If you’re anything like me, you value every second of your day and you constantly try to find new ways to maximize your time. And since I find myself on the road between here and there; and there and here quite a bit lately, I really need to be as productive as possible when I’m away. That way, when I get home to my wife and two children, I actually get to spend time with them before heading back out on the road. Don’t get me wrong…I love to work, and those of you who know me can validate that. But believe it or not, I love spending time my family and friends so much more. As such, I am going to blog about a few ways that I have been able make the best use of my time.

For part one of this blog, I want to tell you how I have made use of my morning commute to the office over the past several years. Like most people, I wake up and get ready for work. Normally this entails brushing my teeth, throwing some deodorant on and quickly getting dressed while listening to NPR (Public Radio) on my iPhone. I can hear you saying, ”get to the point already!”

Alright…Chill out… I’m setting it up!

Time Saver Part 1

A couple years ago, I purchased Microsoft’s 80 GB ZUNE device. If you don’t have one, I suggest you get one, or something like it. Mine is not the HD one, but either way…it ROCKS! I have a ton of stuff on it and it still isn’t even half way full! It can play audio files, video files, podcasts, and even has a built in radio tuner.  The main use of my Zune device in the morning is to play some podcasts downloaded from Microsoft.com , GeekSpeak or other free podcasts that allow me to listen as I drive. For example, just yesterday, I listened to a great podcast --- GeekSpeak: Inside SQL Server Integration Services Featuring Andy Leonard (which I had the great opportunity to meet last November while presenting at SQL Saturday in Orlando). There are also some pretty nice video blogs out there as well, but I don’t recommend trying to watch them while driving! Save those for… That’s for another blog!!

“..and until that day comes, keep your ear to the grindstone” – Good Will Hunting

Brian K. McDonald, MCDBA, MCSD
Business Intelligence Consultant – Pragmatic Works Consultants

Email: bmcdonald@pragmaticworks.com | Blog: BI Developer Network

Convert with DTS xChange  | Develop with BI xPress  | Process with TaskFactory | Document with BI Documenter