Nicholas Hochstetler

Head of Content at Touchdown Tech

[Nicholas Hochstetler @NicholasHo24]

Ten-Speed Transmission: Benefit or Disadvantage

I recently bought a new vehicle for my wife. It's a 2023 Honda Odyssey, and we love it. However, after our first long trip in November or December, a warning about the transmission overheating popped up. The trip was two and a half hours, making it a five-hour round trip.

I slowed down and checked everything. After that, I drove home without any issues. Even though it was new and just serviced, I took it to my local mechanic. They re-serviced it, checked the transmission, changed the fluid, and everything seemed fine.

A few months later, we headed to Tennessee for a wedding. About an hour and a half from home, the overheating warning appeared again. I slowed down and continued driving. Suddenly, four major warnings and codes showed up. I couldn't get out of first gear, and it was flashing at me. I pulled over and had my father-in-law, who is a mechanic, look at it. He cleared the codes, and I kept driving. I only saw a warning now and then.

We had a great weekend. On the way back, another set of warnings appeared, and we were stuck in Nashville for a couple of hours. I tried to rent a vehicle, but I couldn't because it was my first rental, and they don't allow first-time rentals on Sundays.

Long story short, I got the car home and am wondering what to do next. My father-in-law thinks the 10-speed transmission is slipping gears in the higher ranges, causing overheating. I've heard a lot of bad things about 10-speed transmissions. Is this just a weird issue in Northern Indiana, or are 10-speed transmissions truly worth it?

Why are all the companies moving to 10-speed transmissions when so many bad things are said about them?

[Nicholas Hochstetler @NicholasHo24]

2 VS 3

Last weekend, we welcomed another baby boy into our family. We went from one parent for one kid to two parents for three kids. I didn’t realize how much this would change our lives.

In the nearly two weeks since we had Peter, our newest baby, life has flown by! I barely remember much of those days because we’re always on the go. The crazy part is, we haven’t even left the house much.

Overall, I love my three boys. If you’re thinking about waiting years to have kids or unsure if you want them, remember this: kids are a lot of work, but each one is worth it! My boys make me laugh and smile every day, and I wouldn’t trade them for anything! Plus, my wife is a great mom, and I am so glad that my boys have a role model like her to find their own wives!

[Nicholas Hochstetler @NicholasHo24]

Mouse

I have used many mice in my career, and I've found the perfect one. But did I?

Have you ever thought you found the ideal mouse, only to realize it doesn’t solve all your problems?

I have two favorite mice: one for gaming and one for work.

These will be my go-to mice for years, unless something changes. My gaming mouse is the Logitech ERGO M575S, while my work mouse is the MX Master 4. I love my MX Master 4, but it is just a little slower in some things compared to my older Apple Magic Mouse.

Which mouse do you use daily, and why did you choose it?

[Nicholas Hochstetler @NicholasHo24]

Scissor Type Keyboards

Many people don’t know much about different keyboards. They often buy a basic one, like an Amazon Basics or a $20 Logitech keyboard.

If you only use your computer at home once a week, you might not notice the differences. But if you type daily for work, switching keyboards can change your experience. Choosing the right keyboard can make typing more enjoyable and improve your work life.

I started with a membrane keyboard but didn’t like it. Then, I got a job where I used an @Apple Magic scissor keyboard. I loved it and still use it in my home office. The downside of scissor keyboards is that they can be hard to replace if damaged. You must be careful when reattaching them to avoid breaking the hooks.

Overall, scissor keyboards are just as good as mechanical ones; they simply feel different. They have less key travel and are quieter than typical mechanical keyboards.

If you’re deciding what to buy, skip the cheap membrane keyboards. Invest in quality that will last. If you prefer quieter keys with less travel and limited customization, choose a scissor keyboard. If you want to customize keys or switch them out, go for a mechanical keyboard.

[Nicholas Hochstetler @NicholasHo24]

@ReubenHoch Q1 is made of all metal instead of the V6 is plastic outer shell.

Apple Keyboards are scissor type which are less travel and really good but you just can't change out each key.

[Nicholas Hochstetler @NicholasHo24]

Membrane Keyboards

Have you ever thought that all keyboards are the same? Or that spending money on them isn’t worth it?

I once worked at a business that bought cheap Amazon Basics keyboards for $15-20. I used them for 2 to 3 years, but they would stop working randomly. The plastic would wear off, and the keys quickly lost their crisp feel.

Recently, I learned why this happens. Cheap keyboards use a low-quality membrane or foam. Once that wears out, you can’t do anything but replace the whole keyboard. The upside is they’re cheap to replace. The downside? They’re not fun to type on.

Mechanical and scissor-style keyboards each have a unique feel. They offer a crisp response that brings joy to every key click. Membrane keyboards only feel good on the first day. If you work in an office and use a keyboard daily, I highly recommend a mechanical or scissor keyboard. It will change how you type.

Eventually, I moved to a different job where my boss cared more about typing experience.

Now, I use the Keychron V6 Max and love it. I plan to get the Keychron Q1 Version 2 next, but only a 75% keyboard, not a full one.

What keyboard do you use and why do you love it?

#keychron #keyboard #mechanicalkeyboard
#typing #typingexperience

[Nicholas Hochstetler @NicholasHo24]

Mechanical Keyboards

I love my mechanical keyboard. Typing out a paragraph has made me happier than ever. I used to rely on voice-to-text, but since my boss sits beside me, I’ve been typing more—and I love it.

Mechanical keyboards feel clicky and tactile, like typing on a typewriter. You can customize your keys to do whatever you want. If you don’t like the sound of your switches, you can swap them for a different sound or feel.

Switches are the key components that create the sound and feel of each key.

I love mechanical keyboards so much that I feel sad when I have to use my home desk. At home, I have a Magic Keyboard, which I like, but not as much as my Keychron mechanical keyboard at work. I am saving up for a new keyboard for home.

If you use a keyboard every day or five times a week, invest in one you love; it will make going to work more enjoyable.

[Nicholas Hochstetler @NicholasHo24]

How One YouTube Video Turned Me Into a Keyboard Nerd

I follow @MKBHD , and they had a video out on YouTube about different keyboards. At that time, I was using Apple's Magic Keyboard, which I loved.

They were showing the different keyboards that everyone uses there at the office and how fast everyone can type. There were all kinds of keyboards: @KeychronMK, @Apple Magic, @Logitech, and many more.

I fell in love with a mechanical keyboard in that video. I saw it and heard it and was like, this is the keyboard I want to use in my office. Then I saw the prices of some of them and said, okay, maybe when I invent something and sell it for millions, then I will buy a new keyboard.

Anyway, that is just a joke; I actually finally saved up my money and purchased the Keychron V6 Max. I love this thing so much; I love how it sounds, how it types, and how it feels. I will definitely be getting one for my home office too.

[French Press Podcast @frenchpresspod]

Part 6 is LIVE! This is the final episode of the Cory and Jeanette Dexter story. If you haven’t listened to the earlier parts yet, go back and check them out—you won’t be disappointed.

YouTube link: https://t.co/Sj6DyOn38i

Website link:
https://t.co/Sj6DyOn38i

[Nicholas Hochstetler @NicholasHo24]

Relationships

Having relationships is very important. I'm not just talking about a spouse, but friendships too. When was the last time you went out for dinner or coffee with a good friend? Just talking about life, your struggles, or the good times?

Right now, I'm taking a course that focuses on relationships. It teaches that the opposite of addiction is connection, not just sobriety. In today's world, we need more connections and relationships, especially with all the negativity around us.

I can't remember the last time I went out with a good friend to chat. Most evenings, I have dinner with my family. I talk with my wife about our day and play with my two little boys.

I don’t even take my wife out on dates often. So, I'm planning to take her out tomorrow night. Don’t let a busy life ruin your relationships with your spouse or friends.

What will you do today to improve your relationships with your wife or friends?

[French Press Podcast @frenchpresspod]

Part 5 is live!

A brand new episode just dropped in your inbox, give it a listen and don’t miss out.

YouTube Link: https://t.co/oYKcCrzbSq

Website Link: https://t.co/enhHzDetKo
https://t.co/oYKcCrzbSq

[Nicholas Hochstetler @NicholasHo24]

Dear Snow

I am tired of seeing snow.
I am tired of the cold.
I want to mow my grass again.
I am getting old.
Waiting for it to get warm.

[Nicholas Hochstetler @NicholasHo24]

@ReubenHoch No, it looks like a lot of work.

[Nicholas Hochstetler @NicholasHo24]

Buying vs. Making Soap

I shared my story about my sensitive skin before. Recently, I felt the urge to make my own soap. Now I understand why homemade soap is so expensive. The process takes a long time and is quite difficult.

The hardest part is dealing with lye. Lye is sodium or potassium hydroxide, and it's very dangerous until it cures.

Getting lye on your skin can cause burns. The dust or vapors can irritate or burn your eyes and lungs if you breathe them in. Still, this is how you make the best soap around.

Lye takes fat from your homemade soap and turns it into soap. When lye and fat mix, the lye cures and becomes safe. It’s a wild process! If lye is so dangerous yet essential for soap, I can only imagine what’s in store-bought brands like Axe and Dove. Check your soap ingredients next time you shower. If your soap has more than ten ingredients and they aren’t these, toss it!

-Goat milk soap
-Coconut milk
-Goat milk kefir
-Olive oil
-Almond oil
-Greek yogurt
-Oatmeal
-Honey
-Salt
-Vitamin E

If your soap has similar ingredients, keep using it. If it has anything you can’t pronounce, RUN!

[Nicholas Hochstetler @NicholasHo24]

Father's Wisdom

I am the youngest of 5 children, and my dad is roughly somewhere in his 60s, I think. I know I should know my dad's age, but I can barely remember my own age, so give me some grace.

Anyway, my dad is older and has a ton of wisdom and knowledge of so much stuff it is insane. Just last summer I needed to run a new wire for my sump pump so that I wouldn't keep flipping the breaker. I had no clue where to even begin besides calling my local electrician. But, my dad told me it's not hard; I can help you. I left for work and he was supposed to call me, but later that day he called me and said it's all finished.

My dad has done so much in his career that he knows everything. He did construction, farming, excavating, and ran a rental business.

I try to learn as much from him as possible so that one day when my boys call me up for something they need help with, I can help them. And while helping them, I will tell them the story of how I learned from my dad how to do it.

You do not need to have the best dad like me to learn some knowledge or wisdom from him. I know that dads have a lot of wisdom and knowledge, but you just need to ask them.

Don't be afraid to ask for help from your dad or father-in-law; they would love to work beside their own children.

[Nicholas Hochstetler @NicholasHo24]

Working With Family

A few weeks ago, I attended a church function. There, I talked about my job with some friends. I mentioned that I work for my brother at @touchdowntech and love it. I'm grateful God gave me this chance. One guy there said he could never work for family.

I didn’t think much of that until recently. I've worked for my dad in excavation. I've also worked for my brother and dad in a rental business. Now, I work for my other brother in tech. I've enjoyed every job.

I’ve gained a lot of wisdom from my dad in excavation. I wish I could learn even more from him. My other brother taught me how to not let things bother me and how to share ideas. My oldest brother has shown me so much about marketing and technology.

In short, I see it as a blessing to work with family. If you're deciding who to work for and your brother or father is an option, take that leap! Don’t be scared or nervous.

[Nicholas Hochstetler @NicholasHo24]

1 Cup Coffee Maker

Do you hate finding grinds at the bottom of your coffee cup? They can make your drink muddy and unpleasant.

Last week, I bought a handheld coffee grinder. I wanted to avoid waking up my kids and wife with the electric one. I also mentioned last week I was searching for a one-cup coffee maker, and I finally found it.

I tried my French press a couple of times, but it left my coffee muddy with lots of grime. Then, I discovered the perfect one-cup coffee maker: the @AeroPress. It works wonders! I'm so impressed that I’ll mention it in my podcast, the French Press Podcast. We try different coffees and chat about life in Northern Indiana.

The Aeropress is amazing. It works like a regular coffee maker but is quick and delivers great flavor. It uses filters, so you avoid the muddy coffee you get with a French press.

Plus, it’s super easy to clean and costs only $35. At Main Street Roasters in Northern Indiana, a 10 oz cup costs $1.99. So, it only takes 17.5 cups of Aeropress coffee to pay for itself.

If your whole family wakes up at the same time, this coffee maker isn’t for you. But if you wake up before the kids and your wife, this is the perfect solution!

I’ll link it below to the Aeropress website: https://t.co/ou8x64SWZN

Here’s the link to Main Street Roasters, where I bought it if you’re local to Northern Indiana: https://t.co/8Yn26J5oKN

Here is the post from last week.
https://t.co/TC99yIvu7U

[Nicholas Hochstetler @NicholasHo24]

Coffee Grinder vs. Sleeping Kids

I woke up Saturday morning hoping for hot coffee in my maker. Sadly, I forgot to prepare it the night before. I thought about making it now. I gathered water and a filter, but when I turned on the grinder, it roared loudly. I quickly switched it off. I never realized how loud it was at 5:15 AM when everyone else was still asleep. I worried I’d wake my boys and my wife. No one wants to wake a sleeping wife. So, I had to get ready without the aroma of fresh coffee and the delicious taste of coffee, cream, and maple syrup. I ended up going to Scooters and spending $6 on a coffee.

Since that day, I’ve been searching for the perfect grinder: quiet and wife-friendly.

I decided to try hand grinding instead of using a motor. It's much quieter and more enjoyable to drink coffee made from beans I ground myself. I bought a $17 one on Amazon, and it has worked great.

Now, I’m looking for a one-cup coffee maker so I don’t have to grind for too long. I found one, but I’ll save that story for next week.

[French Press Podcast @frenchpresspod]

After a year, we finally have Cory and Janette Dexter sharing one of the wildest stories you’ll hear. Don’t miss it! We’re posting 2 episodes over the next 3 weeks. Turn on your notifications so you catch every episode. This episode is part 1 of 6.
https://t.co/4UZFhosAqq

[Nicholas Hochstetler @NicholasHo24]

Getting Things Done

It was a hot summer day and I got a notification that I had a meeting in 5 minutes while driving to work after lunch. I panicked and drove faster and texted my client to see if I could push the meeting 15 minutes. He said that would be fine, but I promised myself never to do that again.

My brother and boss @ReubenHoch made a GTD dashboard in @NotionHQ. He got the idea after reading Getting Things Done by David Allen @gtdguy . It has changed me for the better and made my life so enjoyable. Before I would be late to meetings and during normal meetings felt cluttered. I often felt anxious. I worried about forgetting work tasks, things for my wife, or repairs at home.

After going to a few workshops and using the GTD Dashboard every day, I have started feeling peace and, in a sense, freedom. My brain isn't full of trying to remember forgotten tasks. Instead I can focus my full attention on tasks in my GTD. To this day I have never had a late meeting. Now when my wife asks me to do or fix something I instantly put it into my GTD and work on it when I get time.

If you feel cluttered, overwhelmed, or worried, I understand, but you don't need to be anymore. Download this free GTD dashboard, watch this video, and you will transform overnight.

GTD Dashboard link in Notion https://t.co/MDLJ8yc2XM

Link to YouTube on how to use GTD Dashboard
https://t.co/47ewOjsQh4

Here is link to the book. https://t.co/lm9JF5j1nR

[Nicholas Hochstetler @NicholasHo24]

Coffee Grinder vs. Sleeping Kids

I woke up Saturday morning hoping for hot coffee in my maker. Sadly, I forgot to prepare it the night before. I thought about making it now. I gathered water and a filter, but when I turned on the grinder, it roared loudly. I quickly switched it off. I never realized how loud it was at 5:15 AM when everyone else was still asleep. I worried I’d wake my boys and my wife. No one wants to wake a sleeping wife. So, I had to get ready without the aroma of fresh coffee and the delicious taste of coffee, cream, and maple syrup. I ended up going to Scooters and spending $6 on a coffee.

Since that day, I’ve been searching for the perfect grinder: quiet and wife-friendly.

I decided to try hand grinding instead of using a motor. It's much quieter and more enjoyable to drink coffee made from beans I ground myself. I bought a $17 one on Amazon, and it has worked great.

Now, I’m looking for a one-cup coffee maker so I don’t have to grind for too long. I found one, but I’ll save that story for next week.