I turned 31 in January and I can honestly say my 30's are my best years so far. In my 20's I turned a successful two-day college education into a successful career with companies like Apple. I also rode the dot com ride to the top...got to live all over the world like a geeky rock star..partied my ass off all over San Fran...and then rode it back down again.

Right before the dot bomb I decided that my definition of success (stock options and $$$) was not making me happy. I gave up my executive job and salary, moved to a small town in Virginia, married the woman of my dreams, and got two dogs and three cats. The decision basically put a bullet in my tech career, since no one in this area can afford my $110 per hour fee and no one needs my skills here.

But then again, I've always pursued my dreams...so I re-evaluated my life and decided what I wanted the next chapter to include. I started a design firm, found clients who could pay in nearby DC, and started a writing career. I've got a publisher and write my own column for O'Reilly. I'm so freakin happy and satisfied that it is like some weird euphoric Wonka drug trip.

Remember when you were younger and you thought people in their 30's were really old? I really think that getting older is the best part of being alive. The other great thing about getting older...is getting wiser. After a year of therapy (two years back) I really got in touch with who I was and what I really believed in. I've got a small amount of time on this blue ball...and I'm going to squeeze every bit of marrow from the bone.