This is only a test. Had this been a real post, the following words would have resembled some random rant/story and (maybe kinda sorta) possibly have been funny.

I'm bored. I have something that is due COB tomorrow... but I am at a stand still waiting for everyone else to respond. Go figure!

Also, I haven't been posting, 'cause I'm on the 'Book now.

My manager just posted yesterday about a vulnerability scanning position. It's an E2. The position is 100% vulnerability scanning, with some side projects available. Knowledge of vulnerability scanning, UNIX/Windows admin, patch management, etc are key. Lemme know if you want more details.

I have not posted here in awhile, I've been 'Booking mostly. So, here it is. School started. Three classes and four days a week (one of them a lab). I have another year of school left. I don't know what I'll do with myself once I am done. I've stupidly looked at a Masters.. I even reconsidered a minor, but that would require an additional two semesters and since my major is being shut down I do not know how that would work. Either way Tina would be upset because I think she wants to continue her education.

I'm still studying for my GCIA. I'm half way through reading and indexing Network Intrusion Detection by Northcutt and Novak. Then I'll either do a quick index or a read and index of the course ware. I have until May to take the test, but I also want to go to the GSEC course in March in Orlando. I'd like to have my GCIA finished before then. Then I would have my GCIH, GCIA, and GSEC, I would have to write two "gold" (aka term) papers and I can sit for the GSE (GIAC Security Expert) certification which requires a multiple choice test and then a two day hands on graded lab. I think it would be pimp to have the GSE... it's just those two gold papers... ggrrrr...

New house is wonderful. It feels huge! I still have not taken a bath in the huge tub. I've installed a couple of fans, done plumbing work, some landscaping (more is needed to make it look passable), and odd things around the house.

Addy is growing up so quickly. She is too cute for her own good. She can get away with murder with me, but I am trying to be fair and firm when I need to. Oh, well, 'tis enough, eh?

PEACE!

The closing is progressing slowly. Documents to sign, emails to wait on.. right now the date is set for around 12/5. Not too exciting, because that is my finals week. I am considering taking the week of Thanksgiving off so I can pack. It needs to be done, the wife is off, and her parents should be here to help. Packing mainly involves throwing away all the crap I've accumulated.

I'm excited about my training in December, then two week vacation at the in-laws. I do not need to check in with work during this time. WOOHOO!!!! I get to go fishing with my brother-in-law, play with my nephews, shop, and all you can eat sushi!!!

My promotion/raise... ugh, somehow, someway, a part of our HR database was updated to reflect my new title and start date (9/something/09), which means I will get retro pay... but my boss didn't know anything about it! Woo. Anyway, he can't *WINK* tell *WINK* anything *WINK* about *WINK* it. Even him saying anything *WINK* is too much. Too much bullshit, am I right?

I've been asked to travel next week to Maryland and our Security Intelligence Center for training. I am taking over some responsibilities from our Computer Incident Response Team and they are up at the SIC. I told my lead that I have some issues, being that I would miss two classes, and I am also waiting to close on the new house. I also needed to check with my wife.

I called my wife and explained the situation. I told her that I would normally have waited until tonight so we could discuss this, but they are trying to rush to get this trip planned so it falls under the 2009 budget. Her response was "Do what you need to do".. in an angry tone. The compromise I am willing to make is to be up there for a few days, rather than the whole week. I also told work that it would be idea for me to travel the first full week in January, because I do not have school and I would have closed on the house.

I am also concerned that this activity is being planned by my lead, and not my manager. My manager is in Maryland right now for a managers meeting. So, I assume in between meetings my lead is trying to pressure my manager into this decision... I do not know if this idea is fully supported by my manager....

UGH!

My dad called last night and said the bank approved our purchase of the new house. WOOHOO! The deadline for closing is December 15th. I'm out of town that week.. Tina thinks that Thanksgiving would be the best time because she has off the entire week. I may even be able to get the week off too.

I just passed my GCIH! W00t!