Well Hello There, 2009...
Sunday, January 4, 2009
It appears we have a new year. Twenty-oh-eight is over, although I'm convinced it wasn't a full 12 months. Didn't feel like it, anyway. Yet here we are. January 2009. What will it bring? Who can know.
But I have goals. Not resolutions, which almost never work. But goals.
Like, I will become more skilled in the studio. I'm getting better toys, and I'm getting better at using them. But I have a long way to go. So that's a goal.
And, I'm going to rock at work. The last few years have been exciting and challenging. This year will be the best yet. That's a goal.
I'm going to make more time for my friends. All too often, we get into a routine and don't venture out to see the people that matter to us as much as we ought to. I'm not saying I'll venture into midtown every night, but more than I have been. That's a goal.
I'm not going to quit school. Ugh. Even though the life of a professional adult student can get a little overwhelming, it's worth it. I'm not in any hurry to knock out this degree, but I'm going to continue to cut away at it one or two classes at a time. And I will maintain my rockin' GPA. That's a goal.
Finally, I'm going to get into shape. Not that I would consider myself fat, per se. But extensive business travel with little discipline has definitely taken it's toll. Tomorrow (quite literally) will bring 1200-1400 calorie days and regular trips to the gym (fortunately located just up the stairs, thanks to the Bowflex and recumbent bike, or just down the elevator in hotels). Gotta get my groove back before boating season starts up again. That's a goal.
That's about it, I suppose. I'll try not to suck at most everything I do, and will love those I love and be loved by those who love me. Everything else is icing on the cake, so to speak.
Currently in Memphis, Tennessee
Currently listening to Imogen Heap - Speak For Yourself
Labels: General Bullshit
posted by Dustin @ 7:44 PM,
Christmas, She is a-Comin'...
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Not sure how, but it appears we managed to finish 2008, more or less...I'm not heading to Spokane for Christmas. I've been traveling pretty heavily this year, and the next couple of weeks seem to be my chance to effectively recharge the ole batteries before things get cracking again in January. So, it's off to the lake place to vegetate and accomplish very little (as well as a day at the farm for the holiday).
Aside from that, just keeping busy and makin' stuff happen.
Labels: All Posts, General Bullshit
posted by Dustin @ 1:49 PM,
Because it's Friday, and this chick is funny....
Friday, October 10, 2008
Labels: All Posts, General Bullshit, Politics
posted by Dustin @ 12:57 PM,
Too Lazy to Type...
Thursday, October 9, 2008
This feels marginally douche-baggy, and presumes any of you care enough about the most mundane things in my day...but since you're at my blog, you either care a wee bit, or you're that bored. Either way, I'm trying something new with this...
Currently in Detroit, Michigan
Currently listening to Owsley - The Sky is Falling
Labels: All Posts, General Bullshit, Travel
posted by Dustin @ 1:05 PM,
I Love My iPhone.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
I'm blogging from an application on my iPhone, and that makes me happy. I still need to figure out how to incorporate images, but baby steps, right?
Anyway, back at work. I've got 3:00am conference calls with a client in India all this week and next. I'm not a fan of that program. No, not so much.
In other news, it's Tim's birthday. Give him a holler if you know him.
L8tr T8trs.
Posted with LifeCast
Labels: All Posts, General Bullshit
posted by Dustin @ 10:11 AM,
And now for something completely different...
Friday, September 5, 2008
Yes, I can write about things that aren't related to politics or business travel. Watch.
I'm a whore for Battlestar Gallactica (henceforth "BSG"). Like, big time. That, of course, referring to the reimagining on SciFi as opposed to the "cheese factor #9" original 1978 version. I didn't get on the bandwagon until about two months ago, when a good friend of mine (and the producer/engineer who's studio I'm about to go into) paid it forward. And now I'm a whore for it.
Some reasons, in no particular order:
1. The show added the word "frak" to my lexicon. It means exactly what you think it means. Now I can drop eff bombs in front of my 3 year old niece. Frakking rad.
2. I'd frak 77% of the characters in that picture. I'll let you decide for yourself which ones wouldn't get any action.
3. The writing is impeccable. Unlike most network shows, I honestly have no frakking idea what will happen next. That's unique.
4. Art mirrors life, and the story lines, SciFi'd up as they are, are relevant to some of today's most important frakking issues.
5. The special effects are more realistic than the most recent Star Wars movies. Frakking serious.
There are more. And yes, I said "frak" or "frakking" in each. And that doesn't bug me.
If you are at all curious, I strongly recommend picking up season one and giving it a shot. The first "episode" was actually a miniseries, so get ready for about 2.5 hours in one sitting. Quite a lot is covered in the miniseries, so watch another episode or two before deciding if you're into it (and you'll be into it). And most importantly, AVOID SPOILERS LIKE THE PLAGUE. Don't read forums, don't watch videos of panels at Comicon, don't even read the full wikipedia entry. A big part of what makes it frakking ridiculous is the element of surprise. Trust me, and have patience. You shall be rewarded.
That's all for now. Peace, out.
Currently in Memphis, Tennessee
Currently listening to Imogen Heap - Speak For Yourself
Labels: All Posts, Entertainment, General Bullshit
posted by Dustin @ 5:55 PM,
Frakking September.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Anyone know how three quarters of this year blew by? Was I sleeping? Drunk? Just ridiculously distracted? Whatever the reason, here we are, in September of 2008. Summer is flirting itself away, we can't wear white anymore, and the 2008 Presidential Election is right around the corner. I know it's cliche, but the older I get, the more clearly I understand what I've been told all my life: as you age, a year becomes a shorter and shorter period of time.
Well, it's been an eventful Summer. I traveled quite a bit for work and play, including another jump to India, and a quick trip to Washington for my grandfather's 80th birthday. More recently, we thought about moving downtown, until we realized that the housing downfall has caused our home value to fall pretty dramatically, making it foolish to think about selling right "just 'cause". So here we'll sit for a while - marginally disappointed, but more or less over it.
In other news, I've just sent off for my absentee ballot to vote in the election. I get the joy of voting anytime I choose between about two weeks from now and mid-October, due to yet another trip to India in early November that will keep me from hitting the polls. While I'm relatively certain my mind is made up (like, approximately 190% made up), I'll probably hold off till October to "pull the lever", as it were. I'm both addicted and more than a little bit worn out by the election at this point. The nomination of Sarah Palin adds for some drama to keep things interesting, but I'm convinced most people know what they're going to do. Part of me wishes we could just get it over with. Oh wait, I'm going to.
And finally, for this post, I've finally taken a step and begun the process of scheduling studio time. Actual studio time. Not, fucking around in my home "studio" studio time. Nah, working with a producer/engineer, session musicians, tens of thousands of dollars of gear, etc. I'm not sure where it will go, but the new stuff I've been writing is stronger than anything I've ever done. And I've got the connections to do something with it, if it turns out good enough. I've said before that I don't have the gumption (see a good definition of gumption here) to spend a few years playing at shitty clubs for the door. But if someone heard some of my stuff and thought they could make me an overnight success, I'd be in. If not, c'est la vie. Same thing goes, except I think I could be persuaded to put in some effort this go around. Maybe that means building an online following. Maybe that means some selected shows. Dunno. But I'm itching to lay down some tracks, and ready to do it right. We'll see how this goes.
Currently in Memphis, Tennessee
Currently listening to The Republican National Convention, ugh...
Labels: All Posts, General Bullshit, Politics
posted by Dustin @ 7:30 PM,
Friday Funny
Friday, August 8, 2008
A text message conversation between John McCain and Paris Hilton...
Currently in Memphis, Tennessee
Currently listening to Queen - A Night at the Opera
Labels: All Posts, General Bullshit, Politics
posted by Dustin @ 9:33 AM,
On Road Warfare, Gray Hair, and Rainy Weather...
Thursday, August 7, 2008
As you may be able to tell by my Dopplr badge (see the left hand column), it doesn't appear that my business travel is going to be slowing down anytime soon. What the badge DOESN'T show are the three or four trips in October that aren't 100% confirmed yet. If the economy is having a negative imapct on business, I sure as hell can't tell. I'm not complaining, mind you. I love my job and enjoy seeing new (and often repeat) cities around the country and the world. And the only way to maintain preferred status with airlines and hotels is to continue using them like crazy, so I can't stay still for too long. But I believe the travel is aging me.
Speaking of aging, I have a confession to make....
I have a gray hair. One dadgum gray hair that, no matter how hard I yank it out of my head, seems to always be there every morning when I wake up. This week I've decided to say fuck it, I have a gray hair. On the bright side, men with gray hair are debonaire silver foxes - it's women who have to cover it up. And I'd MUCH rather be a silver fox than bald, so I'll be glad to embrace it if it means dodging the baldness bullet. I just didn't think they gray would come so soon. Anyway, that's all I have to say about that for now.In other news, it's raining today. I've always liked gray, rainy days. Those who know me can attest that I generally have a pretty positive outlook on life (hopelessly optimistic, in some cases). My creative side, however, is often drawn to darker poetry, art, music, etc. Rainy days are inspirational, from that perspective. I suppose rain also represents cleansing and rebirth. Maybe it's natural of an Aquarian, but rain makes me feel at once at peace and whole. That looks a little new agey in writing, but whatever.
That's all for now, chicanos.
Currently in Memphis, Tennessee
Currently listening to Pegasus Actual - The Age of Zero
Labels: All Posts, General Bullshit
posted by Dustin @ 1:24 PM,
Thinking About a Change
Monday, August 4, 2008
So we're considering a bit of a change. Well, not so much a BIT of a change as a relatively massive change.
Since 2005, we've lived in what our friends refer to as "West Nashville", meaning basically as far from downtown Memphis as you can get without leaving Shelby County. Arlington is one of the furthest-out suburbs in the metro area. We love our home, and have been ridiculously fortunate with the neighbors we have here, and the friends we've made will always have a place in our hearts. While the building process was a bitch, we've come to be very comfortable here, and have enjoyed the space. Here's a picture of the house from a few days after we moved in:
That said, we're thinking about a change. Whereas families often spend early years living in town, experiencing city life in all its glory (as well as some of its less desirable parts) and ultimately move to the 'burbs to "settle down", we're thinking the city is looking mighty sexy. "What reasons?" you may ask. And I'm glad you did.
1. Living downtown, at the river and near the interstate would essentially cut an hour off our trip to Heber Springs. Since we go almost every weekend during the spring, summer, and fall, this is kind of a big deal.
2. We could sell our house, buy a place downtown, and probably have a few bucks left over to put a down payment on a cabin in Heber.
3. 90% of our friends live in midtown, downtown, or north Mississippi. We're pretty isolated in Arlington and would have more opportunities to socialize if we lived in the city.
4. We're season ticket holders at The Orpheum, which would be a short trolley ride from home. Beat that. This is bigger than the Orpheum, really. There's so much to do downtown, not to mention how easy it would be to show people from out of town a good time if I could get them plastered on Beale Street then WALK back home.
5. 80% of my travel could be done on the trolley or on foot. As much time as I spend on a plane, I need to take as many opportunities as possible to reduce my carbon footprint.
6. This kitchen.
Okay, so it's more than the kitchen. But seriously, some of the converted warehouses in the South Main Arts District have SO much character, while maintaining the level of comfort and style we're looking for. 14 foot ceilings with original wood beams, brick walls, wood floors, and exposed duct work - how insanely bohemian.
Nothing is set yet, and we've got lots to do in the coming weeks before we even decide for sure, but we've started looking and have a realtor that's showing us some places. Tim is in Buffalo this week, so my task is to start deep cleaning this sucker in the event that we want to look at listing it in the near future. I'll keep you posted.
Currently in Memphis, Tennessee
Currently listening to Spymob - Sitting Around Keeping Score
Labels: All Posts, General Bullshit
posted by Dustin @ 9:23 AM,
Why I'm Voting Republican.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Labels: All Posts, General Bullshit, Politics
posted by Dustin @ 11:34 AM,
A Real Live Post.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Well, I've managed to make it most of the way through May without a proper post on the ole blog. Reasons include: lack of inspiration, lack of motivation, lack of information. Mostly, I am boring (although not bored) and had nothing of interest to report. So I posted a goofy video or two and another round of "Shit I've Been Reading on Planes". And there you have it.
Gurgaon, Haryana at night. I dig that picture. Gurgaon is a nifty little burgeoning city on the outskirts of New Delhi. Many major American and European corporations have towers there, and real estate is as expensive as Manhattan. There are lots of great dining options, a few large shopping mall complexes, and several five star, world class hotels. Which is good. Since I'm going back on or around June 14 for my third trip in 15 months. This will be my longest trip to India, lasting till July 11 or 12. It's a drag, because that's a long time to be away from home. But it's also cool, for two very compelling reasons. 1) It's a wicked cool client opportunity that may result in trips to China and/or Russia before the end of the year, and 2) because at least it's Gurgaon, where I have friends from previous trips. I'm sure I'll share details and photos galore leading up to, during, and after the trip. So that's all I'll say about that for now.
The water levels at the lake are slowly receding, although I only have marginal faith that I'll be able to get the boat out before heading to India. I'm doing my damnedest to exercise patience, although I'm sure most of you know that's not my best quality. At any rate, I look here every hour or so to see where the lake level is. The first chart needs to be around 478ft before things are good to go. Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.
On the TV front, Mom and Dave have gotten us into The West Wing, and gotten into it we have. If you didn't see it when it was on, I highly recommend heading to Best Buy and picking up the first two seasons, pronto. They're only like $20 each, and you really do want to have the second season ready when the season one finale credits roll. You'll want to watch it immediately. As in, immediately immediately. Trust me. I didn't take heed of that same advice, and suffered the consequences. Alas.
And with David Cook winning American Idol last night, I'm giddy as a schoolgirl that So you Think You Can Dance is back tonight. Woot.
That's all for now. L8tr Sk8trs.
Currently in Heber Springs, Arkansas
Currently listening to MSNBC News Live (in the background)
Labels: All Posts, General Bullshit, Travel
posted by Dustin @ 12:00 PM,
You haven't seen this version...
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Labels: All Posts, General Bullshit
posted by Dustin @ 7:42 PM,
Floods, Rock and Roll, and Uncertain Itineraries...
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
As previously mentioned, much of the state of Arkansas is currently underwater. While we knew this to be the case, we've now taken two trips to the lake only to discover that said lake is essentially unrecognizable. I tried to find some before/after pictures to show those of you unfamiliar with the lake what I'm talking about, but failed miserably. So instead, the picture shown above is of a shed that sits about fifteen feet above normal lake level right at our marina. Yes, that would be the lake that rises almost six feet into said shed (wow, poetry). Alas, the Army Corps of Engineers estimates the lake will hopefully be back to manageable levels by the Fourth of July weekend. And the shoreline will be a mess long after that. But a drop of five feet should be enough to turn power back on at the dock, at which point we're able to get the boat down from the lift and cruise about a bit.
In other news, I’ve got some friends in Toronto that have a wicked little thing going on called Die Mannequin. Its a three piece with a chick lead singer/guitarist and she’s a force to be reckoned with (I normally don’t dig chick rock bands). I highly suggest picking up their new album, Unicorn Steak, on iTunes, Amazon, or whatever. It's both cheap and badass. And click the link at the bottom to see their video that's not done too poorly on MTV Canada. Sweet.
Finally, it's looking more and more likely that I'm heading back to India in the extremely near future. Its one of those clients with the money and the motivation, but the calendar and the balance sheet determine exactly when a project gets funded. If our suspicions are correct, which they will be, funds will be released and it will hit hard and fast. Kind of like "Hi Dustin, happy Thursday. We need you in Bangalore on Monday." Hopefully not quite THAT dramatic, but not too far off. S'pose I should go ahead and start my visa renewal paperwork, eh?
Currently in Memphis, Tennessee
Currently listening to Die Mannequin - Unicorn Steak
Labels: All Posts, General Bullshit, Music, Travel
posted by Dustin @ 9:26 AM,
Fore...
Thursday, April 24, 2008
So, I haven't played golf in ten years. My grandpa used to take me for lessons and a round every Saturday from the time I was 13 till about 15. As I recall, I didn't suck too terribly hard and enjoyed every minute of it.
Fast forward to 2008. I've been saying for about a year or so that I should get back into it. The reasons are many. First, its a very healthy hobby, what with the cardio aspects and all (not to mention actually being outside breathing fresh air instead of glued to the Tivo). Second, its really quite fun. Third, and most convincingly, its a seriously useful tool in the world of corporate business. To date, I've managed to progress relatively rapidly in my career without needing to "shoot a round with the boss". But as I get more and more engaged with clients at higher levels within their organizations, its inevitable that I'm going to end up on a course with a Director, VP, or even C-Suite executive of some multinational corporation.
And I need to not suck.
The last thing one wants in a situation like that is to blow a round in a major way in front of ones colleagues and clients. I don't need to be ready for the PGA or anything, I just need to not slow down the rest of the crew and make a jackass out of myself (any more than normal, of course).
So, I've purchased a set of clubs and all of the necessary accoutrements. And yesterday, for the first time in ten years, I went to the driving range and hit a bucket of balls. Rather, hit about 2/3 of the bucket of balls and completely whiffed the others. Alas. I need practice. And I've only got till mid-July, when I'll be joining a group of colleagues in Monterey, California, the home of Pebble Beach, Cypress Point, and a slew of other world-class, championship quality courses. I need to not completely blow by then.
Any of my Memphis crew up for a round?
Currently in Memphis, Tennessee
Currently listening to Michael McDonald - Soul Speak
Labels: All Posts, General Bullshit
posted by Dustin @ 8:52 AM,
A buddy of mine from high school...
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Tim Astor, a buddy of mine from high school, is a working actor in LA. One of the things he's working on is a website called BrevityTV.com. It's basically full of humorous sketches, spoofs, and general bullshit (something I'm clearly a fan of). Check out one of his first videos below. It amused me.
Labels: All Posts, General Bullshit
posted by Dustin @ 1:36 PM,
Happy Weekend.
Friday, April 11, 2008
For my 100th post to this blog (which is a record, btw...normally I switch blogs after about 35...), I thought I'd leave you with a little Friday evening humor. Enjoy.
Labels: All Posts, General Bullshit, Relaxation
posted by Dustin @ 8:07 PM,
Honey Wanted To Jam...
I told her we have work to do still, and she'll have to wait for the weekend to get her rawk on.
Labels: All Posts, General Bullshit
posted by Dustin @ 1:38 PM,
So Much For Weekend Plans...
Well, all of my hopes for christening the boating season this weekend seem to have been washed away by the deluge that's currently in its 14th hour of kicking our ass. If we did make it to the lake, the water is so high we probably wouldn't be able to get the boat out from the dock, as our dock is positioned off a jetty that is almost certainly under water right now.
That, and taking the dog out would mean muddy, messy, ickyness. And while it's just as wet and nasty in Memphis, at least all of her bathtime supplies are here. So it appears we'll be sticking around for the weekend.
No worries, though. I'm always a fan of lazy stormy weekends and movie marathons. Sounds like a prime possibility.
Currently in Memphis, Tennessee
Currently listening to Jellyfish - Spilt Milk
Labels: All Posts, General Bullshit, Relaxation
posted by Dustin @ 8:02 AM,
Oh Dear.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Labels: All Posts, General Bullshit
posted by Dustin @ 5:17 PM,
Older Posts