It’s Thanksgiving here in the U.S. so I thought I’d share a little about what I’m thankful for this year.
#sqlfamily
I’m thankful for #sqlfamily. This pandemic has been hard for pretty much all of us as far as I can tell. Sure – there are some bright spots along the way. But the reason I’m so thankful for #sqlfamily is seeing everyone reach out and say if you need someone, I’m here. People have created regular virtual calls for each other or will set them up as needed. We feel more comfortable about sharing that we’re having a hard time aloud so people know they can reach out.
To sum it up – you come to #sqlfamily for learning but you stay for the people. And for the most part, #sqlfamily are good people.
Speaking
I’ve been able to do a fair amount of speaking even though we’ve gone virtual. In some ways, I may have done a little more events than I would have had we all still been in person. It has been a lot to manage at times and I have wondered if I’ve over-committed myself. But I really do enjoy getting to share my presentations in the end and hope that those attending enjoy it too. It makes everything worthwhile.
Presenting at SQL Sat Nashville January 2020 
Presenting at SQL Sat Rochester February 2020 
Raffle time at SQL Sat Rochester 2020 
Presenting and attending SQL Sat Albany July 2020 
Presenting and attending PASS Summit 2020 (Nov)
I gave my first full session at PASS Summit. Thank you to all those who attended my session. Also, thanks to those who filled out the session evaluation. That feedback is invaluable for me to know whether I’m on the right track with what I’m talking about and how I’m presenting or whether I need to make adjustments.
I’m also thankful that our community is still finding ways for new speakers to get started. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed watching those who participated in the first New Stars of Data step up and speak. I love seeing their comradery on social media as they cheer each other on with each new speaking engagement or blog post. It’s so encouraging to see how these speakers are being embraced. On a personal note, I was picked to mentor Deepthi Goguri (t|b) for New Stars. At this point, I think she has spoken more than I have over the past year and I can’t be happier for her.
MVP
I’m still very honored and humbled by this. I got the email that I was awarded the MVP this month. If you’re worried about this going to my head – the next day, I logged on to work to find out that I missed something and essentially “broke” the dev and QA environments. Oops!
But I am very thankful that what I am doing now has been considered enough to be a part of this program. I always think there is more that I can do and should do to help contribute. I will take this as a sign to take those steps forward and do more.
The rest….
There is much more to be thankful for. I have a job, a roof over my head, and an incredible support system that I don’t use enough. I know not everyone can say that right now. I’m incredibly fortunate and I hope to find all the ways I can pay it forward.
Even though things are still not normal and hard for many of us, I hope that we all can find something to be thankful for that can help pull us through.
Deb the DBA 