Today I got around to adding some links to my blog. If you look at the initial set you may be wondering why I mostly have the categories “Simplifying Life” and “Sensible Money Management” populated for now. What I’ve written about so far has been related to software and technology. So what gives?

Well, I since I work as a software developer, I’m somewhat naturally drawn towards high tech toys and software development topics. I’m a nut for tech toys, though I’m usually too cheap to buy them – working for a high tech company has its fringe benefits in that department. It’s easier for me to write about things from that sphere, since I know at least a little about it. So that’s where I started.

But one of my other big interests in life is limiting my impact on the environment and help make sure that our planet remains a viable habitat for my kids, their kids and so forth. I believe in picking up my own trash and making sure it goes into the proper waste stream. I believe in trying to limit the amount of trash I generate, so the waste stream becomes as small as possible. I believe that keeping my business as local as possible is important for reducing my impact on the environment. I believe that the only way to make a difference in the world is through personal action, meaning I have to do something. If I don’t do it, who will? And if I don’t do it, how can I get other people to join me?

I’m sure you can see that these things don’t mesh very well: a fascination with software, computers and high tech toys paired with an interest in reducing my impact on the planet. Let me just say that I struggle with this paradox a lot. I’m going to explore the notions of “voluntary simplicity” in addition to my ramblings about software and tech toys. Maybe you’ll enjoy it, maybe you won’t. Whichever way, I’ve now enabled “unregistered” commenting. So please comment away. I invite you to a conversation.