Can Blockchain get kids to do their chores?

Posted TYLER LUNDLeave a commentPosted in Parenting, Software Development, Technology

Everyone is talking about Blockchain. As the technology that powers Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, the idea of a decentralized distributed secure ledger has struck a chord with those in a wide variety of industries. The secure and distributed nature of blockchain is being explored for usages in payments, legal contracts, and even health care. Chances are your bank is already dabbling in the technology. But the hardest challenge for blockchain yet might be getting kids […]

A short Q&A on how I got into software development

Posted TYLER LUNDLeave a commentPosted in Technology

I recently read a great post on Medium about how some people had gotten into software development and thought sharing my experiences might be interesting as well. Believe it or not, I didn’t always know I wanted to study computer science or work in technology. I actually vacillated several times both in high school when deciding where to apply and then again in college with what to major in. At one point I thought I’d […]

Hiking through the Valley of Fire – the best hikes and trails

Posted TYLER LUNDLeave a commentPosted in Hiking, Las Vegas, Travel

Nevada’s Valley of Fire State Park is the perfect escape from Las Vegas for those looking for some nature and scenery. Only about an hour from the Strip, it’s a far cry from the fake over-the-top nonsense of Las Vegas. With National Parks nearby too, it gets a little less attention, meaning the crowds are smaller. The sights are no less spectacular though and there is plenty to see and do. Though Valley of Fire […]

Toddlers are A-holes

Posted TYLER LUNDLeave a commentPosted in Family, Parenting

If one of my coworkers or friends just started screaming in my face during a conversation or throwing things at me, I’d probably stop talking to them and get out of there. It’s the kind of thing that would ruin a friendship. I wouldn’t interact with that person at work anymore. However, when one of my kids does it to me, I have to work through it with them. Sometimes we have this type of […]

Hiking the Hoodoos of Bryce Canyon: The best hikes

Posted TYLER LUNDLeave a commentPosted in Fitness, Hiking, Travel

Bryce Canyon offers the perfect hiking mix for amateur and expert hikers alike. Weekend warriors will find plenty to challenge them while offering great views of the scenery of the park and plenty of variation in terrain. With peaks of elevation over 9000 feet, there are also short trails that are intense just because of the altitude. It isn’t just the elevation that takes hikers’ breath away, the sights over the canyon and the otherworldly […]

A letter to my new-manager self

Posted TYLER LUNDLeave a commentPosted in Management

Nearly four years ago, I started managing engineering teams. I took the plunge from being an individual developer to managing because I felt it would better allow me to influence the technical direction of my organization, build an awesome team, and most importantly, help others grow and develop with the same opportunities I had. Four years in, I am still learning every day, but I’ve learned a lot I wish I had known earlier. Over […]

Reaching for the sky: the best hikes at Zion National Park

Posted TYLER LUNDLeave a commentPosted in Fitness, Hiking, Travel

I love Zion National Park. I’ve been there twice in the last two years and can’t get enough. The soaring mountain peaks that overlook the canyon, the verdant green valley along the river, the bighorn sheep I’ve seen every time I’ve passed through the area; these all make it remarkable and incredible. Of the National Parks I’ve been to, it’s the only one that feels less like a unique piece of landscape that deserves protection, […]

My 10 favorite Children’s Books: Start practicing your voices

Posted TYLER LUNDLeave a commentPosted in Parenting

Parents know that books are a key part of early development for children. Families who read together at least five minutes a day raise kids with higher literacy rates in school, large vocabularies, and perform better on tests. Kids who enjoy books also need fewer distractions if they can just sit and read peacefully. Carrying around a few books instead of a bag of toys is a lot easier when leaving the house too. Building […]

Sending AWS Cloudwatch Alarms to Amazon Chime

Posted TYLER LUNDLeave a commentPosted in Software Development, Technology

If you love Amazon Chime, and who doesn’t, you’ve probably already embraced it as a widespread communication platform for your team. Since moving to Chime a few months ago, my team has moved almost all communication onto it. We have a team chat room, rooms for individual projects, rooms for scheduling and coordinating testing, and ones for a variety of on-the-side projects and hobbies. We use it exclusively for scheduled meetings and adhoc conversations especially […]

My 12 favorite books I read in 2017

Posted TYLER LUNDLeave a commentPosted in Books

In 2017, I was able to read through over 80 books, largely thanks to the great power of Audible and 3x listening. I also found that reading books in between the little things when the boys needed attention was easier than picking up other things. I also weaned myself off of most social media, especially Twitter which was my normal nightly ritual, freeing up more time for other things, mostly reading. Thanks to this extra […]