Episode 8.
As it happens, we’re at Episode 8 – so can I drop some news? After eight (ha, see what I did there) years, I was politely asked to change my relationship status. On LinkedIn. January really did start with a bang.
While most of you know me as a music photographer, I wasn’t joking when I’ve called that a professional hobby. For most of the last decade, my day job was as a full-time project manager at a software product studio.
Managing an excellent team and a handful of international projects – from complex subscription management systems, celebrity video service, to visualising Arabic genealogy history, and plenty in between. My main job was making sure things ran smoothly, and that everyone knew where we stood: features, timelines, budgets. I’ll stop here – the CV can wait.
A smoothie of different feelings, some of which I’m still processing. Surprise, a few uncomfortable questions around self-worth, a wobble in financial security, followed by a strange mix of relief and excitement about what’s next. Like a proper long-term breakup: ups and downs, daily.
I still have a few months left to wrap things up, slowly saying goodbye to what’s been a big part of the last decade. What surprised me most was the support – from the team, from close friends, and from the many “How’s you?” messages over the past two weeks. Grateful.
Do The Thing
Oh, I did the things. Booked a proper therapy (so much for Anything But): business, physio for an almost-healed finger, and a lunch with my lawyer – just to make sure I’m handling things the right way.
I went for my first Thai massage. I baked some cookies, drank some alcohol, rode my Wahoo Kickr, and took a lot of photos.
About that promised resume?
What do you think? If you have feedback or a recommendation, I’m all ears. You know – Do The Thing. 😉
Highlights Of The Week
- First run after January 1st. Slow, careful and pain-free 8k. Yay!
- 8 Year Anniversary Red Berries Smoothie Sour Ale by Ārpus.
- That one message from a coworker comparing my departure to Luka Dončić being fired a year ago. Gone, but not forgotten.
- Never Enough: From Barista to Billionaire by Andrew Wilkinson. Great book.
- Short, but fun photoshoot with Damjan K. New online profile photo!
Low-darks Of The Week
- Messed up my domain DNS records, which sent Episode 7 straight to spam for most people. Fixed now, but still – rookie mistake.
- Paperwork. Legal stuff. And a whole lot of waiting.
- Learning (again) that US recipes contain a diabetes-causing amount of sugar. Too much Joshua. Too much.
Song Of The Week
The above facts probably explain an entire playlist of moody songs I’ve dumped on you in the previous episode.
This week, it’s time for Antti Paalanen‘s latest single, Takatukka. My fondness for the Finnish language, despite knowing only a handful of strong curse words, somehow keeps growing.
Album Of The Week? My friends from Smacked just released a new banger Rise And Grind – hope to see you on March 28th in Gromka.
#zahranogre
Katrca 1905
It felt like cheating on my friends at Raw Pasta, but I had to try Katrca’s lasagna. Different, special, and genuinely delicious, paired with warm, homey service. Klemen shared an equally impressive slice of pizza with me, and I’m a bit shocked this was my first visit to Rožna dolina. For the finale, the chef brought out a rich dessert that sealed an above-average dinner. Respect.
Kis in kvas
Not eating out this time, but stopping by a small shop on Tržaška cesta for their aged, spicy kimchi. Stating the obvious, but it’s out of this world. Homemade kimchi mac & cheese next weekend! Can’t wait.
Coop (IT)
I love supporting local producers, but when it comes to sandwiches, I have a soft spot for all things Italian. A quick stop in a Gorizia Coop resulted in freshly sliced Finocchiona, Composta di “Cipolla Rossa di Tropea Calabria I.G.P.” fresh goat cheese, all tucked into – you’ll never guess it – Pandoro. Ridiculous. Perfect.
Champagne
Training my taste buds and celebrating an open road to new challenges, I finally got the chance to try two proper champagnes. Paul Launois Monochrome and Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label, which were something else. Still very much a novice, but happy to learn.
That’s Episode 8. Thanks for reading.
See you next Monday.