Diary of a Network Geek

Well, it looks like I’ll be a Road Warrior again.

At least, to a lesser degree. I got word this week that I’ll be doing some travelling for Loomis Fargo & Co. It’s nothing real complicated, just a PC upgrade, but they’ve got a deadline of September 15. Frankly, that deadline is somewhat artificial, but, still, it’s good motivation to get everything done.
I’ll be going to the Chicago area first, later this month, then I’ll be back off to New Orleans in September. I have to admit, it will be nice to see Mom and Dad back in Chicago for dinner at least once while I’m there. And, I’ve never actually stayed in New Orleans, just the airport, so I’m looking forward to that, too. Maybe I’ll finally get my “voodoo rattle” that I’ve been joking about since I got into IT!
In any case, I don’t really like business travel, but at least I’m going to major cities. And, of course, I’ll get paid fairly well for my trouble because I’m still a contractor, so I punch a clock. Anyhow, you can bet you’ll see entries about being on, and from, the road.
Stay tuned!

Let the games begin!

Well, things have been going so well at work that I thought I’d start working on some certifications. I need to update my CNE to version 6, but there are some other certifications I want, too.
For instance, I’ve been lusting after my Linux+ for some time. In fact, I bought the
Linux+ Exam Cram book some time ago and just haven’t gotten around to reading it. But, I also ordered the
Novell Netware 5.x to 6 Upgrade Exam Cram book, the
Security+ Exam Cram 2 book, and the
CCNA Routing and Switching Exam Cram book. I’ve also bought the Self Test Software practice tests for these certifications.
I’ve actually been working on the CCNA on and off, but I decided that it’s time to really step up the whole professional qualification side of my resume. I’ve worked with most of these technologies for some time now, but to get past human resources, I need some kind of cert to prove it. IT is kind of weird that way. Not that I think I’m going to be looking for another job any time soon, mind, but the last time I thought that, I found myself out looking. Better to be prepared. (You’d think I’d have learned that back in the Boy Scouts!) Besides, as good as it looks over at Loomis, Fargo & Co., they still haven’t made me an offer yet, so anything can happen. If the worst happens, I’d like to be better prepared this time. And, of course, it’s fun to have an alphabet soup of certifications trailing after my name. Maybe it’s time to become a certified locksmith, too…..

Well, I signed my papers and took my drug test today. My contract is for six months, but that doesn’t mean much considering that either of us could terminate the contract at any time for any reason. Also, since it’s contract-to-hire, they could convert me to permanent at any time, too.
In any case, my start date ended up being Monday, so updates about the new job will start next week. Of course, before then, I’m sure there will be at least one update about the pre-new-job jitters. After having been out of work for almost a full year, I’m both eager to start and terrifed that I won’t do well. I’m sure my Dad would tell me that if I’m scared I won’t do well, that means I’m thinking enough about it to get things done right.
At least these folks seem to be in fairly good shape on their Novell network from what I’ve seen so far. For starters, they have their timesync setup right. That’s more than a lot of people I’ve worked for can say. Certainly, it wasn’t right at ThatDamnBoatCompany, as I’ve come to think of my former employers. I wonder how they’re doing now?

Well, I’ll have to send e-mail to my family and friends now, letting them know the joyous news. Oh, by the way, the company that I’ll be working at is Loomis, Fargo & Co. and the people that placed me their are Momentum Information Technology. They’re good folks. Ask for Gary and tell him Jim sent you!