You know, I never did introduce myself...

Doesn't seem to be many doing it but I guess I could.

So my name is Melody Bliss. Very musical. Blame my husband.

I've worked in the computer industry for over 25 years and I started coding probably about 30+ years ago (I kind of lose track). I'm very much a geek. One of the best presents from my husband was a book on SPARC assembly.

I'm also an extra class amateur radio operator (KF6RMW) and muck about with electronics, robots and other nifty things. I was a member of an international group that attempted the DARPA Robotics Challenge though alas we didn't make the cut.

I'm also (unfortunately) disabled. Back in 2008 I nearly lost my life when my kidneys finally failed. Luckily I made it through though I'm now on hemodialysis three days a week. It sucks but not much I can really do. I kind of like sticking around and seeing what's new. I'm currently on the transplant list and a match will eventually crop up. But the dialysis, which depletes proteins in your body, has done a number on my strength. I now use a walker and sometimes a wheelchair.

I'm also still working. I do systems engineering for a small fruit company that doesn't sell much fruit. You can probably guess who they are. Unfortunately, due to the dialysis, I'm only working three days a week which effectively translated to a 40% paycut, but keeping busy keeps me sane.

 

err oops. I put this in the wrong place. I need more coffee.