Giving Thanks
November 26th, 20097
Giving Thanks
November 26th, 20097
 
 

My career

While I am no Kalen or Paul or Itzik or Erland (or… the list could go on and on), I am very thankful that I have been able to shape a moderately successful career around SQL Server.  More importantly, I am thankful that the market continues to provide Microsoft with the motivation to improve upon the platform with each successive version.  So one level of thanks goes out to:

  • all of the people at Microsoft who contribute to the product;
  • all of the people who use Connect to provide feedback on the product; 
  • all of the people that I have worked with and for, who have provided, and continue to provide, the means to progress my career;
  • all of the people who struggle with SQL Server, providing an opportunity for folks like me to help; and,
  • all of the people who blog and tweet about SQL Server, or volunteer for orgnizations like PASS.  By raising awareness, explaining how you solve problems, or just assisting in other users' networking opportunities, you motivate all of us to participate in the community in various ways more so than we would otherwise.  And without a community around SQL Server, where would any of us be?

My boys

On a non-technical note, I am quite thankful that I have had the ability to rescue two abused and neglected beagles, Kirby and Quigley:

Seeing these dogs transform quite literally into loving members of my family has been a joy that I can't possibly describe.

My Loved Ones

And last but not least, I wouldn't be where I am without the help of the people around me.  Between my family, Nicole, and my circle of friends, I couldn't ask for more love and support.  These people are there for me whether I am facing struggles at work, getting my radar detector confiscated, or getting my crotch burned by a careless Dunkin' Donuts employee.

I hope you are enjoying your Thanksgiving.  For those not celebrating, I still urge you to take a moment and think about the elements in your life that you are thankful for.

By: Aaron Bertrand

I am a passionate technologist with industry experience dating back to Classic ASP and SQL Server 6.5. I am a long-time Microsoft MVP, write at Simple Talk, SQLPerformance, and MSSQLTips, and have had the honor of speaking at more conferences than I can remember. In non-tech life, I am a husband, a father of two, a huge hockey and football fan, and my pronouns are he/him.

7 Responses

  1. KKline says:

    Great post, Aaron.  A spirit of gratitude is the wellspring of joy!

  2. Greg Low says:

    Hey Aaron, hope Thanksgiving is great for you and thanks for your post.
    Regards,
    Greg

  3. Rob Farley says:

    Aaron – the only problem I have with your post is the first line. You're every bit a legend as anyone in the SQL world.

  4. AaronBertrand says:

    Thank you very much Kalen!  I read your daughter's blog and it was very touching.  This is the kind of compassion I am thankful for!

  5. Everest says:

    Well said, Aaron.
    Happy Thanksgiving
    Lee

  6. AaronBertrand says:

    Thanks Chris.  I'm not sure why the two countries can't just celebrate Thanksgiving on the same day.  It kind of sucks for me because I can't easily go home for Canadian Thanksgiving, and if I were to go home this weekend, it would just be another weekend to everyone else.
    Not that this changes the meaning, of course.  It just means that I don't reflect on the great things in my life at the same time as most of my circle back home.  What I need to be better about is reflecting on what I'm thankful for more than just once a year.

  7. Chris Wood says:

    And I'm thankful for your contributions posted here and especially your Connect weekly summary.
    Happy Thanksgiving from a worker in Canada.