Developing Usable Experiences

Starting small and moving forward

May 10th, 2008 11:00 pm —  179 views

A friendly and generous classmate of mine1 hosted a small party this afternoon on his freshly assembled deck. It was nice talking with my classmates again. A few of them will be starting new jobs soon, even moving away. It is exciting to be part of the growing field of information architecture and human-computer interaction. Hearing of the opportunity and growing demand for usability and interactive design experts, I’m inspired. Good luck in your new positions Cathiet and Josh.

W. went with me today. She hasn’t done much school related events. Mostly because I haven’t. I was secretly pleased that she went as it gave me a chance to show her off. I’m always proud to introduce her to my friends2. She fits in better than she wants to admit.

On the domestic front: after what seems like months of searching, we finally found and installed drapes in our living room. It really gives the room a softened and homey feel. I know this is kind of dull, but we’ve been trying to figure out what to do with this giant wall of glass ever since we moved in. Finally it looks decent.

Continuing the dull and mundane news: tomorrow I’ll probably mow my lawn for the first time and de-winterize the sprinkler system. With school being out3 focus shifts to home, my career, and golf4.

All projects, plans, and interests start out as little ideas. Seems like just yesterday I got the idea to go back to school. Here I am halfway. Over five years ago we decided to buy this house. Here we are finally putting up drapes. Over eleven years ago I graduated from college and started at the company where I still work. Here I am, still there. How did all this happen? By starting small and taking little steps. Hard to see that perhaps, but it’s true. Small steps Ellie.

Image: With her permission, the “beach with shells on it” said I could take our picture. This is the daughter of the host. She was eating pizza by herself at a miniature picnic table so I joined her for a little chit-chat. She likes cartoons and is scared of Cruella de Vil. “Not a nice person,” she tells me.

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  1. Actually “former” classmate seeing how he graduated a couple weeks ago. [↩]
  2. When I remember. Sometimes I’m a doof and forget to introduce her because I’m all distracted or something [↩]
  3. I don’t take classes in the summer but try to enjoy and relax. Helps me appreciate aspects of both. [↩]
  4. Speaking of golf; I shot a 51 last week. I have lots of excuses but that’s all they are. I’ll try to break 50 again next week. [↩]

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Reminiscing of an idle mind

May 7th, 2008 10:10 pm —  125 views

In years past, Mother’s day weekend would have W. and I traveling north to the Rock1 to relax, hike in the woods, and enjoy the local optimism of pre-tourist insanity.

But not this year. In fact, not for awhile now. There were a number of years that we rented the top floor suite of a hotel overlooking the straights. We booked well in advance yet each time they treated us like strangers2. The worst part was how they raised the price each year; and by a lot. The first year we figured they weren’t sure what to charge3. The second year they had a better idea that the room was the shix and upped the price. The third year it had become the “special” room and they were demanding a ridiculous amount. That was when we decided to let someone else enjoy the splendor of the lighthouse suite on opening weekend at the island.

Not having a fresh and interesting image to inspire this post and not wanting to talk about what is really on my mind4, I began clicking through pictures from years past. Funny how images of myself just 6 years ago look so different. I’m starting to look more like a leather bag and less like a balloon. My cinnamon chin is all sugared and the wrinkles in my eyes showing the years of wind that have stung my face. I’m not complaining though, what is there to complain about? But looking at old pictures, they sure tell a story.

Image: A picture of the straights taken in 2002 during our May visit to Mackinaw Island on the weekend of Mother’s day. This was taken from a tiny covered balcony off one of two rooms in the lighthouse suite we’d rented. The view was amazing and the room freshly painted, magical. I can still hear the chugging drone of the ships passing through the straights in the middle of the night.

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  1. Also known as Mackinaw Island. [↩]
  2. Except for the guy that carried our bags to our room, Keith. He remembered us the second year and was always friendly. [↩]
  3. They had just renovated the top floor of this hotel and created a sweet suite. [↩]
  4. Work, work, work, work. [↩]

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Round and round

May 5th, 2008 11:15 pm —  131 views

I’m up late on a Monday, doing some moonlighting work. And no, this isn’t school work. Though I’m sort of missing the structure and regiment of class. And it’s only been a few weeks. I’m working on one of my summer projects.

Work is forcing me to stretch my mind these days and it feels kind of tingly. The plate spinning can be pretty exciting but it has its challenges. I’ll wrestle it to the ground eventually.

Even though this summer isn’t even this summer yet, I have this feeling like it is another summer…like so many. We have crazy plans, concerts to attend, weddings and parties. But I’m not feeling the excitement yet. It just seems like another round of the same. Maybe I’m just feeling the doldrums tonight. That’s probably all it is.

There is a tent party on Thursday, some friends coming over on Friday, a party with a classmate on Saturday. Then another week of intense development. Rinse repeat.

Image: A ferris wheel from the Trout festival a couple weeks ago. I’m not a big fan of carnivals. They seem desperate and conniving. I don’t trust’em. Bradbury didn’t help.

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“Team Callaway”

May 2nd, 2008 7:26 am —  204 views

And silly as it may sound, I have so many little muscle groups that are aching something serious today. After hitting a huge bucket of balls two days ago then golfing last night, my golfing muscles are giving me some shix.

The weather held out for us last night and we enjoyed mild temperatures with a slight breeze. There are high hopes for Team Callaway this year. We started the season with strong scores: Waltzing Bear – 40, Spike – 46. We have brand new Callaway clubs this year and have dubbed ourselves, “Team Callaway.” Not the same set of course cause that would be lame. Wouldn’t want to be all matchy-matchy or we’d get teased (more than usual).

It occurs to me that hearing about golf scores is probably about as interesting as hearing about which socks somebody is going to wear. However, this is a weekly occurrence during the summer and golf league is just a good time. I’ll try to keep my golf news in check.

And for those paying attention, yes; I’m behind with my watercolor goals of one per month. I hope to spend some time this weekend pushing around some pigment. I’m not going to beat myself up about it though.

Image: Showing support for my school, here I am with the Waltzing Bear making up the weaker half of Team Callaway.

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Stormy weather feeling and forecast

May 1st, 2008 7:40 am —  149 views

Summer golf league starts today but the weather is predicting clouds and rain. I’ll keep my fingers crossed. I’m hoping to have a good round today using my new Callaway X20 clubs that I picked up yesterday. These are professional quality golf clubs that make my entry level Wilson set look ultra lame. The new Callaway’s feel solid and heavy. I’m optimistic about breaking my 50 stroke average this year.

I remember my Ma telling me that deaths tend to happen in threes. I’m not particularly superstitious, but this particular superstition is kind of eerie. After learning that a friend was attending a funeral the same day that W. and I were mourning with a close friend over her mother’s passing, I couldn’t help but think, “that’s two.” Last night we received a call that someone close to us had lost one before it really had a chance. That’s three. A triangle of sadness.

Such is life. Death is as much a part of it as is living. For those of you suffering out there, I suffer with you. This is how it is.

Image: I took this with my Rebel Xti this past weekend. It is a reflection of a tree in a puddle of at my-law’s house. Is a reflection of a tree still a tree? If you think so, applaud with one hand.

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