Yesterday afternoon I drove up to Southfield, Michigan to present to the Southeast Michigan SQL Server User Group. Joe Fleming contacted me and asked if I would present my Baselines session, which I presented at the PASS Summit last fall. I usually don’t pass up a chance to go to Michigan, and this was the first time I presented in front of a different user group. I’ve presented at many SQLSaturdays, but user groups have a different vibe. It’s a regular meeting for attendees and it is typically only one presentation. I haven’t presented since the Summit so it was nice to finally speak again. I’ve missed it! The group was very diverse in terms of experience and it was a great group (somewhere between 40 and 50 people). I had a lot of good questions, including some new ones, and one of the attendees from last night emailed me this morning to let me know that the session was helpful for him. It was fun, and this morning I realized that I have missed it. Luckily, I’ve been accepted to speak at Madison’s SQLSaturday in April, and I’ve also submitted for Chicago. I’m not sure what else will be on the agenda this year, but I hope to be speaking a fair bit. And Joe, thanks again for the invite.
On a personal note, I was looking forward to this trip because after the meeting I was planning to go to Ann Arbor to see my friend and mentor, Susan. As I write, I’m in a hotel in Farmington Hills because as I was leaving yesterday, I received a call from one of her graduate students explaining that she was in the hospital. … … … I didn’t see that one coming. She is ok, and should be fine long term, but it was a bit of a wake up for me. Life is short. You all know this, right? You do. But I’ve been thinking about this all morning, which meant I couldn’t let it go and just needed to say what was on my mind.
In my pocket I carry a glass stone with the quote, “Let us live while we live.” (Phillip Doddridge) It is a reminder to live in the moment, and to live life fully. In 50 years I don’t want any regrets about things I wish I would have done. Last night I thought about driving back home, but I was really tired, and I wanted to try and see Susan today, because you just never know. She’s probably fine, in all honesty, but what if she’s not?
So today, I encourage you to enjoy your life and the people that are in it. If there’s something that’s missing, go find it. If there’s something that you’ve wanted to do but are too afraid, get over that hurdle and go do it. Life is meant to be lived, to be enjoyed. It’s not always easy, but without a doubt, it’s all worth it.
Thanks for reading. Now I’m off to Ann Arbor to see Susan, go to Zingerman’s, and pick up some Michigan gear. Happy Friday all – go tackle the day!
