Binkomonster!

Hanging at the Edge of the Map

So this is the current view being enjoyed by the Binkomonster CTO. At the edge of the American continent, gazing down at the Pacific. The temperature is warm and comfy. Pink Martini is softly playing on the sound system. The fridge is stocked with juices/cheese/nibbles/water and wine. There's some fruit and champagne at the ready. The CEO is enjoying the delights of the bathing facilities. Grasses are swaying softly to and fro, while birds are chattering away, and the occasional cute lizard darts here and there in search of an early lunch. Executive staff had the chance to enjoy a very leisurely breakfast: 2 hours of chowing on fresh strawberries/mangoes/papaya/pineapple and yogurt, and made to order omelettes with fair trade coffee and toast with organic/house made jam.  And the morning papers. It's no wonder that we are classifying this post under 'exuberance'. The whole adventure started off wonderfully with an afternoon arrival yesterday, and a dinner over several hours in a beautiful glass/timber structure (that would be the Sierra Mar restaurant) watching the sun go down while enjoying artichoke napolean, fresh asparagus salad and fluke ceviche with grapefruit with some great Paolo Bea wine. Speaking of which, an idea came up at dinner last night to make t-shirts emblazoned with Mr. Bea's lovely logo. And to send pictures to him of his American fan contingent. The Binkomonster crew are all avowed loyalists to the Paolo Bea brand. Deliciously yummy and biodynamic bode for a very good combination. It helps that Binkomonster team has also visited the winery in person and been able to see the gorgeous vineyards, as well as indulge in a tasting/food pairing. But we digress. From what exactly besides the documentation of our culinary enjoyment? Well, that and relaying to our readers what other delights CEO and CTO are enjoying. Which would be.. exactly nothing. Just awe-inspiring nature and architecture, and the ability to lounge, nap and shuffle around lazily. The proper term here would be 'vacation'.  And so far, so fantastic. The rest of the Binkomonster tribe is in good hands while the executives are here at the Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur. Taking an opportunity to celebrate a number of things: a 10 year anniversary (woo hoo!), the finishing of castle projects (whee!), and most importantly, the opportunity to connect/relax before the imminent arrival of the VP. And gee, that arrival date creeps every closer. Are the offices ready? Well, not quite, but it's something easily remedied in a weekend. We've started to accumulate the small stuff here and there (you know, office supplies), but it is the bigger things like actual furniture (well ok maybe just the bed) that still need to be obtained. Blame it on the social schedule. Wednesday will see the team back up in lovely SF, but the weekend calls for attendance in Napa to see (who else) Pink Martini. School is coming up for the CTO next week, and there is the one last castle project that needs wrapping up. Long story short, the sink in the executive washroom, no, make that the sink, and countertop and fixtures, are all being swapped out in order to look and function as nicely as the new shower. And then, we're done. Really. Well, perhaps not quite. Since by the time we're done, we then start on the new project of integrating the VP into the Binkomonster staff.  Are we excited? You bet. Now, off to disconnect from the grid, and do some more shuffling about while staring at nature and contemplating the best color choices for sink countertops.

Just Can't Get It Right

It is currently 11:21pm. On an Wednesday evening. Are we asleep? Nope. The CTO is sitting and listening to some Pink Martini and trying hard to let the oil slick slide off the proverbial feathers. Life under the man is no easy picnic. Just as one figures out one puzzle, up pop 4 more new ones. Of increasing difficulty. Of the political and 'pay attention' flavor. Walk the tightrope. Juggling balls with one hand, holding balanced plates with the other. And when you get to the other side? Hurray and congratulations. No one was watching anyway. The audience is busy down in the ring looking at the girl in the shiny costume on the dazzling pony. Sigh. Oh but wait! Go stuff yourself in the cannon, and get ready for the next act! What's that you say? Not enough gunpowder? Oh quit griping, what do you know about pyrotechnics anyway? THIS. This is what life feels like sometimes. And when it doesn't feel like this, it feels like being on a roller coaster going way up, and then down at dizzying speed, all the while hanging on with white knuckles and blisters starting to form. Maybe we're not cut out to play the game correctly anymore. Or maybe the game has shifted such that it is alien to us, and unfathomable. Either way, it's not a fun place to be. Wondering what it's like on the other side (to be a writer, to be self employed, to be doing something in the creative field) doesn't bring much relief as we hold a firm philosophy that the 'grass is not always greener on the other side'. In other words, as much as other pursuits may be interesting and engaging, we're sure there are issues that make the writers, consultants and artists weep in their respective cups as well. So what is one to do? Be grateful for the golden handcuffs and that there is some security in times of increasing financial turmoil (have you listened to CNN lately or glanced at a Wall St rag? It's rough out there and not getting smoother any time soon). And continue to chafe at the tight fit of the pigeon cage.

Memorandum #3 for the Incoming VP

Subject: This and That
From:     The Binkomonster CTO
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hello again VP! (Or rather, Mr. VIP)
So I have a few moments to spare while waiting for the tile repair folks to clear out and thought I would just do a little bit of the 'touching base' with you. Your arrival date creeps closer and closer. And now that major castle renovations are drawing to a close, we are finally ready to get your office and digs into shape. I have been dragging my feet on pulling together the list, but have no fear, it will get done. Right now the immediate priority is to restore sanity and cleanliness to the bathroom which has undergone 2 weeks worth of ripping out tile, installation of new plumbing, and finally tomorrow, the finishing touch: new fixtures. You'll get to use these by the way. The past month or so has seen all sorts of interesting things with you. We now know your gender. Yay! Thanks for cooperating. And we also know another piece of your CV. Your name. We haven't finalized on the spelling yet, but it is the simple matter of an ie vs an ia. You've been quite active too. I'm guessing that you fluctuate between some kind of gymnastic workout, and yoga. I don't mind in the least bit, except when you decide that my bladder is some kind of trampoline. Just. No. This increased frequency of having to visit the loo is for the birds. The conventional wisdom keeps saying it's only temporary though, and for you? Well let's just say I'd deal with much more. As it is, I count myself lucky and happy with how the situation is progressing overall. Trying to make sure that you are well looked after on the food front, and trying to stick to the healthy. Gym trips are becoming an effort that takes a bit more, but again, the end result is all good. So no complaints from me. The tribe continue to be blissfully unaware of your arrival. Except for Booboo, who continues to want to exert some kind of 'ownership' of you already. You better be careful of that guy. He is soft, and fuzzy, and wickedly cute. And he will have you signed up for all sorts of nefarious causes (like stealing bread and fish products on his behalf). Just say no. He is evil.

The weather is slowly allowing us to see more sunshine, but not a great deal of warmth. It's been chilly the past week or two, but for you, not as much of a big deal since you have it nice and cozy (and constant). And I have to admit that Im enjoying the lower temperatures if only so I can snuggle more in the nice Pratesi sheets and blankets. That reminds me of an item I need to put on your list. You'll need some very nice, very soft bedding. It's a standard perk for all Binkomonster staff. As I continue to pluck away at the laptop, I hear a familiar sound. That of the Binkomonster CEO's transportation. Translation? I need to hop in the shower and get ready so we can go and get some very tasty grub. Keep growing kid. There'll be more memos and reminders. Promise.

xo
The CTO