Initial disclaimer, I've never really been big on cloud services. I try to host all of my stuff locally, but I am just running services for my private network so I've never had to worry about scaling or any of the other trepidations of hosting services meant for public consumption. I remember trying to learn cloud stuff a few years ago when I was first getting into Linux and networking, where I made an AWS account, created a VM and didn't turn it off, and exited my browser without being any the wiser. Fast forward and no more AWS hours, story as old as time but at least I'm not in debt over it. I learned enough to pass the AZ900 for Azure but never allocated the funds for the exam (being a parent and a homelab enthusiast keeps my pockets empty) so I just kinda dropped it. But I'm determined to get back into AWS specifically, because well, it's kinda the GOAT of the cloud space and it's everywhere, whether you like it or not. You can hate on Lex Luthor, but the other options aren't saints either. At the end of the day, I like networking and configuring/managing Linux servers. Thats what gets me excited and I would like a job involving those things, but cloud is definitely not going anywhere and even as I prep for my LFCA exam, its a big part of the curriculum (as well as DevOps, which covers cloud as well...what a drag.) The most that I've considered actually dwelving into cloud at this point (besides Github) is wanting to set up a VPS for XMMP chat and also wanting to dwelve into cloud-based AI since I'm a broke b*tch and can't afford a decent GPU (although hosting in the cloud defeats the purpose of private, local AI.) I try to back up everything locally and not rely on services that may not exist tomorrow and require me to pay to store and access my own stuff, but I totally see the appeal of cloud services in an Enterprise environment. Scalability, Flexibility, more appealing buzzwords. It gets the job done, and is efficient and effective for what it is, Respect. That's why, why I personally don't find cloud appealing, I'm going to trek down this AWS path (once I complete my LFCA, which ironically consists of me studying hella cloud topics right now) and see where it takes me. Its not fun, it's not getting lost in man pages and finding cool little Linux Easter Eggs or setting up a cool new service in my homelab. It's work, I'm over here typing notes into my terminal with a web browser open learning about cloud services that I'll probably never integrate into my home network because it's the status quo. I don't mind though, cloud is a driving force in the modern infrastructure of the world (even if its just renting somebody else's server at the end of the day) and learning it's ways can only benefit me on my journey, much like learning Linux, Networking, or Programming have. Also, I like taking notes on my laptop. I've got my cozy Qtile/Neovim/Tmux setup that not only functions well but is aesthetically pleasing, unintentionally knocking out the Second Law of Behavior Change (make it attractive.) I tend to take it with me pretty much everywhere, so I'm able to study on the go and make people in public think that I'm a hacker because I use a terminal. Another factor that helps me actually study and not binge Jellyfin all day is keeping my notes in a Git repo that I have linked to my Github and try to update daily (I also write them in markdown so that they look decent when displayed in the browser.) I feel like these factors increase my productivity immensely and help optimize my ability to learn any subject that I want, really (I know that nobody actually reads my Github notes but its about the FEELING.) I probably won't be posting as many articles on this site in the next few coming months as I ramp up to take my LFCA exam but I'll try to either find a way to integrate my learnings into my articles or make some time for some of the side-projects in my Quest Log. Either way, that's it for today guys. Have a great day and stay safe out there, Peace.