i have been doing part-time server side codes in PHP/MYSQL and designs in CSS for the last 3 years.
I have written codes in c (during my study days) and am also learning python and the django webframework in my free time.
I have recently started learning OOP in Java & PHP.
The only thing i kept avoiding was coding in javascript. So far, I have used javascript only for client side form validations. Recently i discovered how to make sticky forms in PHP. This has made javascript validation kind of redundant.
But now that i am reading the book, its has been an easy read so far.. its much simpler than say learning Java. I have already thought of a simple game idea in JS but will try developing it after i am through with AJAX.
My first independent project was
www.easyblood.info - an online database of voluntary blood donors in India.
I did this voluntarily for a nonprofit organization , which was more of a learning thing.
It has some 3000 members in the last 6 months and is growing so i think it was not a bad start.
This forum contributed big way in helping me get it working and i owe it to all who helped me get started
Now i am trying my hands at a second project, which is commercial idea (working on a super secret idea

As far as programming and features are concerned, it is likely a quantum jump from my previous simple project.
For one, I am trying to stick to OOP this time. (the last one was a procedural attempt)
The business idea is new - not seen websites exactly delivering on the idea.
In essence its an attempt to bring an existing huge offline industry on the online platform.
My database structure is getting more complex with every passing day as i try to add more features and usability to make the idea better. In the process i am honing my programnming skills and am really starting to appreciate the benefits of OOP.
Oops.. that was lot of story telling.
P.S: I visited your home page and saw your 'virtual home'.. its the best thing i have seen done on java platform. Never knew all that was possible with Java.