What I'm Thankful For in 2011

2011 has been a good year for me, in terms of my career. I have made a good name for myself, bettered my skills and met a tone of amazing people.

Friends

I met some of the best guys I’ll probably ever meet at New Adventures in January this year. You’ll know who you are, and I’m very thankful to have met you, to keep in contact with you and share the occasional beer.

I have refined who I call my friends this year. I know who are colleagues, friends, close friends and enemies. This will be a never ending process, but I cherish every good moment with everyone. I’m thankful for those who care.

Jobs

I started and left We Love in 5 months early this year. I moved back to Devstars. I’m thankful I still had a place there, and I seem to have moved up the chain a bit. The company is growing and I’m thankful to be part of it. Freelance work has improved in quality and quantity. It’s something I really enjoy and would love to do as my only means of earning a living.

Skills

I learnt more this year than the two previous years in web development combined. I have become a better designer, a more consistent developer, a more considerate thinker and an amateur speaker. Those skills I have developed, along with the community, have enabled me to share those skills through the odd magazine, blog and pub meetings.

Cars

I took my driving test in February, passed first time and was lucky enough to have the cash for a nice car. In November, someone crashed into me, writing off my car, which meant I had to get another one. Luckily, the amazing friends helped me out, sent me some paid work, and enabled me to get a really nice car, an Audi A3. It’s great. :)

You

You. That’s right, you. I’m thankful for the insane amount of people that seem to think I have something interesting to say. Without you, I would be nothing. My whole career (and .net award) is solely based on the community’s support. I will forever be grateful.

Thank you again, and enjoy the brief holidays! :)