a great month. Not for any one thing in particular, but it has seemingly been a never-ending episode of "murphy's law" (and I do not mean the sitcom starring candice bergen). But after giving this some more thought, does this really happen or does our perspective on life change with each setback? That is, do we actively look for the bad in every situation to reinforce our run of bad 'luck'. Once a single bad event occurs (this can be something as small as finishing your business on the toilet only to realise there is no toilet paper!), I think we are already pre-programmed to look for the next sign of something bad to confirm that a 'bad day' is coming. It gives us an 'out' for the rest of the day; but not only that, it is so easy to do so. People will empathize because everyone has had a 'bad' day. Now, I am in no way down-playing bad days, as they do exist and most with more than an acceptable reason. I just suppose that in the battle of 'good-day vs. bad-day', I think we could all fight harder for the former. And I will definitely do so in my own reflection of this month.

12 May 2011 Resolution

I have just decided, literally right now, to make a resolution on this day, the 12th of May. It is to publish more blogs. So come check it out. Daily. If not for the hopes of a post, but to catch me out when I don't post. Do it. My life will be better for it.