First child-free weekend after starting my job, and weren't sure what to do with myself! Had a shower, having lunch at my favourite restaurant, and then going to see Dumb Money this afternoon, maybe some shopping between. Here is my lunch 🥰

Considering getting a ticket to watch my local ice hockey team play tonight. 15 years ago I had a season ticket through work, and since then I have only been once to watch an international game and that was 6+ years ago. I think I should go again...

Been thinking about taking my YouTube videos (the long form ones, not shorts or streams), and ripping the audio to turn into a podcast. I have a decent back catalogue, and there are bound to be people who prefer to listen on the go, than having a video playing. Thoughts?

I'm speaking Manchester Tech Festival in November! I'll be on the Diversity and Inclusion stage talking about shame and working through it! This will be my first time doing this talk, and I've really enjoyed putting it together 😁 Find out more and buy tickets here: buff.ly/3ZpVwpM

This test print is a little too dark so rather than bin it, I’ll give it away. To win just RT and follow and I’ll pick a random winner on Wed 27th 1pm. If you already know you’re not going to win you can just buy one from infinitebacon.com/shop Good luck all!

David McCallum, who played Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard on “NCIS,” has died. He was 90 variety.com/2023/tv/news/d…

I invest on other platforms already (Freetrade, HL, and Vanguard), however there are bound to be UK-based people I know who are intimidated at the idea of investing, and after a user friendly way to try it. This looks like it could be a good (and affordable) way to start.

Missed out on TestBash UK? Why not enter our Pro competition to be in with a chance of winning and get access to join us for ReTestBash! The competition closes tomorrow buff.ly/3EHrZhC

I was having a conversation early about personal finance earlier, primarily pensions and life insurance. I feel this is an area I haven't talked about for a while, and honestly I miss it. Money is still seen as taboo, forward planning is boring/for when older. And it shouldn't!

Tonight I'm hosting Callum Akehurst-Ryan for a Ministry of Testing Masterclass webinar. It's free and live from 8pm (UK time). Tonights Masterclass is titled: Selling Testing Into Project Teams: A Guide to Convincing Teams To Test. ministryoftesting.com/events/selling…

This week's substack is about trusting your instincts, and how that can be difficult, both due to trauma, or actually, when you learn the habit of unpicking things in therapy. Check it out (including free sample): buff.ly/3LCmnJI

I'm hosting a Testing AMA with Nicola Lindgren 🇳🇿💻 on 'Talking Testing with Stakeholders'. It's at 12.30pm (UK time) and is free to attend just register on MoT. ministryoftesting.com/events/testing…

Talking about mortgages with a friend (as I'm so cool), and how before the 2008 crash, you could get 125% products! 100% mortgage, with a 25% loan, for renovations, improvements, etc. Astounding looking back to think such things were done!

Ah y'all - which awesome test folks we have in Birmingham? A friend of a friend from Japan is studying there and is wondering about friendly agile/test communities :)

How is it October already? As it is a new month, I have space for some self-care check ins, You can get a free 30min chat to check in, see how you're doing, get some clarity, and boost your self care as we head into the end of the year. buff.ly/3bIkppq

Those of you who do public speaking, do you have a ratio or typical amount of effort that goes into prep and practice, before the final thing? I think it was Angie Jones (don't want to tag her, as looks like fishing for views), that said 1 minute spoken = 1 hours effort. Agree?

Today has been Halloween decoration shopping (plus a duvet cover!). The stack of skulls and porcelain jar are for the front door from today. The bottle I want to fill with lights, and put out ON Halloween. I also bought a wreath hook, for a wreath I already have...

It feels apt to be having a therapy session later today, on #WorldMentalHealthDay. By talking about this stuff, it helps to normalise it, and make it where people can be open about their struggles and need for help, than suffer in silence.

Managers: How do you celebrate your team members for a job well done? Engineers: What is something your manager does to celebrate your work and make you feel recognized?

If I've, and I mean me, as a person, have ever had a positive impact on you, please share them with me. I need to hear them now.