Tyke Jones, Web Developer & Content Manager, A Balanced Glass (San Francisco, USA)

Years in Industry:
Born and raised in Napa, California, I’ve been in the technology industry for 15 years, and another six years as a front-end developer. I spent four years as the Director of Client accounts with an eLearning and eCompliance solutions firm designed to adhere to FINRA's regulatory requirements and six years designing and building social media marketing platforms and online contests for artisan food producers. Now my wine involvement is as an avid consumer and helping to support the growth of ABG’s online and web content.
 
My Top Three Challenges to Wellness

• One of my biggest challenges is just getting out the door. I constantly get push back from my 9-year-old when I try to get him out of the house for exercise. Once I do, he has a great time. I then realized that I am the same way. Going for a run through the Panhandle and Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, or biking to Ocean Beach isn't the hard part, talking myself into doing it is.

• Making time for myself. The time is there, I just need to claim it. But, as the day goes on, it is what gets bumped for seemingly more important items.

• Sleep can be a big challenge for me. I often go to bed too late and wake up too early. After a few days of not getting enough sleep I begin to feel extremely run down which will affect my eating and exercising habits.

 
How I Keep It Together to Stay Well:
Physically, I try to stay well with running and biking. I also enjoy hiking on the weekends whether it be urban or trails.  I always try to take the stairs not the elevator.  After dropping my son off at school, I run or walk home instead of bussing back.  Mentally I remind myself I don't have to fill every minute of the day with something "productive".  Sitting down at a cafe with coffee and watching the world for 20 or 30 minutes can really help me get in the right headspace.
 
What Inspires Me:
 Listening to music inspires me.  If I am home, music is playing.   Food is another thing that really inspires me. Lately I have been listening to a lot of John Coltrane while making dinner, and The Mother Hips are always on rotation!   I love cookbooks, cooking shows, and cooking.  I am always trying to learn to make something new in the kitchen, the more difficult the better.  It sometimes takes a while, but once I get it right, I move on to the next challenge.  French Macarons are my current Everest.
 
A Quote I Love
“Sometimes you just have to pee in the sink” - Charles Bukowski
 
You can connect with Tyke on Instagram @tykejones