Catching Up

I haven't posted for sometime now. There are a few exciting events of late worthy of mentioning. During October I passed Microsoft 70-291 in the MCSA/MCSE series of exams. I failed on my first attempt and then passed with the bare minimum score of 700/1000. I am surprised at myself that I didn't my passing sooner, but maybe this stems from knowing I need to pass three other Microsoft Exams before the end of the year. I think I bit off more than I could chew. Nevertheless, I am going to do my best to get the most done that I can before the semester ends. After submitting some of my Comptia Exam scores to Microsoft, I achieved the status of MCSA with an emphasis in Security. This sounds like quite an accomplishment but really it doesn't mean a whole lot until I have worked in the IT industry and have some experience to back it up. I really find it hilarious when individuals participating in online forums and message boards put A+ or MCSE after their name, like they are a MD, CPA of whatever. I don't want to downplay IT certification or my own success, but just because someone can pass a test does not mean they really know how to solve real world problems and show creditability and dependability in the work place. Certification does, however, demonstrate your interest and willingness to study and learn technology.

On to another matter: table tennis. I have played more of this game than I should of late and have developed such a love for this game. Last weekend, I played in a tournament and finished in the top 4 of my division of about 9 participants. I played in the D division, but there were six divisions in all: Open, A, B, C, D, E. There were a lot of people there. In my initial pool there were only 4 players. My first match I played an oriental girl named Javza. I played her last year at the same tournament and lost. I lost to her again this year 3 games to 1(you play to 11 points and have to win by two). After losing, I watched another guy in our pool, Ryan, defeat Javza so I figured that I was going to be out really quick. I played a teenage kid also in our pool and won easily 3 games to zero. I then played Ryan. Our game was little later in the morning and I felt more warmed up, so my shots started to land. I got out to an early lead in the first game and never looked back. I won 3-0. I was happy to get to play another game in the top four. I next played an old gentlemen named Merrill. He is really good and has a lot of tricks up his sleeve even though he doesn't move as fast as some of the younger people. I played my best an got some good shots in but ended up losing 3-1. I think it is funny, I lost to a woman and a senior citizen. In the final four there was also a youngster who is only 12. The diversity in table tennis is really amazing to me.