Weekends are typically a time to relax, unwind, and recharge. For most people, that might involve a Netflix marathon, a lazy morning, or a walk in nature. For me, though, weekends are something entirely different—they’re a chance to dive headfirst into my world of systems, code, and optimization. Here’s a peek into what my weekends usually look like.
The Morning Routine: A Focused Start
The day kicks off early, coffee in hand, as I settle in to review the state of my systems. My morning routine typically involves:
- Checking Monitoring Data:
Zabbix dashboards, logs, and alarm statuses get my first attention. Any anomalies or unresolved issues are noted down for further investigation. - Reviewing Updates:
Are there new updates available for key packages? If so, I’ll plan how to deploy them strategically (without breaking anything). - Setting Priorities:
What’s the focus for the day? A new feature for my API? Optimizing the backup system? Or perhaps testing out a machine learning model?
Why mornings matter:
There’s something about the quiet of an early morning that makes it perfect for deep, uninterrupted focus.
Midday Deep Dives: Building and Innovating
After a quick breakfast—or sometimes just more coffee—it’s time to roll up my sleeves and start solving problems. This is where the real magic happens:
- Experimenting with New Ideas:
Whether it’s tweaking my proactive monitoring system, integrating machine learning into predictions, or optimizing data storage in InfluxDB, weekends are for innovation. - Learning New Tools:
I’ve taught myself MongoDB, SQLite, and Python in the past few weeks, and there’s always something new to pick up. - Fixing the Complex Stuff:
Those “I’ll deal with this later” issues often find their resolution on a Saturday afternoon.
This period is all about diving deep, getting lost in the details, and enjoying the challenge of creating something better than what existed before.
Lunch: A Brief Pause
Lunch is typically short and functional—just enough to recharge before jumping back in. Some of my best ideas come during these breaks, so I always keep a notebook or my phone handy to jot down thoughts.
Afternoons: Integrating and Refining
The post-lunch hours are for putting the pieces together:
- System Integrations:
Whether it’s connecting an API to a monitoring system or streamlining backups using A* pathfinding, this is when the separate components I’ve been working on finally come together. - Documentation and Clean-Up:
As someone who values efficiency, I take time to refine scripts, write clean documentation, and ensure everything is future-proof. - Testing and Debugging:
There’s always something to test—whether it’s an API endpoint, a script for log analysis, or a new database query.
Afternoons can be intense, but they’re also rewarding. Seeing something work as intended after hours of effort is one of the best feelings in the world.
Evenings: Reflecting and Ideating
By evening, I slow down (at least a little) and take stock of the day:
- What went well?
- What could be improved?
- What’s next on the horizon?
Sometimes I’ll brainstorm future projects, sketch out ideas, or refine plans for the week ahead. If I have time, I’ll step away from the screen entirely—perhaps catching up with a friend or diving into a good book.
Why This Is My Perfect Weekend
For me, weekends aren’t about disconnecting—they’re about connecting with the things I love most: building, solving, and learning. It’s a chance to push the boundaries of what I know and create systems that make life easier for me and others. Sure, it’s a lot of work, but it’s work that energizes me and leaves me excited for the week ahead.
Closing Thoughts
If you’ve ever wondered how a tech enthusiast spends their free time, now you know. My weekends might not be traditional, but they’re exactly what I need to feel fulfilled. Whether it’s debugging a script, designing a new API feature, or just sipping coffee while pondering the next big project, I wouldn’t trade it for anything else.