How it all started, sort of

So this all started back in 2021 when I first got a cabinet of my own at the data center where I work. Per the "Mike's Special" agreement, I got a cabinet with a redundant 20 amp power circuit and a fiber connection to the internet. I bought a router from Mikrotik, as they were the only affordable option that fit my needs. With a lot of help from my coworkers I got it installed and configured, and suddenly I was live on the Internet with a 10 gigabit connection! How exciting! Over time, I procured a couple of old e-wasted servers and some Cisco routers and switches. At the time I was studying for the CCNA exam, and having the actual hardware to work with was a big help. After I got my CCNA, I started re-learning Python with the intent of building a few websites of my own, hosted on my own hardware. During that process I taught myself how to use Django, worked my way through several tutorials both online and in book form, and eventually built up the website you're looking at now. I will be tinkering with this site and a few others going forward.