Yep true statement hehe. Not for long though; my baby daugther is due in June. Maybe I can squeeze the BCMSN and BSCI in before then!

I've done just about the same as you at my work. The first thing I did was put together a logical topology of our network at our HQ. I then started putting together a document called Network Optimization where I started creating a checklist for myself. I can share this if you'd like. I made a logical topology, STP topology, checked all our switches firmware versions, portfast/linkfast/root guard configuration... it's been a work in progress but it's helped learn alot! This BCMSN book is killer for this kind of thing too!

I haven't played around with network management software yet except for Kiwi Cattools, which is pretty neat and good for my novice level. I'll probably look into that after I'm done with this project and I understand a little better. It's funny because my Sys Admin hates working with networking without a GUI, and I can't stand being out of CLI.

I just finished the book and am now studying, scheduled the exam for March 1st, but I may move it up. This content seems pretty easy coming from a CCNA background. Dunno how it is for CCDAs.