The last time I was proactive with this blog was just before returning back to over the road driving. There was going back to that routine of driving, and all the work involved with Professional Driving. At the same time, I was now using a Microsoft Access Program, with the attempt to record and document my daily activities, like I did with my Microsoft Excel Workbooks. There was also the attitude of “settling” back from being an Independent Contractor to a Company Driver. And, it took the time to pass for me to consciously recall the main focus of my past achievement and the ongoing work yet to achieve.

Spreadsheets vs. Databases

Although the thought and energy involved should have been simpler, since the database was to replicate any given spreadsheet, a database takes some thinking and development all on its own. There were advantages and disadvantages for either program, and if it were not for finding the many resourceful measures of a computer in the trucking industry, I could have settled with what I had going, and kept on rolling…but then no one would know my experiences, and the reason for getting into trucking was to build programs and projects.

The differences can be compared as such; when developing a spreadsheet, it can be done “on the fly”, while making the same database takes thought in how parts of the previous data entry can be reused. I first had to build the database by replicating individual spreadsheets, but when it came to Customer Information, a database can make that one table and the trip information to be entered into a second table that could recall the already entered customer information, and advance not only from “data Entry”, but advancing some steps to drop down boxes. Then there is making reports, not only to review on computer, but also be able to print out, and arrange the appearance of the printed work.

Spreadsheets eventually run out of space, since there is indeed a limited amount of cells on any given spreadsheet, while a database can keep growing (it is in the query and reporting process, where you build parameters to how much information you wish to print or review). On the other hand, it is the design and structure of a database that has to be considered since it is not only a spreadsheet design, and it can be used to “query” certain pieces of data in the manner that the creator desires. Getting not to repeat adding in the same data, but use what is already entered is also a design, especially when the data is unchanging, such as the city and States. Other information such as company name that is typically unchanging can be entered once, and other tables would “lookup” that data, and even auto-fill other select data fields, such as the Company’s address, and contact information.

I also did not want to abandon spreadsheets either. Spreadsheets can also be used to compare, evaluate, and even create “scenarios” of projections. And, there is also techniques that can be created where you can use the spreadsheet as a work page or scratch pad, and link it to the database to make the results more permanent and reusable.

And, I still have so much more proposed areas of the Blog, such as arts and Crafts, that lay dormant. The ideas keep mounting, but as one person, who also desires to show evidence that it can be used daily, by actually applying it to work, has definitely kept me from being a dreamer or schemer. It has become a project still waiting to be mastered.

Wanting To Be More

Like a brainstorm, I so have ideas to yet become realities. If those ideas never transpire, it will be by more own limitations, and lack of “doing”. Most likely, if I could just get all areas started, someone younger may just be able to take it over, like passing on a baton in a race. Last year, I thought I’d be sharing some projects for novice and first time users to work with, and even have a Beta program initially started. But do to life’s distractions, my own speed to accomplish things, and age, I find myself also falling short of commitment from time to time, because it just feels like too much.

What keeps me going is knowing others feel that way from the first time they turn on the computer, and stare at the monitor, with no starting point or plan coming to mind. To those people, I say that I too have been there, and done that. It is why I constantly repeat the words, “no one is born with this knowledge”. For others this is a resources for information and communication, and they stop before challenging themselves to use the most out of it, such as records keeping and planning.

I have people around me who pretty much revolt against this intimidating machine, and yet, those same people can take wood and metal, and have no restrictions to creating something right from an idea…and they make it look so second nature. By the time I get to working with crafts, I need to know in my mind what it would be, and sit over my own supply so unproductive, as they do sitting in front of a computer. If I depended upon creating wood crafts or model designs with plastic, I would starve. But I still go there, stand in front of my workbench, and “tinker”.

Many would compare that word “tinker” as progress. But compared to me, they come up with something useful, and I come up with…well, I’m still tinkering…still.

I try to help others understand that this virtual  world is no different than their workshop, and yet, I can draw out a plan or design, while they do it with tangible materials. So like two same worlds, I guess I need to sign up for courses, like them, or my workshop will remain a tinker area, while their computers remain something you need time for.

Alright, this whole subject was to express my current shortcomings, and it traveled down a different path.

I need to commit to my routines, challenge myself to focus hard on not letting time slip away, and get into shape, eat right, and manage my rest. As far as tinkering… maybe when there is time. Yes, I said it, like they say it about computing. To each his own, right? Sorry, I cannot settle with that. I need to make plastic reign deer, or build a house, and they need the opportunity to put computing into their everyday life…like a form of a challenge…to strive and be little more each day.

Advancing on the Blog

The first phase was to approach computing with concepts, and now, I plan on detailing the ideas, and even include video segments to go along with it. And, it is time to start sharing ideas with simple designs and useable materials for others to “tinker” with. Maybe more “show and tell” is now in order.