#clojure

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Based on my recent experience with Kotlin, Groovy, and Scala, I assumed Clojure would interoperate well with Java classes. However, while attempting to override 3 methods, I quickly found myself attempting to use a macro (gen-class) whose documentation went way over my head. I spent hours and never got overrides working.

I get the impression Clojure takes functional programming a lot more seriously than OOP. Most of the examples I found used FP.

I did manage to write one non-trivial app, but to me the code I wrote looks almost unreadable. I missed having built-in "for" loops. I could get accustomed to operator-first syntax for arithmetic (instead of algebraic syntax), but method name before object name?? I'll never get comfortable with that.

It's a shame, because Clojure has some cool features. They're just not features I need right now.

It occurs to me that, in order for my "immersion method" of learning programming languages to work, my goal has to align with the strengths of the language I'm trying to learn.

I was so caught up this week about when to buy groceries and how much.  I do not want to be a hoarder, but I also do not know how bad this will get.  I want to ensure everyone gets their share and imagined an old person not being able to survive because I bought an extra box of something I did not need immediately.

I am taking these precautions seriously.  I went out last week two times to the track by me and it felt like I had not been out in forever.  It was such a treat!  Then, I got paranoid by all the runners who wanted to speed past in the lane RIGHT next to me as if it were not a bunch of other lanes next to me! 

I opted for the neighborhood and found I live so close to this beautiful hiking trail!  One of my roommates told me about it but I ignored him at the time.  I’m walking down streets in my neighborhood I never have and realizing it is so beautiful!  I always knew it was, but I was seeing even MORE beauty, as I ignored the stares from white folks coming out of their large expensive Victorians.  The entitlement to just stare longer than what is polite and appropriate with no apology.

I did not finish my project last week as I expected, but I am damn there finished.  I am much more focused this week.  Staying productive and ensuring that I am using my work to honor God is keeping my mind off this virus that is changing life as we know it.  I was asked for my preference of other teams I would like to join in the case that mine is not available after my internship ends.  None of the teams I selected were, but was set up to chat with a female manager of a Data Analytics & Insights team and the data engineering manager I have a relationship with.  The same one that offered me a data analysis position on his team when he doubted the bootcamp working.  It is such a blessing when being faithful proves people wrong.  I was just grateful that he was there volunteering to take me in in a time where I may need him.  I pray I get to stay on my team, heck at my company, but I am grateful that he signed up to take me on in the case that my team cannot.

My manager introduced the intern that will be starting in May.  Black kid.  I was happy that we are hiring Black engineers.  I was slightly jealous that he will have a spot on the team and I may not.  I’m human.  I checked that quickly though, added him on LinkedIn, welcomed him on the team, and answered his questions about what I liked the most about my company.  I asked him what he was excited for and wished him the best.  He ain’t in the way of my next position.  Aint no need for me to get salty.  This aint the end for me either.  I am hopeful that we will be working together.

I am staying encouraged. I can still get paid, I have a beautiful neighborhood to exercise in, I am improving my health, I do not need a standing desk, I do not need the weight system that is sold out on line, I have a beautiful room with plenty of sunlight, I have roommates that are respecting the request to stay inside, and I am grateful that I saved my money for times of famine JUST like these.  This all came from a prayerful life in Christ and I am grateful.

My dad asked me to write his resume.  I felt hurt that he was asking me to help him when he wouldn’t do what I wanted him to do to free me from the pain lingering from childhood which was to apologize for what I detailed a few weeks ago.  I did not even mention that I had to update my resume because I was looking for a job too.  I just complied.  I am not fighting it anymore.

My grandfather was admitted into the hospital for pneumonia.  This is horrible news as he is almost 80 and struggles with dialysis.  He has had bad health for a while and I got nervous. I was especially nervous that my mom was with him, but she is a very selfless person.  I pray that he is alright.  My mom got everyone on a call: her brother and sisters, her sister’s kids, my little brother, and me.  It was mainly a dialogue between my uncle and my grandfather, but it was great to hear their back and forth.  My uncle is a goofball, always has been, and was the problem child.  It reminded me of where I want to be with my sibling: talking.  I have not heard from my brother since I shot him a text a few weeks ago, “Would you have gone to New York if I was going too?”

I’ll take that as a, “No.”  Still, I wish he didn’t straight up ignore me.  I feel myself getting angry again, but he does not know.  Like my uncle, who is struggling with bad kids after being a bad kid, maybe my brother will have someone treat him the way he treats me and recognize he was wrong.  I do not wish that on him, but I feel that is the only way he will see that this is wrong.  I do not think anyone is telling him at the moment and maybe, like my roommate said, this is the best way he is handling the situation.

My acne is improving.  After a phone consultation with my esthetician, I confirmed my suspicion that I was probably breaking out because I stopped using my acne meds. I thought it was crazy that it had gotten so bad in just 2 days.  She told me that I could not stop using the benzoyl peroxide or that it would come back even more.  I do not like being told I HAVE to depend on chemicals.  I want to improve my acne without dependence.  Diet is not all.  I guess maybe after this is over my face will look more like my diet: clean.

I hope to focus on all the positives of this quarantine: 

We have learned a new way of living.

I can still collect a check.

I’m vegan now!  It’s great!

I have lost a lot and gained muscle tone.

I work out more frequently.

I get 8 hours of sleep.

I feel no pressure of hanging out with people when I would rather stay at home.

I am recognizing the beauty in my neighborhood.

I am completing my project in the best way I can because I WANT to get it done.

I am recognizing the beauty of my neighborhood and home workouts and recognizing that I PROBABLY do not need a gym membership anymore...

I am improving my relationship with my parents.

I am saving money and time by not using ride sharing.

I CAN cook my meals and be satiated by them.  I do not have to order out.

I am learning how to breathe better.

I am learning I CAN code from home on one screen and do not need three monitors and an extra keyboard.

My friends are checking in on me and me on them.

I learned how to properly wash my hands.

I know who my real friends are.

I am proving that I will not give up.

I can use natural hair products that do not break me out.