Last year was tough at times. But I don’t think I was alone; I think it was a difficult year for a lot of people. There was a lot of change and disruption in my life, and that impacted not only me, but my family.

But it wasn’t all bad; with the changes came opportunities. A year ago we were getting ready to leave Sweden back home to the US and had been talking about our 5-6 year plan to move here when I retired. Then DOGE happened, and work became very painful, but it gave me an opportunity to retire early. So I start this year living in Sweden, several years earlier than we had originally planned.

There are times that I miss my old job, but I don’t regret leaving. I have had a lot more time to get to know Susanna and my kids better. And I got a lot of time with Izzy. A lot of time. Did I mention that we spent a lot of time together? We drove each other crazy at times, but I think that we became really close over the past year.

I’ve been thinking about goals for 2026 and have a few. I didn’t make a list of goals for 2025. If I had, I’m sure they would have been overcome by events.

My first and biggest goal is to get fully settled into life here in Sweden. I still have a decent amount to do, including getting my tax ID, signed up with a doctor, get a driver’s license, get a bank account and get into Swedish for Immigrants (Swedish language lessons).

My second goal is to build things. Back in my old life, it almost seemed that most of my woodworking projects were workshop improvements. I’d like to start building furniture. The shop is starting to get to a point where I can work on my first projects. It helps that we need furniture for the apartment. I’ll also spend time getting the space arranged and decorated as well, of course.

My third goal is to make the workshop self-sustaining by the end of the year. The rent on the workshop isn’t too expensive, so hopefully that isn’t too much of a stretch. I don’t think I’ll be able to make enough money just making furniture yet, but have a lead on some odd jobs that could help pay for it. But I need to get my tax identification number before I can register as a business. I think I also have a business name picked out, but I’ll post that at a later date.

My final goal is to keep active, go on hikes and get outside consistently. I need the exercise, and having a dog that needs to get out certainly helps keep me motivated.

Anyway, welcome to 2026!