Voice of the DBA

Author: way0utwest

  • I Ordered a Tesla

    This is part of a series that covers my experience with a Tesla Model Y. If you are thinking of ordering one, I’ve got a referral code. You get 1,000 free Supercharger miles and so do I. Use: http://ts.la/john92950

    I did it. I ordered a Tesla Model Y.

    Actually, I did this in mid May, after a test drive with my wife. We had been talking about it, and when she said I could seriously consider one, I scheduled a test drive. We went one afternoon, had a “touchless” test drive, where the salesman at the store walked us to the car and then let us take it out.

    After we both drove it for 15-20 minutes, we returned and my wife said “why don’t we have one of these?” I agreed, and when we got home, I ordered the car. It was good timing, as I woke up to an announcement that Tesla had raised the price by $500 that morning. Since then they’ve increased the price again, so I’m glad I ordered the car.

    I’m writing (and video blogging) about the process from the standpoint of someone that isn’t an early adopter, isn’t necessarily a Tesla fan, but have been watching the evolution of the company and their products. I’ll add more posts about the process as I think of the experience and how I’m approaching it.

    For now, I’m expecting the car in the next 30ish days, so I am finally starting to prepare for the delivery of the car. This is the first car I’ve ordered, and it’s both exciting and a little nerve-wracking at times.

    It’s a new paradigm, and I have some range anxiety, a bit of cost concern, and anticipation for the driving experience. All of those are affecting my life to some extent.

    Here’s the car I ordered:

    • 2021 Model Y, Long Range AWD
    • Metallic gray exterior, black interior
    • 19″ standard wheels
    • 5 Seat, no hitch, no FSD.

    It’s going to be interesting, one way or the other.

    If you want to see a rambling video version of this post, you can see my “I ordered a Tesla” video on My Colorado Tesla Experience Channel. You can see all of these posts by following the Tesla tag.

  • Celebrating Lives

    I set up the sqlmemorial.org site earlier this year. It’s not quite complete, with some networking and process to work out, but it’s there, which is the important thing. The site gives us a way to remember  celebrate those that we’ve known as a part of our SQL community.

    There are only a few people that I’ve personally known well, and fewer still that I’ve met. As a result, there are only a few people about whom I can write something about from my own memories.

    I’d like to know more about the others we’ve lost.

    It can be difficult to write a memorial to someone’s life, especially someone that is close to us. It is a sad moment to think that you’ll never get the chance to spend time with a friend again. The few times I’ve had to put words down are upsetting, but they are a bit cathartic.

    The site runs from a GitHub repo, and I have a page on how to add a thought, a note, or a picture. If you have a link, a note, or a picture, please think about adding a pull request to add some depth to the description of someone’s life. Leave a note for them, for others, or for yourself. If you are unsure how to do this, feel free to email me something and I’ll add it in your name, or anonymously.

    I’m saddened when I run across a message or note from someone that’s gone, but I also have some happy memories that I hold on to. If you have any memories, please consider adding something in tribute to sqlmemorial.org.

    Steve Jones

    Listen to the podcast at Libsyn, Stitcher, Spotify, or iTunes.

  • Daily Coping 5 Aug 2021

    I started to add a daily coping tip to the SQLServerCentral newsletter and to the Community Circle, which is helping me deal with the issues in the world. I’m adding my responses for each day here. All my coping tips are under this tag. 

    Today’s tip is to be kind to yourself when something goes wrong.

    I have been learning to be a lot better about forgiving myself during the pandemic. I realized during the last year that many things get out of my control, and I have to adjust my life, and accept that.

    I still strive to move forward, to get stronger, smarter, more compassionate, etc. But I also have more acceptance when things don’t go well.

    In the past year, I’ve had many plans fall apart. Some because of external changes, some because of me. As I get older, there are days that I’m a bit worn out, and I’ve tried to be kind to myself because I had to change plans. I’ve thrown out my back, and learned to not be mad at myself. I’ve accepted days when I’m sick or tired and can’t get something done.

    Maybe the best example for me is that there are days my body is sore, or lacking energy. Some of these days I’ve schedule a yoga class (we’re still reserving space at my gym). I know I can’t always get through the class without a break, and I am kind to myself, not beating myself up when I’ve given a good effort, but just don’t have the energy.

    It’s not an easy thing to do, but I’ve learned how to work hard, push myself, but accept when something has gone wrong, even if it’s only in my mind.

  • Gathering More Digital Data with Tile Slim

    After my wallet misadventures, I ordered a Tile Slim to track my wallet. It came a few days later and I walked through the setup. As you can see here, it’s literally the size of a credit card. It’s about as thick as 3. How do I know? See the post above.

    20210730_162436

    The instructions say to download the app and follow the instructions.

    I did that, and the setup consisted of creating an account, pressing the button on the Slim and then letting my phone find it. Most of the rest of the setup was getting location services added and then enabling Find my Phone (or not). I did this, as I’ve lost my phone a couple times lately for a short while.

    I think I’m getting old.

    In any case, I completed things, put this in my wallet and then walked away.

    Actually, like any good developer, I tested it. First, I left my wallet on the desk and walked upstairs. Since the bedroom is above the office, this wasn’t helpful. I could see the wallet very close to me in it’s history. If I activated the sound, I could hear it, which is good. If I drop my wallet behind a bed or piece of furniture, this should work. Especially if I walk around a bit.

    Next, I took it outside to the camping trailer. I left it there and went inside, almost right away. Not quite, as I loaded up a few things I needed to pull out of the trailer. When I checked the tile, Bluetooth told me it wasn’t in range, but the location history showed it a short distance from where I was standing in the kitchen. That’s cool.

    Of course, I need to have my phone and my wallet near each other for location history, but still, that’s helpful.

    I’ll see how this works, and if I can get some of this digital data and maybe see how often I don’t have my phone and my wallet. That might be an interesting piece of IoT data to plot.