Thanks to some help and guidance I found here and some serious studying I wrote and passed my CEH yesterday.

For reference I took this approach:

1) took the official 5 day course approx. 1.5 years ago (knew I was not ready for the exam at that time)
2) bought and read the latest Graves study guide.
3) did all of the exam prep questions until I knew them cold
4) went through all of the offical material again and re-read the study guide in the weeks heading up to the exam.

Wrote and passed with a 92!!   Feels pretty good.

Now trying to decide whether to pursue Forensic or Pen Test paths (maybe both?)

Congrats, good job