2006 - the Year in Review
This is probably my last post of 2006. It's been a good year. Not perfect, but very good.
got lots of traction in the industry. Most SQL Server technologists I know agree five years was a long time to wait for a new release, but the feature set matches or exceeds the development effort.
Most shops I deal with have either migrated, are testing 2005, or have plans to in 2007.
was released and Service Pack 2 is on its .
- aka Data Dude - went from CTP1 to RTM in six months. Very impressive development cycle!
It's been a good year for the Richmond Developer Community.
We started a new SQL Server Users Group, which is now the official PASS chapter for Richmond, VA! We also held two successful MSDN Code Camps - and the leadership team is planning more for 2007.
Speaking of leadership, the team did an outstanding job in 2007 - thanks to all who led and participated at every level! You folks rock!
Personally, it's been a good year too.
Christy and I bought a house in Farmville, VA - completing our move from Jacksonville, FL back home to Virginia.
We recently learned we're going to be parents again! :)
Business-wise, it's also been a cool year.
I moved from a temp-to-perm position to a permanent consulting gig, and was then recruited by Solid Quality Learning! The relationship with Solid Quality allows me to be an independent consultant. It's nice to be working for me again, although my boss is sometimes a jerk... ;)
I learned a couple difficult lessons as well. Without going into detail, suffice it to say this year affirmed my long-held business standards regarding the importance of integrity, loyalty, and trust. At my age and with my experience with people and in the industry, I am not often surprised by people - but I was surprised this year. My lovely bride Christy has an applicable saying about such times: "Good judgment comes from experience, and experience comes from bad judgment." Amen. I believe it is best to always treat people as you want to be treated because you never know...
I also experienced new levels of trust and respect. I worked with an incredibly talented team on a cool project. Loyalty was a hallmark of our experiences on the team. The result? Against seemingly insurmountable odds and obstacles, both internal and external, we succeeded - and made it look easy! My experiences at Solid Quality Learning have underscored the value of loyalty and integrity in all we do. The professionals that lead this company are at once the most talented, intelligent, down-to-earth, humble, and open people on the planet. It is an awesome honor to be part of this organization!
I was honored several times this year:
- one of the authors of (Wrox)
- allowed to participate on the leadership team for the Code Camps
- honored to lead the Richmond SQL Server Users Group
- honored to lead the Richmond .Net Users Group
- nominated for MVP
- honored to deliver the Team Edition for Database Professionals keynote at the Philadelphia Launch Event
- honored to be invited to Redmond several times to participate in TAP and certification discussions
- honored to work with a fantastic team to develop an industry-changing application (which I cannot talk about!)
- honored to be asked to join Solid Quality Learning as a mentor
I don't do resolutions, I merely set goals for the forseeable future. I was able to accomplish two of three goals I set at the end of last year. I find three is a nice round number for goals - and I am working on my three goals for 2007 this last afternoon of 2006.
Here's to 2007 - may you have a safe, prosperous, and happy new year!
:{> Andy
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