Voice of the DBA

Category: Blog

  • Daily Coping 24 Jul 2020

    I’ve 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 ask yourself: What’s the best thing that can happen?

    That’s a good question. I can take this lots of ways. The best thing for the world? We get a very effective vaccine this year.

    The best thing for me? My family stays healthy and can enjoy life.

    The best thing today? I get to practice yoga, no part of my body aches, I eat some good food and spend a nice evening with my wife.

    Keep things in perspective. I’m aiming for the last one today and focusing on that.

  • Giving Back to Speakers

    It might be hard to think back to 2007, but at that time, there were only a few SQL Server events taking place in the world. SQL Bits held its inaugural event, and we had the annual PASS Summit, DevConnections, and Visual Studio Live conferences. Microsoft had a few large events, but outside of user groups, that was it.

    In 2007, Andy Warren and I were talking and planning for SQL Saturday #1. That year we thought there were plenty of speakers in that area, with a number of MVPs. However, after the event, as other events sprung up in 2008, we worried if we’d have enough speakers.

    He did, and we continue to find new speakers every year. I’ve seen some really good ones, and some that need help. GroupBy is trying to do something in this area. They only choose a few speakers, but they’ve started a mentorship program that is geared to helping new speakers grow.

    You can apply to help today, and I’d encourage you to do so. I did.

  • Daily Coping 23 Jul 2020

    I’ve 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 let go of small stuff and focus on the things that matter.

    This week I was a bit frustrated with my break from work. In Colorado our Governor implemented a mandatory mask order at the end of last week. All indoor activities around people need masks. My gym complied, and I couldn’t workout without one, even with no one around. Yoga was with a mask, and that was less than fun. Coaching was masks covering everyone, including kids, who didn’t enjoy it.

    In fact, less kids decided to come, which is less fun for me, and less fun for them. In a time when so many are stuck without routines and interactions, sports were a good release. With most of us in a closed group, we were enjoying playing again, but that had to stop.

    However, that’s fine. What matters is we try and get this virus under control. Colorado was doing very well, and my area still is not bad, but with cases creeping up, this is a small thing to think about. It’s a small annoyance, and minor loss, and ultimately, that’s I should be focused on helping to keep public health at a more healthy level.

  • Tonight is the PASS Marathon on SQL Server Performance

    The event is tonight, and it’s my first time helping out as a moderator. I got a call for volunteers, and I added my name. The event starts at 1800GMT and runs for a few hours.

    You can register here.

    The schedule is up, and I’ll be moderating Vern Rabe’s session on Poorly Performing T-SQL Queries and How to Fix Them. I’ve known Vern for a few years and enjoy seeing him at SQL Saturday’s. This will be a good session, so tune in and ask some good questions.