A treatise on mystery, learning, and shame. A joyous reflection on NPSP Day Philadelphia. And a spreadsheet tip you might not know you needed.
Do you learn from your mistakes?
What is a mistake? Let's use the etymology to learn some lessons about mistakes and spreadsheets. Plus, puns and a recommendation for learning more.
mixed messages
On one hand, data skills are impossible to learn (and we blame the individual). On the other hand, companies tell us that advanced coding skills are easy to develop, 1, 2, 3! How can these be true at the same time? Who benefits from these messages? It's classic capitalism doublespeak: make non-data people feel insignificant and intimidated, then sell us a solution to our problem. I call BULLSHIT on these dynamics and offer 8 tips for wrangling a sloppy spreadsheet that you can use right away!
how spreadsheets can make you a better mentee
There's certainly plenty of resources about how to be a mentor, how to pick a mentor, or why to seek out mentorship in the first place, but what about tips about how to be a good mentee? Here's a spreadsheet I use to keep track of mentorship commitments and make sure I show up as a good mentee!
al chet for database admins
We are in a period of reflection and atonement in the Jewish ritual calendar, so here is an Al Chet (collective confession) for the sins we, as database administrators, have committed. Add your own in the comments!
far afield
Reflecting on what database managing and farming have to do with each other. Come for the puns, stay for the data tips!
How can data promote interfaith solidarity?
On a pragmatic level, I offer 6.5 concrete ideas for interfaith solidarity in databases. On a conceptual level, I explore how databases built to promote religious tolerance can lead to behavioral change. What else is possible if we build systems that accommodate and celebrate the fabulous diversity of our communities? Thanks to colleague and mentor Andy Kirshner from IFYC for exploring these ideas with me over dumplings and bubble tea (the way to my heart!)
the spreadsheet whisperer is alright!
Life update! I moved in with my partner! Introducing... some spreadsheets I'm using to set up our kitchen, including The Spreadsheet Whisperer's kitchen supply reccos and Weekly Meal Planning. Read on for all that, and more....
P.O.C.
Technical.ly is featuring technologists of color this month (don't forget to nominate people!) I used this as an opportunity to do some research on gender and racial equity in the tech industry (spoiler alert - there's not much reputable data out there, sadface). Plus, some resources to help you learn about historic and contemporary AWESOME, accomplished Technologists of Color!
Impasta Syndrome
5 concrete ways to unravel Impostor Syndrome (praise the planning crew for the Salesforce.Org Open Source Community Sprints!), plus some cute cartoons.
