Gratitude – 5/12/2012

Posted on May 12, 2012 by dean

I am grateful for safe travels to my vacation destination. We got up quite early and caught a cab to the airport in Madison. The short connection in Atlanta went well. Unfortunately, there was a large weather system over the islands as we approached and we ended up in a rough 30 minute holding pattern waiting to land. Our apartment at Sibonne Beach Hotel on Providenciales is perfect for this trip. The view from our second floor balcony is ridiculously beautiful.

Swam in the ocean for the first time in years. Closed out the day watching a gorgeous sunset over a delicious beach-side dinner at Bay Bistro.

Also watched the movie Once on the plane. Inspirational and kind of heart-breaking independent film.

View from our deck at Sibonne Beach Hotel

View from our deck at Sibonne Beach Hotel

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Gratitude – 5/11/2012

Posted on May 11, 2012 by dean

Final packing done and closed up house before leaving on my trip. Also got the bird feeders refilled and mowed front yard. Had ice cream with Norm and the GDFB’s at Ella’s Deli.

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Gratitude – 5/10/2012

Posted on May 10, 2012 by dean

Terrific evening catching up with some good friends at the Klassik Tavern in Verona. Was able to get all of my trip packing organized beforehand – just need to actually put everything in the bag after one last review. Also did some mowing and watering. Happy that the ferns I put in the other night seem to be doing well.

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Gratitude – 5/9/2012

Posted on May 9, 2012 by dean

Productive LLTAM recording session with Norm. Finished the scratch drum track and mixed a writing copy of Calcium. Norm got a new guitar amp to add to the arsenal and we broke that in as well. A great Egnator unit that’s versatile and straightforward to use.

Norm tweaking the new Egnator amp

Norm tweaking the new Egnator amp

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Gratitude – 5/8/2012

Posted on May 8, 2012 by dean

Made tenderloins on the grill for dinner and got some yard work done around the house including planting the new ferns.

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Gratitude – 5/7/2012

Posted on May 7, 2012 by dean

Grateful to make it through another Monday, they seem to be getting a bit tougher lately. Got in a bit more time in the studio working on drums for Calcium.

A friend’s oak tree is having a particularly difficult time letting go of it’s leaves from last year. This Spring’s leaves are exploding from their buds and yet it clings to last year’s dead foliage.  There are nearly as many dead leaves as new. I am reminded of how healthy and necessary is is to periodically let go of some things to focus and embrace the present.

The red oak, still clinging to its spent foliage

The red oak, still clinging to its spent foliage

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Gratitude – 5/6/2012

Posted on May 6, 2012 by dean

Enjoyed a solo breakfast at Fair Oaks Diner watching a Spring downpour. Got a little bit of work done on the house. Great time with The Family and friends in Lake Mills for puzzles, games, fellowship, and dinner.

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Gratitude – 5/5/2012

Posted on May 5, 2012 by dean

Grateful for another good ride with Norm when I’d have rather not gone. Felt much better after than I did to start. Very windy, tough ride ride. Norm and Ian came over to help on the house this afternoon. Another milonga at Overture this evening. Went even better than last night. One of the master instructors that was in town for a few weeks, complimented my instructors after watching me tango and told them they’d done a good job with me.

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Gratitude – 5/4/2012

Posted on May 4, 2012 by dean

Kudos at work for the projection model I put together yesterday.

Got a tip from Laurel about a neighborhood plant sale. Stopped there over lunch today. Part of the proceeds are going to the Humane Society. The ladies running it were super friendly and it was fun to talk plants. I picked up some ferns, hostas, and daylilies. Even indulged in a large, gorgeous ‘June‘ hosta plant without fear of repercussions from my partner. 😉

Participated in my first official milonga this evening! Met some really nice folks and danced pretty well for my first time out.

The haul from neighborhood plant sale - day lilies, ferns, and hostas

The haul from neighborhood plant sale - day lilies, ferns, and hostas

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Gratitude – 5/3/2012

Posted on May 3, 2012 by dean

Put together a projection model at work today for the big dogs. We’re trying to estimate how much more effort and resources to expend on a temporary program where we are competing with three other contractors. It was an interesting blend of research, analysis, and presentation all on a very compressed time frame (one day). For me personally, the payoff for suffering through the number crunching is the business intelligence it provides. Was a fun and rewarding project.

Great solo bike ride after work; even helped a slightly lost gentleman with directions. Haven’t been on a ride in two weeks and didn’t realize how badly I needed a good ride until I was finished. Did Ag Hill three times on the long side in a progressively tougher gear each climb.

Got some drum work done on Calcium during a quick studio session this evening before a bit of tango practice. Finished off the evening with good conversation and wine with some tango enthusiasts.

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