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Greetings, I am Ris Adams

Welcome to my blog! Whether you're looking for career hacks, tips to boost your well-being, or fresh perspectives on self-improvement, you've come to the right place. Let's navigate this journey together!

Since 1996 I've been a Software Architect, Scrum Master, and DevSecOps Engineer with a passion for human-computer interaction and open-source projects. I help teams build better software while coaching mid-career developers to take control of their professional journey.

I'm a father to an amazing son. I believe in lifelong learning, embracing challenges, and finding balance between technical excellence and personal growth.

I'm sharing my 25+ years of expertise to help others thrive.

Code. Care. Conquer Life.
Latest Post
New Project Release: Pride Flags

New Project Release: Pride Flags

Today I'm thrilled to announce the next release of Pride Flags, a pure CSS library that empowers developers to easily incorporate LGBTQ+ pride flags into their web projects. This lightweight, accessible solution lets you display flags as either full-sized images or compact icons with minimal effort and maximum impact.

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Featured Topics

Career

Strategic guidance and practical insights for navigating your professional journey with purpose and fulfillment

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Health

Holistic approaches to physical and mental wellbeing, focusing on sustainable practices for optimal health in a high-demand world

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Development

Technical guides, coding best practices, and software engineering insights for building robust, maintainable applications

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 Latest Blog Posts

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New Project Release: Pride Flags

New Project Release: Pride Flags

Today I'm thrilled to announce the next release of Pride Flags, a pure CSS library that empowers developers to easily incorporate LGBTQ+ pride flags into their web projects. This lightweight, accessible solution lets you display flags as either full-sized images or compact icons with minimal effort and maximum impact.

The Modern Office Playbook for Managing Job Stress

The Modern Office Playbook for Managing Job Stress

Unless you've won the lottery or have a trust fund that pays out in premium coffee beans, you probably have a job. Most days, you're likely fine with that arrangement—solving problems, sending emails, and optimizing workflows. But let's be real: even the best jobs come with moments that make you want to delete your professional identity and start fresh.

Git commits as documentation

Git commits as documentation

Your git commit history could be telling an epic tale of how your codebase evolved, or it could be a cryptic collection of "fixed stuff" and "updated things." The difference isn't just aesthetic—it's the line between a repository that teaches and one that confuses. Well-crafted commits don't just track changes; they document your code's journey in a way that helps your team and future you.

Git Diff Deep Dive: Choosing the Right Algorithm for Your Workflow

Git Diff Deep Dive: Choosing the Right Algorithm for Your Workflow

Have you ever stared at a Git diff that looks like it was generated by a cat walking across your keyboard? You're not alone. While Git's default diff algorithm works well enough most days, there are times when it produces cryptic, unusable output that leaves you scratching your head.

The Autism "Epidemic" Myth: Why We're Just Getting Better at Recognition

The Autism "Epidemic" Myth: Why We're Just Getting Better at Recognition

Every few days, I see another panicked headline about "skyrocketing autism rates" or well-meaning friends sharing concerns about an "autism epidemic." As someone who is autistic, and who has an autistic child, and has spent considerable time studying how systems evolve and improve diagnostics, I want to break down why this framing is both inaccurate and potentially harmful.

Git Notes & Trailers: The Hidden Features You Should Be Using

Git Notes & Trailers: The Hidden Features You Should Be Using

I stumbled across Git Notes during a late-night debugging session last week, and honestly, I'm slightly annoyed that I hadn't been using this feature for years. If you've ever wanted to attach persistent metadata to commits without changing commit hashes (and who hasn't?), this hidden gem deserves your attention. And while we're exploring Git's underappreciated features, let's also look at Git trailers - another powerful tool for managing metadata in your repositories.

 Latest Recipes

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Sloppy Rice

Sloppy Rice

Sloppy Rice is the ultimate comfort food when you need something hearty, filling, and ridiculously simple to make. This no-fuss dish combines savory ground beef with fluffy rice in a rich, flavorful broth that melds together in the oven. It's what happens when a sloppy joe meets a casserole – unpretentious, deeply satisfying, and perfect for those nights when you need dinner to just work.

Asian Style Cucumber

Asian Style Cucumber

This refreshing Asian-style cucumber dish combines crisp cucumber slices with a perfect balance of savory, tangy flavors. It's a quick and easy recipe that makes for an excellent light snack or side dish to complement heavier meals. The combination of ginger, garlic, and soy sauce creates a delightful umami profile that transforms simple cucumbers into something special.

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

This hearty, soul-warming dish transforms humble cabbage into something truly special. The combination of crispy, smoky bacon with tender cabbage creates a perfect balance of flavors, while a touch of sugar adds subtle sweetness that complements the natural flavors of the vegetables. Ready in under 30 minutes, this simple side dish pairs beautifully with almost any main course, from roasted chicken to grilled pork chops. It's comfort food at its finest – unpretentious, satisfying, and deliciously addictive.

Creamy Curried Carrot Soup

Creamy Curried Carrot Soup

There's nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of creamy carrot soup to soothe the soul and satisfy your taste buds.

Extra Cheesy Garlic Bread

Extra Cheesy Garlic Bread

If you're a fan of garlic and cheese, this Extra Cheesy Garlic Bread is about to become your new favorite treat. Perfectly crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and loaded with gooey, melted cheese, this bread is a savory delight that pairs perfectly with any meal or can be enjoyed on its own.

Crispy Roasted Chickpeas

Crispy Roasted Chickpeas

Picture the sizzle as tender chickpeas hit a hot oven, olive oil coating each little morsel to golden perfection. The crisp snap of a perfectly roasted chickpea pairs with fragrant spices that dance on the nose—an irresistible invitation for snacking that will leave you reaching for more.