Weeknotes 25:03

Posted 13 hours ago

Week of January 12–18

Reengaging the job search

I reengaged the job search coming out of the holidays and the recovering from COVID-19. I was glad that I had several things set up coming into the week. I had one interview, a networking call, and a call with an agency to explore contract opportunities. That agency had given me my first freelance project after I left Campus Crusade for Christ so it was fun to reconnect with them. I had a second interview on Friday after making it successfully through the screening interview on Monday. I also applied to several other jobs.

The Joy of React

I had started working through Josh Comeau‘s The Joy of React last May. I progressed through it slowly and felt like I was doing a pretty good job of picking up the concepts and the how-tos. But then I ended up giving my attention to some other learning based on some of the job opportunities I was pursuing at the time and never got back to it. I made it through 4 of the 6 modules and completed 1 of 2 projects.

I decided to go back and start the course over this week. I worked my way through Module 1 (React Fundamentals) and about 75% of Module 2 (Working with State). I am encouraged with how much I have retained as I am reviewing the material. I know Modules 3 and 4 (React Hooks and Component API Design) are more challenging subjects

Josh is a great teacher. I appreciate that he takes the time to explain things. He doesn’t just teach you how to do it but explains the thinking behind React and helps the student to develop a React mindset. I also appreciate how he pushes students to learn through giving difficult exercises but encouraging us to not give up. He believes students learn best from being stretched and being given challenges that they may not be able to complete on their own but then walks you through the solution.

Catalyst for resource release

In an email exchange with a friend of mine this week, he shared an encouraging story. He is currently writing a book about Star Trek and faith. Several months ago, he shared that he was looking for an editor. I mentioned a mutual friend, Mike, who was also an author. I had remembered that Mike was a Star Trek fan. I thought Mike might make a good editor for my friend’s book.

Mark shared that not only did Mike agree to be his editor but Mike is also going to write the foreword for the book. And I am guessing that Mike will be able to use his platform to help promote Mark’s book when it releases later this year.

One of the things that I really enjoy doing is connecting people to other people or resources to help them be successful or to grow in their lives. My wife coined the phrase “catalyst for resource release” to describe this ability of mine. I had another opportunity this week by sending a book review to my pastor friend knowing that the book might be a resource for him to recommend in his ministry.

Saturday Sports Day

Saturday was a great day coming on the heals of a challenging week as I reengaged the job search and spent time learning React. I was excited because two of my teams were playing on Saturday.

First up was the Sunflower Showdown between my Jayhawks and K-State (I worked at K-State for several years). This is one of the great college rivalries and it never fails to disappoint. I have not had a chance to see the Jayhawks play this year so I was looking forward to being introduced to their younger players.

KU got out to a 14-0 lead before K-State finally scored. KU’s defense forced K-State to take a lot of low percentage shots early on. But K-State’s offense finally started to hum. It was a game of runs as both teams would trade being hot. But in the end, the Jayhawks prevailed. DaJuan Harris has a great game on both sides and had several block shots. I think his play sparked the team to victory.

Next up were the Chiefs. I was looking forward to watching them as they attempt a historic three-peat. They had played Houston late in the season and won 27–19. It was a much tighter game than I expected but then again, it is the Chiefs, which won most of their games this year but one score. One of my favorite things about watching the Chiefs is texting with my dad who lives in Kansas City. It has become a tradition over the last three or four years. One down, two more to go.

Mahomes magic never gets old. Near the end of the game, he got rid of a pass as he is falling forward to hit a wide open Travis Kelce to seal the victory.

It was a fun day of watching two of my teams both win. I also watched the end of the Lions-Commanders game and was shocked to see the Lions go down the way that they did. Hats off to Jayden Daniels.

Articles I read

Favorites of the Week

  • The Prosperity Gospel We Sometimes All Believe In (Tim Challies) – This post was both challenging and encouraging as I continue to wait on God to provide my next work opportunity. I appreciate how Tim exposed wrong thinking and attitudes through some very practical examples.
  • The Radiance of Real Holiness (Trevin Wax on The Gospel Coalition) – A great dive into righteousness and self-righteousness. Challenging article. I don’t want to be a barrier to others embracing Christ through self-righteous behavior.
  • The Anti-Social Century (Derek Thompson in The Atlantic) – This was a very interesting read and observations. He made several connections that I have not really thought about.

All the others

Books I am reading

What I watched

I love the opening animation sequence for the show. It really sets the tone.

Walking – 21.5 miles

I completed a 50K (31.1) of walking in the month of January this week.

  • Sunday – 4.19 miles in 1 hour and 15 minutes
  • Monday – 4.44 miles in 1 hour 17 minutes
  • Tuesday – 4.03 in 1 hour and 10 minutes
  • Wednesday – 4.53 miles in 1 hour and 19 minutes
  • Friday – 4.31 miles in 1 hour and 13 minutes

What I played

NBA 2K25 – I played several Play Now > NBA Today games this week. I have yet to win playing on the Semi-Pro difficulty level (one level up from beginner). I came really close this week twice. Both games went into overtime. But a failure to make free throws down the stretch killed me and I lost both of those games. I went 0-3 for the week. I played a couple of games with the Magic and one with the Nuggets. We lived in Orlando for 13 years and I like the Nuggets because Christian Braun is a Jayhawk and I enjoyed watching them win the championship a couple of years ago.

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