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Localhost Chronicles

About Me

Michael Menanno

Hey there, I’m Michael
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I’m a software developer who believes the best way to learn something is to build it, break it, and then build it better.

My journey into tech started with curiosity about how things work under the hood. That curiosity led me from tinkering with Ruby on Rails applications to running a full home lab with self-hosted services, automating everything I can, and exploring how AI can solve real-world problems. Along the way, I’ve learned that the most valuable projects aren’t always the most complex—they’re the ones that solve actual problems.

What I Do
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By day, I’m a senior developer working primarily with Ruby on Rails, building web applications that help people get things done. I thrive on turning complex requirements into clean, maintainable code that actually works.

By night (and weekends), I’m deep into my home lab—running an Unraid server hosting everything from media services to development tools. I’m passionate about self-hosting because it gives me complete control over my data and provides endless learning opportunities. I love reverse engineering APIs and finding ways that I can make things easier for myself.

Always, I’m exploring the intersection of automation and practical problem-solving. Whether it’s streamlining my smart home, building tools to manage my finances, or experimenting with AI to augment my workflow, I’m constantly looking for ways to work smarter.

What You’ll Find Here
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This blog is my digital garden. A place where I plant ideas, document solutions, and share the lessons learned from my projects. I write about:

  • Real-world development: Practical solutions to problems I’ve encountered building software
  • Self-hosting adventures: Guides, tutorials, and lessons from running my own infrastructure
  • Automation projects: How I use technology to eliminate repetitive tasks
  • AI experiments: Exploring what’s actually useful beyond the hype
  • Tools & workflows: The systems I use to stay productive

I believe in learning by doing and sharing knowledge openly. If something I’ve written helps you solve a problem or avoid a headache I already suffered through, then this blog has done its job.

My Approach
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I’m not interested in chasing trends or building for the sake of building. Most projects I take on need to solve a real problem; whether it’s making my life easier, helping me learn a new skill, or providing value to others. I value simplicity over complexity, and I’d rather ship something imperfect that works than wait for perfection that never comes.

When I’m stuck on a problem, I dig into the documentation, experiment with solutions, and document what actually works. That’s what you’ll find here: honest, practical content from someone who’s been in the trenches.

Let’s Connect
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I love connecting with fellow developers, self-hosters, and anyone passionate about building things. Whether you have questions, want to share your own projects, or just want to chat about tech, feel free to reach out:

The Tech Behind This Site
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Curious about how this blog is built? This site is built with modern tools and best practices. Head over to the Tech Stack page to see all the details.