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.

It's just about time to buy a new (used) car again. I like fancy luxury cars. My current vehicle is a 1998 Subaru Forester and I've had it for over 6 years now. It's hardly luxury, but has been very reliable and great in the winters. It's getting old and is starting to show it's age. The plan is to clean it up, certify & pass e-test, then sell by early August.

The price range I have set is between $20,000 - $25,000 + tax (CAN). I could spend more but don't like the idea of spending over $25K on a vehicle. Fortunately I can buy some very nice cars in that price range that are fairly new. I've narrowed it down to the following cars:

2004 BMW 3 series:

2003 Jaguar S series

2003 Jaguar X series

What do you think? Please post a comment and help me decide. Maybe the car I should buy is not on this list. Knowing my price range and taste for fancy cars, feel free to recommend something else.

Here's an other bit of interesting news: I talked to my boss about selling my house next spring, buying a nice condo in Toronto and working from home. I don't think he was excited about the idea of me moving away, but he will allow me to work from home. I've always wanted to live in a big city -- ever since I was a little kid. I'm really excited about that, and the new car. Things are going well for me.

Last night Mom and Candace were in a bad car accident near home by Walmart. Mom was pulling out to see if anyone was coming and was struct by a vehicle pushing the car onto Grandpa's front lawn. The rescue crew sawed the roof off to get Mom and Candace out. Photographers were there to take pictures for an article in the Orillia Packet & Times. They suffered cuts and bruises but will be OK.

For a long time now, I had a bulge in one of my tires that caused the car to shake and hop as I drove. I knew it needed replacing but I left it forever. Recently I decided to just fix it, so I ended up buying a new set of Michelin Harmony tires, a premium all-season tire. Every time I take a turn, drive fast on the highway or do anything in the car I am so amazed at how much of a difference it made. Some might say that now it just feels like a normal car instead of a shaky one... but since I've driven for so long with bad tires I had no idea how nice my car can be!

I decided I wanted to try them on the highway. I knew Marco wanted to go to Barrie to buy a few things so I took him. The steering wheel stays perfectly still now! In one of the stores I saw Josie, the real estate agent who sold me my house. She told me that since I moved in 6 months ago the house has gone up $30,000 in value!!! I asked how long will this bubble last before prices go down. She said there is high demand for houses in Orillia and not enough to go around. She doesn't see it going down for a long time. That's great news for me.

The other day I bought a bunch of IJW private shares from a former employee. Hopefully in 5-10 years I can make some big bucks off it.

No I'm not going to fart.. today I've got a story about my car. At lunch I realized that my gas was below the empty line but the gas light wasn't on so I wasn't worried. I decided I'd fill the car up after dinner. Later on I ate dinner, shoveled the driveway and started driving to different gas station. The gas light still wasn't on which means I can drive quite a distance before it stalls on me. I didn't like the price at the first station, second station was closed, and as I was driving to the third station my car died directly in front of the OPP (police) station! I could see the gas station at the next intersection! I pulled over and got out. I was worried that if I leave the car they might think it's a terrorist car bomb in front of the police station so I walked over to talk to somebody. Doors were locked. There was a phone outside so I called the police and told them what happened and that the car wouldn't be there for long. She took down my plates and name, then hung up. I picked up some gas, filled the tank, and that's the end of my story.