>I've been thinking about that lately myself as well.
>
>This is an awareness of your own mortality ;) How old are your now? Close to 50?

A stone's throw away...

But I don't think it's age - it's that things have accelerated so much in recent years. The amount of change or even trying to find the right thing to focus on is getting more difficult with every passing year.

>I think part of it was back then programmers in general were such a rare breed that by definition there was a certain level of reverence. Nowadays programmers are a commodity and it's a heck of a lot harder to get your name out there much less build a solid reputation.
>
>I am so sorry that I won't be at SwFox this year to see you again. It has been way too long. Andy and I both remember the time that we spent with you in Frankfurt very fondly. Any chance you can take a little detour to Arkansas on your way to Arizona this year? We'll show you god's country. You can't swing a cat without hitting either a church or a WalMart :)

You make it sounds so... enticing :-)