Welcome to Bullets #10! You can read the previous one here: bullets/9.

I’m thrilled to share first post of 2024 and at the same time – the 10th edition of Bullets with you! I’m glad this format “clicked” for me. While I considered being more active on Mastodon, it turns out that writing on my own website offers me more joy 🤷🏻‍♂️.

2024: Year of the Blog#

  • Inspired by Paweł’s post discovery, I stumbled upon the prediction that 2024 will be the Year of the Blog, and I wholeheartedly agree 2024 is the Year of the Blog.
  • Recent shifts in the digital landscape show more individuals favoring personal websites and embracing RSS. My perspective might be somewhat bubble-bound, but it’s encouraging.
  • Mastodon, despite my affection for it, presents a challenge to keep up with content flow—surprising even for someone with my free schedule.
  • Reading longer (and more thoughtful) blog posts has become my primary mode of social interaction. The best combination for me is a blog post with a Mastodon thread for discussion 🙌.

The Generalist’s Dilemma#

  • I never considered myself an expert, but I’ve managed to learn a lot of things in my life and I’m pretty good at a few of them.

EDIT: My friend – Michał pointed out to me that I can attach a “specialist” badge to many things I’m doing and that I definitely consider myself an expert. After a while, I found this quote that resonates with me: “A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.”. And it’s true for me, I might just have a different definition of “expert” than others, and that’s fine!

  • Right now I’m torn between a few different topics:
    • Programming, ever the engineer
    • Parenting, with its unexpected lessons
    • Reconnecting with friends and family
    • Crafting a business concept
    • Woodworking and DIY projects, from novice to practiced amateur
    • Cycling for unmatched joy
    • Photography, a persistent love
  • The challenge isn’t just finding time — it’s excelling in these diverse fields, as I strive to do things well.
  • I’m keen to share these thoughts; perhaps they’ll resonate with you and help me strategize a fulfilling balance.
  • My latest bet is to spend more time on the things that bring me the most joy.

How to become an optimist#

  • I don’t have an answer to this question, but I’m trying to find one.
  • For yeeeeeears I was an optimist, but in last few years I’ve become more and more pessi… realistic.
  • It hit me when I was taking a shower on the 1st of January, and I’ve heard a song “Always look on the bright side of life” by Monty Python.
  • So, I’ve decided to try to become an optimist again — suggestions are most welcome! 🙃

Other#

  • “Wheel of Time” series continues to captivate me into the third book.
  • I’m learning Fusion 360 and I’m planning to build a few things using it. I love the rendering capabilities of this software (finally something that puts stress on my Mac!), and the way it works!
  • Cycling has made a grand comeback in my life, with over 100km clocked this week!
  • DIY pondering led me to choose mitre joints and dowels for a shelving project—just awaiting warmer weather for a garage workshop return.
  • My feed is brimming with 2023 summaries, they inspire me a lot (and of course lead to opening more and more threads in my already fullfiled brain:D)
  • Thanks to Bobiko, I have a music recommendation for you: Paul Kalkbrenner in Istanbul 2023!
  • I’m bulding Aston Martin DB5 from Lego and it’s so much fun! My 7-year old son built it some time ago and it was even featured in Bullets #6, but it was only a borrowed model. Now I have my own and it’s going to be a great addition to a shelf in my office!

Warm wishes for 2024—may it be a year of discovery and contentment for us all! Do you have any themes for the year ahead? Let me know!