all good points. i've thought about a few of them myself.
i wanted to get the site up asap because there were a few job postings i wanted to apply to and i wanted the new work online. if i get them, or if i don't, i've got some time to refine some things you mentioned.
you've given me a good amount to review, thanks.
edit: i'm also going to incorporate the blog into the same design (whatever i end up with, but i haven't done it yet for the same reasons)