Well, here we go. I feel like I need somewhere to talk/rant/ramble about all the things I'm learning as well as provide accountability to keep myself on track. I'm starting from square one having never taken a MS exam in my life. I've been working with Server 2003 on a Jr. Admin level for 3 or 4 years now, so I'm familiar with all the basic functions.
Why am I choosing to complete certs on a 7 year old Microsoft OS rather than work on the MCITP?

That's a good question, and one I asked myself before starting on this course. Our domain is still very much mixed between 03 and 08. A total migration is on the horizon, but 03 will be around in our shop for several years to come. Because I've been working with Server 2003 for a few years now, I feel like it would be a waste to have that experience but not be able to put those letters on my resume. I know the MCITP will continue to gain industry exposure as more shops migrate, but the term "MCSE" just has a certain ring to it that will still be there long after the exams are retired.

I titled this thread my "MCSA/MCSE" journey because I'm going to focus on the MCSA for the short term. I've already finished my Security+ so I know the MCSA is do-able in a reasonable amount of time. I'd really like to continue on to the MCSE, but that will largely depend on how tired of MS material I am in a few months. Time will tell.....
So....what am doing at the moment?
I'm working on the 70-290, have watched the CBT Nugget series, and am working through the TestOut/LabSim software. I'm feeling pretty good about most of the topics. I like to start with CBT Nuggets to get a birds eye view of everything. Then the TestOut software helps me really identify the areas I don't understand. I'm going to follow those up with the MS Press book and see where I'm at. Hopefully I'll be ready to sit the exam at that point. I'm looking at a test date sometime in December, but am waiting on the reimbursement from my last cert before I actually book.
I'll try to update here regularly. It should be easy, because my wife is getting tired of hearing me talk about what I'm learning. I've been needing somewhere to put it all down.
If you made it this far, "I hope this has been informative for you, and I'd like to thank you for reading!"