13 April 2006 Update
Thu Feb 14, 08 7:08 am
*Work*
The imaging solution of an operating system that I mentioned in my last email is going well. I have been testing it in the office and discovering little issues that I can fix. It is still somewhat in a prototype stage. I am testing it on many different types of hardware both brand new and very old. On all hardware it appears to work without any problem. (The only issues I have seen have been with newer sound card drivers.) It is exciting to see how all the little things I am working on are slowly bring the Carlisle office into a more managed state.
As I move further along, I hope to better standardize the solutions and put together documentation. As part of my work this week I am beginning to put together a project plan. I had been thinking and hoping that this might not be needed, but it has become apparent that I really need one to organize my work. My brother was the person to encourage me to do this.
"What is a project plan", you may be thinking. A simple definition is that a project plan is a formal document that includes timelines, resource utilization, and project definition for the various tasks in a project. I can use the project plan to break down my overall project into smaller tasks for resource allocation, time management, etc. I want to identify all the tasks in my various projects and how long I anticipate each task to take. From the project plan I can better estimate the required time and resources to accomplish what I am working on. From this I can also discover tasks that should not be included the project.
*International Conference on Computing and Mission (9-13 June in Upland, Indiana)*
I will be back in the States in June for the above conference. I plan on flying into O'Hare from 2 June and fly out from 21 June. In conjunction with the ICCM I will also be attending OM's International IT Committee meetings at Upland, Indiana from 13 June - 17 June.This time outside the conference and meetings I plan on using to visit family and friends. Some of my OM co-workers from Carlisle will also be in the States and I hope to show them around. They have not been to America so I hope to show them Bloomington and Chicago. I am still trying to figure out what all to do with them that would be interesting.
*Misc. Items*
The office move has been delayed until probably July. We have had delays with paperwork and other agencies.
My chin is doing much better. I have a small scar about an inch long under my chin. I believe it will eventually go away.
I am enjoying my church small group Bible study. I am making many good friends at church from this. The small group is also good for the challenging subjects we are going over.
My German studies have been slow of late. I have quite busy with things at church in the evenings. I plan on next week making more time in my schedule for German. I have spoken with my flat mates and I think we will designate Tuesday's as German speaking day when at home. Since they all speak German it will not be a problem for them. This will be another incentive to work on my German so that I can communicate with my flat mates.
*Holiday*
I went on holiday to London, Edinburgh, and the Lakes with friends from the States from 26 March - 4 April. My friends (Nathaniel, Johannah, Hans and Helena Bluedorn) arrived on a Sunday in London. We say many of the sites in London, Edinburgh and had many good hikes in the Lake District (walk 1) (walk 2) over a ten day period. It was my first opportunity to see London. I had a brilliant time with my friends seeing the beauty and wonder of English history and nature.
Photos of the trip can be found in my Flickr account with the links shown above. There are just way too many to put in this update. It would just not be giving it justice. Well maybe I will include this photo of the Tower of London.
*Prayer Requests*
1. That I can be more consistent in keeping God as the highest priority over work, friends and church.
2. I will get assistance in the work I am doing here in Carlisle.
3. Wisdom on how to schedule all my tasks for my projects.
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