On last Saturday, I turned in the last final for my classes this term. I am happy to state that I received an "A" for all three classes this term. This means that I will continue to maintain my 4.0 GPA (grade point average). Now, I am down to fifteen more classes before I earn my Bachelor's degree. If I continue to take the maximum of three classes at a time, I will be done around June. In the meantime, I will enjoy this short break until the next term starts this coming Wednesday.

So far, today has been a quiet day. I imagine that as it gets darker outside, it will become louder. Several of my neighbors have been setting off fireworks for the last few months. I enjoy fireworks as much as the next person does. However, I do not think that they have as much visual impact during the day as they would at night. Of course, I do not enjoy listening to the racket well past midnight. At least I do not have to work for a few days. Therefore, if the noise keeps me up tonight, I can sleep in tomorrow.

Last week, I was supposed to take my Microsoft 70-548: Designing and Developing Windows-Based Applications by Using the Microsoft .NET Framework exam. On Monday of last week, I had finished with my exam preparation book. I went online to schedule the exam. I saw that Tuesday was already booked, but Wednesday was free. Since I am currently taking Wednesdays off, I signed up for the 9:30 AM slot. I wish I had paid attention to the date. Apparently, fellow exam takers had filled all the slots for last week and I had inadvertently registered for this week.

Several weeks ago, I received notice from my school that they would be holding a programming competition. Yes, I enjoy writing code. But, in a competition? I was dubious. I know I can code. But, could I code within the required time frame? Eventually, I signed up. I figured that the worse thing that could happen is that I would lose; if nothing else, it would be a good experience.

Last Wednesday, I took the Microsoft 70-536: .NET Framework 2.0 Application Development Foundation exam. I was a bit nervous. The testing center is located at the Lorain County Community College. I had driven by the LCCC numerous times but had never ventured on campus. Since Rachel is more familiar with the area (and because I wanted some moral support) she came with me.

I hope everyone had a safe holiday weekend. I did not do too much. I mostly stayed inside and worked on school work. I am off of work for the next couple of weeks. So, I am hoping that things will stay quiet.

This past week has been relatively quiet. So far, my schoolwork has been easy; I do more complex stuff at work. Rachel and I recently finished The Simpsons Game on the Wii. I am still working on Super Paper Mario when Rachel is not home.

I finished my two classes, "Introduction to Web Design" and "Networking Concepts," last week. Today, I received my official grade report. As typical for technical/computer classes, I aced both classes. I received a 100% in the former class while only receiving a 98.64% in the latter.

Now, I have a few days off before I start my next two classes: "Database Management" and "Advanced Visual Basic." I am really enjoying my classes so far. However, I want to take an additional class each term. While it will be more work, I will earn my degree quicker.

Today is my first day of school with Kaplan University. I am taking "Introduction to Web Design" and "Networking Concepts." I am very familiar with the concepts in both classes. For my first few classes, I wanted some “easy” classes just to get used to the new school. Looking at the requirements, I should breeze through both classes. Heck, I had nearly all of this week’s assignments done shortly 12:30 this morning.

I think that I finally have resolved most of the issues between my old school and new school. I am transferring from Saint Leo University to Kaplan University. I do not yet know if I made a wise decision, but I sure hope so. I still have a few loose ends to tie up (like getting transcripts and finalizing financial aid). But, I am well on my way. Yesterday, I finished most of the new student orientation class.