A few times I year I post a general update on life. I'm a bit overdue since several things have happened lately. In August I sold my first car (1998 Subaru Forrester) in record time: 2 hours. I put a for sale sign in the window and parked it in the parking lot at work. The guy who owns the business across the hall from us bought it to use as a "winter beater" :/ I bought myself a fully equipped 2004 Nissan Murano SE with leather interior. Here's a picture of what it looks like:

I like buying used because I paid about 50% the cost of a new Murano, it runs great, and still looks new. The other day I saw my old Subaru in the parking lot as I was backing out. The owner had backed into a parking spot so it looked like the Subaru was watching me, jealous that I traded it in for a better look'n young thing. Then I remembered that cars don't have feelings.

Another big change is that I have decided to move to Toronto in the spring of 2008. I got permission from my boss to work from home, an estimate on what my house is worth from a real estate agent, and pre-approved for a larger mortgage from the bank. I'm going to put the house up for sale at the end of February. Once it is sold I'm going to ask for a long closing date (up to 3 months) so that I can find a place to live in Toronto, buy it, and choose the same closing date for an easy move. I want a high rise condo in downtown Toronto with 2 bedrooms, balcony, allows pets, etc. I have a list of requirements, and know that there are places out there within my budget.

Another big change is Ryco Technologies. I have had a burning desire to start a software company since I was 12 years old. I didn't have a clear vision of how it would happen, but always knew that it will happen at some point in my life. I've been gaining work experience at IJW for the past nine years, and never stop thinking about Ryco Technologies. This year I finally got a vision and am taking the first two steps to get there. I convinced my boss to lay me off Jan 1st 2008, and to hire Ryco Technologies as a subcontractor. Initially I'll be gaining experience managing my books with guidance from IJW's financial administrator, while continuing my regular programming duties. Shortly after I move to Toronto I hope to be ready to invest some money in a small side business. IJW knows about this and we have agreed on how I will handle support requests for the side-business during regular business hours. Later in 2008 I want to start work on the first of 4 fairly large business applications on my own time which will become Ryco Technologies' first software offerings. I'll be enlisting the help of two industry experts that I know personally (they don't know who they are yet :) for valuable guidance, requirements planning, and possibly help with marketing. I hope that in several years my four applications plus the other service will grow Ryco Technologies into a profitable business with multiple employees. If it flops, I will have gained valuable experience that I can apply at any company and will be happy that I tried.

I'm very fortunate to be able to work a stable job where I can apply and improve my skills while simultaneously making all of my dreams come true. I'm very thankful to my employer for that.