A Time Before

Though the date is marked differently, I am writing this on 02-07-2026…

I have lots of notes of the CTFs completed on Try Hack Me but they are nearly incoherent. Before this point (and even after) I had not learned how to take CTF notes and some of the early notes were just in a GUI text editor on Kali - But we all start somewhere, eh?

My note taking for challenges, and in general, has improved greatly over time. I went backwards through time adding my notes to this blog and it is cool seeing my documentation and technical improvement.

Another thing of note - since this is a more standard blog post: Things such as CTFs are much like a muscle. If I miss the gym for a week, I come back and struggle with weight that weeks prior was far easier. Much like physical training, CTFs and other skills in tech (and in other practices) require consistency. All of those gains have not been lost and it is easier to get back to where you were versus when you began.

Though, this analogy may fall flat on many computer fellas haha– it made sense to me.

I practice or learn something new in Computer Science or Security everyday but if you don’t specialize in one thing you will have a more difficult time progressing. This is me talking to myself. Maybe it is best to expertise in a specific sub-topic.

I can’t imagine someone reading this – but if you do, message me and say BAGELS or something haha.

Bonus: Album recommendation -> Soundtracks For The Blind by Swans

:)