Log Archives - CHRIS STARK

2019, What A Year!

January 20, 2020January 20, 2020 Chris Stark Leave a comment

Happy New Year!

2019 was an awesome year! I became a dad after my incredible partner gave birth to our son. Eddie your mum has just been amazing, without her we would both be stuffed.

This has really changed my perspective on life, I want to succeed even more and obtain a good work-life balance to be able to provide and enjoy time with my family. It has also made me appreciate even more everything my mum sacrificed in bringing me up. Mum if you are reading this I love you lots and thank you for everything you did.

Here is the little diva taking a selfie on new years eve:

Eddie Selfie

So what was achieved in 2019?

Became a proud Dad & first nappy change (it is really not that bad)
Self-confidence improved massively by since having my son and stepping outside of my comfort zone at work and in social situations by pushing myself! Sometimes things aren’t as scary as they seem… and all in the mind!
Bought a robot hoover (Eufy RoboVac 30C)! – Seriously these things are good! The wife to be, for the first time ever said this was the best gadget I have ever bought! #doit
Renewed my VMware Certified Professional (VCP) certification
Became AWS Certified (Solutions Architect – Associate (2019))
Completed my Cisco CCNA Data Center certification >> Passed on the second attempt

2018 Goals

January 21, 2018January 21, 2018 Chris Stark Leave a comment

Goals A Happy New Year to you all!

2017 was a crazy busy year and one quite quiet on the blogging front. The biggest achievement for myself was completing my BSc in Computing and IT & Business with the Open University, it’s been an incredible 7-year journey where I have learnt so much from my studies and also about my self.

I was also promoted to Technical Executive at IPsoft, looking after the technical aspect of the clients I manage and then put in charge of leading a small team.

Review of goals set for 2017:

2016 goals review | 2017 goals

January 18, 2017January 18, 2017 Chris Stark 1 Comment

Trying to sneak this in under the radar, this post is a little late! Happy New Year!

Last year, for the first time on this blog, I set myself some goals. Admittedly some of these didn’t go to plan – not all goals go according to plan. Here is a summary of my 2016 goals and then my goals for 2017.

2016 goals:

360 GSP Blog awards – Top 50 Blogs in IT

December 7, 2016December 7, 2016 Chris Stark Leave a comment

50 must-read IT Blogs by 360 GSP is a compiled list of top IT blogs that their students can use as further resource material to develop their knowledge and achieve their goals. I like this approach and feel it is important for training providers to go that extra mile to help students.

Head on over to the list on the 360 GSP site to discover some interesting IT blogs!

Happy New Year! My goals in 2016

January 3, 2016January 3, 2016 Chris Stark Leave a comment

2016 goals

Firstly, Happy New Year everyone! I was lucky enough to watch the fireworks in London with my partner and it was so cool! For anyone that has not been before. I would highly recommend!

I did not blog last year on goals and I thought I would take this as an opportunity to do so. I do not believe in resolutions, as these tend to be short lived. Therefore I have a list of goals that I want to achieve in 2016. This will enable me to reflect on my progress at the end of the year, making a commitment to myself. Its written down, set in stone!

My Goals in 2016 are:

Laser Eye Surgery – My Experience with Optimax, Maidstone (29/11/2013)

December 3, 2014January 2, 2016 Chris Stark 4 Comments

A little over a year ago, on the 29th of November 2013, I underwent Laser Eye Surgery at Optimax based in Maidstone. I’m glad to say a year later I still have my eyesight and don’t regret the decision at all.

I had an astigmatism, my readings before surgery were:

Left eye:

Sphere: -0.25 | Cylinder: -3.75

Right eye:

Sphere: 0.25 | Cylinder: -2.75

Open University Student IT Tips & Deals

September 23, 2014January 2, 2016 Chris Stark 1 Comment

Last updated 24/09/2014

I have been with the Open University now for a few years studying Computing & IT and Business and thought I would give my views on some good IT tips students can take advantage of to ensure their work is secure and backed up.

Spotify

Spotify is a great way to listen to music when studying and on the go, allows you to listen on your iPhone, iPad, Android devices, Windows smart phone and Windows. Get yourself an NUS card for around £12 a year (as of posting) and save 50% of a yearly subscription on Spotify – saving of £60 (£48 if you include the NUS). If you already have a subscription paying the full price, I believe you can still get the offer, if not just cancel and re-sub.

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