So I’m sort of a software architect now. I know, crazy. I’ve always been a big-ideas guy who loved computers, programming, Linux, networking, Web 2.0, etc. So now that I have the opportunity to design a great software project along with getting dirty with the code, I’m thoroughly excited.

I’m learning a lot through this process through. I’ve led projects and teams before, but never for such a large-scale goal. It’s taken a lot of patience to sit down and just look at database designs over and over again. I’m trying to get the big picture down on paper without more than my 13″ laptop screen and the occasionally borrowed classroom whiteboard. As a note to anyone who reads this, a great gift for me would be a chalkboard (at least 4′x4′). I am just starting to understand the detail required to create milestone documents, plan and design classes, and execute code sprints when most efficient. Thanks to my exorbitant free time (*cough* *cough*), this is going to be a piece of cake.

I am also starting to LOVE Google docs. The editors are simple to use with exactly what I need (never over-complicated, rarely without a feature I need). I also love how you can collaborate with people, sharing documents to view or edit with the others in a team. It’s also amazing that two people can edit the same document at once with mostly seamless integration. Great software. Netbooks + Google Docs are the future of business productivity.

Another quick note: I was reminded today about my passion for learning and gaining knowledge. I know this makes me a nerd, but I love reading for learning’s sake. Every day I spend around 1 or 2 hours reading books, and an additional 3 or 4 reading information online. I still need to remember to post my favorite books (plus reviews!) and most frequently visited links on this site.