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The Blog

Stories from the road, code adventures, and everything in between

Technology

New Cursor Agents Review – Game Changing Features or Major Disappointments?
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

K
Kerrie Mariah
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The Difference Between ChatGPT-4 and ChatGPT-4o
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

K
Kerrie Mariah
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Rolling the Dice on Diversity: Crafting Ethnically Diverse D&D Characters with Midjourney Prompts
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 Mariah
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The Blurred Line Between Machine and Muse: The Emergence of AI in Writing
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

K
Kerrie Mariah
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Review of 'On the Brink', a Programming Board Game
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

K
Kerrie Mariah
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How to Boost Developer Productivity in the Workplace
Technology9/20/2021

How to Boost Developer Productivity in the Workplace

Creating the ideal workspace environment for developers - from equipment to office layout

K
Kerrie Mariah
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Hiring a Freelance Software Engineer
TechnologyFreelancing8/20/2021

Hiring a Freelance Software Engineer

Key considerations when hiring a freelance developer - from communication to timelines

K
Kerrie Mariah
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So You Want to Be a Software Engineer
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 Mariah
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Travel

Getting My Life Back on Track
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 Mariah
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Funding My Travels – Unique Ways to Earn Money on the Road
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 Mariah
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My Gruesome Tale of Cellulitis: A Coral Cut Horror Story (with Photos!)
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.

K
Kerrie Mariah
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Confessions of an Overpacker: My 65L Behemoth and Lessons Learned
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!

K
Kerrie Mariah
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Omeida Chinese Academy: My Immersive Mandarin Week in Yangshuo
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.

K
Kerrie Mariah
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Manaslu Trek - Final Push Through Larke Pass
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.

K
Kerrie Mariah
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Manaslu Trek - Part Two of the Trilogy
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.

K
Kerrie Mariah
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Manaslu Trek - Part One of the Trilogy
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 Mariah
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Ten Things I Wish I Had Done Differently During My Everest Base Camp Trek
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.

K
Kerrie Mariah
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Coming Home
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 Mariah
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Shamanic Journey and Breathwork
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.

K
Kerrie Mariah
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Everest Base Camp Budget
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.

K
Kerrie Mariah
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The Final Push to Base Camp
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.

K
Kerrie Mariah
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What is Your (Base Camp)?
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.

K
Kerrie Mariah
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Everest Base Camp Trek – Itinerary and Team
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.

K
Kerrie Mariah
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An Unexpected Return: Reflections on Hong Kong and Solo Travel
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.

K
Kerrie Mariah
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Malapascua: Wishing for More Than Two Days on the Shark Island
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.

K
Kerrie Mariah
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Philippines Travel Cost Breakdown: 17 Days of Adventure
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.

K
Kerrie Mariah
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My First Surf Lesson in Siargao
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

K
Kerrie Mariah
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