2009 has been a very adventuresome year for me. There have been high’s, low’s, up’s and down’s. As I look back on it I see that lots has happened and I have lots to be grateful for. I’d like to take a few minutes and say thanks to a few people and organizations. I know that in doing this I risk leaving someone out and for that I apologize. I’m doing my best to remember all of you that have played a big part in this year.

  • One of the highlights of the year was when Panda Security invited me to participate in their first “Security Bloggers Summit” in Madrid, Spain in February. I spent the whole week in Madrid participating in meetings with Panda and several other security professionals from Spain and the US. I’d like to say a BIG thanks to all the people at Panda who made it possible for me to attend and especially to Sean-Paul Cornell who put my name in the hat to be on the panel.
  • I’d also like to thank the good people of SecureWorld who graciously gave me a press pass to this years event in Atlanta. I wasn’t too kind in return when I blogged about the conference because I just wasn’t impressed with the content of the talks that I attended. The team that planned and organized the event did a stellar job on the conference itself and I hope to attend again in 2010. Even if I have to pay for my ticket. :)
  • Another highlight of my year was helping to get the Atlanta Chapter of the National Information Security Group (NAISG) up and running. I’m working with a great group of people on the leadership team ( Ian Philpot, Renault Ross, MC Peterman, and Martin Fisher) and have been able to meet lots of security pros in the Atlanta area. Thanks to the leadership team and all of you who have attended the meeting this year.
  • I’d also like to thank my former employer MARTA for laying me off in July. I was very unhappy there and was getting very frustrated with the way things were going. I felt a lot like Howard Schmidt will probably feel in about 6 months. :)
  • I’d like to say a big thanks to those of you who supported me during my job search and who gave me leads and recommendations. I’d especially like to thank Michael Santarcangello for listening to me whine, complain, ponder, and talk through thoughts, issues and concerns. Also for his wisdom, advice and his willingness to plant a boot in my butt if necessary to get me going in the right direction.
  • I owe a great deal of gratitude to Greg Lowery of Forsythe Technologies for his friendship and for talking to lots of companies about me and trying to get me interviews. Greg actually introduced me to my new employer (whom I’ll announce soon) and was instrumental in getting me in the door there.
  • I’m excited about a new venture that I’m involved in. The Southern Fried Security Podcast. Thanks to Martin Fisher for the idea and to Steve Ragan for providing his “yankeness” to the podcast. We’ve recorded 2 episodes only one of which made the download site. We’re still working on the audio issues and plan on getting the ball rolling early in 2010.
  • I’m very thankful for those of you who read my ramblings here also. I know 2009 has been a very slow year for my blogging but now that I’ll be back in the swing of things I’m hoping 2010 will see me back to 2 or 3 posts a week.
  • I’m sure that I missed someone who I really should not have missed and for that I truly apologize. If and when I remember I’ll update this post.
  • Last, but certainly not least, I’m very grateful for my family. My wife has been amazingly supportive over the course of my job search and has stretched dollars to limits I didn’t know existed. One of the best things about not having a job is that I was able to spend lots and lots of time with my girls that I wouldn’t have had if I were working. I’m going to really miss spending my days with them.

During all of this year I’ve been amazed at how God has provided and taken care of us.  So I’d be remiss if I didn’t thank Him for his love, protection, provision and patience with me.

I hope all of you have a very Merry Christmas and for those who don’t celebrate Christmas I hope that your holiday season is all you want it to be.