So the Universal Yums snack box I ordered on Amazon just arrived. I've always wanted to try one, but have been reluctant to do so because food is pretty expensive these days. However, you may recall that I recently completed my AI and machine learning certification program from MIT with a perfect score. I figured this would be a good way to celebrate. It also seemed like a nice birthday present for myself as I turned 38 not long ago.
There were lots of snack boxes for sale, but I settled on Universal Yums because it had excellent reviews and a good weight-to-price ratio. I definitely can't wait to try all the snacks. Seeing them definitely made me feel like a kid on Christmas. I haven't felt this way in probably almost 30 years!
Currently playing: Angry Birds Friends
Sunday, October 29, 2023
Wednesday, October 25, 2023
got my AI certificate from MIT
I'm happy to say I've received my certificate for the Data Science and Machine Learning program from MIT. You can see it here or on my LinkedIn profile. Of note is I was the only one who completed the program with 600 out of 600 marks. Guess this makes me a valedictorian!
It's worth a mention that I also completed a capstone course in September and got the certificate for it a few days ago. I definitely learned a lot in the past three months. One thing for sure is that the knowledge I gained will be useful in my future career. On the whole, this was an incredible journey.
However, the hard work is far from over as I'm currently enrolled in three other programs. I'm about a third of the way through Berkeley's Professional Certificate in Machine Learning and Artificial program and just started Wharton's AI for Decision Making course. Because I now have a good understanding of the technical aspects of artificial intelligence, this seemed like a good time to get on the business side. I'm also starting a natural language processing course offered by CMU in November.
Even though I'm going to be very busy for a while, I'm quite confident I can handle all these classes. Here's to the new challenges!
Currently watching: Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania
It's worth a mention that I also completed a capstone course in September and got the certificate for it a few days ago. I definitely learned a lot in the past three months. One thing for sure is that the knowledge I gained will be useful in my future career. On the whole, this was an incredible journey.
However, the hard work is far from over as I'm currently enrolled in three other programs. I'm about a third of the way through Berkeley's Professional Certificate in Machine Learning and Artificial program and just started Wharton's AI for Decision Making course. Because I now have a good understanding of the technical aspects of artificial intelligence, this seemed like a good time to get on the business side. I'm also starting a natural language processing course offered by CMU in November.
Even though I'm going to be very busy for a while, I'm quite confident I can handle all these classes. Here's to the new challenges!
Currently watching: Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania
Tuesday, October 10, 2023
a quick 38th birthday post
Just a quick post to mention my 38th birthday. I didn't really do much today because I've been rather busy lately. However, my mom made me an delicious cake as she usually does. It's too bad we didn't have anyone else to share it with. I must admit I miss the feeling of celebrating birthdays with friends. Hopefully I'll at least get to see my cousin Cathy and her husband Andrew during the holidays.
On a side note, the number 38 is considered lucky in our culture because it sounds like "triple prosperity" in Chinese. I don't consider myself overly superstitious, but maybe this is a sign of good things to come. Perhaps it means I'll get a cool new job soon. :-)
In other news...
I reached 2,600 skill total and 99 Herblore in RuneScape on my alt account Ixfd64 Rs2 in recent days. Go me!
Currently listening to: Prelude and Fugue in A-flat major, BWV 862 by J. S. Bach
On a side note, the number 38 is considered lucky in our culture because it sounds like "triple prosperity" in Chinese. I don't consider myself overly superstitious, but maybe this is a sign of good things to come. Perhaps it means I'll get a cool new job soon. :-)
In other news...
I reached 2,600 skill total and 99 Herblore in RuneScape on my alt account Ixfd64 Rs2 in recent days. Go me!
Currently listening to: Prelude and Fugue in A-flat major, BWV 862 by J. S. Bach
Saturday, September 23, 2023
a whirlwind summer
So a lot happened in the past three months. It's definitely been a crazy summer. We went through ups and downs, but that's just how life goes.
As you're probably aware, things had a bad start as I was laid off from Energous in June. Given the current economic climate, the job search looks to be harder than I expected. Of course, finding a job that fits is far more important than getting on as soon as possible.
We also had to deal with a water leak that caused a lot of damage. Mom wanted to replace our dishwasher and stove as they had started to show signs of age. As a team from Costco was helping us install the new dishwasher, they discovered a huge leak from some broken pipes. We might have never found out otherwise. Heaven knows what would have happened in that case. Getting the pipes fixed cost about $2,500 alone. Replacing the damaged hardwood would have cost even more had we not decided to do it ourselves.
Some time later, my mom received news that her old classmate Lin-Yao from college had passed away in July. Details are unclear, but word from her husband is that she died from complications of diabetes. Even though she and my mom have had disagreements, this was a huge shock to us. Our thoughts are with Lin-Yao's family during this difficult time.
However, there have been some good things too. For one, the recession that was predicted to start in July hasn't happened so far. Yet this has not made the job search easier because the tech industry is still in a bad state. But hopefully it means the job search won't get any harder than it already is.
I've also been focusing more on my studies because this seemed like a good time for a career change. Dad suggested taking online classes because I've been considering an AI-related job. I'm currently enrolled in two machine learning certificate programs, one offered by MIT and the other by Berkeley. Both programs have been very helpful even though the work can be demanding at times. I'm pretty sure a certificate would look good on my resume. :-)
Our street also had its first block party in about 28 years this summer. We don't have many opportunities to attend gatherings nowadays, so that was quite awesome. It's been way too long since we've been to a good party. Let's hope there will be similar events in the future!
Oh yeah... the new Necromancy skill in RuneScape is pretty fun. Even though I've been quite busy this summer, I was able to find some free time for games. Hopefully I get 99 Necromancy so that I could use the Max Guild again.
Currently listening to: "Touch the Sky" by Julie Fowlis
As you're probably aware, things had a bad start as I was laid off from Energous in June. Given the current economic climate, the job search looks to be harder than I expected. Of course, finding a job that fits is far more important than getting on as soon as possible.
We also had to deal with a water leak that caused a lot of damage. Mom wanted to replace our dishwasher and stove as they had started to show signs of age. As a team from Costco was helping us install the new dishwasher, they discovered a huge leak from some broken pipes. We might have never found out otherwise. Heaven knows what would have happened in that case. Getting the pipes fixed cost about $2,500 alone. Replacing the damaged hardwood would have cost even more had we not decided to do it ourselves.
Some time later, my mom received news that her old classmate Lin-Yao from college had passed away in July. Details are unclear, but word from her husband is that she died from complications of diabetes. Even though she and my mom have had disagreements, this was a huge shock to us. Our thoughts are with Lin-Yao's family during this difficult time.
However, there have been some good things too. For one, the recession that was predicted to start in July hasn't happened so far. Yet this has not made the job search easier because the tech industry is still in a bad state. But hopefully it means the job search won't get any harder than it already is.
I've also been focusing more on my studies because this seemed like a good time for a career change. Dad suggested taking online classes because I've been considering an AI-related job. I'm currently enrolled in two machine learning certificate programs, one offered by MIT and the other by Berkeley. Both programs have been very helpful even though the work can be demanding at times. I'm pretty sure a certificate would look good on my resume. :-)
Our street also had its first block party in about 28 years this summer. We don't have many opportunities to attend gatherings nowadays, so that was quite awesome. It's been way too long since we've been to a good party. Let's hope there will be similar events in the future!
Oh yeah... the new Necromancy skill in RuneScape is pretty fun. Even though I've been quite busy this summer, I was able to find some free time for games. Hopefully I get 99 Necromancy so that I could use the Max Guild again.
Currently listening to: "Touch the Sky" by Julie Fowlis
Sunday, August 27, 2023
first block party since 1995
Hope everyone had an awesome weekend. I definitely had an exciting one because our street had its first block party in almost 30 years!
Something I've noticed people in our area tend to be reclusive. People don't often talk to their neighbors except to say hello, ask them to look after their mail before going on a trip, or tell them their house is on fire. Unlike in school — where everyone was eager to make friends — people in our neighborhood mostly kept to themselves. I guess we weren't the only ones who felt this way because the Foudeh family decided to host a block party so people "can get to know each other."
Far more people showed up at the party anticipated. Because this was a potluck dinner, there were all kinds of dishes. I enjoyed meeting our neighbors and their kids. It's funny that we've lived on the same street for ages, yet never had the chance for a proper introduction. Several teenagers who attended the event happened to be recent LAHS graduates, so the party also doubled as a mini high school reunion to them. Some people had such a great time that they stayed well past the designed end time.
Given that we rarely ever have to chance to really get to know our neighbors, this was quite nice for a change. I'd like to thank the Foudehs for making this event possible. Saeed — who planned the event with his wife Mariam and daughter Ava — says he wants to make this an annual thing and promises we won't have to wait another 25 years for the next one. I'm looking forward to it for sure. :-)
Currently listening to: "We Are Family" by Sister Sledge
Something I've noticed people in our area tend to be reclusive. People don't often talk to their neighbors except to say hello, ask them to look after their mail before going on a trip, or tell them their house is on fire. Unlike in school — where everyone was eager to make friends — people in our neighborhood mostly kept to themselves. I guess we weren't the only ones who felt this way because the Foudeh family decided to host a block party so people "can get to know each other."
Far more people showed up at the party anticipated. Because this was a potluck dinner, there were all kinds of dishes. I enjoyed meeting our neighbors and their kids. It's funny that we've lived on the same street for ages, yet never had the chance for a proper introduction. Several teenagers who attended the event happened to be recent LAHS graduates, so the party also doubled as a mini high school reunion to them. Some people had such a great time that they stayed well past the designed end time.
Given that we rarely ever have to chance to really get to know our neighbors, this was quite nice for a change. I'd like to thank the Foudehs for making this event possible. Saeed — who planned the event with his wife Mariam and daughter Ava — says he wants to make this an annual thing and promises we won't have to wait another 25 years for the next one. I'm looking forward to it for sure. :-)
Currently listening to: "We Are Family" by Sister Sledge
Tuesday, June 27, 2023
a bittersweet departure from Energous
Today is a little bittersweet as I was laid off from Energous. I can't say I didn't see this coming because the tech industry has been hit hard by layoffs in the past several months. However, losing a job sucks no matter the cirumstance. Even though we are a unique company and don't have many competitors, the market is the deciding factor. Innovation does not always translate to success.
Despite the unfortunate turn of events, my two years at Energous couldn't have been better. I got to work with an awesome team and learned many useful things. Another great thing about Energous was the catered lunches. Food always brings people together, and the best part is we had a different menu each time. I'm aware that a free lunch is very small in the grand scheme of things, but can't say I'm not bummed.
One thing for sure is that I'll miss my co-workers. Tomas was a really cool guy and certainly knew how to keep everyone in high spirits. I'm also going to miss Allison as we had so many common interests, and that she was someone I really enjoyed talking to. She was very supportive when she found out I was losing my job. I made sure to give her a big hug before we parted ways.
Of course, job hunting is always going to be a challenge. I suspect it's going to take longer this time due to the current state of the economy. However, I'm not planning to rush into things because finding a job that fits is far more important than getting one as soon as possible. But wish me luck — I'm going to need it for sure. *fingers crossed*
Currently listening to: "Sweet Child O' Mine" by Guns N' Roses
Despite the unfortunate turn of events, my two years at Energous couldn't have been better. I got to work with an awesome team and learned many useful things. Another great thing about Energous was the catered lunches. Food always brings people together, and the best part is we had a different menu each time. I'm aware that a free lunch is very small in the grand scheme of things, but can't say I'm not bummed.
One thing for sure is that I'll miss my co-workers. Tomas was a really cool guy and certainly knew how to keep everyone in high spirits. I'm also going to miss Allison as we had so many common interests, and that she was someone I really enjoyed talking to. She was very supportive when she found out I was losing my job. I made sure to give her a big hug before we parted ways.
Of course, job hunting is always going to be a challenge. I suspect it's going to take longer this time due to the current state of the economy. However, I'm not planning to rush into things because finding a job that fits is far more important than getting one as soon as possible. But wish me luck — I'm going to need it for sure. *fingers crossed*
Currently listening to: "Sweet Child O' Mine" by Guns N' Roses
Sunday, June 11, 2023
first time at a restaurant since COVID-19
It has been another awesome weekend as we visited a "new" state park and went out to lunch for the first time in three years!
Dad took us to Mount Diablo State Park on Saturday as it is famous for its wildflowers. Mom says we've been here before, but that was so long ago that I can't even remember. Of note is that the road leading to the park is windy and doesn't have guardrails. It was quite a scary drive.
We arrived at the park to find that the area with the wildflowers was closed this season due to storm damage. It was also quite windy and chilly outside. The three of us decided not to go hiking and left after lunch in the car. As much as I hate to say this, Mount Diablo State Park wasn't as fun as we expected.
However, the highlight of the weekend was we got to eat at a restaurant for the first time in over three years. Our family friend Linda had recently moved to a gated community called Rossmoor and had invited us and the Hsuehs to visit her. Our group met at a restaurant there called Creekside Grille. The food was delicious and wasn't too expensive. Considering that we hadn't been to a restaurant since the pandemic, this was quite a refreshing experience.
All of us then headed to Linda's new home. Linda had bought a blueberry pie from Fatapple's to share. It was so good that some of us had two slices. I mostly played RuneScape on my laptop afterwards as there was no one else my age, but that didn't make the gathering any less enjoyable. :-)
Currently listening to: "Here and Now" by Steps
Dad took us to Mount Diablo State Park on Saturday as it is famous for its wildflowers. Mom says we've been here before, but that was so long ago that I can't even remember. Of note is that the road leading to the park is windy and doesn't have guardrails. It was quite a scary drive.
We arrived at the park to find that the area with the wildflowers was closed this season due to storm damage. It was also quite windy and chilly outside. The three of us decided not to go hiking and left after lunch in the car. As much as I hate to say this, Mount Diablo State Park wasn't as fun as we expected.
However, the highlight of the weekend was we got to eat at a restaurant for the first time in over three years. Our family friend Linda had recently moved to a gated community called Rossmoor and had invited us and the Hsuehs to visit her. Our group met at a restaurant there called Creekside Grille. The food was delicious and wasn't too expensive. Considering that we hadn't been to a restaurant since the pandemic, this was quite a refreshing experience.
All of us then headed to Linda's new home. Linda had bought a blueberry pie from Fatapple's to share. It was so good that some of us had two slices. I mostly played RuneScape on my laptop afterwards as there was no one else my age, but that didn't make the gathering any less enjoyable. :-)
Currently listening to: "Here and Now" by Steps
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