With the new year well underway, I figure it's time for an update on what I've been up to lately.

First of all, I'm finally wrapping up high school, but still thinking about pursuing post secondary education. I'm really not sure what exactly I'd want to learn there, and the options are less appealing every time I look at them. I'd also like some time to try out independent software development for a while, so at the very least I'll probably take a year off before thinking about it again. Any advice in this area, however, would be much appreciated.

Second, as some of you may already know, I am working on a new software venture with some friends of mine. It's been in development for a few months, and will be unveiled later this year. I'm not going to say much about it, but I will say that I've learned lots about software and design since a few years ago. This new project will really show off the knowledge I've acquired thus fur; stay tuned on my blog for more information.

It's amazing how much I've grown to appreciate technology and great design in the last five years. I've really been inspired by companies like Apple, Flickr, Nintendo, 37signals, and countless others. These sorts of companies practice elegant design with innovative technology, aiming to make our lives simpler and more enjoyable rather than more complex. At the same time, I think there are lots of areas in the tech world that could really benefit from some serious redesigning. I see a clear opportunity that I'm not about to pass up; technology is definitely an industry I want to be a part of in the future.

This will be a really exciting year. With life prepared to shift into full gear, I'm more ready than ever to start making a difference. And the beginning is 2007.

(Photo: Stratosphere, originally uploaded by user sharply_done)