Technical New Year’s Resolutions: 2013

· 516 words · 3 minute read

I try to do this every New Year’s Eve, so I’ll give it a whirl this year.  First, a little reflection on 2012’s resolutions.

  • I did okay in 2012. I failed to actually release FloodWatch 2.0 (for iPhone and iPad), but I’ve made some great progress in the last quarter of the year, so I should be able to release it in Q1 2013.
  • I failed to blog more. Big time. I’ve just been so busy with work that I haven’t made it a priority. I’ve already got a post ready for 2013, so I’ll publish that in the coming days.  Must stay devoted to this.
  • I’ve not done much with front end technologies in 2012, sheerly because we’re on specialized back and front end teams at CrowdTwist.  While I’m bummed that I haven’t done more front end work this year, it’s nice to have been so focused on PHP and server-side code all year.
  • I did gain a lot of exposure to PHP 5.3 and PHP 5.4 changes, so that’s been great.  I’ve spent a decent amount of time on the systems administration side this year, as well as helping craft and refine our back end toolset at work, too.  I also submitted and helped resolve an APC bug this year, which the CrowdTwist team looks forward to being included in the 3.1.14 release.

I’ve built a lot of great application components in PHP this year – definitely one of my better years with many projects to reflect on.  I’m very aware of how my architecture and implementation skills have improved with time and experience.  I’m building things that I’m genuinely happy with the first time around.  CrowdTwist has been incredible, and 2013’s going to be a huge year for us.  Look out!

Here we go for 2013.  I’m keeping it simple so I can focus on these few things:

  • Blog more: I’ve failed so miserably at this in years past.  I’m going to make a concerted effort to blog more in 2013.
  • **Get back to speaking: **I spent a good few years on the conference circuit, but not so much since I became a parent in 2009.  I’m speaking at Atlanta PHP in March, so that’s a start.  I’m going to try to submit a proposal for php|tek in May 2013, since that’s thee conference to attend.
  • **Build more great software (at work, primarily): **we’re working on some incredible projects at CrowdTwist.  I want to continue to give a 110% effort all year long, helping architect and build components that I’m proud of.  Watching something you built function in the real world under high traffic is such a gratifying feeling; there’s nothing like it.
  • **Actually release FloodWatch 2.0 for iOS: **this will be doable for sure.  I’m just taking my time, paying attention to the details.  Building and maintaining my app is a great exercise in helping broaden my skills beyond PHP and open source technologies.  I’ve enjoyed every minute of it, and really look forward to refining these skills in 2013.

2013 is going to be a wild year!  Bring on the journey.