Blog Journeys of a Lifelong Learner

2010 was filled with numerous blessings. None of them were deserved, and all of them involved more than simply an individual. There is much for which to be thankful, and there are many for whom I am grateful. The provision of God, the involvement of family members, the instruction of mentors, and the encouragement of friends were instrumental in the results of the year.

With the passing of a year, it can be useful to summarize that elapsed time.

Here is a high-level overview of my 2010:

Academics:

• completed a BA in Computer Science through Thomas Edison State College
• completed a CLEP marathon involving obtaining 15 credits through 5 tests over the course of 5.5 weeks
• began work on an Advanced Computer Security Certificate through Stanford
• devised a plan for graduate studies in 2011

Work:

• continued LEI projects
• maintained and expanded computer consulting services
• finished my fourth season and began my fifth season with the Signature Symphony
• began working with noBox Creative as a Web Application Developer on 12/20/2010

Travel:

• Fairfax, VA / Washington, DC (January), {wedding of a friend, and visit to the US capital}
• Louisville, KY (May), {Together for the Gospel conference}
• Dallas, TX (May/June), {violin technique workshop with Valerie Gardner and friends}
• PA / VA / NJ (September/October), {visiting friends and participating in commencement exercises of Thomas Edison State College}
• Lexington, KY (November), {National Missionary Convention}
• Dallas, TX (December), {volunteer work with Pioneer Bible Translators}
• two day trips to Frisco, TX (near Dallas) for IKEA {family furniture acquisitions}

Music (A Partial List):

• Violin competition works: {Mozart Concerto No. 4: I; Saint-Saëns Introduction & Rondo Capriccioso; Bach Sonata in G Minor: Presto}
• Sibelius concerto {all}; somewhat thoroughly studied
• Paganini Caprice No. 24
• Paganini concerto {first movement}; started
• Signature Symphony: Mahler Symphony No. 1, Beethoven Symphony No. 4, etc.
• Chopin piano recital and other performances

Noteworthy Films (From a Purely Technological/Musical Perspective):

• Avatar (3D), about which I first learned in the pages of Wired magazine, and which was strong on Twitter trends
• Toy Story 3 (3D), another animated film by Pixar, a remarkable company
• Inception, having a unique story and impressive graphics, and featuring some interesting music by Hans Zimmer, also prominent on Twitter
• Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader (3D), creatively introducing new musical material while maintaining continuity with the other films in the series

Books (A Partial List):

• Linchpin
• The Little Big Things
• Rework
• Desiring God, The Pleasures of God, and Future Grace
• Knowing God
• The Christian in Complete Armour (part)
• The Valley of Vision
• The Wealth of Nations
• History of the Peloponnesian War
• Moby-Dick
• Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs
• The Checklist Manifesto
• Drive

Writing:

• switched to Evernote for primary journaling (in order to save time and to allow for expanded expression)
• recorded a food consumption log on paper (June 13 - December 31)
• explored a practice of writing in various notebooks (including three primary ones used for recording software development thoughts)