There's good reason I haven't posted since September. I've been studying. Night and day. Saturdays. It's been an ordeal.

I'm thankful to God who provided me with a mind that can figure this stuff out. Also, I couldn't have done it without Deb's support. She has tolerated much and sacrified much to help me achieve this. I love you!

I'm sure some wonder why this is so important to me. Basically, to stay relevant in IT, you have to enhance your skills. If you do not, then you atrophy and become irrelevant. So many fail to understand the need for continuing education. College is not enough, and is insufficient the vast majority of the time. It takes more, at least in IT, to be relevant and to even make a living. We've turned down many a prospect with good college credentials because they had nothing beyond that. I'm sure this is true with other professions.

This particular certification, sponsored by Cisco Systems, is the highest certfication they offer in the particular area in which I work. I will basically be able to work anywhere doing what I do. How sweet is that?

Now I can move back into civilian life and do my dilligence toward my family, who have really missed me.

I made the second best commitment I ever made.

Deb and I did not spend a great deal of time engaged before getting married, but we spent more time engaged in quality interaction than many couples do in years of dating. Our relationship has been totally free of artificiality--real interaction, heated discussion, mutual respect, and of course love of the best sort for each other. I would not be the man I am were it not for Deb's support and influence.

And to speak of our four wonderful children! Wow--God gave us four perfectly healthy, reasonably intelligent, extremely rambunctous children in six years. Some wait a lifetime for one. We can only be humbled by his goodness toward us and hope to scratch the surface of glorifying Him.

Deb and I found each other when I had stopped looking and decided to simply live. God caught us both by surprise, and I'm glad he did! I love you, Deb! I look forward to the next 84 years!