Smoke Testing is a software testing process that determines whether the deployed software build is stable or not.
It has now been 2 months into my job, and I am really beginning to feel a little worn out. Going from one job straight into a new one, without a break in between, and taking on a lot of new information while also trying to prove your worth is tiring.
It's generally accepted it takes 3 to 6 months for an engineer to start delivering useful code to a project as they get up to speed with methods, standards, practices, and fitting in with the team. But I have been assured by my line manager I am already doing this. So he accepts that I do need a break. But I feel that this has been the smoke test. I can work in this position, in this team, on this project. And the company thus far works for me - heck, the pay is better, and so are the benefits and also the respect and responsibility. Something that I enjoyed doing when as an RSE and postdoc was mentoring students, and in effect, that is what I am doing now as I mentor a group of graduate software engineers. If anything, what I am doing at S&P Global, and the path I am heading down, is what I wanted to do at Leighton, and in some respects as an RSE. Getting more leadership experience and directing the design of the software more.
Because of the mental load from work, I am somewhat glad that writing contracts have not landed on my desk thick and fast. It's been quiet - likely due to the convention season - but I have finished up some work with C7 and have some exciting new RPG work coming up. I am also back into doing layout work for a new Darker Days Publishing project. So hopefully, by the end of the month, that will be out of the door.
In all of this, wargaming is the main escape since I am back into gaming much more heavily, and that relates to podcasting too. Off the back of all this wargaming, I have rebooted the Realm of Fire podcast series, calling in my friend Marc to act as co-host. So expect a lot of salty hot takes on wargaming - nothing series, all tongue in cheek - and discussions of what excites us in gaming. The first episode is out and you can listen to it here.
And with wargaming comes painting, and I recently picked up a brush set from Artis Opus, and wow, what a change. In particular, their dry brushes and the finish and effect you get. Thanks to these new brushes I am steaming forward through my plastic backlog, working on some Chaos beasts for Warcry, and my Tyranid army (hot on the heels of my finishes Sisters of Battle army).
This is, of course, all warm-up for the impending arrival of the Kingdom Death Gamblers Chest, which is the main reason why I have Gencon jealousy, as I wish I could have gone to meet Adam Poots and the team in person. I am thinking I should go next year because I'd be kicking myself if I do never go.
This week sees the return to playing Necromunda and hopefully more Warcry as I have introduced Marc to it (you can hear more in the podcast episode above). Plus I am ready for playing Warhammer 40k 10th edition as I have a few armies painted now. Next week I am playing in a streamed game for Actual Play UK, with my friend Fiona running a game of Solemn Vale. PLus I just got in the post CYR+PNK and it looks great - a Forged in the Dark cyberpunk rpg.
That's all for now as I am knackered and have a bit of a holiday coming up.
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