This week, as prep for potentially joining a pop-up chorus later this fall, I downloaded an app for my phone that helps me sing better (or at least promises to). After some calibration, like reading something out loud, humming a low note, and a few other things, the app finds your singing range (I’m a bass) and adjusts popular songs to your range. Then you sing along karaoke-style, but instead of just getting the lyrics right, you also have to get the pitch right. It’s been super fun, and—at least according to the app—I’m not that bad of a singer.

I’ve spent some time over the past week figuring out what I like about my job and my role and what I don’t, and creating materials that will help me with job searches, resumes, and interviewing in the future. It’s been interesting to actually document my management philosophy, my leadership style, and my accomplishments and see that there’s really a coherent story there. It often just feels like getting up and making the donuts every day, but pulling back just a tiny bit has shown me that it’s more than that. I also vibe coded a tool for crawling job sites and company career pages for potential matches based on those materials. Even in the first iteration, it’s already found some great roles.

I went back for another game of Mojo Kickball this week, though maybe I shouldn’t have. I felt really sore after last week’s game, but by Sunday most of that soreness was gone. However, as soon as I kicked my first ball, the pain came back with a vengeance. I hobbled around the bases and the outfield as best I could and managed to stay the whole time, but I think I’m going to have to take a week off. I’m taking it easy for a few days: no Peloton, just gentle walks. If by the end of the week I’m pain-free, I’ll start doing some abductor strength training.

Things I enjoyed this week