# 2004 Highlights


By Ben Ramsey

Published on January 3, 2005


Since I like to copy [Chris Shiflett](http://shiflett.org/) as much as possible, I decided to create my own list of [2004 highlights](http://shiflett.org/archive/88). My list is relatively short, though it's a start, and I'm quite proud of my personal achievements. I began 2004 as a no-name in PHP-dom; now, at least five people know who I am.

- Joined the [PHPCommunity.org](http://phpcommunity.org/) movement in January
- Prompted by PHPCommunity.org and other community bloggers, I [started blogging](/blog/2004/02/phpcommunityorg)
- [Co-founded Atlanta PHP](/2004/03/01/atlanta-php/)
- Published my first two articles for [*International PHP Magazine*](http://www.phpmag.net/): "[Making a GUI Mess of PHP](http://php-mag.net/itr/ausgaben/psecom,id,212,nodeid,112.html)" and "[Teaching Parrot to Say 'PHP'](http://php-mag.net/itr/ausgaben/psecom,id,241,nodeid,112.html)"
- Changed jobs
- Became a [Zend Certified Engineer](http://zend.com/store/education/certification/authenticate.php?ClientCandidateID=ZEND001299&RegistrationID=209555391)
- Joined the [PHP Security Consortium](http://shiflett.org/archive/81)
- Contributed to [*PHP 5 Unleashed*](http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/067232511X/benramsey-20/002-3645033-5224838?creative=327641&camp=14573&link_code=as1)

This year was a year of firsts for me. In the next year, I plan to roll out a few more articles and attend several conferences, creating some more firsts and many more experiences for my enjoyment. Happy 2005!