Work Update
Work is going great; I love my new job (the pay doesn?t hurt) and it is great to finally get paid what I am worth. Of course I feel that I could do much more than general IT as I have programmed, developed, marketed, and sold in the past and I sometimes feel that my talents are wasted, but it sure feels good to not have to think all the time. My current position requires little thought on my part and that allows me to absorb much more of my schoolwork and other interest. I hope that I will be able to move up in my position after school and put my talents to use but, for the time being I am happy where I am.
Class Update
I am still enrolled at ECPI full time earning my associates degree in computer science and have maintained my 4.0 GPA. Classes are getting more interesting and I am finally starting to learn some new things. I have decided that I will pursue a certification as an MCITP (Microsoft Certified IT Professional) instead of the normal A+/Net+ certifications as my experience should account for those. I am running into a roadblock however trying to find information on about a certification on a product that is still in its beta state is hard (Windows Server 2008). If you have any sites or suggestions on how to find material for it I would be very interested, please leave a comment. I have just finished Windows Server 2003 and Network Security I and will be taking Network Security II and Advanced Windows Management after our much needed Christmas break. I don?t have to return to school until Jan 7th and I must say that I am very glad we are having such a long break; The baby and I have needed some time together, my wife calls it daddy time.
Thank you all for reading and have a happy new year!
Merry Christmas Indeed
First I would like to thank everyone who gave Daniel such nice gifts; he is defiantly set for awhile?. He received clothes, toys, and lots of hugs and kisses. I would also like to thank all that gave gifts to me and my wife. We will get a lot of use out of all of the items. I have also posted most of the Christmas pictures in my photo gallery located at photos.dlbates.com
Thank you all for reading and have a happy new year!
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A BLESSED NEW YEAR
Dear family & friends,
Well, this year has been full of surprises for us. How about you? Our best and biggest surprise came on September 13th when our ?little prince? Daniel Lynn was born. He was just a little guy when he was born weighing in at 6lbs 6 oz, but he has more than made up for it ?.In just a little over two months we have went from preemie clothes to 6-9 months. Needless to say ?.he is a growing boy. Also, just like every good parent should, we think he?s the cutest, smartest, and most talented little boy to ever be born. Can you tell we are completely in love here or what?
Okay, on to other news. David got a new job this year (the Monday after Daniel was born), and he loves it. He is working for R.F Micro in their IT department. That means he gets to play with computers all day long. Can anyone think of a better job for him? Hahaha In addition to the new job he is still going to college full time, but he will graduate in August next year. Yes, he is a very busy person right now. I get tired just hearing about what he has to do every day.
As for me, I have been blessed with the best job of all. I get to stay at home and be Mommy to Daniel. Thanks to all of David?s hard work. I get to be at home to see all his ?firsts?, and I can?t think of a job that is better or more important?. My days are now full of diapers, bottles and tons of laundry. I have never been happier!!
David and I hope that 2007 has been as happy for you as it has for us and we pray that 2008 will be just as blessed. Hope you all have a Merry Christmas filled with family, friends, and bunches of fun!
God Bless,
David, Jessica, & Daniel Bates
Trip To Floyd
This weekend we traveled to Floyd VA where we used to live and where my wife and I met.
We where traveling there for two things, one was a event called “Critter Chompin” host by my wife’s parents church Beaver Creek Baptist. The purpose of this annual event was to allow everybody in the church try exotic meats of wild game. Deer was the main dish but others include Turkey, Elk, Moose, Squirrel, and Mule-Deer. I tried everything there was to offer and I have to say that it was all good. We where also there to watch my sisters play in there annual Christmas pageant at the church. Both of the girls where wonderful and very cute. There was even a surprise visit from Santa and his elves (one of which had left the toy shop to work in the cookie tree).
All-in-all it was a great trip.
Be sure to look at the pictures I took with my new camera from the trip here.
