This, That and the Other Thing

It seems I lack follow through when it comes to declaring my unwavering allegiance and dedication to my dear blog.  For reference, I'm not going to promise myself (or my blog) that kind of dedication, in hopes that perhaps the ease in which Blogger has made things (now installed on both my phone and tablet) and the fact that the light at the end of the college degree tunnel is finally made itself blindingly visible (is it really only 12 weeks or so? wow), will serve as enough inspiration.

From the 35th floor of the New York City Times Square Sheraton, March 9, 2013

It's been a busy couple years, and I have a growing amount of awesome to show for it.  My design portfolio website (An Axe Design) has undergone nearly the same neglect as you, my dear blog.  Though also like you, it's in the process of receiving some well deserved attention, along with gaining a sister site (Writing With an Axe) that is a tribute to the other side of my creative coin, writing.
An Axe Design just hit its two year mark last week.  In that time I've acquired a few amazing clients, and have worked with great people.  I've made progress in developing a style that is distinctly mine, while creating final products for a wide variety of businesses that each stand as a beautiful representation of their individuality.  It's been great.

For the newspaper (The Print), this upcoming term will be my last.  After starting out as an associate copy editor, rising to web editor, and then these last several months serving as co-editor-in-chief, it's been an invaluable experience that I wouldn't trade for anything - including a trip to New York City to attend the CMA spring conference.  (More on that later hopefully - I learned so much there!)

Good things are happening, and I'm finding myself inspired in all aspects of my life.  Cheers to that, I'm going to enjoy the ride.

Spring Term - Part II: The Thick of It

Web Application Designs - Spring 2011

Even with all of the time I spent on campus, it was the online classes that kicked me in the backside this term.  Business Strategies for Computer Consultants, and Web Application Development.

Business was probably the easier of the two, but required a lot of reading, research, and relying on the advisory of a third party to get the work done.  On the plus side, there were some aspects that I was ahead of the game on, such as business licensing.  Having been through the process of completing and filing a business license application (which by the way it turns out I didn't need since I am outside of city limits), as well as actually being in the process of starting my own business, came in very handy within the realm of this class.

I learned a lot of valuable information that will likely be put into play in my own business, and I am glad I took this class.  However, what I didn't like was I always felt rushed and stressed when it came to the assignments.  I turned things in the day they were due, instead of ever being able to get ahead, which is what I prefer.  I tip-toed through that class uncertain, which is strange given that I aced it and received nothing but positive feedback.

Web Application Development was a class that somewhere deep down, was determined to bring me to tears.  During the last 12 weeks, I delved further into the world of JavaScript and began my introduction to ASP, PHP, SQL, and MySQL.  Can I buy a vowel? 

With JavaScript, everything was familiar and I got through it with minimal frustration, however when ASP came along, the hair pulling began.  Once I finally got a slight understanding of ASP, PHP came along, and it's just similar enough to almost understand, yet different enough that minor differences are no where near as minor as you would think.  Access databases are straight forward enough, it's just the syntax to use it that causes steam to emit from my ears.  The combination of PHP and MySQL drove me batty, because I didn't have access to the database in the first place.  I had to figure out how to create a record before I could edit or delete it.  Ugh!

Some how, after many nights dreaming of roaming semi-colons and sinister radio buttons, I passed, with flying colors no less.  I even managed to get 100% on the debugging part of the final (blink-blink, huh?).

Books on all of these topics are residing as we speak within the safety of my Amazon shopping cart.  With a couple classes down the line being extensions of these topics, I plan on being thoroughly prepared, even if it means keeping a spare box of tissues around, just in case.

Stepping Stones

Last term flew by fast. 

I learned more than I ever thought I wanted to know about Microsoft Windows in Operating Systems II.  I was introduced to the wonderful world of Adobe Flash in Multimedia for the Web.  I explored my talents for graphic design and turning those designs into a finished product in Computer Graphics I.  And I learned how to draft an argument and use better research and citation practices in my second term of English Composition.

The final result?  Another 4.0 (four in a row now).

More news?

I applied and got the position as Associate Copy Editor for the college newspaper.  It's requiring an additional five credits on top of my 12 credit, full time course load, but the rewards could quite possibly be worth it.  The sort of attention to detail the job requires is going to be a welcome addition to my resume.  It is my understanding that I am now a part of a great big dysfunctional family.  I'm looking forward to it.

Can you believe there is more?

"An Axe Design" is officially a registered business name in the state of Oregon.  Soon to follow: a business license.  Got any freelance work?  I am open for business.

And finally:

I got my first paid freelance web design job via a friend since birth.  More details to come.