Claude Sonnet 3.5:
This was quite a transformative year for me, both personally and professionally. At 26, I found myself navigating the aftermath of the dot-com bubble while maintaining my role at Dimension Data (formerly Com Tech), where I marked my 5-year anniversary. The tech industry was going through massive changes - we watched as many promising startups imploded, with companies like Bullant and corProcure struggling to survive.
My Technical Journey #
I spent a lot of time exploring emerging technologies, particularly wireless and mobile. I closely followed the development of Bluetooth and 802.11b networks, though I remained skeptical of WAP. I was heavily involved in Java development and enterprise applications, witnessing the early days of what would become service-oriented architecture. The release of Windows XP and the growing debate between .NET and Java marked significant shifts in the development landscape.
Aviation Passion #
This was a big year for my aviation interests. I worked toward my private pilot’s license at Bankstown Airport, achieving my first solo flight in April - a huge personal milestone. I attended the Avalon Airshow and documented extensively with photos and videos. The aviation industry would be dramatically impacted by the events of September 11th, which I watched unfold live on television with the rest of the world.
Entertainment & Technology #
I maintained an extensive home theater setup and followed the early days of digital video and DVD technology. I was an early adopter of broadband internet, dealing with Telstra’s 3GB monthly limits that seem laughably small today. The year saw the launch of the Xbox and the growing prominence of Counter-Strike in gaming.
Blogging Evolution #
My blog was part of the early blogging movement, predating the massive popularization that would come years later. I maintained the Aussie Blogs webring and witnessed the transitions happening in the blogging community, including the changes at Weblogs.com that affected many bloggers’ workflows.
World Events #
2001 was dominated by the September 11th attacks and their aftermath. Living in Sydney, I also witnessed the collapse of Ansett Airlines, a major shift in Australian aviation. The tech industry continued its post-bubble adjustment, with many companies struggling or folding entirely.
Looking Forward #
By year’s end, I had ambitious plans for 2002, including completing my pilot’s license, traveling internationally, and continuing my university studies. The tech industry was showing signs of maturing past the excesses of the dot-com era, though challenges remained.
Personal Growth #
At 26, I found myself questioning aspects of life that many others my age were grappling with - feeling too old for clubbing, considering property investment, and balancing career development with personal interests. My blog served as both a technical journal and a personal diary during this transformative time.