Unfriend

Unfriend - the newest curse word.

tiobe

Have you seen this?

It's an online index useful for gauging where a certain programming language is in its life cycle.

http://www.tiobe.com/index.php/content/paperinfo/tpci/index.html

faker.net

https://github.com/slashdotdash/faker-cs

This is a free library that can be used to connect to a C# infrastructure to generate fake but presentable data.

The thing I currently like about this is that, in my current environment, I need source code only. Already compiled programs are frowned upon, and so, source code based utilities that can be compiled on-site, so to speak, are the thing to have and to get.

One of my most favorite utilities of all time is decidedly NOT open source, but free, and so, again, in the current environment, I can't use it.

New Engagement

I recently started a new engagement with PotomacWave Consulting, and couldn't be happier!

I'll be doing SSIS, SSRS, SSAS, and SQL Server 2005 developer / DBA stuff.

Really excited about this change!

Things I wish I'd known

In hindsight, I think it would have been good to know:

• Take hand sanitizer, and use it religiously
• If you have no signal in the building across the street, chances are, you're not going to have any better signal in the office when you get there
• This can pretty quickly become a ROI decision point - how much do I value being connected fulltime while I'm on the customer's site?
• (Historical note - I wound up switching my provider because it had neither coverage at work OR at home, but only after we moved)
• It was a good idea to pack my snacks every day
• That trying to un-focus onto / into new technologies right before a new fulltime client is a mistake. Instead, I would have been better served to try and cramstudylearn (that's a verb, by the way) for a relevant certification

Saying Goodbye

I’m closing out of a chapter of my life here, and thought I’d write down some transition thoughts.

1. Clearly cut off – no loose threads
While this is a direct tie to number 2 below, don’t leave anything hanging for someone to pull you back again.

2. Document, document, document
This is as much about them as it is you…. Think of it as pro-active self defense. Do you really want to get called once your gone about something you’d possibly rather not remember?

3. Say good-bye
Saying good-bye can be a powerful way to leave a positive last impression – and people DO remember how you exit.

4. Get references
Always find a way to stay in touch once gone, too.

New definition of "Introverted"

Introverted, as it relates to work:
I'm an internally motivated individual. Not giving me goals doesn't mean I don't or won't have any.

Extroverted, as it relates to work:
I'm an externally motivated resource. Public recognition and the stage are what I need. Fail to put me in the spotlight at the monthly team meetings at your own peril.