Anyone who has ever spent time on a network team knows the ability to detect, troubleshoot, and respond to seemingly random and irksome slowdowns and availability issues is a freaking superpower. It’s no stretch to imagine network gremlins hellbent on wreaking havoc on your sanity and ability to get work done. Once upon a time,…
Individualized Education Plan (IEP) Angst
Individualized Education Plan (IEP} time. Ugh, this is when I stew in the dashed hopes of my child ever catching up academically and simultaneously wallow in parental guilt and shame. I do all of this while preparing to battle teachers about why my child isn’t getting all of the needed supports or services. If you…
Getting out of the “Zone”
“Has anyone ever done such a horrible job that all of the work had to be scrapped?” I’ve graduated past asking that question, but thoughts like these appear whenever I agree to do bold, uncomfortable sh*t. I’m beyond grateful to Keith Townsend (@ctoadvisor) for the opportunity to present, but giving a session at CTO Advisors…
The Stories We Tell Ourselves
“I’m not sure that I have any interesting stories to tell. My life has been pretty boring.” When my Toastmasters mentor disagreed with me, I silently discounted her assurances. After all, how could she know whether I had had anything interesting to say. She hasn’t lived my boring life, and she doesn’t know the real…
SFD19: DellEMC Does DevOps
What does DevOps mean to you? Maybe, you think it’s a set of practices, or you are convinced just a buzzword. What’s not up for debate, though, is Dell presented a DevOps titled session at Tech Field Day’s #SFD19. Let’s delve into a few things I found interesting in this presentation. #1 The #AutomateAllThings Trend…
When You Feel Unseen and Unheard…
“I find it hard to believe that your mother didn’t hug you or comfort you.” Another writer questioned me about the personal story I submitted for the writing group. My blandly titled “LIfe Moments #1” submission recounted the night that my mother left my father and my perspective about it. I quickly replied I didn’t…
Six Months Later: Thank You, Next?
Six Months? Seriously? Has it been that long since I walked out of that job with nothing on the horizon, but a trip to VMworld on the schedule? “August me” was exhausted. I never thought “burn out,” but it was. These months away have left me energized, more self-aware, and excited for the future. My…
SFD19: No Komprise on Knowing Thy Data
One of my favorite presenters at #SFD19 was Komprise, an analytics-driven data management platform designed for getting insights on unstructured data. Think analysis of TB and PBs of file-based data (NFS, SMB) for customers across many verticals, including Financial, Health, Entertainment, and Government. Storage Field Day 19 wasn’t my first introduction to Komprise. Because of…
Debunking Your Inconsistency Story
“I’m not sure who I am, but I know who I’ve been.” —Modest Mouse. “Make Everyone Happy/Mechanical Birds“ If quitting your job doesn’t cause you to question your identity, nothing will. We are conditioned to tie who we are to what we do. More than that, we create stories and assign labels to ourselves and…
Miracles and Meaning?
I’m ready to defer this haphazard career journey I started in August. As much as substitute teaching and exploring special education excite me, that “Change Yo Life” fund is empty, and not having a steady paycheck is hard. But giving up your financial security and not having a “shit hits the fan” safety net sends…