So, Summer of Code didn’t make it as far as I had hoped it would. What with everything else going on, Python didn’t stand much of a chance. The dream is still alive though—I fully plan to learn Python at some point in the future… That is, of course, if I don’t have to switch gears and get my Ruby on for work. But I digress. Getting Real was great and was very inspirational from a philosophical standpoint (the philosophy of web apps).

I’ve also slacked in updating this here section of the site. I cranked through two Tom Clancy books over the summer (who wants to read The Pragmatic Programmer at the beach?!), Clear and Present Danger and Cardinal of the Kremlin, both fun reads. With those out of the way, I felt it would be good training for the new job to read my recently acquired copy of Designing with Web Standards 2nd ed. (yay doorprizes!) by Jeffery Zeldman. I’m sorry, but I’m thoroughly enjoying this book. I’m about 3/4 the way through it and I’m really, really excited to jump in on a new project at Fry so I’m not stuck trying to convert a table-based legacy site into something a little more modern. I guess, however, if that’s what it takes, then that’s what has to be done.

After seeing Zeldman speak at An Event Apart, I can really hear his voice come through the book. Not only that, it’s chock full of great CSS tips, as well as plenty of browser history for the truly nerdy at heart. So, I guess if it’s about spies or CSS, I’ll probably enjoy it. How the hell did I ever land a wife?!