(Almost) One Year Later

So after a long hiatus, I blog again! It’s always a mixed bag when I have such lengthy absences. While I regret not updating and keeping a log going of what I’ve been up to, it’s usually because a lot is happening, and indeed this last year has been very busy!

Work keeps progressing nicely. I’m learning a lot and getting to experiment with new ideas, which is a very welcome process. The best place to be is the one you keep learning in, and there is much, much more to do. I’ve also returned to writing with my friends (thanks Jorge and Kev!), and the creative environment is nothing short of rejuvenating and reinvigorating!

The biggest change in my life came on July 25th, when I married the woman who changed my life. I remember thinking about blogging around that time with a simple “Hey! I’m married! woo!”. However, two things worked against this. The first was that I left my computer (purposely) at home, and I hate typing with my thumbs. The second is I’d already posted on Facebook, and it made the blog oddly redundant. So here I am now, more than six months later, still battling the ocean that keeps us apart, but with a ring on my finger constantly reminding me of what victory will bring.

It’s been a great year. And it’s already looking to get better.

Can’t rain all the time.

JavaScriptin’

I’ve been developing mainly in JavaScript for the past 5 months, and thought I’d write a quick post about the experience.

I’ve very much enjoyed the change of scenery, moving away from the more static work and doing things that are dynamic and changing while at the same time not repetitive. Working in Flash had similar challenges, but ultimately I ran into a lot of templating and re-use of design and function. The work I’m doing now can be exciting and overwhelming, with the large number of tools and libraries out there. That said, it’s probably some of the most fulfilling work I’ve done.

Everything tends to come back around in one form or another. A couple years back I was trying to swear off being a dev, and now I’m back in the thick of it. Sometimes you just need to have a new angle to appreciate something you’ve got. So thank you, JavaScript. You may make me wanna cry sometimes with cross-browser compatibility, but you’ve got a lot of potential, and you reminded me that I love to build.

So Many Channels

It’s been about two weeks since I’ve gotten high speed net and cable back. If there is anything I’ve noticed, it’s that there are way too many channels. Hell, I still go with PBS on many occasions, and have a pretty steady rotation of about 6 channels plus the HBOs, and even the HBOs tend to repeat a lot of the same movies (I mainly got it though for Game of Thrones, so it’ll be worth it!).

My favorite shows right now are Gotham and The Flash, hands down. I love the combination of police procedural with superheroes. Gotham is a wonderful mix of Burton’s gothic and sometimes surreal Batman with Nolan’s grounding in reality. And I think the result is a very interesting tale of how Gotham City got to where it is. The Flash‘s themes of humanity and humility strike a chord with me, and while the effects are amazing for the small screen, it’s the relationships that really make the show, especially the family dynamic of the Wests and Barry Allen.

On that note, have a wonderful last day of January, enjoy the Superbowl tomorrow if you are watching, and happy Groundhog Day on monday!

Whistle While You Work

Happy New Year! Yeah, I’m about 2 weeks and more than a couple pounds after the fact, but still. Hope everyone is trying to start their year strong.

This year is one for better organization and time management. Usually I see this in terms of work, but I’m also trying to manage my free time and optimize my learning. I recently started an account on LibraryThing, and already I’m enjoying the process of trying to remember all the books I’ve read as I come up with a reading list for this year. I’ve already re-read The Hobbit, and currently reading The Silmarillion for the very first time. I’m a quarter of the way through, and while it may seem like Middle-Earth overload or even silly to do a prequel of a prequel, the opening chapters alone almost warrant their own entry in the cinematic universe (so long as they steer clear from introducing unnecessary nods to the other films).

I want to read at least 12 books this year, but likely more. At the urging of my awesome fiancee (who is the main contributor to my reading renaissance as a whole), I’ll be moving to Dostoyevsky works next. I also have to fit a re-reading of the A Song of Ice and Fire series in before the next book is published, but I have some time until then!

The Saga Continues

Just popping in to wish everyone a safe holiday season and for a quick update on things. I’m back on the development grind, and learning a ton in the process. At the same time, I’m finally able to take steps for the future, and that includes several art projects both written and drawn. It’s been a heck of a 2014, and with a month to go still, I hope it ends on a high note. My sincere thanks to all my family and friends who’ve built with me over the years, and continue to be inspirations to keep going. With all that’s going on both at home and in the world, it’s the continued growth and creativity and love in the face of it all that keeps me going, and I hope it continues to be a driving force.