Android - learning to program

Well, I bit the bullet.  I decided it was time to learn how to program in the Android space.  Plus I wanted to do it on my mac.  First thing I had to ask myself was: What the heck language did Android use? I was praying Java, as it was Google that was doing this...but  fearful it was going to be yet another different language I was going to have to learn in the process.  Mind you, I am not complaining I need this type of practice.  But still...

OK so first things first. What did I do?  I did a search using keywords "tutorial Android".  I also used "netbeans android tutorial" cause I am using the Netbeans IDE rather than Eclipse.  I like Eclipse but it I like netbeans better - probably because it was the IDE I used to learn Java in my "Learn Java in 21 Days" book.  If I sat down and worked with Eclipse for a while I'd probably figure it out.  *shrug* if I find the plug-in support netbeans isn't sufficient then sure..I'll do it.

 Results of the search: found a crap ton of stuff.  Not a big surprise..but still surprised to find that they had a plug-in for netbeans in the first place.  Interested in the link I chose?  Here you go:

http://wiki.netbeans.org/IntroAndroidDevNetBeans


This took me to everywhere I needed to get started.  It included:

• Getting the SDK installed
• Getting the plug-in setup in Netbeans 
• and probably more - but wanted to try running a basic Hello World and ran into issues.
• which I am now researching.

My first issue I ran into:  I didn't realize you have to install the SDK yourself.  I've gotten spoiled when I worked with our Dev Suite at Embarcadero - we provided the SDK's for you.  Not so much with trying Android.  I can't complain - it's free...


Next issue I ran into with my mac: If you're running a mac and you want to create a virtual device that the emulator will attach to,  or run any of the tools for that matter, I found I was getting "Command Not Found" anytime I tried something from within the Terminal window.  Turns out I was calling the commands as I would in Windows/DOS... *smack on the hand* bad girl!  You need to start thinking Linux..hmm..wonder if there is a Cabrillo Class online for learning Linux stuff. :)

Anyway, I found this link showed me what I was doing wrong.  Now I have a couple of virtual devices created that I can have the emulator link to... YAY!!! I just figured that out. 

Now: for those of you who want to get started with Android using Eclipse - you're life will probably be easier because the Android Doc's reference that plug-in as the defacto plug-in.  :)  For that see the following link:

Main Home page for Android: http://developer.android.com/index.html

SDK page: http://developer.android.com/sdk/index.html
 - you'll find the installs as the first thing for the SDK here.
 - Also in the instructions it talks about working with Eclipse and the ADT (Android Dev Tool) plug-in for it.

Dev Guide: http://developer.android.com/guide/index.html 


So now I'll go try out Hello World and report back in the next blog post. :) Ciao for now!

Cabrillo's online programs

Well, I have to post of the latest things I've been doing. I haven't posted it here.  I have been taking classes.   Amber suggested we take classes through Cabillo's Online system.  The first class I've been taking was Python. I finished it a week ago or so.  Classes are 6 weeks with 2 classes a week, and great for getting you into the area you're interested in.  No credits - but if you're like me where you don't need credits - just exposure - this is great.  Classes are $95 each and you get a certificate of completion once you take the final.

One wish: They had done the Python class in version 3.0 rather than 2.5 but I can figure out the updates.  Overall, it was a good exposure.  Amber and I have since been investigating different pages related to Python.  One of the things that I wanted to add was additional exercises that I could complete to help keep my background up.  I found this: http://www.bembry.org/technology/python/exercises/ 

Another class I am taking right now is An Introduction to Java. I have to say, I was not prepared for an introduction to Programming using Java - but that's that's what this is.  If you're willing to put up with the fact that it takes nearly 6 lessons before you write your first program, then it might be worth it.  It's got an intermediate class, but not sure if I'll take it yet.   I think because I wanted to learn Java and not how to program that I find this particular teacher rather irritating and loves to get off topic easily.  Again - if you want the extra reinforcement into programming, this class might be for you.   I find it hard to get into the class as I am just now into Lesson 5 (remember we have 12 lessons total) and we're just now writing our first program.

I am giving serious consideration to PHP/MySQL class next but I am pacing myself.  The different classes start every month - Feb 17, Mar 17, April 17 etc.  So you have a 2 week overlap of classes ie: 4 classes that overlap each other.  So we'll see if I get to it.

Anyway, had to post the latest endeavors. 

Latest Cross-Stitch pieces

Boy..I am the poster galore today.  I also realized that I had not posted the piece I worked on for Christmas for my mom.  It was a Huck Towel called "Peppers".  It was a real treat to see it come together.  I had a load of fun making it and it took probably 3 weeks total.  The first 2 weeks were working each day perhaps 2-3 hours a day.  The last week was maybe an hour a night or so mainly because I didn't quite finish it by Christmas and gave it to my Mom a couple of weeks afterward - so I wasn't as motivated to finish it until about the week before Mom was coming ;).  The Procrastinator to the fore-front. But finished it is..here is a pic:

Finally getting out of the US!

Man, I suddenly realize that a whole bunch of stuff has happened that I needed to post about.  Besides my little dancer... I forgot to mention that we finally applied for our Passports so we can see the world!  We applied about 2 weeks ago Friday.  So we've got at least another 3 weeks to go before having any chance looking for our passports in the mail...we'll see.

So the next thing is: "Where are we going!?" right?  :)  Well Marcus' sister and the family moved to Spain in November of 2009.  It was a real big surprise...but at the same time I know they are enjoying it.  We're keeping in touch over skype at this point - saves some serious money and we can still see our nephews and how fast they are growing.  So yes..that is where we are going this summer.  Spain - Barcelona specifically.  We're contemplating seeing Rome (apparently it's a 45 minute flight from Barcelona) and possibly make a trip to Paris as well.  I was thrilled just to see Spain, but apparently we can go to these other places too without too much trouble. :)

Now we do the waiting game.  But it won't be for long!!! WHEE!!

My little dancer

I can remember a time when I would dance on stage for friends and family for the recitals I learned dances for. Tap, Ballet, etc.  Now the next generation is about to take over.  Irene and I went on Friday (yesterday) and got her signed up for dance class.  It's a combo class of tap, jazz, and ballet.  There will be a recital in June. 

She's soo excited.  So Friday (yesterday), we flew down to Santa Cruz right after sign-up to get her dance gear.  Leotard, tights, ballet slippers, and tap shoes.  Just as a little extra she got a little skirt too.  She was soo adorable - but I have to say that...I am Momma. :)  I need to get photos that I took on my iPhone over to my PC.  Once I do that, I'll update this blog post and show the cute pics.

Something to write about

I just looked at the page and realized I haven't posted in at least 3 months.  Welcome 2010!  I am hoping to figure out whether I'll have a job or I'll see whether I get to retire.  I've been aching to write.  I think I am going to have to get my music on and see if I can get some pieces written - whether it's a story or poetry. 

I plan to work on the downstairs and get the things dealt with.

I plan to finish cross-stitch pieces this year (beyond the gift to my mom).

I plan to finish my first pair of socks that I started late last year.

Beyond that?  I just want an calm, consistent year.

Worlds of Wonder

Irene's been working on learning to read and she checked out a book today from the library at school by Scholastic.  They're called Wonder Books.  Talk about really cool!  She read the book to me twice tonight!  She was so excited to be the one reading.  Man..I am seriously thinking we should pick these books up but with needing to watch the budget I think we'll be telling people that's what she'd like for Christmas this year.   We'll see.

Wonder Books: Ben's Pens

Found a neat Knitting/Crochet site

A friend just went through and showed me a new site that I am thrilled with. :)  http://www.ravelry.com
Talk about a neat spot.  You can post the projects you're working on as well as other's you've done.  There is a nice newsletter with helpful stuff like dropped stitches in knitting etc.  Anyway, if you're of a mind, have a look! It's great.

Learning curve

Now that I have been laid off for about 2 months now, the learning curve has been immense.  I am not only learning Java, Python, Perl, and JUnit but I went out and bought a new MacBook Pro.  What a beauty that is. So now I am going to do all my learning on a mac to give me better background and I am going to try downloading the SDK for iPhone developement.  It's *that* that I think will give me an edge.  Looking forward to the fun.

Games, and the world in general

Well, I sit here playing Dragon's Quest IV for the Nintendo DS. I have to say I am having a blast. I found a blog here on blogspot that is great as it has nice pics / a wonderful world map.

Here is the link.

While looking at this blog, I realized: How do these people create the image captures? I realized, I had no idea - if I'd like to do something like this - as to how to do this. I did some research. By just googling, I found a link:
http://www.screencapturenews.com/2009/07/07/capturing-video-from-nintendo-ds/

This was fascinating because I found they actually make a camera! Then of course there are the Emulators - which totally makes me think - NEAT! Am tempted to try out the Emulator. Not sure what I'd do with it, but *shrug* it's something interesting.

I am currently learning Java and having a wonderful time. I have to say I really needed this type of time to learn something new. I am absorbing as a result and I feel like I have time with which to do so. For those that don't know, I was laid off at the beginning of July. The latest QA jobs out there, are looking for people with experience in Java and in JUnit. My Plan?
1) Learn Java
2) Create a couple of apps that my husband has drawn up that would help him in his game tournaments
3) Learn JUnit in the process and build a test system for the apps.
4) Use the Selenium automation tool to automate from the front end
5) Display this all on our newly designed web site as apart of my job interviews.

I have to say, I am quite excited at this prospect. Isn't it amazing what happens when we get laid-off?

As I sit here

It's Saturday and I sit here contemplating the world while Irene is watching the The Backyardigans.  I think that I need to post a pic ... so here we go. This is from our trip in Disneyland this year.  We went to the Disney Princess dinner the first night we got there.  This is one of the shots with Snow White.  Unfortunately , Irene wasn't feeling all that great, so most o the pics with the princesses look like this...but that's fine.

 

I have to say...This is fun! I am going to have to get a digital book or something setup up at Shutterfly soon. :)  

Inspired....

Well I got inspired when reading Liz's posts on her crochet work. So I thought I would post something creative here. The pic I am posting is really old considering that the scarf is now beyond 63 inches in length (am using up the rest of the ball - why waste? ) :) It's a simply K3 P3 and reverse side is P3 K3. I am really enjoying it. Hopefully you can see it. I took the pic with my iPhone so the detail really isn't there. Hmm I think it is time to get my camera back out. I promised to get the Disney pics posted soon anyway. :)

Wanting to be creative

Well, I have to say that I am fighting the urge to just leave work, and go find a good knitting pattern for socks and do my stuff. So much of what I have been needing to do lately is to do something creative - write fantasy, knit something new, work on Irene's new afghan - something. Instead, I am sitting here at work and feeling ho-hum about the world.

Easter is coming up. Family is coming in. I am having to figure out what the heck I am making for the main dinner course. I know I'll do the Cooking Light Grasshopper Pie that my family loves. I know I'll probably do green beans that I know Irene will eat. The question is: What to do for the main course? Maybe I'll ask my brother. Maybe he'd be willing to help me with it...hmm. I wish I felt confident to do a Leg of Lamb. I would *love* to do that. I have the spit stuff for the BBQ *sigh*. My parents have sort shown me. But I think I need to just do it myself. hmm...

Isn't it supposed to be freezing and wet and stuff?

So, it's January, right?  I  didn't miss winter right?  Cause I think I did somehow.  We are currently getting notifications of having 74 degree weather.  I had to dress Irene in short sleeves from her Summer clothes (thank god I keep a few shirts in her dresser). It's 4pm and it's registering at around 72 degrees!!! Oh my lord! It's JANUARY!!!! WTH???

What a great IDEA!

My friend, Emeli, found this recipe.  What a great idea!  You use cookie cutters in the shape of leaves for cutting out cheese. It really looks neat.  Take a look at the pic.

http://www.cooksrecipes.com/appetizer/autumn_wreath_recipe.html

Build a Bear is adorable!!!

A quick note, if you haven't gone to see the latest Build A Bear stuff...oh my.  :)  I think that will be one of Irene's and my outtings.  They have a Reindeer (not Rudolph) as their mascot for the Christmas season. The antlers are adorned with christmas lights...and yes...they light up.  Guess what I am going to be doing!? :D

Jeeez...last post was Sept.  I need to update everyone. Next post.

First Day of School and days after

Well first day of kindergarten was as I thought.  She did great...waved us off at Kinderamp that morning - almost forgot to give me a kiss.  I thought this was ok given that I was expecting a crying fit soon afterwards but none came.  We walked out of the class room and headed across the school grounds to make it back to the car.  Marcus asked me about 1/2 way back to the car how I was doing.  I started to cry at that point.  It's amazing how I am the one not coping. Although I think Marcus was having a bit of a time too - but would admit no such thing.

We picked her up together that afternoon and she was so tired, she could hardly keep her eyes open.  NOTE: This is the first time she hasn't had a nap during school hours. Amazing huh? The rest of the week was hard but no crying fits on her part.  Just my getting over myself and being happy that she was happy.  The first week ended with a stuffed up nose and cold ensuing due to lack of sleep.  It wasn't bad the way colds go..but still made  her nap during the weekend.

Tuesday of this week was my day of getting over myself.  I got to volunteer in Irene's classroom for an hour at my lunch time.  I got there about 5 minutes early and got to listen to the singing from the room.  I found that Irene could be heard all the way down about 5 classrooms down! It was amazing. I laughed so hard.  Once I got into the classroom, I could see that she was very well integrated and happy with the kids around her and with her teacher.  Since partcipating that day, I have been content to drop her off with little to no trouble at all.  I know now that we made a good decision. She'll be fine.

Last day of Pre-School

Well today, we took Irene to see her Kindergarten Teacher for the first time (Mr. Kurley). He is terrific and Irene likes him. We got a boat-load of documentation to go through tonight (homework for parents before school starts! YAY!) :) Anyway I took pics. I'll try to post some tonight. She was thrilled to see the pretend room, and liked the library. She also LOVED the playground. She met a few of her classmates and seemed right at home.

I am realizing though, that tomorrow is going to be rough even so. She's been a drama queen the last couple of days and I expect tomorrow to be no different.

Hold on tight!!! Here we goooooooo!!! (name that TV show).

Counting down

Well I mark today as the last full day Irene will be at Quail Hollow Montessori. She's getting so excited while my heart gets heavier and heavier. I remember the day when Marcus said, "Let's check the school out and see if it is something we want to take Irene to." I can remember coming up with excuses ranging from "we're going back to paying about as much as we paid for full time day care for an infant" to "It's too far to drive. My mileage will sky-rocket" to "I just don't think she is ready". Well we did as much as I dug my heels in and wow! What a difference! The teachers have nurtured her and grown with her since she was 2 1/2. I wish I had a pic of her when she was first there. She was so small, she couldn't reach the faucet to turn on the water in the sink. She had to get a stool. It was adorable. Now, she not only can reach that, but she is mostly capable of turning on water at most adult sinks!

I mark this time because Tuesday is Brooke Knoll's Orientation. We found out her teacher's name is: Mr. Kerley. :) He's awesome. Marcus and I met him at the Parent Orientation back in April. He's a science guy. I suspect Irene will get a serious kick out of it. He's also very gentle and his room is great! I can't wait to see what she thinks! I can't remember if that particular room had computers or not. We'll find out tomorrow.

I'll post a picture of her first day on Wednesday since that is her official day. We won't actually be taking her into her class room that day as she doesn't have class until 11:55am. But will get one of her going into her Kindercamp class that the Parks & Rec has.

Now, if I only had something to make me stop worrying - no..shipping a product is not helping me at the moment.

My little one's graduation pic

I had to share. Irene's teacher took this and put it on her grad certificate.  This is now my new desktop background....I am in love!