Mark Bartolo

Why do you think learning feels like entertainment when there's no execution? It turns into a waste of time when you learn about something but don't apply it. Feels nice to learn something, but it feels even nicer when you get outcomes from the results of your application.

@creation247 I am visiting Mexico and was able to go to the Basilica Cathedral in San Juan de Los Lagos, I walked on my knees from the entrance to the alter and prayed for my daughter and family while doing it. That was a painful and interesting experience.

My biggest win of 2024 was returning to the Catholic Church - what was yours?

@sam_starkman I have done that too. When it comes to using an extension on VS Code though, I use Phind.

@MLavarius I'll check this out. I've been using a combination of o1 and Claude 3.5

What are the best LLMs for coding?

Read here: open.substack.com/pub/markbartol…

I wrote about how being Filipino-American transformed my approach to the modern work-life equation.

If you had immigrant parents, there's a chance you still struggle with work-life balance, feel guilty about rest, and wonder if you're doing enough. Here's why:

Less criticism of small things leads to better relationships. Save the energy for what truly matters. The constant nitpicking and arguments aren't worth it in the long run.

We often give our best patience to others (work, strangers) while family and our closest ones gets our leftovers. This needs to be reversed - families and besties deserves our best selves.

Balance in Motion, by @MLavarius open.substack.com/pub/markbartol…

High achievement comes from an unexpected place: When your child questions you - that's growth, not defiance When you're stressed - your breath is your anchor When you see flaws - those are your unique strengths When you aim high - the path matters more than perfection When doubt creeps in - transform it into your drive Success isn't about lowering standards. It's about finding a better way to reach them.

Woot! I have just got my new certificate in GitOps at Scale. mycourse.app/YPWiWyJwTfEqsj…

@annvee_SSWS A professor once told me “you don’t know what you don’t know until you take the exam”. It shifted my thought about exams because I could learn what I didn’t know after them and not care about the grades. A lesson.

🎓📚 Let's talk grades. They can be a real rollercoaster, right? You work hard, the big test comes, and then you get back a grade that's supposed to sum up your efforts. But here's the thing: grades often measure how well you play the school game, not your true understanding or potential. Think about it. School sometimes feels like a game, doesn't it? You learn not just the subject but also how to please your teacher, meet their expectations, and nail those exams. It's like a strategy game, with the ultimate goal of scoring high. But does a straight-A student always understand the material better than a B student? Not necessarily. Grades depend on each teacher's criteria, and they can vary wildly. One teacher's A might be another's B. It's like trying to hit a moving target. And the stress? Oh, the pursuit of top marks can turn learning into a race where you're more focused on the finish line than the journey itself. Here's the scoop: real learning goes beyond grades. It's about grasping the subject, using it in the real world, and honing critical thinking. It's about loving knowledge, not just chasing those A's. Good grades open doors, sure, but they're not your sole measure of worth or potential. Life has no grades, no single letter to define you. Your true abilities can't be neatly summed up. So, as you navigate your learning journey, remember that grades are part of the game, not the whole story. Embrace learning, curiosity, and growth. Don't let high marks dim your love for knowledge. In the grand scheme, your scores aren't what define you. It's your passion, resilience, and the ongoing quest for knowledge, even when there's no grade in sight.

@TMetro88x Gotta get comfortable inside the storm.

There's a storm before the calm. Creatively speaking. And otherwise.

I was chosen. Was one of the replacements. But something just felt off for me and how the jury was selected. And the case was on something I had initial bias on and thought I’d be able to push that aside. In such a new situation, I found myself not able to speak up, until I gathered my thoughts. I wish I could have thought more quicker on my feet. But my mind went blank and everyone was already dismissed. The next day I stated my opinions and biases, and disqualified myself. Still figuring out ways to manufacture that kind of stress so I can better think quickly under stressful situations.

Ohhhh, nooooo... That dreaded notice... Enough time has passed that I got that in the mail again. The notice with these bold, black letters against a bright yellow box, making sure I would not miss its important message to me: Official Jury Summons *dun dun dun* I marked the date on the calendar... a date that loomed over me. Luckily, it was after my trip ...and unluckily, it was after my trip. Time ticked by, and the day has come. Instead of dread and annoyance, I chose to see this experience in another way, and I decided... how can I make it more fun for me? Let's pack my bag with hot coffee, yummy snacks, a cozy hoodie, and things to keep me entertained. Let's set aside ample time to get there without rushing. Let's sing to make my drive more enjoyable. Let's play a little game of finding the best spot in the parking lot. Let's listen to some coffee shop white noise and pretend I'm enjoying myself at my favorite cafe while I wait. Let's discover what interesting case is going on. Let's get a glimpse into other people's lives. ...and let's freaking celebrate when I get excused!! WOOHOOO!!! Another woman and I high fived as we exited the courtroom. "Oops," she declared. "Maybe we shouldn't have done that." That as in happily celebrating that we weren't chosen. That we're free from another notice for a while. That we can continue enjoying our lives without sitting in a serious, heavy courtroom for 8 days. Yes, we SHOULD DO THAT!! Remember, you always have the ability to alter how you experience your environment ...through your thoughts ...through your attitude ...and through your actions. ⬇️ YOUR TURN ⬇️ How can you choose to see (and enjoy) your day a bit differently today?

The best way to learn is like clothing, where not everyone fits into a single style or size.