Technology12/3/2024
New Cursor Agents Review – Game Changing Features or Major Disappointments?
An in-depth review of Cursor's new AI agents feature and its impact on developer workflows
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Kerrie MariahRead more
The Blog
Stories from the road, code adventures, and everything in between
Technology
Technology5/14/2024
The Difference Between ChatGPT-4 and ChatGPT-4o
A detailed comparison of ChatGPT-4 and ChatGPT-4o, exploring their unique features, capabilities, and optimal use cases
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Kerrie MariahRead more
ExperimentsTechnology11/24/2023
Rolling the Dice on Diversity: Crafting Ethnically Diverse D&D Characters with Midjourney Prompts
An exploration of Midjourney's biases in generating human representations and a guide to crafting ethnically diverse D&D characters using targeted prompts.
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Kerrie MariahRead more
Technology9/11/2023
The Blurred Line Between Machine and Muse: The Emergence of AI in Writing
Exploring the evolving relationship between artificial intelligence and creative writing
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Kerrie MariahRead more
Technology11/7/2021
Review of 'On the Brink', a Programming Board Game
A review of a board game that teaches programming concepts through puzzle-solving
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Kerrie MariahRead more
Technology9/20/2021
How to Boost Developer Productivity in the Workplace
Creating the ideal workspace environment for developers - from equipment to office layout
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Kerrie MariahRead more
TechnologyFreelancing8/20/2021
Hiring a Freelance Software Engineer
Key considerations when hiring a freelance developer - from communication to timelines
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Kerrie MariahRead more
TechnologyFreelancing8/4/2021
So You Want to Be a Software Engineer
A journey from waitressing to corporate banking - my path to becoming a software engineer
K
Kerrie MariahRead more
Experiments
Experiments11/26/2024
How Effective Is Bumble Bizz for Freelancers? A 100-Person Experiment
A data-driven analysis of using Bumble Bizz for freelance networking
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Kerrie MariahRead more
ExperimentsTechnology11/24/2023
Rolling the Dice on Diversity: Crafting Ethnically Diverse D&D Characters with Midjourney Prompts
An exploration of Midjourney's biases in generating human representations and a guide to crafting ethnically diverse D&D characters using targeted prompts.
K
Kerrie MariahRead more
Experiments2/23/2022
Subconscious Gender Bias in Non-Native Mandarin Speakers
For those of you not familiar with Mandarin, the spoken sound of he and she sound identical though they are written differently. Especially in today's day and age, I was a bit shocked with how quickly I had subconsciously jumped to gendering the neutral-sounding pronoun based on contextual clues without even realising it.
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Kerrie MariahRead more
Experiments1/18/2022
Drinking the Tap Water of Hong Kong
An experiment testing the safety and quality of Hong Kong's tap water
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Kerrie MariahRead more
Experiments10/1/2021
Dangers of Lead in Hong Kong
Testing local pottery for traces of lead - a concerning discovery in Hong Kong's markets
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Kerrie MariahRead more
Experiments8/3/2021
The Acidity of Coffee
An experiment exploring how different types of milk affect coffee's acidity levels.
K
Kerrie MariahRead more
Freelancing
Freelancing11/13/2024
How to Hustle in HK as a Freelancer
A comprehensive guide to freelancing in Hong Kong, from networking events to online marketplaces and portfolio building
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Kerrie MariahRead more
Freelancing11/4/2024
Calculating My Worth
A deep dive into freelance rates, work ethic, and the transition from corporate banking to independent consulting
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Kerrie MariahRead more
Freelancing9/25/2024
How I Would Get Started as a Freelancer Today (If I Could Do It Again)
A comprehensive guide to starting a freelance career, from building momentum and networking to maintaining work-life balance
K
Kerrie MariahRead more
TravelFreelancing4/23/2024
Funding My Travels – Unique Ways to Earn Money on the Road
From voice-over work to stewardessing, discover creative ways to fund your travels while exploring the world
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Kerrie MariahRead more
Freelancing8/1/2023
9 Important Financial Lessons I Learned Going on Bailey Grady's Podcast
Key financial takeaways from a candid podcast discussion, covering budgeting, debt management, goal setting, and the importance of valuing your time after burnout and travel.
K
Kerrie MariahRead more
TechnologyFreelancing8/20/2021
Hiring a Freelance Software Engineer
Key considerations when hiring a freelance developer - from communication to timelines
K
Kerrie MariahRead more
TechnologyFreelancing8/4/2021
So You Want to Be a Software Engineer
A journey from waitressing to corporate banking - my path to becoming a software engineer
K
Kerrie MariahRead more
Travel
Travel5/16/2024
Getting My Life Back on Track
A personal update on navigating health challenges, finding a new routine, and the journey of getting life back on track after a chaotic year.
K
Kerrie MariahRead more
TravelFreelancing4/23/2024
Funding My Travels – Unique Ways to Earn Money on the Road
From voice-over work to stewardessing, discover creative ways to fund your travels while exploring the world
K
Kerrie MariahRead more
Travel10/31/2023
My Gruesome Tale of Cellulitis: A Coral Cut Horror Story (with Photos!)
A cautionary and visual tale of a coral cut gone wrong, leading to a severe cellulitis infection, and the journey to recovery. Warning: Graphic images.
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Kerrie MariahRead more
Travel9/27/2023
Confessions of an Overpacker: My 65L Behemoth and Lessons Learned
My hilarious and painful saga of lugging a giant backpack around the world, and the hard-won wisdom of minimalist travel. Don't make my mistakes!
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Kerrie MariahRead more
Travel6/8/2023
Omeida Chinese Academy: My Immersive Mandarin Week in Yangshuo
A deep dive into my intensive Mandarin learning experience at Omeida Chinese Academy in Yangshuo, China. From classes and accommodation to costs and cultural immersion.
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Kerrie MariahRead more
Travel5/24/2023
Manaslu Trek - Final Push Through Larke Pass
The final installment of the Manaslu Trek trilogy details the challenging ascent to Dharmasala, the nerve-wracking early morning start for Larke Pass, the arduous crossing of the pass itself amidst personal struggles, and the joyful descent through rhododendron forests, culminating in the return to Kathmandu.
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Kerrie MariahRead more
Travel5/18/2023
Manaslu Trek - Part Two of the Trilogy
Part Two of the Manaslu Trek trilogy covers days 6 through 8, detailing the journey from Lho to Samagon, an acclimatization day exploring a glacial lake with views of Manaslu glacier, and the trek to Samdo, a village near the Tibetan border. Experiences include navigating snowy trails, cultural observations in Tibetan villages, and preparing for the challenging Larke Pass.
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Kerrie MariahRead more
Travel5/12/2023
Manaslu Trek - Part One of the Trilogy
The first installment of a Manaslu Circuit trek journal, detailing the journey from Kathmandu, initial trekking days through rhododendron forests, encounters in remote Tibetan villages, and the challenges and beauty of the Gorkha district.
K
Kerrie MariahRead more
Travel3/26/2023
Ten Things I Wish I Had Done Differently During My Everest Base Camp Trek
A list of ten crucial lessons learned from an Everest Base Camp trek, covering gear, food, medication, and hygiene, with advice for future trekkers.
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Kerrie MariahRead more
Travel3/14/2023
Coming Home
A reflective piece on returning home, confronting societal expectations, the 'pain' of growth, and redefining personal success and happiness after a period of travel and self-discovery.
K
Kerrie MariahRead more
Travel3/7/2023
Shamanic Journey and Breathwork
A personal account of a Shamanic Journey and Breathwork session in Bali, detailing the intense physical and emotional experience, the process, and the profound, unexpected outcomes at the Pyramids of Chi.
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Kerrie MariahRead more
Travel1/5/2023
Everest Base Camp Budget
A detailed breakdown of the costs associated with a 16-day Everest Base Camp trek, including trekking company fees, flights, gear, spending money, and tips, along with personal commentary and recommendations.
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Kerrie MariahRead more
Travel12/8/2022
The Final Push to Base Camp
The culmination of an eight-day trek to Everest Base Camp. Battling altitude, extreme cold, and physical exhaustion, this is the story of the final push, the raw beauty of the Himalayas, and the profound sense of accomplishment.
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Kerrie MariahRead more
Travel11/7/2022
What is Your (Base Camp)?
A personal reflection from Day 6 of the Everest Base Camp trek, exploring the deeper meanings of the journey, confronting past trauma, and the path to self-acceptance.
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Kerrie MariahRead more
Travel11/5/2022
Everest Base Camp Trek – Itinerary and Team
Day 4 on the Everest Base Camp trail, reaching Tengboche. Amidst breathtaking Himalayan peaks, I reflect on the beauty, the challenge of altitude, and the journey with Nepal Hiking Team.
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Kerrie MariahRead more
Travel10/27/2022
An Unexpected Return: Reflections on Hong Kong and Solo Travel
A personal account of an unexpected return to Hong Kong, reflections on change, the comforts of the familiar, and the profound lessons of solo travel.
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Kerrie MariahRead more
Travel10/25/2022
Malapascua: Wishing for More Than Two Days on the Shark Island
My experience in Malapascua, Philippines. From stunning beaches and world-class diving with Thresher Shark Divers to island quirks, frugality tips, and why two days wasn't enough.
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Kerrie MariahRead more
Travel10/11/2022
Philippines Travel Cost Breakdown: 17 Days of Adventure
A detailed breakdown of my 17-day trip through the Philippines, covering Siargao, Malapascua, Coron, a Tao Expedition, El Nido, and Manila, with costs in USD.
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Kerrie MariahRead more
Travel9/27/2022
My First Surf Lesson in Siargao
Overcoming fears and learning to surf in the Philippines' surfing capital, complete with practical tips and personal insights
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Kerrie MariahRead more