Category: SMB Community

The last 7 days have been very, in a word, surreal.  In more words… Emotional. Educational. Annoying. Bittersweet. Introspective. Exhausting. Enlightening. Contrasting. Even cathartic.  The details are unimportant, a nuisance really.  Because it’s simply impossible to encapsulate and articulate in this format. I doubt Jack Bauer could do it. And without the proper context, it’s like telling a joke that ends in ‘I guess you had to be there’ and as my grandmother used to say, the effort to convey the experience just ‘robs your joy’.  So you just smile, knowingly.  It looks like gas, and no one’s the wiser. 😉

This week I’ve experienced great personal achievement, and unwarranted personal attacks. Helped people for free that couldn’t thank me enough, and done someone else’s job while rightfully charged them for it. It’s all been a non-stop cirque de soleil ride, never knowing what to expect, but constantly being impressed by what life has to offer. And finally, without warning, a moment of quiet and clarity. A chance to sit back and reflect on it all.

There’s an entire new world of ones and zeros just sitting on a magnetic platter in the next room, waiting to explode like a firehose in your face. Cougar Beta 2, Microsoft Shared View, Skydrive, Vista SP1, Server 2008, Office 2007 SP1. Eternal sleeping betas like FolderShare and Deepfish. Publishing deadlines. Certifications. Presentations. Expense reports. Health Insurance. IRAs. And legal crap.

But for this shining moment, I can get off the bike, stand beside it, and watch the sunset.  Laugh at the pettiness and inconsequence. Dream about what comes next and the possibilities. 

I’m thankful for moments leaning over a handrail with a friend, watching salmon swim in place. For friends who let me IM them during business hours about rootkits. For friends who enjoy taunting me about video blogs. For friends who give me funny nicknames on MSN Music Man. For friends with Irish, German, Dutch, Belgian, Canadian, Austrian, British, Kiwi and Australian accents that make the SMB world round and incredibly diverse and enjoyable. For local SBSers who fight the good fight day-in and day-out for their customers. For bloggers sharing their thoughts, asking my opinion, listening to my stupid questions. For Microsofties past and present that go above and beyond. For people who contribute more than they take. For my family. Thank you for an unexpected and perfect moment! 🙂