2014: What a crazy year!

How was your 2014?

For me, it was a crazy rollercoaster of peaks and valleys. But, what a ride! And I’d surely do it again.

Valleys?

You might think that doesn’t sound too good. But you have to ask yourself; can you truly appreciate the peaks without the valleys?

Blog Success

I want to thank everyone for making this site such a wonderful success. We had 280,000 views in 2014! That’s truly amazing!

With your continued support–your shares, your likes, your follows–I am sure we can continue this upward trend.

Never could I have imagined that 12 months ago, when I was writing my first post at 12:39 am on January 1st, 2014, that this site would grow to the extent it has. Thank you!

Without you, there is no need for me. So, as always, I desire your feedback. Good or bad.

MVE Award

As many of you know I am a huge fan of Experts Exchange. I truly believe the massive exposure to more problems and more solutions makes me a sharper consultant. There have been plenty of times I have resolved a customer issue as a direct result of my participation on Experts Exchange (and vice versa).

I also want to commend Brian Clausen (and the rest of the team) for all the great work they are doing. We have seen countless hours of development pour into Experts Exchange this past year. As well as the establishment of a new community management team. This team, along with all others at E-E, is truly creating a sense of family and community. It is a joy to volunteer at Experts Exchange. I am sure 2015 will be the best year yet!

So, what’s this MVE Award thing?

“The Experts Exchange Most Valuable Expert (MVE) Award recognizes Experts for outstanding community contributions. MVEs are very much the heroes of Experts Exchange who quietly achieve greatness. They strive to solve people’s technology problems, improve others appreciation of technology and make a real difference in the overall experience for those seeking help. They do so with a professionalism and commitment that makes them stand out in the community.”

I want to thank everyone who nominated me. It is truly a great honor to be named for such a prestigious award.

Sometimes it is difficult to gauge what impact our efforts have on others. Receiving this nomination is a testament that what I do has made someone’s life a little easier.

I am happy to report that I won this award!

Thank you! I can not state that enough. Thank you!

Check out Expert Exchange’s write up on all award recipients here.

Certifiable

Don’t worry. I am not blogging from a padded cell. But I think these certification exams almost drove me insane (I battle severe exam anxiety).

Determined to get this completed by the end of the year I took my final exam on December 27th.

I am happy to report I achieved my MCSE Messaging in Exchange 2013.

This was a great series of exams. There are two Exchange exams and then two precursor paths to obtaining the MCSE.

Server 2012 and Office 365.

With Microsoft placing so much emphasis on Office 365 (and the fact I already had MCSA’s in 2008 and prior) I felt like a change.

I must say, the Office 365 exams were very enjoyable. Passing these also earned me an MCSA in Office 365.

On the flip side, I found the Exchange 2013 exams to be incredibly difficult. The hardest exams I have ever sat (by a county mile)! Don’t underestimate these exams!

Valleys

Meh. Who wants to focus on the negative? Back to peaks!

Got organized

This year I navigated new waters. I started a company–SuperTekBoy LLC.

I had never started a company before. This was all new territory for me.

I had to learn accounting, insurance, taxes, credit card processing, merchant accounts. The list was endless. And still is. But its a new challenge. And I love the excitement it brings!

So, what does all this mean?

It means I can be my own boss. That success or failure is my own.

That being said

For consulting and support engagements get in touch via email or check out the Hire Me section at the top of the page.

For the love of muddy

Back in August, I took my passion for mud to a whole new level. My daughter and I ran our first MudAthlon.

The MudAthlon is a 5k event with over 40 obstacles.

Beer, hot dogs and live music awaited me at the end. Can’t beat that right?

If you are curious, check out this great YouTube video from Kyle Terry.

Here is how we looked at the finish line!

We are already registered for 2015!

Looking ahead

So how was your 2014? What are your hopes for 2015? What dreams are you determined to manifest?

It’s hard to know what 2015 will bring. But with hard work (and maybe a little luck) let’s bring our dreams to reality.

I wish you all the best in 2015. Together, let’s make this the best year ever!

Happy New Year!