cover image by USGS on Unsplash
β¨ Hello β¨
It has been a hectic month. I started a client project that took over much of my time. I went to Gen Con Indy 2022, where I taught some games in the mornings and attended events in the evenings. Then I came back and tested positive for covid. Even though everyone at Gen Con needed proof of vaccination and masks were required, I still managed to get it. It was my first time getting covid this entire pandemic and I 10/10 do not recommend. It laid me out for almost 2 weeks and the only things I ingested were tea and soup. I was soup. Soup was me π₯£ π΅
ποΈ An overview of last week (August 22-28)
I took last week to get back on track and reset. Even though I am still learning React and have yet to code my portfolio website, I want to start applying for jobs. In preparation, I have added a ReadMe to my GitHub portfolio and have pinned some projects. I also added a ReadMe to the pinned projects. If anyone has ideas on what else I can add to my ReadMe, please let me know! It feels a little bare.
I have also been reading Eloquent JavaScript by Marijn Haverbeke to round out my understanding of JavaScript theory. I am really liking it! In the introduction of the book, the author writes that "a good programming language helps the programmer by allowing them to talk about the actions that the computer has to perform on a higher level." The very first programs were just sequences of ones and zeros telling the computer to store certain values at certain memory locations and instructing the computer to do simple manipulations with that data. Now, looking at JavaScript today, it is a lot closer to human language. Instead of binary code, we can use words (aka variables) to store the location of values. Even keywords like if and while feel intuitive.
π My win this week
I am feeling more normal and less fatigued. I am ready to get back into coding and engaging with folks again.
π Something interesting I am reading
πΈ: Wikipedia
I started reading Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton. There is a lot of mystery and intrigue built up by the author. Even though I have seen all of the Jurassic Park films SEVERAL times (yes, including the Jurassic World films - I know they are not great but I really love any movie where a scary beastie π¦ goes around eating people), I am still hooked and can't wait to keep reading. I can see why so many people love this book.
β My goals for the rest of this week (the week of August 29th)
- Complete lessons 8 - 12 of my React course. This is maybe ambitious, but I really want to jump back in and get things done.
- Read Chapters 3 - 5 of Eloquent JavaScript
- Apply to three jobs. I am planning on significantly increasing the number of jobs I apply to each week, but I need to start small right now.
Top comments (7)
That's pretty rad that you're reading a book on Javascript! πͺ
I think you're in a great place to start applying for jobs understanding JS fundamentals and learning JS React! Good for you for going for it! I hope to be in your place soon! π
I LOVED Jurassic Park the book! Such a great read! We're still finishing the Wise Man's Fear (I wonder if Patrick Rothfuss will ever finish??), then switching back to Goldenhand by Garth Nix to get caught up in the Old Kingdom series!
Thank you! I have found that reading theory has helped me learn other things, so I am giving it a try. I am sure you will get to the point of applying to jobs soon! You are tackling the skillcrush classes so quickly!
Jurassic Park is really so good! In the movies, Hammond is portrayed as a naΓ―ve and bumbling, but in the book it is obvious that he is just trying to cover up all of the "issues" and he will say and do whatever it takes to get what he wants. I love it. I have not read the Name of the Wind. I am a little worried to get into it, as I don't want to be waiting for Rothfuss to finish the series π
@mckennabramble I started to reread it with my girlfriend and just HOPED there would be some word about him finishing the series by the time we started nearing the end, but here we are and no word just tsunamis of rumors...!! It might just have to hang forever unfinished in our heads now, noooo!
Omg your post is SUCH an inspiration for what I've been wanting to do with my blog. Taking good notes π. I'll be following your journey!
Wishing the best of luck on your JS studies and continued dev path!
Thank you so much! I'm happy someone is getting something out of it haha. I'm excited to read your blog, as well!!
Way to start taking the plunge into applying for jobs! I imagine it takes a lot of nerve to go from being a CodeNewbie to putting yourself out there.
Hi! Thank you!! I haven't touched Django, but I have heard of it ;) I actually just listened to an older CodeNewbie Podcast episode with the authors of the Pragmatic Programmer, and it made me want to read it. Thank you for taking the time to read my post!!