First off, thanks for taking the time to read this.

I've just begun my preparations for the CCIE R&S Written exam. I'm currently following the v4.0 Blueprint and planning to knock out a section at a time, then circle back and review each previous section before starting the next. I've recently passed the CCNP BCMSN exam, but decided to dive into the CCIE now that they have revamped the blueprint.

I'm about a week into studying and have made some good progress so far. I can tend to lose steam at times with my studying, and find nights where its the last thing I want to do when I get home from work. I work fulltime as a network engineer in the US, and my wife just recently had a baby so free time is tight. That being said, I'm planning to approach the studies with a plan rather than "read when I can" this time. I've set some aggressive goals to complete each section and I feel this is helping me keep focus.

I think it would be cool to hook up with any other CCIE candidates that are working towards the R&S Written via this site. I' d love to get inoput from anyone else who is in the same boat and possibly even setup a group for v4.0 candidates to exchange notes, or have bi-weekly skype meetings to highlight certain technologies...etc. The CCIE preparation seems so much different than CCNA/CCNP prep in that you have to basically be an expert at everything on that blueprint rather than read the study guide cover to cover. The book list is daunting, and I'm just talking about the written prep!

Anyway, I look forward to talking with you all and helping each other obtain this cert.

CW