Simple Living

Final Chapter Completion of 70-461 This is it—the final Chapter 17, focusing on Further Optimization Aspects of the 70-461 Querying Microsoft SQL Server. I'm determined to finish strong today and begin my exam practice. Next Steps With about a week of focused practice, I plan to take the real 70-461 test. Wish me luck as I prepare for this important milestone.

Nearing Completion Current Focus I'm closing in on the end of my studies with Chapter 16, which covers Cursors, Sets, and Temporary Tables. The finish line is in sight as I work through this material.

Taking a Break Refreshing Moment I’m enjoying a Gloria Jean's Signature Iced Coffee during this break. It's a nice way to recharge before diving back into my studies.

Progress Update on MCSA 70-461 Current Status I’m currently working through Chapter 15, which covers Indexes and Statistics. It's proving to be quite deep and takes some time to read and understand. Goals I'm aiming to reach Chapter 17 by Sunday. If that doesn't happen, I hope to complete it by Christmas. Despite the pace, I feel I'm making good progress and am almost done with the material.

Certification Progress Update and Career Goals I'm making solid progress in my MCSA 70-461 studies. Even with a couple of breaks, I’ve managed to complete 75% of the book and am on track to finish it within a month (from November 22 to December 22). The pace has been steady, and I’m feeling confident about tackling each part of the MCSA in about 6-7 weeks. That should have me wrapping up the entire MCSA certification process in around 18-21 weeks —perfect timing to start working on the MCSE. Key Goals and Timeline March 2016 – MCSA Certification : Complete all MCSA exam portions, including practice exams. June 2016 – MCSE Certification : Focus on higher-level SQL Server capabilities and complete the MCSE. Rest of 2016 – Coding Focus : Deepen my development skills outside of SQL, tackling areas not covered by formal exams. With five years of hands-on experience, these certifications will solidify my knowledge and introduce me to concepts I might not frequently use in my day-to-d...

Approaching the Final Stretch: Chapter 14 - Query Performance Tools I'm now into Chapter 14 , covering Query Performance Tools —an essential part of the MCSA 70-461 journey. This chapter focuses on optimizing SQL queries, a key skill for ensuring efficient and scalable database operations. Chapter 14 Focus Execution Plans : Learning to analyze and interpret execution plans for performance insights. Indexing Strategies : Exploring index use to speed up queries while minimizing resource consumption. Query Optimization Techniques : Techniques to refine SQL statements and reduce query costs. Looking Ahead With just a few chapters to go, I’m getting close to wrapping up the MCSA material. The final push is on, and I’m excited to bring everything together for the exam.

Back to MCSA Studies: Chapter 13 - T-SQL Routines After a brief break, I’m back on track and tackling Chapter 13 of the MCSA 70-461 material, which covers T-SQL Routines . This chapter dives into creating and managing stored procedures, functions, and other essential T-SQL routines, critical for building efficient and reusable code in SQL Server. Chapter 13 Focus Stored Procedures : Writing reusable routines to simplify complex tasks. User-Defined Functions : Creating custom functions to streamline calculations and data manipulations. T-SQL Best Practices : Ensuring routines are efficient, maintainable, and follow best practices for reliability. Path Forward Refreshed and ready, I’ll keep pushing through the remaining chapters, aiming to finish strong.

Progress Update: MCSA 70-461 Certification – Chapter 12 Although I’m a bit behind schedule, I’m steadily moving forward and have now reached Chapter 12 in the MCSA 70-461 study guide. This chapter focuses on essential skills like Transactions, Error Handling, and Dynamic SQL —core components for building reliable and flexible SQL queries. Chapter 12 Focus Transactions : Understanding how to manage and control data consistency with transaction boundaries. Error Handling : Learning strategies for capturing and managing errors to improve query stability. Dynamic SQL : Exploring the use of SQL statements generated dynamically to handle variable data scenarios. Moving Forward I’ll continue building on this foundation and aim to pick up the pace as I move into the final chapters. Keeping the momentum going!

MCSA Study Progress: Chapter 11 - Other Data Modifications I've now reached Chapter 11 in my MCSA study journey, diving into Other Data Modifications . After pushing through the foundational chapters, I’m looking forward to mastering these more advanced data handling techniques. Current Focus Chapter 11 : Covering complex data modification strategies, including advanced updates and data manipulation techniques. Plan Moving Forward With this milestone, I'm motivated to continue the momentum. The next chapters will likely build on these skills, so my goal is to stay consistent and make steady progress.

Productive Weekend Study Plan: MCSA Certification Prep I took Friday off to catch up on my MCSA studies. With a solid plan, I’m aiming to power through multiple chapters this weekend to stay on track for certification. Current Progress: Chapter 8 I'm currently halfway through Chapter 8, focusing on MCSA Tables, and pushing to wrap up Chapter 9 by tonight. If all goes well, I’ll try to get a start on Chapter 10. Weekend Goals The objective is ambitious but doable: clear out the remaining seven chapters by Sunday. Here’s the rough plan: Friday : Finish Chapters 8 and 9, start Chapter 10 Saturday : Complete Chapters 10–12 Sunday : Finalize Chapters 13–15 Staying Focused Breaking down my study into clear milestones helps keep the pace up. With a strong push, this weekend will be a significant step toward reaching my MCSA goals. Let’s make it happen!

MCSA Certification Progress Update As of December 2, I'm working through Chapter 7, covering XML, in the MCSA materials. Progress has been a bit slower than I anticipated, as XML concepts are taking more time to master. Plan to Regain Momentum Looking ahead, I'm optimistic about Chapters 8 and 9, which cover Tables and Views —topics that should be more straightforward. Here’s the updated approach: Current Focus : Complete Chapter 7 (XML) Upcoming Chapters : Aim to accelerate through Chapters 8 and 9 over the next few days With a renewed focus, I’m hoping to make up for the slower start and get back on schedule.

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.

Study Goals for the Weekend This weekend, my primary focus is on advancing my studies for the MCSA certification, specifically targeting the 70-461 exam. Progress Update Currently, I am on page 299 out of 677 in the 70-461 book. I’m finishing up Chapter 4 tonight, which will set me up for a productive weekend. Weekend Plan Tonight: Complete Chapter 4 and begin Chapter 5. Sunday: Aim to finish Chapters 5, 6, 7, and 8. Chapter 8 will cover table creation and data integrity , a crucial topic that I am eager to master. With determination and focus, I believe I can reach this goal and further solidify my understanding of SQL. Let’s get to it!

My Signature Drink at Starbucks When I visit Starbucks, my go-to order is the ICM—Ice Coffee with Milk and No Sugar. This simple yet satisfying drink has been my favorite for years. Evolution of My Order I initially enjoyed the Hazelnut version, but over time, my taste changed, and I found myself moving away from sugary flavors. Now, I appreciate the clean taste of iced coffee, complemented by milk without any added sweetness. This choice not only reflects my preference for straightforward flavors but also aligns with my desire for a more balanced, less sugary beverage. It’s become a staple in my routine, providing a refreshing caffeine boost whenever I need it.

Chapter 4: Refresher on Joins I'm continuing my study journey and have reached Chapter 4, which focuses on joins. This is a crucial area in SQL, and revisiting it is helping solidify my understanding. Key Concepts of Joins Inner Join : Returns records with matching values in both tables. It's essential for querying related data. Left Join (or Left Outer Join) : Returns all records from the left table and the matched records from the right table. If there's no match, NULL values are returned for columns from the right table. Right Join (or Right Outer Join) : Similar to the left join, but returns all records from the right table and the matched records from the left table. Full Outer Join : Combines the results of both left and right joins, returning all records from both tables, with NULLs in places where there are no matches. Cross Join : Returns the Cartesian product of the two tables, pairing each record from the first table with every record from the second. Practical A...

Progressing Through the MCSA Material I'm making steady progress through the MCSA study materials. Having read everything about a year ago, the concepts are becoming clearer this time around. Read Again The first pass felt overwhelming, but as I revisit the content, I'm finding it more manageable. I'm still learning new information, which adds to my understanding. This second round is definitely proving to be a more productive experience, reinforcing my knowledge and helping me build the confidence I need for the exam.

Revisiting MCSA Study Materials Having read the MCSA study material over a year ago, I’ve decided it’s time for a second read. Despite using SQL daily at work, I'm still not confident about sitting for the exam. Committing to the Reading With three books totaling around 2,000 pages, I’ve mapped out a plan to tackle this material. At a pace of 20 pages per hour, I’m looking at approximately 100 hours of reading time. It feels daunting, but I’m committed to getting through it all to solidify my knowledge and boost my confidence before the exam.

Preparing for the MCSA: A Focus on SQL It's been almost five years since I delved into writing heavy SQL, and I'm now ready to take the next step by pursuing the Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) certification. Before I can sit for the exam, there's a lot of studying ahead. First Steps: Investing in Study Materials The first step in my preparation is to invest in the essential books for the MCSA. Having the right resources will be crucial for my study sessions. With focused study time and the right materials, I'm determined to make this certification a reality.

Progress Update in Onigiri: Leveling in Sekigahara I am currently in Sekigahara, focusing on leveling up to 70. When I feel bored, I travel back to Kyoto for easy dungeon runs, which also help me improve my sword skills. I’m still using my Tatsujin and Ranmagiri, but I’m on the lookout for a third sword to complement my setup. The Hakujin and Helm-Splitter are looking particularly promising. Friendship Ratings with Shizuka I'm currently stuck in Sekigahara because I need to level up my friendship rating with Shizuka. If I don't increase it, I won't be able to progress further in the game. I have a bit of a desire to move on to Kaga already, but from my research, it seems that Shizuka must be at least level 10 friendship by the time I reach Sekigahara. Additionally, Susanoo needs to be at level 15 before the endgame, which is helpful information to keep in mind as I plan my progress.

Basic Strategy for Onigiri I have been testing and researching strategies for Onigiri, and here are some key points I've developed for effective gameplay. Focus on Quality Skills It's crucial to prioritize good skills over simply aiming for high-grade weapons or damage ratings. Quality skills can significantly enhance your combat effectiveness. Spam Skills for Efficiency To maximize efficiency in dungeons, focus on one-hit kills. SP recovery potions are inexpensive compared to HP recovery sushi items, so utilize them frequently to spam skills. This approach helps you clear dungeons faster. White Class Weapons Aim for bronze item drops and seek out white class items. These are generally cheaper to enhance and smelt compared to blue, red, or gold items. A +50 white sword with good skills will outperform a gold weapon at the same ryou cost. Maximize Affinity Invest your stat points into a single star that boosts your main weapon's affinity. The goal is to reach 3,000 affinity....

Gacha Ticket Win: Black Goth Rozen Costume On my third Gacha Ticket, I got the top prize in Nyankoropon Unit #1, the Black Goth Rozen Costume. This costume comes with the accessory 'Property Hadou,' granting a +15% money gain for 30 days. Expectations vs. Reality I was hoping for the HP or SP boost costume set, but this prize is still a great win. It significantly enhances my ability to accumulate money for smelting and weapon enhancement, making it a valuable addition to my collection.

Character Build: Odachi/Katana Sword Focus I’ve been experimenting with different character types and have settled on a build centered around the Odachi and Katana swords, prioritizing Power stats. Learning as I go, I’ve made good progress, reaching the Izumo Rest Area after about a week of casual play. Weapon Strategy Odachi for Group Fights The Odachi is a long sword that, while slower than a Katana, offers greater attack power and a wider attack range. This makes it particularly effective for dealing with medium-sized mobs. Its area of effect allows you to hit multiple enemies, which is perfect for crowd control in group encounters. Katana for Surgical Fights On the other hand, the Katana excels in fast-paced, one-on-one situations. It’s ideal for quick boss strikes or duels against single enemies. The Katana's speed allows you to unleash several skills in rapid succession, making it an effective choice for taking down tougher foes quickly. Stat Focus: Affinity for Damag...

Casio MDV-106 Review: A Bargain Diver’s Watch with Real Depth If you’re looking for a budget-friendly diver’s watch that can handle actual water activities, the Casio MDV-106 is an excellent choice. For around $33–$40, you’re getting a watch with genuine diving capabilities, not just the looks. Here’s why the MDV-106 stands out as a fantastic deal for anyone wanting a rugged, stylish, and functional timepiece. Key Features of the Casio MDV-106 Diver's Build : The MDV-106 is more than just a diver-inspired style. Thanks to its screw-down crown, it’s truly water-resistant up to 200 meters, making it suitable for swimming and snorkeling. Unidirectional Bezel : The bezel is marked for 60 minutes, making it practical for basic timing, especially during underwater activities. Basic Lume : It has basic lume on the hour markers and hands, providing readability in low-light situations—great for diving or night-time wear. Date Display : Conveniently displays the date, adding everyday functio...

Audio Technica EQ500 Headphones Review It's been over two years since I bought the Audio Technica EQ500 headphones in Tokyo. They still sound good and look reasonably well after two years of ownership. I've used them casually, maybe once every two weeks, totaling at most about 50-60 hours of listening time each year. Performance and Issues However, one problem has emerged: I need to play with the 1/8" audio jack as the sound cuts out from one side. It usually takes a few quick twists to get it sounding fine again. Because of this issue, they have become my backup pair, as I typically carry larger over-ear headphones like the Audio Technica WM77s. Future Plans Next time I'm in Japan, I might consider upgrading to the EQ600s or EQ700s, which include a retractable cable. I'll need to research those newer models, but it will likely be at least a year before I can fly over to Japan again.

Johnnie Walker Red Label Scotch Whisky Johnnie Walker Red Label Scotch Whisky has been my basic go-to drink when I need something for a mixer or occasionally enjoy straight up on the rocks. While it's certainly more harsh compared to Black Label, I've grown accustomed to the bite over the years and actually find it quite enjoyable at times. Pricing In terms of value, I find the 1.75-liter bottle to be a better deal—twice the Scotch for half the price. Here’s a breakdown of prices I’ve observed at Costco: 750 mL: $20 1.75 Liter: $30

Zenith on a NATO Strap I was curious and decided to try my Zenith watch on a NATO strap. While the watch has a 19 mm lug width, a 20 mm NATO strap fits snugly. This adjustment has made the watch more practical, especially with the hot weather ruining my leather band. Additionally, using the NATO strap raises the watch slightly off my wrist, making winding much easier. Thoughts on Vintage This watch is now 60 years old, and it still works great. Not many man-made items can claim such longevity. I often wonder about its history: where it has traveled and the experiences it has 'seen.' It’s a fascinating thought, and I look forward to continuing its adventure with me. Where shall we go next? Fun with NATO!  

Eton Microlink FR160 Handcrank Radio Review I bought an Eton Microlink FR160 handcrank radio for my emergency kit a few years ago, and it’s been great overall. However, there’s one significant issue I've encountered. Sticky Residue Problem Over time, a sticky residue developed on the radio's external surface, which was driving me nuts. At first, I thought there was something wrong with the device. Solution Fortunately, I researched the problem online and discovered that Eton radios are coated with a substance designed to make them easier to grip. Unfortunately, this coating degrades over time and turns into a sticky mess. To resolve the issue, I used isopropyl alcohol and cotton balls to clean most of the gunk. While some paint may have been lost in the process, at least the radio is no longer sticky.

Seiko SSB003 on NATO Strap I'm really digging the Seiko SSB003 on a NATO strap. It’s very light and comfortable to wear, lending a sense of appropriateness in casual settings like a beach resort. Strap Preferences I have several variations of 20mm NATO straps, but this dark navy blue and red stripe combo seems the most appealing. Future Considerations I'm considering adding another Seiko quartz chronograph to my collection, possibly the SNDF87, which features a similar color scheme to the Tudor Heritage Chrono, but at a fraction of the cost. Another option is the Seiko SSB031 or a variant that uses the same movement but includes lume on the hands and hour markers, making it more practical for evening wear. For now, the SSB003 is proving to be a fun choice.

Overnight Work and Coffee Here's to more overnight work and the coffee that keeps me going. Burger King I didn't have much time before my first shift, so I grabbed Burger King. I'll explore other dining options tomorrow.

Hollys Coffee: A Sweet Alternative Hollys Coffee is another major chain of coffee shops in South Korea. I appreciate the variety of shops available, and I consider this my alternative to Angel-in-us when I'm looking for a sweet coffee fix. The ambience and decor here remind me of Seattle's Best, creating a cozy atmosphere. They also serve a fairly decent Patbingsu, which is a Korean shaved ice dessert topped with sweet beans, making it a refreshing treat on warm days.

Tour Le Jous: A Bakery Delight Tour Le Jous is primarily a bakery shop in South Korea, but I enjoy visiting for their iced coffee. It's the perfect pairing with their tasty baked goods. The sandwiches they offer are not bad either, making it a great spot for a light meal or snack.

Angel-in-us Coffee: A Sweet Escape 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 malls. Their sweeter variety of drink options is decent and provides a great way to cool off during the summer months.

The Appeal of 7-Eleven in Asia 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.

Discovering Cafe Pascucci Idk why, but I actually like Cafe Pascucci quite a bit. I usually order their sweet flavored drinks, which are similar to those at Angel-in-us. It’s possible that I frequent this cafe because they have a location at Gimhae Airport, and I find myself there often.

New Addition: Zenith Caliber 126 I recently bought a Zenith Caliber 126 , a vintage dress watch featuring a sub-dial for seconds. Here’s a quick overview of my purchase: Purchase Details Price : $450 + $20 shipping Condition : Looks a bit beat up, but I'm hopeful it's authentic and in decent working order. Expected Arrival : In about a week. I’ll post pictures once I’ve examined it further. Why Zenith? I considered a Nomos Tangente, but there’s something about the Zenith that really speaks to me. Perhaps it’s the vintage appeal, or maybe I’m just embracing a classic style as I get older! Movement Specs Zenith Caliber 126 Variants : Cal 126 : Base model Cal 126-5 : Indirectly driven second hand Cal 126-6 : Features antishock Cal 126-5-6 : Combines both indirect second hand and antishock Beats : 18,000 bph (5 beats per second) Production : A fairly common, reliable movement known for its durability. Serial Number / Age Estimation The serial number on the movement can help estimat...

Frozen Green Tea Matcha Experience I'm currently enjoying a Frozen Green Tea Matcha at Island Vintage Coffee in Whalers Village, Maui. Details Price : $4.75 for a medium size. Location : Island Vintage Coffee, Whalers Village, Maui. Atmosphere It's a great spot to relax and take a break before my next overnight shift. The ambiance here is quite inviting, making it a perfect place to unwind. Conclusion This frozen matcha is refreshing and a delightful treat while I soak in the surroundings. Perfect way to recharge.

Coffee Experience: Coconut Mocha I tried a Coconut Mocha recently, and here's my take on it: Aroma Coconut : The coconut scent is definitely noticeable and adds a tropical twist. Flavor Taste : Aside from the coconut aroma, it tastes like a regular mocha. The expected chocolate and coffee flavors are there, but nothing particularly stands out beyond that. Nutrition Calories : This drink has a whopping 300 calories ! That’s pretty high for a coffee beverage, which is one of the reasons I think I’ll stick to plain black coffee going forward. Conclusion While the coconut aroma was enjoyable, the flavor didn’t really elevate the drink for me, and the calorie count is just too high. Plain black coffee is a more satisfying choice!

Tasting Highland Park 12 Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky I decided to try Highland Park Single Malt Scotch Whisky 12 Year . It’ll take a few sittings for me to fully appreciate how this whisky holds up and whether it matches the positive reviews I've read online. Price Highland Park is about double the price of Speyside whiskies like Glenlivet or Glenfiddich and is on par with Macallan 12 Year . Taste Smoothness : Macallan is the smoothest 12-year-old single malt I've had, and Highland Park 12 ranks just below that. Flavor : There’s a hint of bite that nips at the periphery, with slight peatiness that gives it a more sophisticated flavor and aroma. Overall Impression : Well done! Highland Park 12 packs quite a bit into a mid-range single malt without sacrificing too much. I agree with online reviews that it’s a recommended choice for first-time single malt whisky drinkers, offering much more to experience compared to Macallan 12. Aroma Concerns One negative is the fragrance, w...