Q3 Wrap Up - Life is a whirlwind

Those of you that read this blog with any sort of frequency probably realize that I tend to produce more install/configure or break/fix type posts than anything else. This post is a departure from that paradigm, at least for a little while. Life has been crazy lately, so let's have a recap! Following PEX in February, I announced in this post that I was going to take on a VCDX and that's pretty much where I left it. Since then, lots has changed, here's an abridged list:

• I changed jobs, not companies, I still work for the best company in North Carolina
• I spoke at Varrow Madness
• I became a vExpert
• I submitted a VCDX Application
• I finished my Master's Degree

Suffice it to say, things have been busy, really busy, and it doesn't look like they are slowing down. My National Guard unit is mobilizing and it looks like I will be going with them. As always, Varrow is going above and beyond with regards to accommodating me through the process and I know that I am going to be coming back to an awesome job and an great group of people in a year or so. In the interim I am going to tie up loose ends around work and prepare for the transition. Hopefully I will be defending VCDX in October while on leave from the Army. So in no particular order are some of my goals while I am away with the Army.

• Be an outstanding Army Officer - I've never been mobilized and this mission is going to require planning, intelligence, and flexibility, hoping I am up to the task.

• Get my VCDX - The closer I get the more real it becomes. Hoping that the defense goes well and I knock this one out. Hit me up @vDingus if you are interested in mocks.

• Stay in touch with the community - This mobilization might actually afford me more opportunity to blog more, maybe even do a Pluralsight course the intent is to stay hooked into the community despite being away from home. Maybe I will do an EMEA #vBrownBag.

• Get some other certs - looks like some potential for a testing center near our location, so perhaps I will be able to get CISSP / CCNP R&S since they relate to my Army role.

That pretty much covers it, life is a whirlwind and will continue to be I feel like there is a lot of opportunity coming for me in the future. Right now the plan is to make the best out of every moment I have at my disposal. As always, thank you for reading, and please comment or hit me on twitter if you want to talk more.