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Whateth hath been up? Yo. I have become the poster child for Lazy Bloggers of America. I know it, so don't even worry about riding my ass about it. Partly, my RealLife™ has become routine and typing my thoughts here slipped through the cracks when I was settling into the rut. Secondly, no one reads this anyway, so I feel like I can simply post my bucket-o-dung in my head and safe the hunting and pecking at the keyboard. My grandmother was hospitalized just before Christmas for a seizure that they initially thought was a stroke. As the holiday approached, she regained her health and was released. It wasn't a stroke, but she is definitely on thinner ice than ever before. It's hard to see such a wonderful lady losing nature's battle. My grandfather was the most painful to witness as he grew close to death. Such a strong and proud man facing his mortality. I dread the thought of that inevitable day. Wow. I didn't mean to take such a grim turn in my flow here... umm... Christmas. Yeah, so EL and I went to visit my family on the coast for Christmas. I have to admit, it was probably the smoothest and most drama-free Christmas we've had down there since I was a kid. My mom and step-dad purchased a little Shangri-La of land outside Goliad. It's about 15 acres with wooded groves and small meadows. It has a pond... or, if you are southern in upbringing, a tank. We spent most of Monday there before returning to the Houston metroplex. Urs and Sandra had their baby over the holidays as well... 3 weeks early. Little Aline was a surprise to us all, but healthy and as beautiful as her mother, I'm sure. I was very sick the week of the birth, so I've yet to see the baby. I was hoping to go this week, but I woke up this morning with a sore throat. I'd rather be safe. My company is growing like a weed. There is a new sales Director starting today (read: my boss's boss) and more sales teams being hired and started this month. It's exciting in that I am part of it all, but at the same time, it's a little disappointing to see the change. I really enjoyed the sanctuary of a disengaged from corporate atmosphere. My career is evolving yet again. My CCIE recert is due in April. I've really been slacking when it comes to keeping up with technology specific to Cisco. I registered for the exam (read: $300.00) and spent about a hundred bucks on study material to review over the coming weeks. Last time I re-cert'd, I took the IP technologies recert... it was pretty easy because it was limited to core IP technologies like OSPF, RIP, EIGRP, BGP, ISIS, etc. That test was discontinued, so I have to take the full R&S qual exam. It's no big deal, just more to brush up on and that equates to time. Time is my most valuable commodity these days. I am skipping the New Year's resolutions (again) this year. I don't think they are ever realistic anyway. No one sticks to them to fruition. I would like to go back to college this calendar year and finish my degree. It will probably take me a couple years, but getting started is on my to-do list for this year. Obviously, my recert is on the fast track. I'd like to get back in the gym on a regular basis as well... not so much to lose weight or anything, but just to not be so tired all the time. All in good time. I have a ton of things to do this morning so I need to run. My head hurts.