19 Apr 2026 #writing
Today I found a short version of Orhan Pamuk’s Nobel acceptance speech. His words about why he writes inspired me to write my own reply. Here’s why I write.
I write because I want to be sane.
I write because I don’t want to burn out again.
I write because I want to bring order to my mind.
I write because I enjoy being alone with my thoughts.
I write because I like to be in the zone.
I write because I want to get better at it.
* * *
I write because sometimes I can’t be quiet.
I write because other times I want to stop talking.
* * *
I write because I want to share my life’s lessons.
I write because I want to help and inspire.
I write because people already ask me about my first books.
* * *
I write because I want my future kids to read my books.
I write because one day I’d like to see my books in bookstores.
I write because one day I’d like to be someone’s favorite writer.
* * *
And finally…
I write because I don’t want to go back to a 9-to-5 again.
18 Apr 2026 #books
I read Deep Work in August 2020.
I know because I took notes.
I have in my digital slip-box excerpts and reactions.
I only remembered the Monk Mode: isolation for a period to focus on a project.
Recently, my mission to reduce my phone time brought the book back to my attention.
That’s when I pulled out my notes and found all the quotes and excerpts.
This time, reading it would have more meaning.
It’s no longer about hitting a book count.
I have a running project.
A concrete goal.
The book hasn’t change.
But I have.
That makes the reading different.
And that’s why you should reread books too.
17 Apr 2026 #mondaylinks
Hey there.
Here are 4 links I thought were worth sharing this week:
#1. If AI is so good, why it hasn’t changed everything yet? Here’s a checklist for a new tech to transform anything (10min). I liked the item about judging when not to use a tool.
#2. Often we don’t need Kubernetes, replication, and expensive databases. Here’s a simple $20/month tech stack (9min) to experiment.
#3. Here are the best techniques to protect emails from spammers (18min). Something to bookmark.
#4. I’m in the I won’t install your app (5min) team.
And in case you missed it… This week, living through the Excel paradox of coding (1min), I found myself dealing with CSV files in C# using CsvHelper (5min).
(Bzzz…Radio voice) This email was brought to you by… Street-Smart Coding, 30 lessons to help you code like a pro. From Googling to clear communication, it shares the lessons to help you stand out in the age of AI.
See you next Friday with more links.
Keep coding smartly.
Cesar
16 Apr 2026 #coding
Nah… I don’t care
In early 2023, a coworker tried that new thing called ChatGPT.
He shared his excitement.
I wasn’t that impressed.
Months later, after all the buzz, I searched that Chat thing.
Every time I tried, I couldn’t access it.
It was a public beta or something.
Too many people.
Then, I learned from Brent Ozar to keep a browser tab with ChatGPT open as a junior assistant.
Mmm, there’s something there…
In early 2024, Devin was released.
“The sky is falling” all over the headlines.
I didn’t buy it.
OMG! This is dangerous!
Early 2025, I decided to try AI with a fresh mind.
After using Copilot for weeks, “OMG! This thing is dangerous.”
One day I realized I couldn’t finish a simple task alone.
The tool worked, but I was becoming so dependent.
An AI detox season followed.
No more AI until you eat your vegetables and do your homework.
Then I made some rules to use AI without losing my skills.
Like any other tool, AI is a game changer with the right skills.
Otherwise, it’s like a fancy calculator in a math exam you didn’t study for.
To thrive in the AI era, build real skills, then leverage AI.
To help you build AI-proof skills, I wrote Street-Smart Coding. The guide I wish I had on my journey from junior to senior.
15 Apr 2026 #misc
This time, the waiting room was almost empty.
I went with my sister to her dermatologist.
His office is across town near the beach.
We walk around afterwards.
Each visit feels like a day off.
After going to the same doctor for years, my sister chats casually with him like old friends.
She asked him if there was another doctor in the area.
The waiting room wasn’t crowded, and his schedule had plenty of openings.
It turned out some healthcare providers let him go simply because of his age.
Some patients asked for a younger doctor.
My sister’s doctor is 72.
They don’t know about the oldest practicing doctor and his Guinness record.
Spoiler alert: he’s 102.
My sister’s doctor walks without assistance, works from 8:00 to 7:00, has 2 specialties, performs surgeries, and if you see him around, you’d think he’s in his early 60s.
I saw him in the waiting room taking a coffee to his assistant.
He has seen countless patients and cases.
My sister says he’s the best dermatologist she’s ever had.
Often you don’t need newer, brighter, and faster, but more trustworthy.