Better late than never...

[Troubleshooter]

Greetings, all! I finally registered on this forum a few days ago but I've been 'lurking' for a few months now. I received my plastic early last month but neglected to register and join the waiting room discussions during my processes. Here's a brief rundown of how my journey went:

May & June 2011 - Began footwork and phone calls to aquire certified doc's of charges and dispositions from various jurisdictions (eh, uh, I've got a bit of a colorful PAST regarding run-ins with the law but nothing that would have disqualified me.....barely, that is)
June 26, 2011 & July 10, 2011 - Took CHL class (split into two half-day sessions) with Larry Raymond and Joe Johnson @ Guns of the Sword range
July 10, 2011 - Completed application online, scheduled fingerprinting, & deposited my complete package of supporting documents, etc. in drop box at local post office in Red Oak, TX
...checked DPS website everyday for updates, of course, lol ....studied threads on this board in this topic and others, for gentle, factual reassurance (biting my proverbial nails the entire time)
July 14, 2011 - fingerprints completed
multiple status changes occurred for receipt and review of documents, etc...
July 27, 2011 - manufacturing
July 29, 2011 - mailed
August 4, 2011 - plastic in-hand! :) (turned-out, all my preparation and legwork before the application did expedite the review of my bumpy background...SO glad that I put in that extra effort!)

It's great to be a citizen exercising this right, and I'm thankful for this friendly and informative online community of individuals.
Life is good!

[Middle Age Russ]

Congratulations. Welcome to the forum and to polite society.

[Cool Arrow]

Congats and welcome! I had to do a bit of footwork myself like you did.

[USA1]

It really is "Better late than never". Far too many times people wait until something happens that makes them realize just how vulnerable they are. It's much better to be proactive.

Congrats on taking the steps, and most importantly ...Welcome to the forum!