Binkomonster!

More stuff. And more Progress.

So another few days has gone by, and the *death* flu seems to be relaxing its grip ever so slightly each morning. Still not at the point where the tastebuds of the CTO are fully functioning, but getting there. Slowly passing through the 'cotton-headed' phase. Although not fully healed, let's just state that there is an abundant amount of gratefulness being at the current juncture. All manner of things for the VeePee continue to arrive this week. His plush seat for riding in the Binkomonster executive limo is now ready. And we also have an alternative form of transport, albeit one that has to be powered by either the CEO or CTO. A bed should be arriving sometime next week, with a mattress to follow soon after. Oh and while all these parcels are incoming, the executive washroom is now graced with a beautiful marble countertop (River Gold is the particular pattern and color) that awaits the glass sink and Hans Grohe Axor fixture being installed tomorrow. Last but not least, some touchup and another coat of lime green paint, some final detail work on our staircase, and voila! We are DONE. For now. We'll let the CEO plan and execute any other projects (except for maybe the kitchen tile backsplash). It's amazing being in a such a happy place and seeing all that has come together at the castle. The before and after snaps document a radical change. The best of which admittedly has been simplification and decluttering. Although an interesting observation? All the new toys for the VP that have come in are making the abode feel 'small' again. Though we're working on changing the mindset to view this as more 'cozy'.
The plan for this weekend calls for attendance at the Bonham and Butterfield's wine auction. Tomorrow morning at 9am sharp. Some lovely parcels on the block, one in particular of a favorite vintage bottled in the year of the CTO's birth. Hopefully luck will be with us. Diamond Creek picnic invites have come through and are sitting in the Binkomonster inbox, and our Far Niente Summer Soiree notice has come as well.  As much as we would normally be rubbing our hands with glee and planning the prospective picnics and outfits, we'll probably be taking a pass due to the VP's imminent arrival (orientation you know, very time consuming and intensive). Instead, we'll be having a blowout at the castle with the CEO cooking (when not falling asleep), and the tribe providing entertainment. We're not complaining.
Now, if the sunshine would just cooperate and come out to play.

Feeling like Death warmed over...but the readiness drill continues

As you can see, the VeePee's office supplies have started to arrive and are being stockpiled.  If the CTO weren't trying to claw her way out of this horrific death-flu, there would be much more fanfare and excitement. As it stands, there is still happiness and joyful anticipation, it's just a bit muted.  Trying to keep an eye on the silver lining as much as possible. Flus don't last forever, ergo, this feeling like complete crap-o-la won't either. And at least some of the worst is on the path behind. Like the other evening. When much needed sleep eluded the CTO (even after multiple cups of hot tea and trying every position to be comfortable). The end result? Shuffling upstairs, and falling asleep *sitting upright*. And hey, this is a bonus, since we didn't know that this capability existed. Not that we want to exercise this talent frequently mind you. Another interesting (and in many ways very soothing) observation that evening (well more like 2am, 3am and 4am in the morning)? The upstairs level of the castle is truly beautiful at night. Even in the most uncomfortable of circumstances, it was unexpectedly relaxing to be able to see the interesting shadows cast on the wall, the flood of light coming in from the garden patio, the street lights as they illuminate the multimillion dollar fort across the street. Listening to the gentle hum of Tesla and Positron's bubbler in the fish tank helped. And of course, the tribe were all scattered on various surfaces napping.  The hope is that all of this will help provide the same relief (or distraction) once the arduous process of getting our little VP here starts, as we know that there will have to be some amount of time spent at the castle before we can actually go offsite and see our new staff member welcomed to Earth.
No pictures yet of the actual office furniture we've recieved in preparation for the new guy, but that's because we've just gotten 1 piece so far (the executive lounger). Transportation mediums have been ordered and should be here this week. A place to sleep and hang (commonly referred to as 'the crib') is on its way as well. Then there are the various other bits and pieces still left to chase down. *AFTER* we get over this stupid illness. Until then, there hasn't been much energy available to do more than just channel it into recovery.  The next milestone that is eagerly awaited? The fixing of the tastebuds and ability to smell again. On one hand, not having smell has had its advantages, but the lack of being able to taste has truly been a downer. There's been no use in either trying to cook up something tasty or go out and enjoy it since everything basically ends up with the flavor of cardboard. So why bother? We've been sticking to hot noodle soups (the flu cure-all) with garlic and onion.
As much as we harbor collective excitement, it is also strange to contemplate the fact that in another 2 months, there will be another staff member here at Binkomonster Inc. on a permanent basis.  Schedule coordination will take on a whole new dimension (and be forever altered). But we wouldn't have it any other way. It is after all, a new adventure.
On other fronts, not much to report except that Project Renovate continues to wind down. This past weekend saw the repainting of the last walls that were formerly adorned with the detested flat wall paint. So now, there is bright white satin providing beautiful contrast and pop to the other walls of our castle.  This weekend will see the final project in the master bathroom: replacement of the vanity counter top, new sink and fixture. And of course that will be followed by a repaint of the bathroom walls (same color as before, we love the electric lime). And then, other than just getting all of the VP's stuff situated, laundered, and ready, we're done. At least for a little while. Though the CEO has been making noises about  changing the backsplash to some beautiful white subway tile in the Binkomonster kitchens. A great idea, which frankly, is making the CTO tired just thinking about it.

Happy Wednesday Internets.

A Decade of Adventure

10 years ago this week, well, make that 10 years + 4 days, marked a milestone for the fledgling Binkomonster team. On that sunny, yet cool spring day, the CTO and CEO walked down the aisle and made promises to each other to be a team for life. And it still feels like it happened only yesterday. Amazing how a decade just seems to fly by so quickly. It has been ten years filled with travel adventures, squabbles about cleaning, late night sessions of cackling over childhood stories, the addition of 1 fuzzy tribe member (then two, then three and four..), long discussions on philosophy and design, and always looking towards the future. The next 10 promise to be just as much of an interesting episode given the impending arrival of our VP. We look forward to each and every minute (yes, even those where we might be on the edge of sanity wondering why in the world we ever decided to embark on this path). We've certainly had a chance to celebrate this week with our getaway to the lovely Big Sur, but there still is one thing missing, and that is a public and heartfelt (more like heart drenched) thanks from the CTO to the CEO for ten years that wouldn't be traded for anything in the universe. Happy Anniversary Pooh bear. Looking forward to the next million years with the love of my life. xo.