Job hunt woes #1

Today, I submitted my first of what will hopefully be a few applications for a permanent job.

Preparing my application package was a time-intensive process that has taken my attention away from day-to-day activities, like some research, some course prep, some exercise, and certainly re-organizing my office. On the other hand, I did find that it made me think seriously about my teaching philosophy and research goals. I think there is some value in keeping those ideas in mind.

I just remembered a random thing that has frequently annoyed me:

Watching home improvement shows on HGTV or TLC that show a renovation project that begins with a demolition where the renovator starts by swinging a sledge hammer willy nilly really drives me crazy. First of all, demolition in this manner creates a larger mess than necessary. It is far easier to clean up large chunks than the tiny pieces of shrapnel that the sledging creates. Secondly, anything that is constructed can be de-constructed. You can salvage material for scrap or reuse and you guarantee that base structures needed for rebuilding onto are not damaged. And finally, it takes more energy to swing the heavy hammer than is necessary. You get tired easily doing the demolition the way it is shown on TV. And lastly...I've never seen a pro do demolition with a sledge.