There’s no doubt that Covid-19 has had a huge impact on our lives. Professionally for example it means a change to a virtual SQL Saturday and a Virtual PASS Summit. It means some of my fellow #SQLFamily have gone radio silent for various periods of time as they’ve dealt with this crisis in their own fashion.

I know personally there are days I just want to go outside and scream. There’s so much disruption in the world and in my life. I miss being able to travel freely, to see as many friends in person as I’d like and so much more. I mourn the loss of schooling as we know it for my kids and everyone else’s kids.

But, I’ve also been very fortunate. I’ve had a few friends who have contracted Covid-19, but all have survived (though as we’re learning, surviving may include long-term impacts such as irregular heart rhythms, changes to mental status and drug uptakes and more). I know of one former co-worker who succumbed to the disease when it was in the middle of the NYC spike. Other than that, fortunately, the only deaths I’m aware of have been friends of friends. This doesn’t make the disease any less tragic, but just a bit more remote for me.

But, the above could be said of most of us and rather than focus on the negatives, I wanted to talk about some of the changes in my life this year and how I’ve tried to rise to the challenge. Before I do so, I want to be clear, that how one rises to the challenge is different for everyone and this is not meant to be a brag sheet as much as a statement of what I see as some positive things in my life. I’d love to hear some positivity from YOUR life in my comments. We all know how bad this year has been, let’s talk about some good stuff for a change.

Backpacking

One of my goals for decades has been to hike the Appalachian Trail. No, I can’t say this was the year. But, I had section hiked a portion from my Dad’s house in CT up through Dalton MA while in college and then a year or two later from Bennington VT up through Manchester VT (I’m still grateful to the poor soul who picked up my friend and I have 2 days of sweaty exertion without clean clothes!) But this meant there has been a gap between Dalton MA and Bennington VT.  Last month I was able to FINALLY put a backpack on and close part of that gap.  I’d love to post photos, but silly me left my cell phone in my car! So here’s one after I got back to my car.

I hope to get in the final 20 mile stretch in the coming weeks. This will mean that I can check Massachusetts off my list of states to hike for the AT.

Sourdough

Ok, show of hands, who here has dabbled in sourdough during this pandemic? I know I have. I kept a starter going for about 4 months before taking a break from it over the summer. I made a number of loafs of bread as well as some sourdough waffles (and I’ll admit sacrificed the first batch more than once to the Waffle-Iron gods.) I even added a bit to some homemade pizzas. Tasty stuff and to be honest, I’ll probably do another starter again come fall. I’ve always loved baking so this was just an extension of it.

More Time with Family

Of course making that much pizza and waffles means I need someone to help eat it. Fortunately we have a full house this summer (and will this fall). So an upside has been more time with the family. Among other things, this meant, especially early on during the pandemic, more family walks in the area.

Bicycling

Of course all that delicious food I’ve been making needs to be burned off. I’ve literally biked more this year than the last few years combined. As of today, that means over 850 miles for the year. This includes a 55+ mile ride this past weekend. I’ve really been enjoying it. I’ve been a bicyclist my entire life but have missed riding this much. I’m hoping next year to upgrade my road bike (open to suggestions) to replace my 30 year old Trek 520.

And I’m still hoping to complete my first century ride in over 3 decades (that makes me feel old!)

Speaking

On one hand I’ve done far less speaking for SQL events than most years. I believe SQL Saturday Albany was my first SQL event this year. But I’ve been asked to present virtually at 3 NSS Grotto meetings on “So this is your first rescue.” I’ve also been selected to speak at PASS Summit for the first time, so even though it won’t be in person, I’m excited! I’ve also volunteered to speak at the Denver User Group meeting on September 17th.

Webinars

I’ve taken advantage of the fact that so much is now virtual and attended some Red-Gate Live webinars, a few SQL WIT webinars and others. One piece of advice I’ll give here, if you can, attend what you can. You no longer have to be physically present for most SQL User Group meetings, I know several #SQLFamily members who have attended 2-3 User Group presentations in the same week! It’s one advantage of everything going virtual!

Virtual Get-togethers

I, and in some cases the rest of my family, have Zoomed with my mom, my aunt and others and almost weekly, with members of my #SQLFamily. It’s been a great uplift to see so many folks.

What’s Next?

I’ll admit, it’s been a different year. We had to postpone our NCRC National Weeklong Training Seminar until 2021. But, I just got approval to host a Modular Level 1 this fall. I’m still not sure we can pull it off, but if we can, it’ll be great.

I’ve really missed seeing a lot of folks in person.

Covid still looms large in my planning of travel and events. I don’t know what the next 6-9 months will bring, but I know I’ll try to make the best of it!

What about you?

What’s something positive you’ve been able to accomplish during this pandemic? I want to hear it!

And Remember