### 250th Birthday of the USA! --- This year will be the 250th birthday of the United States of America. It has changed so much just in my lifetime. It feels like time is moving faster... almost to a point where it is tough to keep up. ### Focus --- I am getting older though. I am seeing a shift in my focus and goals, desires and passions. I find it more difficult to be engaged in things that used to engage me. My work being one of those things. It is getting to a place where I dont want to mess with the political struggles at my company. My perspective has changed and it is becoming an area I want to avoid. ### Learning New Things --- I am ramping up on synth and FX development. I want to dabble in guitar pedals and midi controllers as well. I have a passion for all of these things... I just have to find time. I have often thought of these things as retirement gigs. And they are certainly in scope for my retirement. My view on retirement is that I will continue to focus on things that excite me and disconnect from the things that no longer create joy. ### Travel --- I plan to travel more and spend more time at our property in Northern Michigan! It is beautiful there and I find peace when I am there. It is serene and quiet. ![[grass-lake.jpg]] ### The Road Ahead --- I plan for the best year of life so far and look forward to the road ahead. ![[Dave-Matchack-v2_white_high-res.png]]