Chris Cooke

Ive found when trying to estimate several projects that I’m just not too good at estimating. I’m about halfway through “Agile Estimating and Planning” by Mike Cohn, and find it quite useful. I used to consider project management somewhat ho-hum, but now I’m actually looking forward to trying some of these techniques out. I can tell they will address some of the areas I’ve been weak in.

I particularly like story points as a measure of size, and the idea of lowering the precision of the story point estimate as the number of points goes up.

The biggest issues with relating these principles to my life right now are being essentially a one man team (though occasionally with other team members), and how to charge for iterative development when consulting.

I’m more concerned with health than appearance. If I lost even 10 pounds or so, I’m told it would help a lot.

I can handle being overweight as long as I’m in reasonable shape (can haul the bulk around without getting out of breath, no knee problems, etc.) I’m starting to slip, though, so I need to do something about it.

My wife and I joined a gym last week. I’m scheduled to have a training session on Thursday night. Then the trick is work everything into a schedule that is already packed. I’m going to shoot for making a sked for exercise and working the rest of the stuff around exercise, rather than the reverse.

So, I’m leaving August for starting up with a goal of being in a routine by September.

I’ll consider this done, because I added “mastering” as a new goal. I’ve done a few sites and worked with most features, and even done some paid work, so I suppose I’ve moved to the next tier.

I thought this was worth doing once, but I don’t see doing it again. Still, if it’s something you set your mind to, there’s value in conquering yourself to make it happen.

I have an overall artistic concept for the entire piece.
I have a first movement that is note-complete, but I’m still working on the mixing of things. I have published to the web a short song (Beyond) that will provide one of the main themes for the second movement. I’ve sketched a little dance and a second theme for a third movement. I have published to the web (Summoned!) a piece for band that I can expand into a fourth movement if I add another theme.

I’m really lousy at introducing myself to people and just getting to know a little but about them. I went to a wedding reception this weekend where I knew a handful of the 70 some attendees, and just generally wandered around. I want to get to the point where I can introduce myself to the strangers at the event, remember their name, and see if I can’t find some common bond.

Reading through other entries, I’m a bit in between “want to do this” and “done this”. I’ve made some progress at corralling all of the things I need to do, and I’m better at not taking on lots of new commitments, but I feel I can do a better job tying up loose ends.

For those who are just starting out trying to get a handle on things, you might check out Matt’s Idea BLog He has pointed me in good directions many times. (One day I’ll have to thank him.)