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Another Certificate Completed

Carl Setzer1 Comment
the word thoughts on a pin board

I’m continuing my technology learnings. Today I finished another step towards my Google IT Support Professional Certificate: The Bits and Bytes of Computer Networking. I appreciated both the review, as well as the deeper dive. Perhaps I’m weird, but I think this is rather fun.

The next course is Operating Systems and You. I love exploring command line stuff! It’s amazing how much power and control you have with such tools.

I also am slowly driving forward with my Google Project Management Professional Certificate. My original plan had me completing both by the end of the year. Well, that’s not happening. Basically, I didn’t fully grasp how much work they would take. I’m fine with this, though. However, I see value in refining my focus. I can complete more and with deeper learning if I choose one to focus on.

And that hits on my current thoughts. Which of these two should I focus on for my career path going forward. I spent the pandemic studying Computer Information Systems at Edmonds College, earning an associates degree. I enjoy my studies into the technical realms.

As I look over my career, though, I see projects. I’ve managed many of them, from events to office moves to…well, suffice it to say there’s been a variety. And I really enjoy that work. I’m still pursuing the Google Project Management certificate. Both of these are key elements in my career vision. I love technology, and I love working on projects. I see different business functions and how technology and, for that matter, project tools, add value. I think my space in all this integrates both realms.

Anyway, thanks for humoring my musings. I’m thinking pretty deeply right now on such things as I’m building out my goals and plans for 2024.

Today’s Dad Joke

Carl Setzer
male statue decor

I just stumbled upon this one, which ties with one I posted a few days ago:

I cut my finger chopping cheese, but I think that I may have grater problems.

So, with that, I hope you’re having a lovely run-up to Christmas. I won’t remind you have many (few) shopping days there are left. If you aren’t done yet, I wish you the best of luck.

Yesterday was the Longest Night

Carl Setzer5 Comments
photo of city under cloudy sky

Some random stats as I think about the apex of our night-life for my community just north of Seattle. Your mileage may vary.

  • Sunrise was at 7:55am
  • Sunset at 4:18 pm
  • Therefore we had 8.38 hours of sunlight
    • That’s 35% of the day with daylight
    • And, therefore 65% of the day was night
    • 15.62 hours of darkness!

Fortunately, slowly, slowly, the days will start lengthening. And another year begins.

I Earned A New Certificate

Carl Setzer2 Comments
rolled white paper and a certificate on a pink surface

In my efforts to keep moving forward in my career, I’m currently working on the Google Project Management Professional certificate. Today, I obtained a new certification as part of that: Project Initiation: Starting a Successful Project. I guess we could call this a sub-certificate. I guess…

Anyway, project management has always been a key part of who I am. And I see that it will be a key part of my future. From my time in the Navy to the present day, a lot of what I do is keep projects moving. Whether its typing minutes or notes, updating tracking documents (Project or Asana), or following up with stakeholders, projects have been a key part of my career to date. And I’ve been told, multiple times over the years, that this is something people value about me. In the end, I love completing things. I love getting projects across the proverbial finish-line. And I love helping people be successful.

So, I seek to keep moving forward. Everyday presents opportunities for forward motion, and I intend to take advantage of them.

Aerogel, The Coolest Of Matter

Carl Setzer
person holding laboratory flask

Ok, I have to be honest, I’ve never heard of aerogel until today. YouTube, in all its glory, recommended this video to me. And, well, I’m enthralled.

I’m sure YouTube offered me this since I’m a fan of both Neil deGrasse Tyson and Adam Savage. I feel gratitude for this video, so offer thanks to the great algorithm!

Anyway, aerogel is simply beautiful it’s appearance, and amazing in it’s properties. I really want to explore this further…in my spare time…*ahem*

Anyway, are you familiar with aerogel? With any applications?

Unexpected Dad Jokes

Carl Setzer2 Comments

One of my favorite online comics, Lunarbaboon, featured this dad joke today:

Click on the image to be taken to the post

In the comments, Derek S. left this gem of a dad joke:

I went to see my new doctor today, and I have to admit, I was a little shocked. He was from Madrid, and he had sleeve tattoos and tattoos on both hands. My surprise must have been obvious because he said “it’s okay, you’re not the first. No one expects the Spanish inked physician.”

It hints at this classic Monty Python sketch, which I’ve added below for the edification of those unfamiliar with Monty Python.

Haiku, Reply Haiku

Carl Setzer1 Comment

I read this haiku over on Charlotte Digregorio’s blog.

out of the blue
the window washer
brightens my day
by Tom Painting (USA)
Modern Haiku, Vol. 37.2, Summer 2006

This reminded me of an experience I had back in the 90s. I worked on various projects at a variety of firms. In one of them, I was at a law firm in the Columbia Center, a 73 story building in downtown Seattle. We were located on the 60th some odd floor, and one of my colleagues was startled by the window washer appearing outside her window. The ensuing shriek garnered all of our attention, and amusement…including that of the washer. 

sixtieth floor
an amused window washer
my startled colleague

Last on the Card – November 2023

Carl Setzer2 Comments

Fandango posted his response to Bushboy’s blogging prompt “Last on the Card“. The basics of the prompt: post the last photo on your phone or camera’s SD card that was shot in November.

I opted to hop on my phone and see what’s there. So, I was at an event last night, a Book/Movie Discussion for Killers of the Flower Moon. We had a table there with a few resources to learn more about the Native American experience, both in the US as well as local tribes. I took a photo of two books I did not have.

Book covers: "Living Nations, Living Words" and "How To Talk With An Indian".

These are books I hope to attain. The one on the right was written by a local author, Jay Bowen, who was at the event. I spent quite some time talking with him last night, so I have a valued connection.