Goodbye 2010; Hello 2011

I’m feeling guilty that I haven’t blogged since September. I try to blog at least once a month, but my life have been so hectic the last 3 or 4 months that I haven’t had the time to post something.

In July I started programming again with Dimension Data. It was kind of something we looked at because business at Red Apple wasn’t good enough to support the family. But the truth is that I love writing software. Sometimes I wonder why I still get a buzz when I solve a problem in software. 🙂

I started off with a Sabco Coca-Cola contract doing Infopath forms for a Sharepoint library. This was not a great introduction, because frankly I did not have much experience with Infopath or Sharepoint. I learnt a lot, but after having done the work, I am not a fan of Sharepoint or Infopath. I have written web applications that did pretty much the same thing (but for a different sector) that worked a lot better. Since then though I have been involved with .NET applications and web sites for Sabco, Volkswagen & Volpes. DotNET is my forte; I have almost 10 years experience in DotNet in Enterprise environments and I think I’m really good at it. DiData have extended my contract since July, so I guess they agree.

In the week I live with my sister, who has a flat in Walmer. While I’m away coding in the week, Lene manages the Red Apple. I must say I had some doubts that she would cope, but apart from one or two stumbles she has been brilliant. I really take my hat off to her. Right now, for the first time in years, our situation seems to be very healthy. Both Lene and I are doing exactly what we want and our finances are healthy as well. The only bad thing (and unfortunately it is a big deal) is that I spend 4 nights a week away from my family. To make it easier one tries to not think about it too much, but it is tough. Fortunately I’m so pleased that Didata have agreed that I can work from home for two days a week. This will mean I only have to spend 2 nights a week away from home instead of 4. This will be a massive improvement in my quality of life and I look forward to 2011!