Today I completed 7 more lessons at Codecademy.  I've earned 12 badges and have completed 6 courses overall.  Some things are easier to remember than others and the hints don't always give me enough information.  So I do write a lot down as I go on paper.  I even copy and paste each lessons's code, since sometimes it loses my previous work, that I need to expand on.  That is more than a little frustrating.

It does require me to think, which I like.  And I can imagine the possibilities of what I might be able to create in the future.   For now, I'm just taking it slow, reflecting and really concentrating on learning it.  I've not set any personal goals or timelines with this project.   So we'll see how it goes...  

Coding

I need to keep practicing my skills as a part of my professional development and add new skills.  Writing code is said to be beneficial to all workers and is something I wish to know how to do.  There are several new start-up companies that teach programming, I've found.  After reviewing the initial information,I decided to start with Code Academy, since it provides several programming languages through its website, without my needing to download and install anything.  I created a username and password, then began the lessons.  I started at the top of the list and plan on going through the lessons sequentially.  The beginning lessons are on HTML and CSS.  Since I have already taken formal coursework on HTML/CSS, it is a review for me.  I can see how differently it is being taught here by people in the technology field.  So far it appears to be presented simpler, with much freedom to include individual and meaningful (to me) content.  Humor is included, as well, as ongoing feedback.  So far, I like it. I'm thinking that if I work on it 30 to 60 minutes a day, I should make respectable progress, without interfering with my job search.  

I'm not sure why more girls aren't interested in programming.  I find computers fascinating and want to know more, whether I am or am not encouraged to do so.  But then, I am intrinsically motivated and love learning, just for the sake of accumulating knowledge.  Maybe I will have a better idea after going into coding in more depth.  So far, I find it to be fairly easy, although rather tedious.  The nice thing is when your code isn't clean, you see the problems in the browser.  Its a matter, then, of finding your errors and correcting them. Instant feedback.