What I’m Thankful For – 2014 Edition

This is just mine - the rest of the family can get their own!
I'm also grateful for my grandma's homemade gravy

Back in the early days of this blog, I wrote about what I was thankful for in response to Jason Strate's post asking about it. Now, 4 years later, I am hosting a redux, and your contributions are very welcome!

In looking back on the past year, I feel like I have an incredible amount of blessings in my life. While there are far too many to count, here are some that really stand out:

Michelle: Everyone deserves to have someone in their life who loves and supports them no matter what. To be able to marry that person is the icing on the cake. Michelle encourages me to follow my dreams, no matter how crazy they are. I couldn't have asked for a better partner in crime, or in life.

My Health: When people (such as my grandmother) make comments like "at least you have your health" I used to snicker on the inside. Now, at my ripe old age, I'm starting to understand what that really means. Not only is being ill miserable, but it can get incredibly expensive, especially here in the U.S. I'm very glad that I and my family still have our health.

My Job and My Team: Sure I've griped in the past, but it's still called "work" for a reason, no matter how pleasant it can be. All in all I have a wonderful work environment that's full of amazing, intelligent people. On top of that, my employer sees the value in training and conferences, and supports the fact that I enjoy presenting and sharing my knowledge with others. I really feel like I've hit the job jackpot.

The SQL Community: The old saying goes that if you want to get better at something, surround yourself with people who are smarter than you. I like to make the addendum that those people who are smarter you should also be willing to share their knowledge. At this point, I'm describing the SQL community, and I've benefited tremendously in terms of knowledge, contacts, and friendships over the past few years. I'm afraid to think what my career would be like right now if not for all you wonderful people.

This Blog: I'm grateful for the fact that I can write and that others out there are willing to read it and provide feedback. I wasn't really sure what I was doing 4 1/2 years and 149 posts ago (this one is my 150th!) but a huge thanks to all of you who have been along for the ride!

My Home: We have a nice house in a decent location, and on top of that we also have indoor plumbing and sewers. Lots of people in the World don't have this. Sometimes the little things make a huge difference (especially when a middle-of-the-night trip to the bathroom doesn't involve shoes or a flashlight.) What's not to be grateful for here?

My Parents: I'm extremely fortunate to have grown up in a home with both of my parents, who gave up absolutely every iota of their pre-kid lives to make sure my brother and I never went without anything. They encouraged us, taught us, and gave us a kick in the pants (or two!) when necessary. I'd like to think we've both made them proud.

So that's what I'm thankful for this year. If you'd like to contribute to my blog party, post something by Sunday 30 November and link back to the original post. (If you could post a link in the comments section that would be even better!) I'll write a summary of all them and get them posted next week.

A very Happy Thanksgiving to all my readers who celebrate it!