Software development as a collaborative art
I wanted to be an archaeologist - the glory, the adventures, the treasures! In pursuit of my dream (and my senior thesis), I set to writing a paper based on a data set stored in Excel that was big enough to make Indiana Jones think twice - and decided I needed a few programming classes. As Michael Feathers says - "Then it began." I realized my true passion in life - my creativity could only be adequately expressed through the art of programming - and I've given that art my all ever since. I believe in developing software that helps - that serves those that need it. I use my anthropology background to really dig (forgive the pun) into the problem at hand - understanding not just what my clients need, but why.
I've found myself in social service by proxy jobs ever since - developing applications that fulfill grant reporting needs, working on Medicare software, providing fraud detection support to governmental agencies, helping counselors get their work done, and - in my latest adventure - serving the kids of my great home state. I always strive to be a servant to my community with my technical skills.
Aside from all of this, I have two cats, a garden that grows too many weeds, and two children that won't stay out of aforementioned garden. I knit while I'm watching the latest updates on Microsoft and open source technology, and am always trying to perfect my biscuit recipe.