To all my Top Notch brethren,

First and foremost: My car is fine and not wrecked.

Secondly, this is my notification that I will be staying in Top Notch, however, you won't see me around too much in the coming months. If you want, you can be pissed and just stop reading here and go throw darts at a picture of me somewhere, or you can read more and see why. Keep in mind these aren't excuses, they are just the facts.

Basically, it all boils down to this. I am not doing myself the due dilligence by not doing what I am supposed to be doing. I was given an opportunity to learn Cisco Networking (essentially for no money what-so-ever) and a killer job when I get my CCNA. Keep in mind that if I took classes at a college, it would cost me at least 4-5k and you would see even less of me than you already have.

The guy who is giving me this opportunity has seen me slide a great deal since I started this. I've been 4 months into this and I feel as if I've learned nothing.... well, not nothing... but not much either.

I love spending time with you guys and goofing off but I will be turning 25 in a week and a half and I'm still barely making more than I made 3 years ago. I should feel so lucky that I have a job, potential for a great job, a house, two cars, etc. However, that all didn't come easy. As hard as it took me to get where I am, it can be gone in a flash if I let it.

Essentially what I am saying is, after the few meets I've obligated myself too (The Sports Thread and the Photoshoot thread), I won't be around much. I probably won't even check the forums daily like I usually do. The only time I'm really alotting myself for forum time is when I am at lunch at work because me trying to study there seems fruitless.

I love you guys like family and I really do appreciate all that's been given to me. I value you guys' friendships more than you could possibly know. I just know that if I don't do something with my life quick, I'll be cheating myself as a man, husband, and more importantly, the father I will (probably sooner than later) eventually become.

Thanks Top Notch for hopefully supporting my decision on this. If any of you think this is all bullshit and you want to drag my name and reputation (not the green bars in my profile either) through the mud, go ahead and do so. Again, to those in support of me, I thank you.

Dale S.