I Don't Wanna Be a CCIE

Life Update!

2011-11-18T16:39:00.000-08:00

Well, it's been awhile, but, sitting here on a cold, Friday night and got the motivation to get going. The past couple months have went by pretty quick. So, here's a quick life update, what's happening in the future and so on. Hopefully you join the ride!

It's been a little over 3 months since my departure from my former company. It's definitely bitter-sweet, since, you do make some great relationships, not only with your colleagues, but, the customers as well. I've stayed in touch with many of my close customers and some of my former colleagues, but, it's not the same. You pretty much become family.

There is so much to talk about in regards to the past, many people have been in the same position as I. It's unfortunate. You know, they say money can't buy you happiness. This is so true. I made GREAT money, but, quickly learned that money isn't everything. The lack of respect, humanity, admiration, praise, etc. quite frankly, sucked. It weighed on you each and every day. Nothing was good enough, even though you knew you were doing your best and better than everyone else. At the end of the day, you go home, miserable, not being able to sleep and just wanting to drink beer after beer, since they say the answer to anything is at the bottom of the bottle!

I still hold a ton of resentment, this is normal. I mean, hell, I was fired because I had a "poor attitude." If you asked any of my co-workers, this was the farthest from the truth. I was the top dog, had great relationships with customers, usually sold the most every month, made a ton of money. But, I think that's where things get lost in translation. You can pay someone all the money in the world, but, when you don't treat them well in your emails, phone conversations, text messages, how do you expect them to be bubbly? Throw another dollar on it? It doesn't work, obviously. I got burned by the fact of talking to someone about stuff, how you feel and them running their mouth about it. Kinda BS if you ask me, but, karma is real.

If people only understood the stress you were put through on a day to day basis. Bad times, understandable, but, the good times, unfortunate. If you know me, I am my own biggest critic. If I do bad, I'm harder on myself than anybody. A former colleague once told me and it stuck. They had said "I've never been in a place that when you walked in, you just felt the coldness. It's a terroristic environment." So, what's that mean, "terroristic?" Terrorists thrive on fear. Some thought, if I threaten to fire them everyday, they will work harder. Obviously, that doesn't work. A good employee is a happy employee, one that gets praise for hard work, good numbers, one that gets encouragement when things are down. That's what a leader does.

Throw another dollar on it, they will be happy....

The most brilliant of people tend to get in their own way. That's the shame. When you have something so great, so life changing, but, you get in the way of the growth, it's a damn shame. Leadership is one of the most important things in the business world or any type of team atmosphere.

Steve Yzerman, former captain of the NHL's Detroit Red Wings was named Captain of the team at the age of 21. At that time, the Wings were brutal. Over 2 decades serving as the Captain, he brought the team from shambles to championships, even when he was at the end of his rope. He wasn't loud, necessarily the best, but, he lead by example. That's why, today, the Red Wings have made the playoffs in over 20 consecutive seasons. Leadership...

Maybe some day, people will get the hint and go with the flow, get out of the way, enjoy the fruits of others labor. It's deserved. The hard work put into it all those years ago should pay off, but, when you don't let it, it's unfortunate.

But, enough about that. Just been something burning for some time and finally decided to sit and get it off my chest. What's going on now? Well, besides being increasingly bored, it's time to get back to the grind.

My basement project is about 2/3 done, which is a relief. Home ownership, while fun, is a pain in the ass too.

I signed a contract with CCBootcamp to be an outside sales consultant. It's taken awhile to get up and running due to some equipment issues, but, it's time to just get going with it. It's a tad different than what I am used to at this point, but, I plan to prove myself, like I have in the past and move up the chain. In the discussions with them, they are a pretty organized company that likes to get down to business, but have fun at the same time. Total different atmosphere. I'm excited to get going. This is where all my contacts/readers/friends are involved.

If anybody is looking for any type of Cisco training, CCNA-CCIE, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE reach out to me first. Those who have worked with me in the past know that I go above and beyond to help you out however I can. I am commission based only at this time, so, send everyone you can to me!

A former manager asked me, "What makes us better than the competition?"

My answer was "Me"

Let's face it...There are a ton of products out there, everyone has their preference. At the end of the day, they all work and are all similar in one aspect or another. But what isn't the same is the level of support you receive from the instructors and more importantly, your Training Advisor. That's where I have always been different, that's where I made a name for myself. So, when looking at training, don't forget that important factor. OH -- and at CCBootcamp, we take Cisco Learning Credits! :)

Anywho - please follow my blog, send to friends, etc. I'm trying to get settled in and hit the ground running here at CCBC - So, leave comments, shoot me an email if you have questions regarding any type of training, or just to say hi!

Thanks for reading!

-Mike

Email - zair1515@hotmail.com (personal)

mdown@ccbootcamp.com (business)

CCIE Candidate Spotlight - Carl Yost, Jr.

2009-02-18T09:42:00.000-08:00

Wow, February is half over already! So far 2009 is going by really fast, for me at least. Well, this "episode" of my CCIE Candidate Spotlight focuses on Carl Yost, Jr. Carl is the man behind www.sunpenguin.net and an avid hockey fan like myself, except, he likes those Buffalo Sabres!

Now, the tale of the tape:

Name: Carl Yost

Age: 34

Company: Sunpenguin

City/State/Country: Buffalo/NY/USA

Certifications Completed: A+, Network+, MCSA, CNA, CCNA, CCNP

Certifications Currently Studying: CCIE Routing & Switching

How long have you been studying for current certification? 15 months

Lab Date(s): November 09

Lab Attempts: 0

Blog/Website: www.sunpenguin.net

What Company(s) are you using for studies if any? Internetwork Expert, and Micronics (Narbik)

What products have you used from these companies: End to End program from Internetwork Expert, Narbik's boot camp and lab books.

Do you own your own rack equipment? Yes

Hours per day you study? 2-3 during the week, 4-8 on the weekend

Have you or would you attend any boot camps? No, but will attend one from each training company.

Do you plan on going after another certification? Not sure yet.

Tell me what you like to do when you are NOT studying or working: Playing and watching hockey, Some Quake Live, working on the house, playing with the kids.

What could the vendors do to make studying easier/better? Slow down time!

Thanks a lot Carl! Everyone, Carl's site is pretty active so hop on over there, check it out, follow his blog...

As always, if you would like to be featured, please shoot me an email or add me on Facebook and let me know!

Mike

CCNP Candidate Spotlight - Leonard Bernstein

2009-02-01T13:13:00.000-08:00

The holiday season is upon us! Me, I am a scrooge. I really hate the holidays. I really can't stand waiting in the lines, dealing with crazy shoppers, and spending money on things that may or may not even get used. But, it is the thought, the season. Being single helps to an extent, you save a lot of money, however, you tend to be lonely...I am all up for saving money though!

I had a request when I started to do my candidate spotlights to focus not only the CCIE certification, but, all of the Cisco certifications. When I was in "the biz" most of my customers were already lower level certified and obviously going for their "IE." So, my first dive into this is Leonard Bernstein - Yes, like the famous composer. Leonard is currently going for his CCNP, but, in the future, does plan on going for the "IE."

Now, the tale of the tape:

Name: Leonard Bernstein

Age: 33

Company: Arcadian Networks Inc.

City/State/Country: Bronx, NY - US

Certifications Completed: CCNA

Certifications Currently Studying: BSCI - CCNP

How long have you been studying for current certification? Well :) .. If you put all the bits and pieces together - it would equal to about 9 months. Unfortunately I have not really committed and instead have been using my real world work scenarios and problems as a sort of learning and studying - or labbing you can call it also :)

Lab Date(s): NA

Lab Attempts: NA

Blog/Website: http://www.gns3-labs.com

What Company(s) are you using for studies if any? Train Signal, Chris Bryant & Cisco Press

What products have you used from these companies: BSCI training material

Do you own your own rack equipment? I use GNS3 a lot for labbing. I also work every day with Cisco gear - ASA5500, 2811, PIX and 3200 series equipment. Limited working with switching gear - which worries me. I may end up renting once I hit the BCMSN studying.

Hours per day you study? 1-2 .. I tend to lab more than reading. Currently I have poor study habits due to work commitments, family and other obstacles!

Have you or would you attend any boot camps? I attended a CCNA boot camp to help push me off into the right direction - it paid off well and got me past the CCNA.

Do you plan on going after another certification? Absolutely! I plan to go for all CCIE levels! In the middle of that quest I'd like to get my Security+ and Linux+.

Tell me what you like to do when you are NOT studying or working: My Wife would kill for more time for me, while I'd like to use that extra time studying :) .. So I give more time to her and my youngest Daughter when I can. These days it's been rough, but I always find that sweet spot to carve out time for them. Though rare - I find the time just when it's right!

What could the vendors do to make studying easier/better? More labs! Seems that I cannot find a good CCNP lab curriculum other than what Chris Bryant offers. Labs with scenarios I think build excellent experience and confidence working within any environment. Though more critical, I don’t think labbing is only important at the IE level. Any labbing is great experience for the real world and your experience and confidence. Though many say “dude the CCNP won’t put you through all of the stress”, I’d like to be a pro on the material while studying – it’s just me.

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Thanks a lot Leonard! Hope you have all your Christmas shopping done!!! Make sure you check out his blog, add him to your blog roll if you haven't already. Putting everybody in the loop makes you all more visible! Don't forget to add your blog to CCIE>Blog_ as well!

Please, feel free to reach out if you want to be featured on my blog. One more for this year and then, 2009! Maybe 2009 will bring some big news, more visibility, etc. Keep in touch!

CCIE Candidate Spotlight - Brandon Carroll

2009-01-17T08:37:00.000-08:00

Well, I took a little bit a time off to be with the family and so on for the holidays, but, back into the blogging. This weeks CCIE Candidate Spotlight is Brandon Carroll.

Now, the tale of the tape:

Name: Brandon Carroll

Company: Ascolta Training (www.ascolta.com)

CCIE Tracks Completed: None

CCIE Track Currently Studying: CCIE Security

Lab Date: March 13th, 2009

Lab Attempts: 2 so far

Age: 33

Blog/Website: http://www.globalconfig.net

What Company(s) are you using for studies: InternetworkExpert and IPexpert, I used CCBootcamp for the CCIE Written

What products have you used from these companies: Pretty Much Everything. First the IPexpert Workbook and proctor guide. Then I got the all inclusive program from InternetworkExpert with the Volume 1 WB, Vol2 WB, the Advanced Technology CoD, the 5-day online bootcamp, the Lab Solution VoDs and then i added the Advanced Technologies CoD on DVD. After that I got the IPexpert DVD on-demand, the WB that accompanies that, and the IPexpert Audio Bootcamp. I am also scheduled for 10 days of training from IPexpert.

Do you own your own rack equipment? Sorta. I have TONS of gear. I don't use it much. Instead I rent from IPexpert and InternetworkExpert.

Hours per day you study? 3 since I'm working full time as an instructor but thats usually only every other day. I spread out the weekends with 8-hour mock labs.

Do you plan on going after another track? Yes. I already have the CCIE Voice BLS from IPexpert and I am seriously considering that one, however since I recently wrote the CCNA Wireless Exam Certification Guide for Cisco Press and there is now a CCIE wireless I may pursue that route. Maybe both.

Tell me what you like to do when you are NOT studying or working:
When I am not studying I like to spend time with my family both participating in spiritual activities and just messing around the house. My two boys are a blast and I love getting down on the floor and wrestling around with them. I'm also Pittsburgh Steelers fan and enjoy watching a good football game. Oh, and I cant forget to mention that I love to veg on the couch and catch up on my DVR shows.

What could the vendors do to make studying easier/better?
I'd like to see Graded Mock labs for Security, The ability to save configs in a rack rental session and use them later to pick up where i left off, and some 1-on-1 sessions. I think that's it. Overall the two companies that I use are fantastic!

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Thanks Brandon!!! Be sure to check out his blogs! I know he maintains two separate blogs, one CCIE based and one based on lower level certifications.

CCIE Candidate Spotlight - Nickelby Thane

2008-12-19T05:24:00.000-08:00

This weeks CCIE Candidate Spotlight is Nickelby Thane.

Now for the tale of the tape:

Name: Nickelby Thane

Company: Wilhelmsen Maritime Services ASA

CCIE Tracks Completed: None

CCIE Track Currently Studying: Routing and Switching

Lab Date: Tentatively August 2009

Lab Attempts: 0

Age: 29

Blog/Website: http://cciecisco.blogspot.com (CCIE) / http://nthane.blogspot.com (Personal)

What Company(s) are you using for studies: Internetwork Expert and IPExpert

What products have you used from these companies: End-to-end Study Package (Internetwork Expert) and Blended Learning Solution (IPExpert)

Do you own your own rack equipment? Yes but only the switches (4x3560-8 ports) but they are coupled with Dynamips hence that should count as my own rack :-).

Hours per day you study? On weekdays an average of 2-3 hours, on weekends varies from 4 to 8 hours

Do you plan on going after another track? If I pass the routing and switching track, I will definitely go for another track.

Tell me what you like to do when you are NOT studying or working: Spending time with my wife which is a big challenge since she is competing for my time with my CCIE studies.

What could the vendors do to make studying easier/better? Honestly I would love to be considered for a scholarship especially since it includes the 5-days boot camp. A 12-days boot camp thrown in would be nice too :-). But other than that, price has always been an issue (third world countries don't earn much!)

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Congratulations on your semi-recent marriage Nickelby! Check out his blog, add him to your blog roll if you haven't already! Nickelby, it's not IF you pass the R&S, it's WHEN!!! I would definitely keep an eye out on the IPexpert University thing. It is new, so, to get the ball rolling, you may get some great discounts - Or just make a trip to Cisco Live this year, I am sure there will be a couple parties thrown by "The Big 2" with some giveaways!

CCIE Candidate Spotlight - Caue Wailemann

2008-11-14T08:07:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone. I was thinking last night about something to do on here that can be fun and recognize you, the candidate. So, I am going to spotlight a different candidate every week. You don't necessarily need to be a blogger, just a candidate. If you are interested, please shoot me an email and let me know!

This weeks CCIE Candidate Spotlight - Caue Wailemann

Here's the tale of the tape:

Name: Caue Fernando Wailemann
Age: 29
Company: Orange Business Services
City: Sao Paulo
Country/State: Brazil
CCIE Tracks Completed: none (so far)
CCIE Track Currently Studying: Routing & Switching
Lab Date: Not schedule but probably before Nov/2009 (12 months from now)
Lab Attempts: 0
Blog/Website: http://cauew.blogspot.com

What Company(s) are you using for studies: IPexpert and Internetwork Expert

What products have you used from these companies:

From IPexpert:

CCIE R&S Blended Learning Solutions (which includes Video on Demand, Workbooks Vol. 1, 2 and 3, Audio Classes and Lab Breakdowns)

Internetwork Expert:

Advanced Technology Class on Demand

Workbooks Vol. 1, 2 and 3

Do you own your own rack equipment? No, too expensive for my budget! Currently I´m using either Dynamips and Proctor Labs.

Hours per day you study? During the week between 2 to 4hs/day (if i'm lucky enough). Weekends 6 to 8hs/day, also, only if i'm not doing some overtime activity! :S

Do you plan on going after another track? Not that fast! Probably yes, but right now I'm focused in the R&S and I don't wanna think about that, at least not yet!

Tell me what you like to do when you are NOT studying or working: Ah! Many things, some cannot be said in here, but normally spend sometime with my family (wife and my cats), watch TV (House M.D, Heroes and Lost + any action or sci-fi movie, specially if there are aliens involved), surf the web, soccer, Spider Man comics, go out on dinner, a couple beers, and of course, listen as much heavy metal music (Ozzy, Iron Maiden, Pantera, Sepultura, Metallica, Megadeth, and others) as I can!

____________________________________________________________________

Thanks Caue! Caue is an active blogger - go check it out!

I look forward to hearing from more of you guys so everyone can see you are all normal! Well, maybe, hehe. If you are interested, email me at idontwannabeaccie@yahoo.com

Mike

Odds and Ends

2008-11-12T05:58:00.000-08:00

Just thought I would pop in really quick with some updates and stuff I have been reading. If you hadn't read Wayne Lawson's (IPexpert) response to the Cisco 360 thing you can check it out HERE!

CCIEPursuit is taking on a new blog hosted at Network World. Congrats on this, you guys should definitely get some visibililty (if you don't get enough already! hehe) Hop on over to THE SITE to check it out!

James over at Blindhog.net just took at stab at the lab and unfortunately this time he didn't pass. But, from what I hear from all of you guys, the first time really sucks. We always told people to sit it just to see what it is like, get the jitters outta the way, see how the day goes, etc. I have no doubt James will take care of it the next time!!! Who's up next to take the exam??? Let me know!

I noticed CCIE>Blog_ finally was launched. I haven't had a chance to play around with this yet, but, it does seem like IPexpert is giving away freebies and such for certain blogs and such. I know there was the ideas of this when I was there, so, it looks like they are going through with it. Hey, if you can win something by writing and such, go for it. I wonder if I qualify? Hmmm...Hehe...

EverythingIE - I was going to try to get with Wayne sometime in the next week or so and see what is up with this - There was a lot of buzz generated when this was in the works and it would be a GREAT tool for you guys to use and connect easier. I will keep you updated if I hear anything!

I was checking out the success lists and noticed Jo Knight had passed. It's about a month late, but, CONGRATS JO!!!

Well, I will check in the next day or so - gonna go do some more reading!!! Study study study!!!

Ahhh - I hate the time change

2008-11-02T05:39:00.000-08:00

Well, it has been a very interesting weekend to say the least. I came back alive on Friday, however, I still need to find a reliable laptop and the money to get one! LOL. Wait, or I can just find the little a-hole who stole mine and have a little "hockey fight" fun. Yeah, I will take that route!

Halloween - I remember when I was a kid, it was about us. Now, it seems to be more adulty. I mean, I'm all for it, it is a lot of fun dressing up and partying! I chose to dress up and pass out candy for the first time really ever and get this...I get 1 trick or treater! But, one good thing came of it. I met my really, really cute neighbors! LOL...Then, I went out with the roomies and had a blasty blast!!!

The time change crap - they say an extra hour of sleep??? Yeah right...First, I thought my cell phone would auto-change...WRONG...Not to mention - I have the "biological" clock that works wonders. I am up the same time every day, no alarm needed. Well, today, I was up an hour earlier. Good thing it was just a movie night last night or I would have been in trouble!

So, I was thinking, you know what would be pretty good for you guys??? Getting the developers of obviously the industries two leading companies, IPexpert and Internetwork Expert and creating a workbook for you guys. Maybe it contains 6 or 10 labs, half and half, sell it for "X" amount and split the profit. Hey, not only would it be good for you guys, but, maybe an interesting way to counter some losses they both will sustain with the Cisco 360 program. Not saying the 360 program is going to be big anywho, you never know, especially with the reputations of the two vendors as it is. Obviously, this will prolly never happen, but, I am just throwing things out there because, yeah!!! But, if it does, I want all the credit for the idea! LOL!!!

Well, I hope everyone had a great weekend and Halloween! This week should be a blast here at least, the weather is going to be awesome!!!

(Oh - my pic - 2 of my roomies and myself. The "Illegal Alien," former President Clinton and myself, his Secret Service Agent)

Isn't it about the candidate???

2008-10-31T07:36:00.001-07:00

Sorry everyone for taking awhile to get back up and running with this blog. Due to some unforeseen circumstances, my time online has been minimal. My house was recently burglarized, so, I had a lot of things taken, including my laptop, so, it has taken me a bit to get back up and running. I will tell you, after having it happen, it really screws with your psyche. I am not worried about myself, but, my belongings, the stuff I worked hard and spent a lot of money on, when you are not there, someone just comes and takes them. Whew...It messes with you. Enough of that though.

Back before my original blog was hijacked, I had written a blog about it being about the candidate. This really was in response of a couple of fellow bloggers that I had approached while with IPX. Other companies didn't want to share the space. Well, now it seems that has changed, SOMEWHAT.

I just watched and listened to IE's announcement and also read the response given by IPX. I would like to take a couple of moments to give my take on everything.

Brian said it is 'about the customer.' This is 115% true. I am glad people finally see it that way, or at least IE. At least when I was at IPX, I knew that was my goal. Not only getting customers, but making friends in the process. I made a ton and still talk to many of you today.

You know, I really thought the whole vendor bashing each other has been done and over with, however, it just went to another level. I mean, I have to admit, I had a great deal to do with it back in the day, not necessarily bashing, but, doing little things to piss the competition off. That was my job, it's what I was told to do. I did my job. It has been quiet on that front, until now.

To me, it seems as if IE has it right. Whether they are stating old facts, whatever, that isn't the point. They are focusing on the customer. That is the point. It is about the customer. In the response made by IPX it really was like one political candidate bashing another. To think someone actually took the time to go through the IE announcement, mark down times and statements, then write about them and bash them is a waste of time. Tell me - is that what YOU THE CONSUMER wants to hear??? I don't think so. If you look at any competition, whether it be in the auto industry, the shoe industry or even in the electronics industry, companies that spend MILLIONS of dollars in advertising do not BASH their opposition, instead, the PROMOTE their products and tell WHAT FEATURES MAKE THEM BETTER rather than consistantly bash the competition. IPX made a good move by using the Tolly Group survey. It was smart, made a strong case and didn't bash the competition in a childish way.

Now - I want to point out a particular part in IPX's response to IE's news and it is in regards to the blogging:

---- CCIE candidate blogs with ratings. (1:07:20) I wonder where they got that idea.

On the topic of blogging, Brian expressed great concern about the bloggers being “backed by other companies.” He wondered, “are they getting something to say something, and that’s exactly the thing that people don’t want with blogs.” (1:07:50) That’s funny; earlier this year, IPexpert approached some bloggers that were displaying IE banners to see if they would also display an IPexpert banner. Often, we were told that they were given free and/or discounted IE products in exchange for their blogging, so “the Brians won’t let them” advertise IPexpert, too.

But now, with IE’s CCIE 2.0 explosion, Brian wants to “keep these blogs clean. We want to keep these vendor-neutral.” This should be interesting to watch, since he predicts IE will be paying out over $10K per month to helpful bloggers. (1:10:20) I wonder if any will be rewarded for talking about IPexpert or Narbik or CCbootcamp.

Seeing how they treat customers that choose to work with more than just IE, I don’t think Brian will be too “vendor-neutral.” (There are more victims than just Larry H., sorry to say.) -----

Now - Since I was the online marketing, blogging guru while at IPX, I know all about all of this. It is pretty apparent now that the internet and the bloggers are a BIG deal for the vendors. If it wasn't, they wouldn't give discounted or free products now would they? Wayne appointed me to reach out to the bloggers, get them displaying IPexpert banners and blogging about IPexpert products. Up until that point, it was unchartered territory for IPexpert. Internetwork Expert, however, was ahead of the game at that point. But, it was a great idea Wayne had come up with, even though not everyone at IPX saw the benefit. Not only was I able to make us more visable on blogs, I also had a huge presence on Twitter, Facebook, Myspace and Linkedin. It really helped sales and the promotion of the new products.

It is true, I had approached several bloggers that had IE's banners on their blogs. I asked them about putting up an IPX one in addition or even replacing the IE. I didn't care either way. They were getting free BLS products, rack time, etc. Some were smart and jumped on the deal, some didn't want to burn bridges with IE. Hey, they were being loyal, nothing wrong with that, however, it is about YOU, THE CANDIDATE. Don't let the vendors dictate your studies! IE didn't want to be displayed at that time with IPX. Silly? Yes, however, that was then. Now, it seems as if the vendor neutral thing is the route they want to take. GREAT!!! That is a good stance. Now if the other vendors would follow suit, maybe, JUST MAYBE, there will be more successful CCIE's and better business for all.

The simple fact of the matter is, quit wasting time on creating blog posts bashing your competition, stupid websites to piss off the competition and worry about promoting the great products instructors put hard work into, promoting great support, and great prices. When you do stupid little childish things, the competition usually benefits more, especially in this industry, where the consumer relies on reputation. When you get a bad "rep" it is hard to rebuild it.

Anywho - that is just my opinion on everything. I hope they get back to looking out for you guys, it seems as if you will all need a lot of help from ALL the vendors with all the upcoming changes.

I hope to hear from you guys!!!

Mike

Twitter and your blogs!

2008-09-26T10:57:00.001-07:00

Hey everyone! Well, I am using my personal Twitter and such, since, my other was taken over as well after my departure with IPX. I only have a couple of you on there, so, please add me and also tell your friends and co-workers to do the same if you will!

mekahldownish

I started my blog list on this page, however, I know I am missing some, so, if yours is not on there and you want it there, please let me know and I will pop it up!

I have something I would like to ask you guys. Get your honest opinions and ideas and such. If you would like to inquire, please email me at --- idontwannabeaccie@yahoo.com ---

I have noticed a couple of you have passed since I have been active! Congratulations!

Well, time to do some more job searching. It's a beautiful day out today, so, I may have to take advantage of that as well! Thanks as always guys!

Breaking the Silence

2008-09-23T14:06:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! It has been awhile since you have heard from me, so, I thought it was time to break my silence.

I really appreciate all the comments and well wishes from everyone. I have still been checking out the blogs and such, still have communication with some of my friends that I have made and finally made the decision to re-open a blog since my last one was hi-jacked.

I have been going nuts over the past month and a half. I hate not having something to do and it honestly does suck not communicating with everyone that I have made friendships with over the past year plus. The job search is kind of slow, not a ton out there that really interests me. I may look to relocate if I can find the right job, however, having a kid here, it does make it difficult.

Some of you may wonder what happened with IPX. I know that Matt Brooks had posted some flowery response to me leaving on my blog, which, OK, it's cool, but, kinda gay if you asked me. I know why, though, I am not into flowery - frosting the cake kinda stuff. Give it to me straight, right? But, that is done, it's over. Time to move on.

I was a wreck for quite awhile after I lost my job. To be honest, my work became somewhat my life and I thought I had friends and almost family there. I mean, when you spend so much time at one place, you think you get close. But, that is what can bite you in the ass too, right? I had a friend tell me that the one thing he has noticed in the 14 years we have been friends is when I get knocked down, I get back up and do much better. I mean, that is what happened prior to my job at IPX. So, now, I look for better. Where that leads me?

I do want to continue my relationship with all of you that I have before. Even though I may not be able to give any freebies or such, I still have a lot of insight on what to look for in training materials and how to make your blogs and such more visible. Now, I am a neutral opinion. It was my job before knowing the ins and outs of everything, so, I'll give it to you unbiased. I also want to follow your journey and blast it out there as well!

So, I hope all is well with everyone - Please link me back up, as I will do the same to yours!

Mike