Security Testing Journal Entry | w/e Friday January 9, 2026 - “On The Python Path” Ed.

Highlights for the week

Not really a lot to report this week, however a lot of new things have been started, so that's a plus.

With a new workout, new BBH program started, and new book to read / learn, things have been amazing. I love the idea of asking if the action I'm taking to get better every day is moving me forward. I listen to Jim Rohn every morning, and the best thing I've heard so far is to stay disciplined, keep focused, plan well, and execute every day. It doesn't matter that you failed in your past .. that's not you anymore. It doesn't matter what you've done .. that is inconsequential to now. Now is all that matters. What am I doing NOW to help improve my situation, my weaknesses, where I failed.

The time is NOW .. break the old patterns. I think this is what GOD has been trying to teach me. If not, it's my muse talking. She's always reminding me to write, focus, stay calm, eliminate distractions, feed the mind and body proper, and disallow negative thinking.

What We’re Grateful For

1. Grateful to be alive another day.
2. Grateful that I will be able to get to another cruise.
3. As always, grateful to have a loving family, warm home, and food in the 'fridge.

What We Loved

1. Happy that I'm starting on the path to keep doing better and being better. Caught myself eliminating negativity and the bad self-talk. Taking more control over what I accept both internally and externally has been amazing. Also working to keep disciplined and build good habits. No more reaching for the vice to get me entertained when bored. Instead, it's about healthy choices.

What We Learned

1. AI Training [Status: Not Started!] - Scheduling this for the weekend.
2. Python for Ethical Hacking: [Status: IN PROGRESS!] - Completed Chapter 1, so awesome getting the refresher plus tangiable scripts to use later.
3. New Pen Test: USAA [Status: IN PROGRESS!] - Completed the scoping and reconnissance. I've flagged the issues with creating an account and project scope.
4. Writing: Chapter "War Cry" [Status: IN PROGRESS!]. Been delayed writing this week. Saved for the weekend.
5. API Pen Testing: Lime [Status: DONE!] - The API for previous engagement and current are blocked.
6. APISEC: [Status: DONE!] Happy by how much I learned and labs created.
7. QA DAY: [Status: BACKLOGGED!] - Scheduled time for python for ethical hacking.
8. Mentor/Mentee w. IMANI, Project Planning Lesson: [Status: PAUSED!] - Postponed for the following week. Concerned by her discipline (or lack thereof).

What We Longed For

1. A JOB!! Plain and simple. I am in the red and if I don't land a job within the next few weeks, it will be a very bad February. Zero for March!!

What We Loathed

1. Nearly got scammed of my PII for a job prospect.
2. Watching an innocent person get "un-alived" by a federal agent for no reason whatsoever was beyond atrocious. The country is in peril!!
3. Also watched an unsanctioned takeover of a country by special forces ... it appears we're back to our colonizer ways!! Yay 'murica!!