My Biggest Regret as a Database Administrator
Is one simple, small thing. It’s not spending as much time as I possibly can with other people.
The #1 Thing You Forget to Do Before Presenting
You’ve painstakingly written and practiced your demos. You’ve polished your slides. You’ve walked through each moment of your talk– maybe it was in front of your dog, maybe it was in front of your ever-patient spouse, but you’ve given it your all.
There’s something you’re probably forgetting.
DBA Confession: Sometimes Everyone’s the Slow Kid
I’ve been working with SQL Server databases, Windows administration, and software development an awfully long time. Once you have a lot of experience with something, it’s easy to forget what’s not obvious to newbies. But some things you have to learn the hard way.
Conference Prep List: Pick Your Workout
I got an email recently from a first time attendee to the SQL PASS conference that made me squeal with glee. The email asked the question: do you know a good place to go do Crossfit in Seattle?
I somehow hadn’t realized that I could plan workouts for the conference, and I was so glad I got that tip!
Forms of Database Torture (Illustrated)
Many forms of disasters can happen to a database. Here are three I’ve seen lately.
Are You Following Your Dream?
I got my first “real” job working with databases in New York City in the early 2000’s. The woman who hired me was incredibly smart, and a pleasure to work for. She understood how mainframes processed data, the need and challenge to create web interfaces and relational databases that would work well with mainframes, and she could solve problems like crazy.
Speaking at 24 Hours of PASS: The SQL Server First Responder Kit
On Wednesday, March 21st I am presenting a free online webcast as part of 24 Hours of PASS. My session will be held at 7 AM Pacific / 10 AM Eastern. Register here!
Why Do We Always Draw Tower Servers?
Whenever I see system drawings, a server is always represented by a standing rectangle– it’s taller than it is wide. It seems to represent the kind of tower server that’s left sitting under someone’s desk.
Complaining Doesn't Help, Even When Your Office Smells Like Pee
I’ve had a problem for a little while: my office smells like pee, and it gives me a headache sometimes.
Correction: my office smelled like pee. Past tense. The problem has been resolved.
SQL PASS 2011: Notes From a Presenter
SQL PASS Summit 2011 was a lot of fun. I reconnected with lots of people and met many more. I attended as many sessions as possible and learned new things. And I presented my first full length session at the SQL PASS conference.