Kris Carlson's Weblog

6 months probationary period passed

I am past the 6 months probationary period at the U of M.  It was a bit rocky at first, but I will leave out the details.  

The job is going good.  I've been able to take the Oracle University Admin II course for 11g R2 database.  I am now firmly on the path to OCP.  There is more training ahead for me, due to the implementation of Exadata at ITS.  I'm very excited about that.  I just happened to have joined the group at the right time, and am able to take advantage of the education credits for the Exadata package.

My next post will be congratulating myself on a successful OCP campaign.

-- Kris

 

New Job

I will be starting a new job with the University of Michigan on Monday 4/16/2012.  I will be in the ITS Core Infrastructure Services department as a Database Administrator.  I get to learn SQL Server, as well as continue to expand my knowledge as an Oracle DBA.  I will get to focus on DBA now, and go for the Oracle OCP Certifications. 

My last day at Wellness & Prevention, Inc., formerly known as Healthmedia, Inc. was yesterday 4/12.  I didn't want my last day at work to be Friday the 13th.  A lot of my coworkers asked me if I was taking any time off?  When did I start?  I think they were surprised to think I was starting on Monday.

I sent a farewell email yesterday, and the response was nothing short of incredible.  The outpouring of well wishes was incredibly touching.  I knew I would miss working with the many friends I have made over the past 4 years, but I didn't realize how I was perceived in the organization, and how many people I have touched in a positive way.  I was surprised by the number of people who actually knew what my job was, and asked what they were going to do without me.  Well, the company will find someone to pick up where I left off. 

I am very excited about this new opportunity.  I am looking forward to learning new things, and becoming a really good, knowledgeable and competent Oracle DBA.  Same for SQL Server and MySQL. The department has all 3 databases, and I will get to administer all 3 if I want to and demonstrate a level of competency.  I will find ot Monday, but I will get to take courses for free as well.  This could be the start of a UMich Ph.D. in Math.  Now that would be cool.

-- Kris

Paypal

I am a Rotarian

I joined The Rotary Club of Fenton in October, 2009.  My mom has been a Rotarian for many years and has tried to get me to join.  Recently, I have undergone many changes regarding how I conduct my life.  Consequently, I saw the Rotary as a wonderful opportunity to serve my fellow man, among other things.  I am honored to have been asked to join, and have Nick Popa as my sponsor.  

The Fenton Rotary Club recently asked me if I would like to take over webmaster duties for their website at http://www.fentonrotaryclub.org/.  I'm excited about using my computer skills to revamp the site into a community portal for our Club where they can post news, upload pictures, and even have their own blog. 

I found a video that inspired me to create this post. Check out this link http://www.rotary.org/en/AboutUs/Pages/ridefault.aspx, and watch the video below.  

Business Website?

I found a website that looks pretty interesting. http://www.jotzel.com/

I wanted to make sure I didn't lose the link in the mirage of too much, so I posted it here.