LOL! I just bet discussions with your friends get pretty energetic when you bring up your certifications like that! 
Nice that you are able to make some money with something you like to do. That 250EX will be an excellent addition to your tools.
With such an incredible opportunity to be close to a company representative, I don't blame you for being overcome with green. Actually, even if Ray wasn't so close to you, I'm not sure the service would degrade much.
Welcome to the forum! Cheers.
Is it OK to want to break something just so that you can weld it back together?
Everlast PowerTIG 185 Micro IGBT AC/DC Welder