Hating the App

Sometimes, I really hate technology. It’s kind of ironic really, considering I’m a Computer Science major. Anyways, I had typed up a post using the WordPress Android App, and while trying to post it, ended up deleting it. Kind of annoying, but that’s what I get for trying a new way of doing things. Speaking of which, this has been typed on my new Nexus 7 and it’s keyboard case. Great tech. If you own a Nexus 7, I recommend it.

The Culture Lenses that define us

The culture eyes, or lenses, I veiw life through every day are the lenses’ of my religion, a student, a programmer, a single man, and my physical disability. Each of those lenses give me a unique perspective of life that most others will never see in the same way. If I could rid myself of two of those lenses, or rather replace them with diferent lenses, they would be the lese of a student, and the lense of a single man.The other lenses, I would not want to give up for anything.

The lense that I would like to expand on is the lense of my physical disability. I have a neuro-muscular disorder called Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 3 (SMA T3). I was born with this disability, but I see it as more of a blessing than a disability. I used to be able to walk, albeit slowly. As time went on, I grew tired more quickly, and eventually, all I could do was stand. I hit that point at the end of 5th grade. And by the start of 6th grade, I could no longer stand. It was a rough time. I still have my good days and bad days, and as time goes on, I will get weaker and weaker until it kills me. However, it’s taught me a very valuable lesson. Just because my physical ability has deminished, doesn’t mean that my mind, my spirit, my energy, the very things that define who I am hasn’t changed any. Even as I get weaker, I will always be Matthew Lohmeyer. Because of that, I never struggled for an idenity while growing up. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Over Thinking

Something I do quite often is over think. Whether it’s a math problem, social problem, computer hardware problem, or code, I tend to over think it. Make it more complicated than it needs to be. Why? I’m not fully sure. Sometimes, complex seems better, and other times, I think ‘it can’t be that simple’. And I do it a lot.

The thing is though, I’m not the only person out there who over thinks things. Sure, the same topics I over think on, others don’t, but that doesn’t mean it never happens. How often do we ask ourselves, ‘it can’t be that simple’? A lot of the time, it really is that simple, but not in the way one may initially think of.

For example, a complex math problem. It may not have a “simple” or “easy” way to solve it, but instead of getting frustrated and angry over it, take the simple approach, and ask for help. It’s the same for everything. Whether it’s a homework problem, social problem, or personal problem, the simple, and less complex solution is to ask for help. You may need to swallow your pride in order to do so, but it makes life easier.

Life. Boring or Interesting?

Over the past few weeks, I’ve had some interesting experiences that has caused me to reflect on life. They aren’t extreme or amazing experiences like a near death experience or anything like that, but they were life changing in a manner of speaking.

I used to think my life was boring. I get up in the morning, go to work, come home, watch a little tv or do some homework, and then go to bed. The next day, I get up, go to school, come home, do homework, watch a little tv, and go to bed. I ride the Paratransit to work and school, and it’s anywhere from a 30 minute ride to a 2 hour ride. Not a lot of exciting things happen on a Paratransit bus, especially when you’re strapped in, everyone facing forward. I don’t do much in the sense of activities. I can’t go for a hike in the mountains, or a bike ride. And, when you’re in a wheelchair, you don’t travel well, so it’s not like I go to other countries, or even other states.

Because of this, I always thought my life was boring, especially when I have friends who travel to other countries several times a year, or even post on Facebook about the nice bike ride they went on. It always annoyed me, and had me wondering what the purpose of a journal, blog, or social network was. Why bother writing, posting, or sharing when your life was so boring?

At the end of last semester, during my Christmas break, I watched a lot of Netflix in general, but a lot of what I watched mostly was the tv show Numb3rs. It’s one of my favorite shows. While watching, I discovered that my favorite character was not Don or Charlie Epps, but Larry Flienhardt. His interesting and philosophical way of looking at life had me often thinking about life, the world, people, and myself. And then, just the other day, it hit me.

Life isn’t about the adventures, but rather it is the adventure. It’s not about where you go or don’t go, or what you do or don’t do, but how you go or do, and the attitude you have. Whether you travel the world or work in a cubicle, life is an adventure and never dull. You just have to have the right attitude.

Wheels

The first week

The first week of the semester is done, and it was a good one, for the most part. My classes this semester include C#, Discrete Structures, Trigonometry, and Intro to Humanities.

C# so far, has been good. It’s pretty similar to Java, so it’s been easy to pick up. Then again, it is only the first week. It’ll be a good experience.

Discrete Structures is my advanced algorithms class. In this class, my teacher hates Java with a passion. It’s kinda funny really. Because of such, and for the sake of improving ourselves, we are required to learn a new language. Since I’m already taking a C# class, how similar it is to Java, I chose C# as my new language. I also plan on teaching myself Ruby on the side as the semester goes along. I wanted to try Objective-C, but with it’s steep learning curve, I didn’t want to subject myself to that kind of stress right now. Doesn’t mean I can’t teach myself later.

Trig, much to my surprise, I still remember some of it from 5 years ago. It’s amazing how much one can remember. I have a great teacher who explains everything really well in my opinion. Should be a good semester.

Finally, Humanities. Don’t have much to say about this class because I haven’t been able to start it yet. Being an online class, it can have technical difficulties, and it has. I’m going to try to switch it with World Religions. Either one will fill my Humanities requirement, but World Religions sounds so much more interesting.

That’s all for now. Till next time, whenever that may be.

Have a good ‘un.

Wheels

Back to the grindstone

I have been a major slacker in the way of posting on here as of lately. Oh well, such is life. It is that time again to start back to school. Last semester went very well, and this next one looks to be an interesting one. As of right now, I have mixed feelings about it. With the classes I’m taking, I’m excited for the challenge and the learning experience, but I occasionally wonder if I’m biting off more than I can chew. I guess we shall see.

Not much else has happened. Over Christmas break, I planned to work on some of my side projects, and instead, for the most part, spent my break watching Netflix. Not productive, but I guess it’s what I needed because I feel very refreshed and ready to take on this coming semester. Had I tried to be “productive”, I would have spent my entire break being busy, and thereby defeating the purpose of the break. Next time though, I think I’ll read a book…maybe.

That’s all for now. Farewell, and I shall try to be better at posting, but if you don’t see anything for the next four months, just chalk it up to lots of complex code.

In case your curious as to what I’ll be doing, here’s some info:

Discrete Structures

And

Traveling Salesman Problem

Success! Well, kind of…

For the last couple of weeks, I have been working on a test server for work. The test server is Windows 2003 in a virtual machine, and yes, you may shudder. Anyways, it has been giving me lots of problems in trying to set this test server up. I even took my work home with me and tried setting my own up on my own machine.

After much time, annoyance, and a few threats to take the computer out to Tooele to let it have some quality time with my S&W, I was able to get the test server working at home. The only thing though, is that was at home. Not work. And, it confirmed my suspicions that it was a Firewall issue at work.

Back to the drawing board.

Oh, and on a side note, I have officially left Facebook. I don’t see much point to it anymore.

Matt

And thus the semester begins

Today was the start of Fall semester at SLCC. So far, not bad. Although I was reminded of how inconsiderate people can be. I’m taking Math 1050 (College Algebra) this semester on the 3rd floor of what is called the Technology Building. The main ramp to get me in the building puts me on the second floor, requiring me to take the elevator one floor up. Not to big of a deal, until after class got out that is. Trying to go down one floor took 20 minutes! 20! 6 elevators went by that were full of people who were too lazy to take the stairs. 6! And two of the times there was plenty of room for me to get on until others just crammed onto the elevator. Really aggravating! On a plus side though, I have a cool math teacher. He reminds me of my high school math teachers Mr. Hendricks and Mr. Strang. The inconsiderate people using the elevators is the only thing wrong with this class. Maybe I should bring a cattle prod 😉 .

My other class on campus, Computer Engineering, seems like it’ll be a lot of fun. We have a full house, and they all seem like a lot of fun people. The teacher seems pretty cool too. It should be cool. The class is based around group projects and that will be interesting and fun.

Overall this should be a fun semester. Just so long as I keep a good attitude about it. It’s all about the attitude.

On a side note, it’s been one week since leaving Facebook, and it’s been kinda nice. I do miss seeing what people are up to all the time and talking with one certain person, but I will survive for 3 more weeks.

That’s all for now. I need to start homework. Bye!

Matt

Leaving Facebook

Over the course of the summer, I have become very addicted to Facebook. It’s not an addiction that I want, especially with school starting up. So, I have taken the challenge upon myself to leave Facebook for one month. I blocked it yesterday, and already one day in, I’ve found myself wanting to go to it. I’m hoping that when school starts next week, that I’ll be too busy to actually notice that it’s not there. We shall see though. There’s a possibility that it’ll be a long month.

Matt

Well hi there!

Welcome to my blog. It’s good to have you here. I will try to post here as often as I can, but I’m not sure how often that will be since I will be working and going to school. I am studying Computer Science at Salt Lake Community College. It’s been a lot of fun to study. In general, I like to mess around on the computer. I do tech support on the side as a hobby.

I’ve got to get back to work now, but I’ll try to post some more today. Have a great day!

Matt