Back in the SSISaddle

Testing…

Testing…

Is this thing on?

Although I still get the occasional comment on older blog posts, I assume that pretty much nobody subscribes to my blog anymore for SSIS information. When I joined Microsoft Learning in October 2008, the SQL/BI/SSIS side of my life got pushed to the side. I kept working with the tools, but it was no longer a core part of my job, and one of the things I largely gave up on blogging and related technical community efforts. It wasn’t a change I wanted to make, but I needed to ensure that I rocked my new job as much as possible. The end result was that over the last 30 months I’ve posted fewer than ten SSIS-related posts.[1]

This will now change.

This week I joined the SQL Server Integration Services team as a Senior Program Manager.[2]

In the months leading up to the SQL Server “Denali” release, I hope to blog regularly on “Denali”-related features, enhancements and techniques. The “Denali” release is a major release for SSIS, with a ton of exciting new capabilities for new users and seasoned SSIS professionals alike.[3] If you are using SSIS already, SSIS in “Denali” is going to make your life easier in many ways. If you’re just starting off with SSIS, the “Denali” release will ease your learning curve, and help you swear less. In short, I’ll have a lot to blog about.

With this said, it may still be a few weeks before I post again. Not only will I be getting up to speed on my new team and my new role, I will also be relocating my family from New York to Redmond.[4] The relocation will be consuming most or all of my free time for the next few weeks, but once I’m settled in you should expect to hear from me more often.

It’s good to be back.

Back in the SSISaddle indeed.

[1] And that I rocked the new job pretty darned hard, but that’s a longer story. Ask your friendly neighborhood Microsoft Certified Trainer.

[2] I wish you could see the smile on my face as I typed that sentence.

[3] If you want an overview of these new things, please be sure to download and view Matt Masson’s presentation from TechEd North America. We’ll have more announcements coming closer to release, but this session is more than enough to whet your appetite.

[4] I have two children, two cats and one wife, and the effort and stress of moving the whole family is staggering. I thought I knew what I was getting into, but boy was I wrong.

Math and Terror

My son just celebrated his eighth birthday. While he was eating his birthday breakfast before heading to school, he came out with this gem:

"I'm half of sixteen today!"

Now part of me is happy that he's thinking of mathematical relationships at the breakfast table. But another part of me is thinking how I am so incredibly not yet ready for sixteen. These first eight years have gone by so quickly, I can't begin to imagine how quickly the next will fly.

So the next time you're wondering if the glass is half empty or half full, just be glad that it isn't half of sixteen...

The IT Crowd - Series 3

I don't watch a lot of TV, but I love the delightful The IT Crowd show put out by Britain's Channel 4. There're aren't a lot of episodes yet, but today that is going to change. The first episode of the new 3rd series is going to air tonight. Those of us in the US will need to wait a while longer, but I'm excited nonetheless. If you're already a fan then you know there's more geek madness in store. And if you're not, you should track down series 1 and 2 and see what you're missing...

Vote Early!

For those of us in the US, today is Election Day. After months of campaigning (I wanted to say "heated debate" but we didn't really get months of that, id we?) it's time to vote, and select a new president.

I live in a quiet little neighborhood, and typically get up early to vote as soon as the polls open. There have never been more than five or ten people in line in front of me, and it's always been a quick in-and-out[1] procedure.

But today was a little different.

Today, when I arrived a few minutes after the polls opened (6:00 AM, still dark outside) the parking lot was nearly full. There were 60 or 70 people already in line in front of me; it took me almost half an hour to get in, vote, and get back out again. And when I left the line was noticeably longer than it had been when I arrived.

Never before have I seen a voter turnout like this one. For some reason, people must feel that this particular election is very important.

So if you're thinking about waiting until after work today to vote, please let me urge you to not delay. If the massive[2] voter turnout that I experienced this morning is at all indicative of what the day will look like at polls around the nation, you will probably want to ensure that you take into account longer lines and longer delays at the polls.

So go vote!

[1] And if you now for some reason feel the urge to go watch A Clockwork Orange then my work here is done. ;-)

[2] Ok, so 60 or 70 people isn't "massive" on a global scale, but please work with me here...

A Free Font of Wisdom

One of my Facebook friends (hi Julie!) posted this morning asking for advice on where to find good free fonts. I replied pointing her to one site where I have found many good fonts, and another friend responded with three more. Here's the list:

• http://www.dafont.com/
• http://www.1001freefonts.com/
• http://www.1001fonts.com/
• http://betterfonts.com/

I know that this isn't BI-related, but I'll bet I'm not the only person who looks for cool and interesting fonts from time to time. And even if I am, now I know where to find a list of links. ;-)

Manowar Metal Server 2008 CTP

If you've read my blog with any degree of regularity over the past few years, you will probably know that I am a fan of the heavy metal band Manowar. Their music is a major source of inspiration in my life, giving me the "warrior spirit" to face head-on the challenges that life brings[1]. But you may not quite understand why.

Well, now you can!

Manowar has just released the trailer for their soon-to-be-released Magic Circle Festival Volume II 2-DVD set. I attended this festival in Bad Arolsen, Germany back in July, and have been waiting for the DVD ever since. It will be released one month from today on November 27th, and you can preorder it at Manowar's online store for just $40.

So if you are looking for a little inspiration in your life, or if you just want to know what the heck Matthew has been talking about all these years, now is your chance.[2] Preorder today!

Edit: And you can also view a high-quality, full screen version of the trailer here.

[1] And it's amazing music too. The inspiration wouldn't quite be the same without the divine vocals, the screaming guitar, the pounding drums and the driving bass.

[2] And before you ask, no, they don't pay me anything.

Losing My MVP

Since the beginning of the year I've had the Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) logo on my blog. I've been delighted to be honored with the MVP award, because is is an acknowledgment of the effort I've made to give back to the Microsoft technical community. This is what Microsoft has to say about the MVP award:

"The Microsoft MVP Award Program recognizes and thanks outstanding members of technical communities for their community participation and willingness to help others. The MVP Award is given to exceptional technical community leaders who foster the free and objective exchange of knowledge by actively sharing their real-world expertise with technology users. The MVP Award celebrates the most active community members from around the world who provide invaluable online and offline expertise that enriches the community experience and makes a difference in technical communities that feature Microsoft products."

What a cool thing to have Microsoft say about you, right? But in another three weeks I will no longer be an MVP - Microsoft is taking the award away from me.

Why would they do that, you ask?

Well, since I haven't been violating any NDAs lately, that narrows down the field. Have you guessed yet?

That's right - I'm going to be joining Microsoft as a full time employee. MVPs are "independent experts" and Microsoft employees cannot be MVPs.

Starting October 6th I will be joining Microsoft Learning as a Senior Program Manager/Quality Architect. I will be working with Microsoft Learning's Courseware Development Group (CDG) to improve the quality of Microsoft Official Curriculum (MOC) courseware. This is a challenge that is very close and dear to my heart. I've been a Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) since 1996, and have taught many MOC courses over the years. The quality of the courseware is a big factor that affects trainers (and their students) around the world, and being in a position to make such a big difference to such a large audience is an opportunity I simply could not refuse.

And I get one of those cool blue badges - how cool is that? ;-)

Elemental, My Dear Watson

This is a completely non-technical post, but since I know that quite a few people who read my blog also live in the Seattle area, so there is no way I could not post it. You see, I had the most amazing dinner last night...

My friends Ken and Susan had each independently recommended the restaurant, Elemental@Gasworks[1] to me and I'd been wanting to check it out for some months now. And since I was in Seattle and free last night, I had my chance. And let me tell you, my expectations were sky-high, and I was not disappointed.

I arrived around 4:15. I'd heard that the place was hard to find so I wanted to give myself some extra time, but between my GPS and the verbal instructions I'd received from Ken I did ok. I took advantage of the opportunity to visit the Gasworks Park which is just south of the restaurant, and took my seat around 5:00 when the doors opened[2] for business. There was a cocktail hour from 5:00 to 6:00, but since I was driving I couldn't partake in the hard stuff, and instead sipped some iced wine and cucumber water[3] while snacking on my truffle popcorn.

Instead of ordering from the menu I took the prix fixe option. I'd heard enough good things about the chef to trust her judgment, and what followed was an exercise in culinary delight. Let's see...

• We started with stuffed calamari (the body of the squid was stuffed with rice and other goodness, and the tentacles were on the side) cooked in red wine,
• Which was followed by a blue cheese and pear bread pudding, which was savory and sweet at the same time,
• And then a dish of lamb tartare with a quail egg yolk on top, served with crispy salty cheese cracker triangles,
• Followed by a green salad with a truffle vinaigrette dressing,
• And a salmon filet cooked with bacon and served on some sort of wilted greens and pear tomatoes,
• And finished up with a roast quail stuffed with something delicious - by that point it was too dark for me to tell just what it was.
• Of course "finished up" is something of a misnomer, because I opted to get the cheese course as well, which included four types of amazing cheese, three varieties of wine, some bread, slices of apple, and a date stuffed with nuts and other goodness.
• And by then there was no way I could say no to the "sweets," which included three different desserts and a pair of dessert wines.

Oh my goodness - was the best meal I've had in months, and perhaps the best meal I've ever had in the US. Yes, it was that good.

I just wish I had a designated driver, so I could have done more than sip my wine. The wines were generous and paired perfectly with the courses, but since I was driving I had to limit my intake to just a taste here and a taste there.

And the last thing that blows my mind - the meal cost $87 in total. Now I know this is not a cheap meal, but this includes the prix fixe menu ($40) plus the wine pairings ($20) plus the cheese course ($12) plus desserts ($15) and includes taxes. And they don't accept tips, so when I say "total" that's exactly what I mean. I honestly don't know how they do it. I've paid twice as much for meals that were far inferior.

If you're in the Seattle area, definitely check out this restaurant. You need to show up early (doors open at 5:00 and every table was full by 5:15 or so, and at 9:00 I was the first one to leave) or show up late (to get a table when the first round of diners is done) but definitely show up. I know that I'll be back...

[1] As I write this the restaurant web site is down, so I'm linking to a Seattle Times review instead. Normally you can find them online here http://www.elementalatgasworks.com.

[2] Figuratively - the doors were physically open the whole time.

[3] That's right - there was a little slice of cucumber in the carafe of ice water on the table, and it gave the water a very subtle cucumber flavor. It was a little weird, but it worked.

Luncheon, Redux

Even though TechEd has now moved on into its second week, and I am hard at work preparing for my two breakout sessions on Thursday and Friday (I've actually been "ready" for weeks, but when I have a big presentation coming up, I can't help but obsess about it) I wanted to share one more post about one of the many highlights from the first week of the conference. The folks at Microsoft who organized the delightful Influencers Roundtable Luncheon last week have sent out the group photos that were taken at the beginning of the event. Take a look:

And to sort of round out this whole event, S. Somasegar has also blogged about his impressions of the luncheon. It is fascinating to me that he came away with the same impression from the luncheon that I did:

"I left feeling somewhat overwhelmed by the passion that people in the room had for a single topic that took up the majority of the conversation.  The conversation centered around how we can better marry IT skills and expertise to non-profit work in the areas of healthcare and education.  All of the conversations and comments focused on how each of the people in that room could step up and bring their expertise in technology and IT to help people that are less fortunate"

I've blogged on this in the past, although not recently, but this luncheon and Soma's blog post have both reminded me how vital it is that each of us take advantage of his or her own unique strengths to help others. Whether its something as simple as helping out at your local school or community center, or as involved as volunteering for the NetHope project, there is something that each of us can do to improve the lives of those around us. It's so easy to make a big difference with a small effort. And it's delightful to know that I'm not the only one who feels this way...

What A Day!

I had the most incredible day yesterday. It was the first day of the big TechEd Developers 2008 conference in Orlando, but that wasn't the thing that had me the most excited. I was (and still am) excited because of my lunch date. So what was I so excited about?

My lunch date was Bill Gates.

No, I'm not kidding. Yes, it was really that cool.

So how did this come about? As you probably know, Microsoft has a wide variety of communities with which they interact, such as the MCT and MVP programs. Members of these programs, in one way or another, work with users of Microsoft software around the world, and Microsoft values and appreciates the work that members of these communities perform. Well, to make a long story short, I was nominated as a community "influencer' by some kind folks at Microsoft, and in the end was selected as part of a small group (around 15 people) to meet for lunch with Bill Gates and S. Somasegar (who owns the Developer Division at Microsoft) for an "Influencer Roundtable Luncheon."

[1]

The food was ok (I was hoping that there would be lots of foie gras and black truffles, but the chicken and veggies weren't too disappointing) but the conversation was great. Mr. Gates was totally relaxed and casual, and pretty funny too. For the most part the conversation revolved around ways that people (and companies) can make a difference in the world, which should be no surprise based on the makeup of the group.

And there were some very impressive people on the invitee list. One was Charles Hughes, a past president of the British Computer Society. He is working on a global organization to bring standards for professionalism and ethics to the IT world - something that is obviously very much needed. I had a chance to talk with him earlier in the morning, and he made a very strong impression. All of the things that he is doing are things that are dear to my heard, things that I do on a personal level and try to do locally, but he is working on a global scope, which is somewhat awe-inspiring. I don't know quite how I fit in with this august company, but I am delighted and honored to have been involved.

[1] Can you see the Manowar-shirt reflected in the photo above?

My Inspiration

Believe it or not, one of the questions I was asked quite a few times yesterday in Los Angeles was "Which Manowar album should I listen to first?"

No, I'm not making this up.

As part of the "hero" nomination related to the Heroes happen {Here} launch event, I was asked what was my inspiration - where did I get the strength and motivation to push myself to excel?

The answer, of course, was Manowar. This heavy metal band has been around since 1980, and have recorded some of the most powerful and inspirational music I've ever heard. Many of their songs include strong messages of personal empowerment - never give up, always demand the best from yourself, let no one stand between you and your goals no matter what happens.[1] Because Manowar (both the band and their music) have made such a big difference in my life, I wanted to do what I could to share that passion with the world[2], so in the photos that you'll see around the launch event I'm wearing my Manowar "Sign of the Hammer" t-shirt. And quite a few people noticed that and came up to me to ask me questions.

"Are you serious?" Yes.

"Are they really that good?" No - they're much better.

"What album should I listen to first?" Kings of Metal.[3]

Manowar's 1988 album Kings of Metal is my personal favorite album, and it features many of their best songs, including Kingdom Come, Heart of Steel and The Crown and the Ring. If you're going to buy only one Manowar album, this is the one to get.

Unfortunately, the current version of this album contains a bonus track that (in my humble opinion) should never have been released. It is a somewhat satirical take on a classic science fiction novel, but it comes across to me as very negative and misogynistic, and to me it ruins the rest of the album. Fortunately, you can purchase DRM-free MP3 versions of Manowar's albums from their online store, and you can skip the bonus track if you want to.

In any event, Manowar's music has made a distinct and profound difference on my life, inspiring me to always be better today than I was yesterday. If you're open-minded enough to try something new, I strongly encourage you to get Kings of Metal (or any other Manowar album - maybe all of them!) and crank it up the next time you sit down to write some code. And when you do - let me know what you think.

 

[1] Of course, there are also many themes of warriors and battles and more physical struggles, with Viking imagery in many songs throughout their long career. Often these themes represent the metaphorical struggle to fight against the demons within and the demons without, but sometimes they're just great powerful heavy metal. And sometimes they're both. ;-)

[2] Just like I try to share my passion for SQL Server, BI and SSIS here, just a lot louder.

[3] My wife (the other source of inspiration in my life ;-) would argue with me here. She very much prefers Manowar's latest studio release, the 2007 album Gods of War. Gods of War represents something of a change in Manowar's sound, with a much more epic and orchestral feel. It's definitely a great album, and if pounding drums and screaming guitar aren't your cup of tea, you may want to get it before Kings of Metal, but I stand by my first recommendation.

My Hero!

The big Heroes Happen {Here} launch event is over. I can't believe what a great time I had yesterday (well, yesterday compared to when I wrote this, but not compared to when I'll be able to post it, I'm sure) in Los Angeles. The event itself was like a mini-conference. There was a keynote address from Steve B. (along with an introductory presentation from Tom Brokaw, which was a pretty big surprise) plus three or four tracks worth of breakout sessions, chalk talks, hands-on labs, expo halls for both Microsoft and event sponsors and more - it was not unlike TechEd condensed down to one day with only 200-level content.

Normally at events like this I don't get to go to many sessions; I'm usually either speaking, or working in the hands-on lab area, or performing some other non-attendee role, but yesterday I could basically do whatever I wanted, which was awfully nice.

But the best thing about being one of the "heroes" for the launch event was being able to take one of my heroes with me - my mother.

My mother has been curious (probably for much longer than I've realized) about just what the heck it is that I do. As you can probably imagine, it's often difficult to explain software development, business intelligence and SSIS to a relatively non-technical person. And the fact that in addition to doing this "real work" I also do training and writing and speaking and all that, explaining my work life just gets more complicated.

But my mother has done so many things for me over the years. Not only did she bring me into the world in the first place[1] but she also taught me that I could always do whatever I wanted to do; all I needed to do was to set my mind to it. I owe so much to my mother that words don't do it justice.

And hopefully now she at least has a decent idea of what it is that I do for a living. From one perspective, she got to see the tools I use and the problems that they solve. We attended together a breakout session on SQL Server 2008 business intelligence presented by Tom Casey, with Donald Farmer doing the demonstrations. It was a great session, covering SSAS, SSIS and SSRS, plus a few database engine features related to BI.[2] There wasn't a heck of a lot of technical detail in the session, but that was probably a good thing. We got to see the tools, hear their purpose described, and have them placed into a context that explained why we should care.

From another perspective, my mother also got to see the type of event at which I work and speak. She got to see some very good presenters (Tom and Donald are quite good at what they do) as well as some less good presenters (who shall of course remain unnamed) and we got to talk about what makes the difference between the two.[3]

Best of all, we got to meet many of the people with whom I have worked at various Microsoft shows over the years. Lynn, Karen, Beth, Kim, Kyle, Gordo, Joey - you guys all rock. I talk about these people back at home, but until now I've never been able to introduce these two sides of my world to each other, and it was a great experience for me to be able to do so.

So we'll soon be home, and my mother and I will each have to get back to the mundane details of our usual lives. Hopefully she's come away from this brief trip with a little more understanding of just what it is that she has empowered me to do through her support throughout my life.

And for you reading this - if anyone made it to the end - please ask yourself when was the last time that you did something special for your mother. Odds are it has been too long, hasn't it?

 

[1] And yes, she can take me back out of it, but she doesn't make a big deal of that fact.

[2] Tom and Donald went out of their way to make her feel at home as well - thanks so much, guys!

[3] I personally believe that there are three required elements for a great technical presenter. First, the presenter really needs to understand the technology - if you don't know your stuff, then you should not be on the stage. Second, the presenter needs to be excited and truly passionate about the material being presented - if you're not passionate, how can you excite and motivate your audience? Third, the presenter must be able to effectively communicate both the technical detail and the passion, placing the information in the context of the audience, so that the audience members understand not just the what, but also the why, and why it matters to them. Sadly (or perhaps not so sadly, because this means I get to speak at more conferences ;-) there are few people out there that bring these three things together, but fortunately we got to see some of them in Los Angeles.

Los Angeles, Here I Come!

As you probably know, tomorrow is the date of the big Heroes Happen {Here} Launch Event in Los Angeles, California. Microsoft is "launching"[1] SQL Server 2008, Visual Studio 2008 and Windows Server 2008 in what (according to Microsoft PR, anyway) is their largest product launch ever. Not only is there the main event in LA, but there are hundreds of local and regional events scheduled around the world in the weeks and months ahead.

And I'll be there, sitting up front.

As the name implies, Microsoft has a "Hero" theme for this launch wave - they're focusing on the people who use Microsoft technologies to make a difference in the world. People who are on the cutting edge and loving it.

People like me! ;-)

That's right - Microsoft is featuring yours truly as one of the heroes of the launch wave, so you should keep your eyes open for your favorite SSIS blogger at whatever launch event you visit. If you're going to be at the LA event look for me in person, and if not, look for a handsome young man[2] wearing a stupid grin and a Manowar t-shirt. And if you do see me, make sure you say hi!

 

[1] Note that this is "launching" and not "shipping" - SQL Server 2008 is still some months away, I'm afraid.

[2] Yes, I'm really that delusional.

You know you travel too much when...

...when the airport personnel come up and say "Hi Matthew, how are you doing - where are you going today?" when you're sitting in the airport waiting for your flight.

Of course it probably doesn't hurt to have a smaller airport as your home base, and it definitely doesn't hurt to have airline personnel as wonderful as the Delta crew are here at SYR, but it still always blows my mind when they go out of their way to greet me by name.

You Can't Go Home Again

Warning: This is a completely non-technical post. If you want to know anything about SQL Server or SSIS, please skip this one. If you want a little insight into my brain (please don't ask why you would want this - I have no idea) then feel free to read.

On my drive to my users group presentation in Rochester, NY two nights ago, I drove through my old home town. It was on the way and I wanted to stop by an old workplace to share some Christmas cookies I'd baked with some ex-coworkers.

No, that doesn't really cover it. I need to back up a little to do this justice.

Back before I started my career in IT, I worked for a regional retail drug store chain called Fay's Drugs. This was my first job; I started working there when I was 16 and stayed employed there for far too long. Although many people who know me today find this hard to believe, I used to be a seriously under-motivated person. I always pushed myself to do everything that I did as well as I could (these days arguing with the boss tends to get me a raise or a bonus; in those days it got me written up and yelled at, but that didn't stop me) but I wasn't particularly motivated to go out looking for bigger and better challenges like I seem to do today. I was comfortable where I was, and in those days I wasn't compelled to constantly push myself out of my comfort zone.

And Fay's was like a second home to me. Maybe even a first home, because for many years I spent more waking hours there than I spent at my real home. I made friends (and more than friends) and learned all sorts of valuable lessons. I've been known to say that the things that have made me successful as an IT consultant are the things I learned at my "dead-end retail job" and not what I learned in my computer science classes in college. And although I moved on many years ago, I have still kept in touch with many of the friends I left behind. And even though Fay's was bought out shortly after I moved on (it hasn't been called "Fay's" by anyone but me in well over 10 years) it was still home to some part of me.

And in the years that followed, I slowly developed this idealized vision of the "Fay's that never really was." Things truly were much simpler then (of course, when you make 1/10th of the money, you generally get a lot less job stress too) but my mind turned it into much more than it ever really was. When deadlines have loomed in my consulting work, I can tell when I am pushing myself too far, too hard, when I am too stressed for my own health, because I have dreams of working for Fay's again. It's sort of like a subconscious canary in my mental coal mine.

In short, silly though it may sound, I have had a lot of emotional investment in this long-lost part of my past.

So imagine my shock when I discovered that this part of my past was gone.

When I pulled up to deliver those cookies, I found that the store where I had been hired for my first job, where I worked for many years, where I learned so many valuable life lessons and made so many friends, had closed its doors forever. It was like a physical blow.

I couldn't dwell on it then - I had a 75-mile drive ahead of me still, and a presentation to deliver, and I could hardly do that if I were all mopey and distracted.

But this has been weighing heavily on me ever since. I've been down and depressed - not a lot, but enough that I felt compelled to write about it, that perhaps I could achieve some sort of catharsis by putting my pained thoughts into words. Who knows if it will work. I've heard the phrase "you can't go home again" many times in my life, but never until now has it really hit home quite like this...

Merry Christmas (of Steel!)

As regular readers of this blog know, I'm a huge fan of the heavy metal band Manowar.[1] Their music is incredibly powerful and is a constant source of energy and inspiration for me in many ways in my personal and professional life. I try not to let too much of this personal passion bleed over into this largely-technical blog, but in the spirit of the Christmas holidays, this time I could not resist.

Christmas holidays? Manowar? What am I talking about?

That's right - Manowar has released their first ever Christmas carol! They just made available both English and German versions of Silent Night for free download as part of a promotion with Amazon.de[2]. Please take a moment from your busy day and download one or both versions and see how Eric Adams' amazing voice delivers this classic Christmas song, and understand at least a little of how Manowar's music inspires me every day.

Merry Christmas!!

[1] You can find their official website at www.manowar.com, but it's not always work safe, and violates most UI and design guidelines known to man, so browse at your own risk.
[2] If you click on the link you'll see that the promotion is for the latest Manowar DVD, filmed at the Magic Circle Festival in Bad Arolsen, Germany this July. You should also definitely pick up the DVD as well, both to enjoy the music and to see if you can spot your favorite SSIS blogger on stage and in the front row. ;-)

The Cake is a Lie

I don't have much time for computer games these days, but I've been playing Valve Software's game Portal over the last few weeks. I finished it last night, and have had a big smile on my face ever since. If you own an XBox 360 Windows PC with a decent video card you should definitely check it out.

Really.

There will be cake.

Insert Expletive Here - That Was Good Food!

One of the reasons it's been so long since I've blogged regularly is my travel schedule. Normally I tend to travel in the United States, but this month I spent most of a week in Stockholm, Sweden, delivering an "Advanced Topics" seminar on SQL Server Integration Services. The trip was delightful, the seminar was a great success, and I can't wait to return to the City on the Water.

But the thing I keep talking about is the food.

The night before I returned to New York, my host took me out to the most fantastic dinner I've had in many years. I can't say that it was the best meal of my life, but it was definitely in the top three, and I honestly cannot remember a better one. Oh my goodness, was it good. The restaurant was called Esperanto, and the tasting menu we got was the "Menu Arabesque" which you can find online here:

http://www.esperantorestaurant.se/menuarabesqueF.aspx

Wow.

Words fail me to describe the food - although I am a "foodie" in that I am an accomplished home cook and baker, and that I seek out good food wherever I go, I can't tell you what it was that made this food so incredibly good. But I can tell you this: Because of this dinner I ended up getting 1.5 hours of sleep before starting my 27 hour trip home[1] and I have no regrets. I'd do it again in a second if the opportunity were to present itself.

With that said... Hey Tobias - when am I coming back to Stockholm? ;-)


[1] This is thanks to Air France and JFK. The trip was supposed to be much shorter.

Status Update 2.0

Good news!

My friend Todd has been released from the oncology ward and is back home, at least for the time being. He's done with his first round of chemotherapy, and he's feeling good enough (and probably being annoying enough - he's a QA guy, remember?) that his doctors didn't see the need to keep him in the hospital. He'll have to go back for follow-up chemo treatments in a few weeks, but I'll bet it's good to be home.

Thanks to everyone everyone who responded to my earlier posts. And don't forget to mail those caps!

Cookie Psych!

My apologies to anyone who showed up at Building 40 today looking for Chocolate Espresso Sandwich Cookies. The project I'm working on ended up getting shifted off-campus for lack of an available meeting room.

But for what it's worth, the cookies were very well received. ;-)