Author: ontechies

  • From WordPress to Ghost: A 14-Year Journey of Writing and Tech Exploration

    From WordPress to Ghost: A 14-Year Journey of Writing and Tech Exploration

    My OnTechies website has been dormant for a while, and to think it started over 14 years ago is unbelievable—at least to me. It began as AustinTechGeeks, but someone from the Austin tech community felt it was too similar to their organization’s name. They sent me a Cease and Desist letter. I was shocked! It…

  • Distractions will ruin your life

    Distractions will ruin your life

    Everyone has goals and dreams. We are all looking to achieve something, start something, or complete something. Some of us get there through hard work, enthusiasm, focus, and luck. But many of us fail to achieve our goals and some of our dreams. It’s easy to start things, and when we don’t reach the finish…

  • Traveling to Southeast Asia

    Traveling to Southeast Asia

    2018 was the first time we got to travel to Northeast Asia. We visited China and then Japan. The trip was full of discoveries and surprises. For example, we found out how quiet and clean the streets of Tokyo are compared to those in the United States. Even in places with thousands of people walking…

  • Traveling light (Yes, it’s possible)

    Traveling light (Yes, it’s possible)

    I know, I know. You’ve heard many people talk about this, but the idea of traveling with only one bag and bringing fewer items horrifies you. Back in December 2021, I decided to bring just one piece of luggage and a small backpack on a trip to Vancouver and Whistler, BC. It was winter, so…

  • Road trip to San Francisco

    Road trip to San Francisco

    San Francisco has always been one of my favorite cities in the US since I visited it for the first time when I was eight years old. The city is located in a beautiful bay, surrounded by picturesque hills and two impressive bridges, the Oakland Bay Bridge and the Golden Gate Bridge. The first time…

  • How to Prevent Identity Column Exhaustion in SQL Server

    How to Prevent Identity Column Exhaustion in SQL Server

    As a software developer, you’ll likely work with one or multiple database systems that integrate with your applications. One of these database systems is Microsoft’s SQL Server. In this post, I’d like to list some tasks you might consider to reduce headaches and make your work more enjoyable. Microsoft SQL Server is a fantastic relational…

  • Rediscovering the Joy of Learning

    Rediscovering the Joy of Learning

    When I was in middle and high school, I didn’t care much for exams, getting good grades, or many of my classes. Some topics were interesting, but the way most teachers presented them was boring to me. I was also against homework and still am, to some extent. The idea of spending many hours each…

  • It doesn’t have to be difficult

    It doesn’t have to be difficult

    My doctor recommended that I get a colonoscopy almost two years ago. At the time, he mentioned that it is now recommended to get your first colonoscopy at the age of 45. The thought of it bothered me, even though I knew that a colonoscopy is a preventative procedure that can save lives; it also…

  • Stress is killing us

    Stress is killing us

    How do you manage stress? Most of us don’t; we unconsciously welcome it. In America, we seem addicted to stress. From childhood, we are told that we must achieve certain goals and always reach for more. Wanting more out of life isn’t bad, but the problem lies in desiring more than we need and sacrificing…

  • Paper books, ebooks, or audiobooks?

    Paper books, ebooks, or audiobooks?

    Do you enjoy reading books? What’s your preferred format—paper books, ebooks, or audiobooks? I personally favor paper books. I appreciate that I can annotate them and don’t need to rely on electricity or batteries. Imagine being in the middle of nowhere, even during a zombie apocalypse—I’d still be reading comfortably! My reading habits vary by…