RyToast

Well, the start of 2010 has been a little scattered. I've started golfing more and Tim has been a big supporting of this new hobby. We started at the range but have been doing the 9-hole course at Las Positas most recently. I signed up with GolfTEC to get some professional training with the goal to shave 10 strokes before our big trip. I'll continue training with them even after so I can focus on differet aspects over time. My hope is to start taking clients/potential client out golfing when the weather gets really nice here... and be able to play well.

I've also been buttoning up family and business security with life insurance policies. We're still doing physicals, tests and questionaires but should be done this week. I'm still trying to figure out doing a will and possibly a trust but there's more research to be done.

Business is still good. Still busy but all very manageable. Nothing really new to report here. Same shit, same clients, same bullshit.

VineSugar's new software is almost ready for its Beta debut this month. Tim is furiously working on getting it all built out so I can hit the road, gather user feedback then get the final release with the subscription backend in place. This little endeavour will be a big part of the new year as my goal is to replace one full-time client with the revenue from this. I can't wait to get this going =)

My wines are getting close to making a big change. The Zin Rose is tasting great and I'm looking to get a couple more tanks to transfer the barreled wine into and finish the ageing process. I had to cut the time short since I am working with brand new oak barrels which impart flavor rather quickly.

Olivia is doing great, growing by the day, testing the dog's patience with every cracker...

I'll try to get better about posting more often again... I've had a few distractions to say the least. =)

"...We take it for granted most of the time, but human life is fairly miraculous. It is also palpably short. You're given this marvellous thing, and then poof, it's taken away. You can see why people invent gods to explain it. But even to people who don't believe in gods, life commands respect. There are times in most of our lives when the days go by in a blur, and almost everyone has a sense, when this happens, of wasting something precious. As Ben Franklin said, if you love life, don't waste time, because time is what life is made of.

So no, there's nothing particularly grand about making money. That's not what makes startups worth the trouble. What's important about startups is the speed. By compressing the dull but necessary task of making a living into the smallest possible time, you show respect for life, and there is something grand about that."

http://www.paulgraham.com/startuplessons.html

Jen and I went to Room & Board this morning to get a sofa for the loft and I had the chance to sit in the office chair I've been eyeing... enough was enough. It was time to just buy the damn thing... so I did.

It's the new Embody chair by Herman Miller and was designed for those who sit for long periods (me). The back support is amazing and with a few adustments, felt perfect. The sofa we ordered was a custom order so I opted to customize this too and go with the red fabric since the delivery time will be the same (less delivery fees too).

I'm super-excited that I'll finally have a nice office chair to work in. 'Bout damn time too!

Because... well, why the fuck not?

Tim and I met for lunch to discuss some business with a new venture we're building. A couple pints later, we figured a quick 9-hole round of golf was in order. We started the week with golf, why not end it that way too?

I did better. Still shitty but not as shitty as last time. I was able to sneak in some practice at the driving range earlier in the week which, I think, helped a bit. My putting is gettig much better but I have to remember to keep my head down until I follow through.

Tim helped me out this week with some client work so the next couple rounds will be on me... though with a storm on the horizons, those outtings may get delayed a bit. Which will give me chance to find some shoes and a new glove for the next time!

I finally got in my first round of real golf... well, it was a 9-hole executive course but it still counts. Tim and I went after a little sushi lunch. The course will be good practice going forward since I can play it in 2 hours or less, its walkable, offers a nice range of club options, fairly easy with some interesting shots depending on one's skill... and cheap!

I didn't do so hot but the first-time jitters are out of the way. Next time, I'll at least know what its like to hit a course so I can focus on the shot at hand. I was at least 3 over par most of time but had some good shots here and there. Everyone has to start somewhere and for me, like most people, starts at the bottom.

Only one thing to do... hit the course more!

"For the average person in the world who lives life and considers their life boring or uninspiring... it's because they've made no attempt to gain knowledge and information that will inspire them. They're so hypnotized by their environment through the media, through television, through people living and creating ideals... that everybody struggles to become, in terms of physical appearance and definitions of beauty and valor, which are all illusions. Most people surrender and live their life in mediocracy. And they may live that life and their desire may never really rise to the surface..."

- from the 2004 movie What the #$*! Do We (K)now!?

This was a great holiday break but the reality of the new year in front of me is quickly becoming a reality. Interestingly, I'm turning 30 years old.

Shit.

Anyone that knows me would probably say that I'm the oldest 29-year-old they know anyway so turning 30 shouldn't be a big deal. It's all mental of course but 30 is a big deal, like it or not. I'm not sure if I personally like the idea of turning 30. It's just a number but unfortunetly, that number comes with nagging bagage that is making me think (perhaps too hard).

I've been pretty fortunate up until this point so I can't really go on about "not doing enough before I turn 30" ... because, well, I have done a lot. More than I figured in fact! That's all great but now is the time to redefine my life's goals and I'm not really sure what they are yet.

Here's what I do know:

I do NOT want to be a contractor for the rest of my life. I truly want to be my own boss, executing my own ideas.

I want to travel the northwest thoroughly. Something tells me, I will like it there. Only one way to find out.

I want Olivia to have an enjoyable, creative and engaging educational experience.

I want to own a vineyard. Preferrably in another country.

I want more time to read actual books. I've started reading before I turn in for the night but spending an afternoon outside with a book sounds better.

I want to learn more trade skills. Buy less, create more.

I want to know a "comfortable retirement" is there waiting for us.

I'm not exactly sure how all this will play out, the order in which I'll tackle the list, what will fall off, what will be added. But it sure is going to be a fun ride.