SQL in Seattle

Hello Blog Loyalists!

As if you couldn't tell from the title of this post, I am currently at PASS Summit 2011 in Seattle.  For those of you that were too lazy to click on the link I provided, PASS stands for Professional Association for SQL Server.  For those unfamiliar with SQL Server, I pity you.

The conference has actually been a really good experience so far.  First of all the Seattle Convention City is another sad reminder of how much of a second (or third) tier city Kansas City is.  Bartle Hall/ KC Convention Center doesn't hold a candle to the Seattle center.  In addition to the fine aesthetics, there are many fine amenities provided by PASS.  Breakfast, lunch, and dinner have been provided.  There is ample Seattle's Best Coffee, tea, and soda at every break.  AND, I haven't even mentioned all of the SWAG.  In one day I've increased my nerd cred substantially with shirts from EMC2, SQL Server, and Amazon Web Services - plus I got a sick backpack and deck of cards.  What more could I expect from this conference?!?

Honestly, I am sort of amazed at the turnout and professionalism of the conference.  Attendance is somewhere north of 5,000.  SQL Server IS a Microsoft product, so I suppose I shouldn't be surprised with the show.  Also, if my manager is one of my devoted 5 followers who reads my blog, don't worry I've learned all kinds of tips and tricks that I can show off when I return back to KC.  Plus, I'm loving the possibilities of SQL Azure and Data Tools- to the Cloud!

In addition to the PASS Summit, I ventured into the city of Seattle today - which was pretty interesting.  One thing sticks out immediately when walking the streets - there are a lot of homeless people in Seattle!  I don't say this to be mean, but I can't think of a colder/rainier place than Seattle - doesn't seem an ideal place to be homeless.  Besides the abundance of panhandlers, Seattle is a very cool city.  It sort of reminds me of Chicago - maybe b/c they are both right on a body of water.  Seattle has it's own a sort of "Miracle Mile" in Pike Street, which has tons of shopping and restaurants.  Pike Street comes to an end with Pikes Pier on the Puget Sound, which has the world famous fish market that you always see on television (you know where all the vendors are throwing fish around).  I'm going to try and venture to the fish market tomorrow and see if I can get hit in the head with a flying grouper or something.  One other cool thing about Seattle is the Light Rail.  I took a train from the airport to downtown for $2.75, compared to a $30 taxi cab.  This would be of great use in a city like Kansas City, where the airport is 20 miles north of the city.  It gave a nice little scenic view of Seattle as well - a good way to begin the trip.

All and all, it's been a good trip so far.  I miss my wife and dog though.  I'm glad my job doesn't entail much (really any) travel.  Until next time....

Hello Again!

Hello blogosphere!

A lot has changed since the last blog entry of December 2009.  Here's a list of the most drastic changes I can think of:

• Got married
• Bought a house
• Got a dog
• Got TWO platinum trophies on the PS3
• Bought a toaster-oven
• and so much more!

I'm sure there is something I'm forgetting, but for a renaissance man like myself, it's hard to keep it all straight.

I'll re-start the blog with a little information about our pride and joy, Kona the Wonder Dog:

Isn't she just precious?  Kelly and I got Kona the day after Thanksgiving 2010.  Here's how it all happened....  After feasting on some delicious IMO's pizza, Kelly and I decided to go look at puppies at the pet store just for funsies, no intentions to bring one home.  As we made our way around the pet store, Kelly spotted this uber-cute chocolate brown pup.  Kelly asked the clerk if she could hold the puppy for a little while.  Nose nuzzles commenced.  Soon thereafter a little girl, maybe 10 years old, came up and asked Kelly if she could hold the dog.  Kelly said, "I'm sorry, we're taking this one home".  You can imagine my shock!

Kona soon made herself at home:

It's been nearly eight months since Kona joined our clan.  She has been a joy, a hassle, a companion, a pain in the neck, a walking buddy, a squirrel chaser, a Frisbee fiend, and a fine addition to our family.

I will try not to make this blog too Kona-centric, but she does take up the majority of my free time these days and darnit, she's just so cute!

Until next time...