Yep, I am now a tactical genius!

A big shout out to all of those who helped me through my darkest hour during my depressing yet popular topic: Yep, It's Brain Damage. 

http://www.chess.com/forum/view/general/yep-its-brain-damage

You set me straight on playing 1.e4, not opening systems, i.e., KIA. not d2-d3. You beat into me the necessity of tactical study above all else.

" A knowledge of tactics is the foundation of positional play. This is a rule which has stood its test in chess history and one which we cannot impress forcibly enough upon the young chess player" - Grandmaster Richard Reti

"Tactical play is the nitty-gritty of chess. It’s the stuff that players are trying to work out when they say to themselves, “If I go there and he goes there ... and then I check him with the knight ... now, what can he do ... etc.” At a social or weak club level, virtually 100% of games are decided for tactical reasons. If you want to play good chess you have to understand tactics. It’s that simple!" - Garry Kasparov

This miniature involved no opening system on my part, nor was I at all familiar with my opponent's choice of defense. I had not seen this move order before. Checkmating Black in 12 moves was ALL tactics, nothing more. I have 74 days of summer vacation in just 7 days. I will be a tactical beast this fall.

Edit: ajedrecito was kind to point out that I hung my knight out to dry in this game. I simply got lucky...but I'm still a tactical genius.