DEV Community: TJ Phan

My Dog Teaches Me Tricks Too

TJ Phan — Thu, 19 May 2022 20:48:01 +0000

I can be quite the teaser when it comes to puppy play. But in the end, just from my interaction with my dog I am reminded something valuable that would help anyone code, no matter the experience level.

The dog situation is that I tossed her ball so that it would be trapped just beneath her see-through cot. At first Bailey's approach was to pancake her snout onto the weaved surface grinned with teeth to no avail.

Here's the thing. When she was only a few-months old, I made sure her basic training was solid. Sit. Lay Down. Off. Crawl (not essential but it's cute).

With my guidance, I told her to get 'off' the cot. She jumped back on, fixated on the ball, but she listened the second time. Next, I told her to sit. By this time she was yelling at me, as in "I was close to the ball and you're telling me to go away, are you nuts?". Trust me, little one. Finally, I told her to lay down. By this time, she knew to crawl underneath on her own and snatched her precious ball!

I replicated the situation just in case it was a fluke. This time, she didn't need my guidance at all.

I almost teared up, because she was growing up so fast.

But also, we got through this doggy challenge because she had a foundation to rely on for her problem solving, and she had me to guide her. Sounds familiar?

The lesson: Your foundation is where your growth always begins, so take care of it, never stop asking for support and be generous in supporting others.

My Computer Emits how much CO2?

TJ Phan — Wed, 11 May 2022 17:50:33 +0000

I have a habit of leaving the computer running even if I'm stepping away from my work station for more than thirty minutes. I forget that computers and the Internet is no exception to reality and so requires energy to do its magic too.

Out of curiosity, I googled how much energy my computer consumes. Apparently, a busy desktop running 8-hour days requires 200 Wh (Watts per hour) and totals to about 600 kWh or 175kg of C02 emissions per year. That's a lot! a laptop takes about a third of the energy of a desktop. In case the whole watt jargon alludes you like it does to me, this link puts the unit into perspective.

The millions of us who rely on our tech tools can really add up. Stand by mode, I'm your friend now.

How do you reduce waste energy? Please share I'd like to learn!

What's Your Victory Face?

TJ Phan — Tue, 10 May 2022 17:16:46 +0000

Look at that face! There's no ambiguity about what he's experiencing in the moment: triumph. When you're able to resolve a programming issue after several hours, or finally get a feature working, how do you celebrate? Do you uppercut the air and look something like that? 😆

background:
I am no sports buff by any measure, but I have a secret crush for tennis. Hearing of this rising tennis star Carlos Alcaraz who defeated two world-class players had a contagious positive vibe to start my day.