I still remember when my father brought home our first Apple computer in all its green-screen glory back in 1980. Growing up with a father that was a teacher, it never crossed my mind to teach, I only knew I wanted to work with computers. It's strange looking back, I knew I wanted to work with computers, not building them or really programming software for them, but using them to do something. I just didn't know what I'd be doing until entering college in 1994 and getting my first email address and shortly later building my first web site.
I remember the frustration of having to understand the different image compressions for JPGs and GIFs for my first web site - why wasn't there just one perfect image compression? Looking back, I think it was because I didn't find web design easy, but I was able to find easier solutions than I was taught, was what made me excited to show these techniques to others.
Since that time, I have written four eBooks though Wynn Press on HTML/CSS and Flash. I have over a decade of teaching at the college level as well as developing over 30+ courses. I have career experience in training, curriculum development, project management, e-learning, with course focus on Flash for Web Designers, Animators, & Photographers, Flash ActionScript Code for Designers, Site Development with HTML, Digital Typography & Color, Internet Game Design & Theory, and Senior Portfolio.
Worldwide Education
Although each summer my parents dragged my little sister and I all over the United States, I had little understanding of the world. I've been lucky to travel to many places in order to learn more about their culture, language, and try new things that I couldn't back home; surfing in Brazil, 900-ft swing in New Zealand, Rock climbing in Cuba, and unusual foods in Asia.
New Zealand
Myanmar
Cambodia
Hawaii
Morocco
Barcelona
Paris
Iceland
Peru
Costa Rica
Croatia
Bosnia
Slovenia
Austria
Czech Republic
Cuba
New Zealand
China
Panama
Thailand
The Asian Tsunami
My feet were in the sand on Ton Sai Beach in Thailand in 2004 when the Asia Tsunami hit. All my family, friends, as well as most of my students, knew where I was. Upon arriving back in the States and finding it very difficult to get over the jet lag, I wrote my story in the still hours one night. I have only read this story once, five years later. Today, I can still recall the details of that day, from the sounds, smells, and fear - no need to reread this.
If you have a little time, I'll share with you my story. Of course, this is the major highlights... the rest is only told over drinks.
You can also view the photo gallery here:
Rock Climbing
The only way I can sit in front of a computer for 60+ hours a week is by stretching myself back out by rock climbing. Just like design and programming, climbing is a limitless challenge.
Climbing has presented me with a lifelong pursuit. There is always a new place to climb and I'm always pushing my body to climb harder. I never feel that I'm stuck training because the act of climbing is training. I feel lucky to enjoy climbing so much when it is also something that is also so healthy for me.
