CoffeeStudyTalk

This is it....the final chapter 17 of the 70-461 Query Microsoft SQL Server.  Pumping it today to finish strong and begin practicing for the exam.  Hopefully in a week of practice I'll go and take the real 70-461 test.  Wish me luck.

Closing in on the end.  Chapter 16.

Taking a break...Gloria Jeans Signature Iced Coffee.

Stuff is deep and taking while to read and understand.  Hitting Chapter 15 -- Indexes & Statistics.  Maybe I'll make it to 17 by Sunday, if not by Christmas?  Still a good pace and almost done.

I'm making a good pace in the 70-461 book.  Although I took two weeks worth of breaks, I've managed to finish 75% of the book and should finish the whole book within a month of starting (11/22 - 12/22).  I'm thinking I can finish each MCSA exam portion (read the book , practice exams) In about 6-7 weeks total, so I can wrap this whole MCSA thing in about 18-21 weeks and leave me time to tackle the MCSE!  Now I've already accumulated five years of practical experience and the exams are just a way to test my aptitude and expose me to things I don't normally have an opportunity to use much at work.  In any case, MCSE sounds like a good goal, after the MCSA of course.  After that?  Hmm...more dev stuff, which might not be covered in any formal exam or go back to school and snag a Math Degree.  Ha. Goals March 2016 -- MCSA certification June 2016 -- MCSE certification Rest of 2016 -- study code!

Getting closer to the final stretch.  Chapter 14 -- Query Performance Tools.

Took a break, but back in the game.  Chapter 13 - T-SQL routines

Behind schedule, but still going.  Now Chapter 12.

Moving to Chap 11.

Took Friday off to catch up.  I'm halfway through Chapter 8 and pushing to finish Chapter 9 tonight... If lucky maybe punch through or at least hit part of Chapter 10.  Then rest of weekend to try clear out the last 7 chapters.  Let's do this.

Not quite where I want to be.  I'm only in Chapter 7 as of 12/2.  Taking longer than expected.  Hope to speed up as Chapter 8 -- Tables and 9 -- Views should be easier.

I hope to hit Chapter 8 this Sunday.  That leaves 9 chapters remaining.  I will budget two weeks to finish the rest and try to do 4-5 chapters per week (1-2 over the weekdays and 2-3 on the weekends).  It was just this past weekend I decided to cram so many chapters.  I'll take the practice exams and maybe in 1-3 weeks sit for the actual exam.  I'll have to go find the exam center and schedule a testing appointment.

More study!  Goal for this weekend?  Finish up to Chapter 8 or halfway through the book 70-461.  299 of 677 pages... I'm finishing up Chap 4, so got 5 tonight and 6,7,8 on Sunday. Chap 8 is table creation and data integrity...I can make it there.

My Signature Drink that I usually order when @ Starbucks is the ICM or Ice Coffee w/Milk and No Sugar.  I've been drinking this for years and originally, I had the Hazelnut Version, but gave that up as I stopped liking sugar.

Keep chugging along.  Refresher on Joins.

Moving along.  Mostly because I read all this before a year ago.  Still learning new stuff though.  First pass was overwhelming, second round a bit better.

I read this book already, but it's been over a year and decided to read it again. Still not confident on sitting for the exam even though I use this stuff daily at work.  I've got 2,000 pages to read (3 books)...20 pages/ hour = 100 hours to complete.  Dang.

It's been almost five years since writing some heavy SQL and time to get serious and sit for the MCSA.  But before that...study, study, study.  And so, first step, invest in the books for the MCSA.  Study time.

Johnnie Walker -- Red Label Scotch Whisky has been my basic go-to drink when I just need something for a Mixer or on occasion straight up on the Rocks.  It's certainly more harsh compared to Black Label, but over the years I've grown accustomed to the bite and actually kinda like it sometimes. In terms of Prices, I find the 1.75 Liter a better deal; twice the Scotch for half the price 😀 Costco 750 mL - $20 1.75 Liter - $30

Here's to more overnight work.  Coffee. Didn't have much time before the first shift and ate Burger King.  I'll try something else tomorrow.

Hollys Coffee is another Major Chain of Coffee Shops in South Korea.  I like that there are so many different shops and I consider this my alternative to Angel-in-us when I'm seeking a Sweet Coffee Fix.  This place reminds me of Seattle's Best in terms of Ambience and Decor.  They also have a fairly decent PahtBinSoo (Korean Shaved Ice w/ Sweet Beans).

Tour Le Jous is actually more a Bakery Shop in South Korea, but I like to go there for Iced Coffee to pair with their tasty baked good choices.  The sandwiches are not bad.

Angel-in-us is one of several major Coffee Chains in South Korea.  I usually hit them up when I'm at one of the many outdoor Shopping Districts or Mall.  Their Sweeter Variety of Drink Options are decent.  Also, a great way to cool off when its the Summer Months.

Idk how they do it, but 7-Eleven in Asia is just way better than what we get back in the States.  I would love it if they carried the same products that I found while in South Korea or Japan back home.  Not only that, the prices are much more reasonable.

Idk why, but I actually like Cafe Pascucci quite a bit.  I usually ordered their Sweet Flavored Drinks and are similar to Angel-in-us.  At same time, its possible I go here as they have a location @ Gimhae Airport and I'm always there...

Enjoying a Frozen Green Tea Matcha @ Island Vintage Coffee in the Whalers Village - Maui.  $ 4.75 for a Medium. Some downtime before next overnight shift...

I can smell the coconut, but otherwise it tastes like a regular Mocha.  This has a ridiculous 300 calories!  Sticking to plain black coffee.

I decided on trying the Highland Park Single Malt Scotch Whisky 12 year.  It'll take me a few sittings before I get a sense of how this drink holds up and if it matches the reviews I've read online. Price It's about double the price of a Speyside Whisky such as Glenlivet or Glenfiddich and on par with a Macallan 12 year. Taste Macallan is the smoothest I've had among 12 year old single malts.  Highland Park 12 ranks just below that.  There is just a hint of bite that nips on the periphery and it's slight peatiness gives it a more sophisticated flavor and aroma. Overall, well done.  It packages quite a bit in a mid-range single malt without sacrificing too much.  I will agree with the online reviews that this would be the recommended choice for first time single malt whisky drinkers as it has much more to experience and learn than a Macallan 12. One negative, there is something a little off on the fragrance.  I cannot quite pinpoint what it is, but in the background

I am in the process of moving and hope to establish a more respectable Whisky Collection. These are my planned choices: Macallan 12 Glenlivet 12 Highland 12 Laphroig 10 Glenfiddich 12 Figure total cost of about $300 - 350  I'll check my local liquor store and start getting a better sense of the pricing and final selection. Update Seems Costco has the best price around.  While selection is limited they have almost all the whisky's I would want for my initial collection. I've whittled it down further as my desire is not to amass a huge assortment, but a few for personal enjoyment and build up my palate 'memory' before venturing into this exciting new world. Update# 2 -- 7/15/15 After I've tried these five (5) starter bottles, I want to try some higher end versions and considering Glenlivet 18 year and Macallan 18 year.  Then go back down to more 12 year varieties...sounds good to me.

Topping off.  Early afternoon coffee break.  Not the same as fresh brewed, but it's quick and convenient. Couldn't find any other mug. Found this in the kitchen. Wow...looked it up.  This is a $75 Tiffany Cup.  Where did this thing come from?

Enjoying some Espresso this weekend.  Someday, I'd love to sip one in an Italian Street Cafe.  For now this will do.

Enjoying a cup of coffee on a nice Saturday afternoon.  No reason in particular.  Totally free day.  That's the best.

Woke up early so figured...why not...go to Starbucks and enjoy a morning break.  My two faves..Cup of Joe and The Economist Magazine.  To make it even more fun...music and a good pair of headphones.  ATH-M50's next time around.

Something to brighten my mood...single malt scotch.  While blended is nice and great for many occasions, single malts are reserved for special moments.  I was going to grab a Macallan, Oban or even something peaty...but saw this old standby on sale.  I couldn't resist.  While a watch would be nice.  Or even a PS4 and so many other things.  A good Scotch collection would be so much better.  It's been a while and why I gave it up in the first place eludes my recollection.  At least a half dozen bottles would suffice for a simple collection.  And in a year's time...grow it to a dozen bottles at least.

So...my first purchase of 2015.  A Casio G-Shock 6900-1v for just $38. I've always wanted a basic 6900 and figured why not? Should be here in a few days. Yeah...was expecting to buy the Seiko Sarb, but still wavering on which color dial and they spiked the price up $30.  I'll wait for it to go back down and it'll be my second purchase of 2015....maybe.

After all these years, I'm surprised at how much I still enjoy Johnnie Walker - Red Label.  It has just enough Bite & Harshness to make you know your drinking Whisky that is not always apparent with it's more tame stable mates.  Normally, I consume Black Label as my main Go To Whisky Drink, but there is just something about Red Label.