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Dear Jack: The Mad Rush to Get You to Your 1st Violin Lesson on Time!

6 years, 7 months.

Dear Jack,

Today was a pretty interesting day…

This morning was an exciting in itself, as it made the first morning that you and your sister got to ride in the 2017 Toyota Highlander we are driving this week. With almost with no words necessary, you immediately adopted the 3rd row seat as your own.

Your sister was jolly as usual, enjoying the view up at you from her 2nd row seat. You loved how I let you out; through the back hatch door, so you could just jump out.

But while it was a good morning, it ended up being sort of a strange afternoon…

I received a call from Mommy while I was at work, which was unusual. She explained she was stuck in stand still traffic on I-65 and that it would be impossible for her to be able to pick you up in time from your school, then take you to your first official violin lesson. (A couple of weeks ago you got fitted for your violin, but today was the big day to actually start learning how to play it.)

Mommy told me your violin lesson would be beginning at 4:00. That only gave me 40 minutes from that point to finish up at work, drive to your school, then rush to the music academy where your lessons would be taking place.

Normally, to drive from Cool Springs to Spring Hill, on a good day, would take a solid 45 minutes… if I was lucky. But because the Interstate was essentially shut down, I would have to take the back roads instead; which only increased the challenge.

By the time I was pulling out of the parking lot, it was 3:25 on the dot; that gave me just 35 minutes to get your to your violin lesson on time.

It take a miracle to make this happen!

With a little bit of high tempo inspiration from Metallica pumping through the speakers (because, of course, who else?!), and the power of the 4Runner’s V-6 engine, I took advantage of my ability to make it through every about-to-change-from-green-to-yellow traffic light.

I can honestly say I didn’t speed, because in Nashville traffic, that’s just not an option: there are too many cars in front of you even if you tried. It must have been because I left work at an unusual time, far enough ahead of rush hour traffic, that I was able to achieve the impossible:

At 3:58 PM, with 2 minutes to spare, you were flying out of the back hatch of the 4Runner!

I still think that we must of cheated the laws of physics to get there on time, but somehow, we arrived with moments to spare!

And what can I say? Hey, you’re a smart kid. You soaked up every word your violin teacher, Gabrielle, had to say.

Tonight, after Mommy read you a bedtime story, you impressed her by giving her a violin lesson of her own.

So yeah, it was a pretty interesting day.

Love,

Daddy

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Entrepreneur Spotlight: Brian Leach (Sponsored Post)

DISCLOSURE LANGUAGE

I received compensation for my time. I have not been told what to purchase or what to say about any product mentioned in these posts. Consumers and bloggers are free to form their own opinions and share them in their own words. These policies align with WOMMA Ethics Code, FTC guidelines and social media engagement recommendations.

Passion for efficiency and integrated workflow lead to the creation of Steelray and the Microsoft Project Viewer.

Observing a deficiency in a process lead one man to develop a new software and eventually open his own software development company. Brian Leach, is an entrepreneur, coder, and former Project Manager but above all, he is a man who listens to the needs of his clients and addresses them with a solution to streamline their workflow. Brian once said, “I’ve found that most good new products come from a need and one or two enabling technologies.” Brian was able to identify several software needs and in turn created a solution providing ease of use to users while simultaneously enhancing the deficient software’s original capabilities.

Who: Brian Leach is the Founder and CEO of Steelray and the creator of Steelray’s Microsoft Project Viewer. His resume is impressive, and he has worked as a Project Manager or Consultant for the likes of Harris Computer Systems, Ford Motor Company, IBM, Motorola, Cygnus Solutions, and Red Hat. Brian has a Bachelor’s Degree in Math from Emory University and a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from Georgia Institute of Technology.

Brian developed a software for Project Managers in industries which rely on broad and complex schedules, like construction and national defense.

Brian took his passion for Project Management and created a business. He is now the President and CEO of Steelray.

What: After years of relevant work, Brian personally encountered several issues and limitations while using the most common project management software, Microsoft Project & Portfolio Management (Microsoft PPM). He worked to devise several workarounds which as a result, streamlined his personal workflow, however at the time he used those efficiencies for himself and his team. He would later go on to develop an ever-evolving software enhancement for Microsoft PPM, and under the company he created Steelray, he would launch Microsoft Project Viewer. Microsoft Project Viewer is also compatible with other project management software solutions like Microsoft Project 98 through Project 2016, Excel, Primavera .XER, and UN/CEFACT XML files.

When: In the mists of the dot-com bubble Brian, ventured into independent business ownership and actively pursued the launch of Microsoft Project Viewer. In 2000 he left all the comforts of working for someone else to continue his dream, but success and sales did not take off until the end of 2003 and early 2004. Now Microsoft Project Viewer is a well-known and trusted software solution for Project Managers nationwide.

Where: Brian and the Steelray team is based out of Atlanta, Georgia, but they have clients located all over the United States.

Why: As a Project Manager Brian encountered several issues with Microsoft PPM including unnecessary complexities involving printing and viewing project details, schedule maintenance, and exorbitant overhead costs.

First, Brian noticed that the printing functionality offered by Microsoft PPM was limited when you were working with compounding schedules. He observed the tediousness required to print out and tape together large calendars, for the simple purpose of getting a holistic overview of a plan and even then, the schedule lacked many of the essential details which could only be accessed on screen and within the software. In response, Brian developed new printing standards for Microsoft Project Viewer. Users can preview all pages, on page, or the actual page size before printing. This seemingly simple feature gives users the ability to condense the overall size of the printout and number of pages required for each schedule. Microsoft Project Viewer also provides users with the option to control the page size, orientation, and header data.

When companies opt to utilize Microsoft PPM every stakeholder in the project needs to have a license for the software to efficiently view and alter the ever-changing schedule and task lists. Considering this type of software is utilized by companies in industries with numerous stakeholders, like construction or National defense, the cost to procure a license for everyone is expensive. Essentially, this process made each member of the task force a pseudo Project Manager because they were required to update their progress within the software regularly. Microsoft Project Viewer eliminates some of the overhead cost because only the Project Manager needs a license for Microsoft PPM software as long as the other members have access to the less expensive Microsoft Project Viewer.

Plus, Brian developed a web-based script which allows all users with Microsoft Project Viewer to send updates to the Project Manager who then inputs the information into the schedule on Microsoft PPM. Amazingly, Microsoft Project Viewer presents all the information in a similar manner as Microsoft PPM. So Gantt charts and schedules appear almost identical in both software solutions. Once the Project Manager makes the update, the other team members can see what tasks are complete, what is left to do, who is assigned to each job, and when things are forecasted for completion.

Brian and the entire Steelray team has made it easier than ever to streamline your team’s schedules without incurring unnecessary overhead. If you are interested in learning more about Microsoft Project Viewer, consider trying the free 10-day trial.

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I am So Excited about the 2017 Toyota 4Runner I Get to Drive This Week!

“Give me fuel, give me fire, give me that which I desire!”

Those were the magic words I spoke, which caused my 2004 Honda Element to mysteriously morph into a 2017 Toyota 4Runner 4X4 Limited V6.

It’s like how Cinderella’s pumpkin turned into a wondrous carriage pulled by horses. Only way cooler.

So for the next nine days, until the clock strikes 11:30 AM on July 6th, I will get to be the proud driver of this undeniably tough (yet charming) machine of glory.

In the dozens of vehicles of featured on my blog over the years, my very favorite was the Toyota Tacoma. So obviously I have been looking forward for months now, knowing that a Toyota 4Runner was being delivered to me this week; as I find the two vehicles to be similar to each other.

This thing has the elegant look of a Storm Trooper, yet the unpredictable great power of Darth Vader.

Seriously, I am going to be so cool this week.

I’ve already had several co-workers stop me and tell me how jealous they are.

This 4Runner taps into a pocket of my psyche that I typically keep subdued on my blog.

After all, I’m the Family Friendly Daddy Blogger. Readers have certain demographic expectations of me:

Take lots of cute pictures of my kids while telling cute stories about them. Rinse and repeat.

And that’s what I will provide for my readers over the next week or so, as we enjoy some awesome upcoming adventures, being the Chip and Joanna Gaines kind of family that we truly are.

But this is me, breaking the 4th wall, to say, “I am a conservative husband and father living in the Suburbs… hear me roar!”

I suddenly feel so in control.

So powerful.

So… alive.

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Dear Jack: What I Learned from Father’s Day 2017

6 years, 7 months.

Dear Jack,

Father’s Day morning was quite special, as my very first gift was getting to sleep in, thanks to Mommy. I didn’t wake up until 9:30. It was glorious!

We then made our way to the living room, where I was bombarded with goodies from you and your sister. I now have a Captain America dad shirt. (He’s my favorite super hero.) Plus Mommy got me some vegan treats too.

And of course I was especially delighted to see crafts from you and your sister. You made me a special “shrinky dink” keychain, featuring a drawing you made of your and me; where you’ve again drawn us the same size. I’m so happy because I was a little jealous when Mommy got one for Mother’s Day last month…

Your sister made me a glittery “World’s Best Dad” award, based on the shape of her hand.

I took special care to read through all the questionnaire answers you gave,

as they reveal how you perceive having me as your Daddy:

My dad’s hair is black. (That’s darker than I realized!)

He’s as tall as a boy. (Are you saying I’m short?)

He weighs about 60 pounds. (Last time I checked, I was closer to 160. Guess I recently lost 100 pounds!)

My dad looks handsome when he wears hair gel. (I think you gave this answer because I fix your hair and mine at the same time.)

My dad always says “no.” (Hey, just trying to balance out how nice Mommy is to you. Though on the next page, you said, “My dad is my superhero because he is nice.”)

He’s not very good at cooking. Once Daddy was cooking before I was born and Mommy didn’t like it. (Very true- and very good memory!)

My dad’s favorite song is Metallica. (Yes, just Metallica. I’ll always think of you when I think of them because I really got into them back in January when I stayed overnight without you in the hospital, of all things!)

My dad’s favorite place to go is Whole Foods. (True, I’m there nearly every day, picking up groceries on my mountain bike during my lunch break.)

He always forgets… I don’t think he forgets anything. (True, unless it relates to where some obscure kitchen utensil goes in the drawer. In that case, I need Mommy to draw me a diagram with directions and instructions!)

He really likes to hike. (Yes! And I love the creative way you drew us hiking together, with our backs turned. That’s cool.)

My dad’s job is truck driving. (Actually, I’m the manager of the retention department for a trucking company- but that’s a mouthful!)

He likes to wear plaid shirts. (Right on, good eye!)

He reminds me of a bozo. (If you’re saying I’m funny, I’ll take the compliment!)

I love my dad because he plays Hungry Sharks with me. (Not only did I spent countless hours of our Christmas vacation earning you extra points on that game, it also was a game we took turns playing while you were in the hospital.)

Father’s Day really was special. It actually reminded me of a birthday or something.

I very much enjoyed celebrating fatherhood with you and your sister, and gaining your personal perspective.

Love,

Daddy

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Is The Pfunky Griddle in Nashville a Vegan Friendly Restaurant?

Hi, I’m Nick Shell, the manliest vegan on the Internet. (No other male vegan has ever disputed this!) And yes, I can confirm that a vegan can indeed dine at The Pfunky Griddle. Because I recently did…

A few weeks ago, my family had a great time at the Nashville Zoo. But first, we had a splendid breakfast at The Pfunky Griddle, which is only 4 miles away.

I admit, I had my doubts whether or not I would just be assisting my wife and kids in preparing their meal, yet myself not having anything to eat.

So before I left the house, I had some coffee and made myself my famous “Manly Vegan Smoothie”, which consists of a banana, a cup of blueberries, a cup of unsweetened almond milk, a tablespoon of peanut butter, a tablespoon of chia seeds, and a tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder.

That way, I had a solid base of vegan protein and fat already in my system in case things didn’t work out for me at The Pfunky Griddle.

My main role in being there was ultimately indeed to prepare and serve my family their pancakes. They are vegetarians, so they can have eggs and dairy, which I can not.

That is the reason I specifically didn’t order the pancakes. Instead, I had the hash browns and the veggie sausage.

I assume that you know the whole premise of The Pfunky Griddle is that you make your own breakfast, thanks to a griddle which is built into every table.

Now, was my meal perfectly vegan? No.

It could have been, but I knowingly let two things slide:

I assume the veggie sausage contained egg whites. While I would never choose to eat egg whites, I will overlook it if there is a trace of it in the food, as I did with the veggie burger last month at Mellow Mushroom.

But I refuse to eat egg yolks, which contain the cholesterol.

I am a vegan because it allows me to consume 0% of my daily cholesterol; not for animal rights’ reasons alone.

Also, the spray for the griddle contains butter as an ingredient, though it’s so little that it still registers as 0% cholesterol on the nutritional label. (This spray is not necessary to even use, but it definitely makes the food easier to cook.)

We had fun as a family and we will definitely be going back. As is the norm with my vegan lifestyle, I made it work and I refused to be a stick in the mud.

Because not only am I the manliest vegan on the Internet, I’m also the coolest vegan anyone has ever met in the history of the world!