Voice of the DBA

Category: Blog

  • Daily Coping 4 Sep 2020

    I started to add a daily coping tip to the SQLServerCentral newsletter and to the Community Circle, which is helping me deal with the issues in the world. I’m adding my responses for each day here.

    Today’s tip is to remember that self-care is not selfish. It’s essential.

    I have good days and bad ones during this pandemic. Lately, the weight of a never ending new normal is weighing on me. I know that life will go on, I’ll get to ski again, at some point I’ll travel to an event or a Redgate office, but I can’t plan on any of that.

    Add to this the unrest and contentious time in the US as we approach an election, and I find myself upset by many things, especially views, comments, and spur of the moment opinions.

    To take care of myself, I’m pulling back from engaging with others for a few days. I’m going to focus on the small things in life, family, health, the ranch, and just ignore the world a bit.

    I’m blessed and privileged that I can afford to ignore the world. I could use a break, and I’m going to try not to feel guilty that there are others who aren’t as lucky and can’t get a break. I hope to come back and share more of myself after a little time to unwind.

  • Daily Coping 3 Sep 2020

    I started to add a daily coping tip to the SQLServerCentral newsletter and to the Community Circle, which is helping me deal with the issues in the world. I’m adding my responses for each day here.

    Today’s tip is to share Action for happiness with someone.

    I think I do that every day, but specifically, I sent this to a few non-technical friends. If you want to, here’s a link:

    This is the September Action for Happiness calendar. I’ve found it a good way to cope with the strange world we live in, and try to take action on a few of these items throughout the month: https://www.actionforhappiness.org/media/913605/september_2020.jpg

  • Daily Coping 2 Sep 2020

    I started to add a daily coping tip to the SQLServerCentral newsletter and to the Community Circle, which is helping me deal with the issues in the world. I’m adding my responses for each day here.

    Today’s tip is to do something kind to nature and our planet.

    I love nature, and while I don’t have a green thumb, or am not driven to be an activist, I have been trying to take better care of our property. I’ve replaced some parts on our mower, and looked to help better manage the growth of things.

    While I don’t love a lawn, I have been trying to ensure it’s well cared for, I’ve tried to replant some eroded areas, and am working to better manage and spread manure around to help things grow.

    Now I need to plant a tree.

  • Goal Progress Report–Aug 2020

    This is my every other month report, which has worked out better than every month. Last year I tried every month and when I didn’t make progress, I started ignoring reminders. For me, the too often a reminder was demotivating. It might be a better check for others, but not for me.

    I do have a weekly reminder to spend some time, which sometimes works, but not enough. I likely need to move this to a different day/time.

    This is an update on where I am.

    Reading Goals

    Here were my goals for the year.

    • 3 technical books
    • 2 non-technical books

    Books I’ve tackled:

    I made an effort during some lunches and breaks to work on Making Work Visible and finished it. The middle of the book was hard, but the end got me thinking again. I’ll write a review soon.

    No Power BI or White Fragility. I’ve been a little unfocused and struggling to cope for a couple months and trying to let my brain relax when I can.

    I added the last book after hearing the author talk about poker and how it relates to life and decision making. So far, it’s a mix of poker, fear, and the challenges of imperfect information.

    Project Goals

    Here were my project goals, working with software

    • A Power BI report that updates from a database
    • A mobile app reading data from somewhere
    • A website that showcases changes and data from a database.

    I started compiling some data, grabbing some stats from my life. I’m loading that into a db , as a part of life and some content work, so I’ll write about that. Once I get that loaded, I’m thinking to use that db as a way to kick start some of these items. Work is slowing slightly in Sept, so I think I’ll fold some of this into my focus at work. Maybe this will be a way for me to make more progress.