Binkomonster!

Social Media. And Crap. And Overload. And a Wonderful Turkey Day.

The time. It runs away from us faster than water draining out of cheesecloth at the sink. Seriously. We just got done with Halloween. The baptism of the VeePee was right on the heels of that, and all of a sudden.... Thanksgiving? Wha? As much as the complaints about the short duration abound, it has to be said that the past weekend was a wonderful one. No email. No booberry. No computer. No connectivity of any sorts. Just us, some turkey, stuffing and side dishes, add 10 friends or so, a dash of cocktails and 3 magnums of wine and presto! Instant holiday. The cleanup was just as fun as the prep (all 2 days of it). What wasn't necessarily as fun as hoped? Christmas decorations. And the replanting of the bushes on the patio. Ugh. After 2 days still itching from phantom dirt. But in the end, it all got done. And we now have a sparkly star, twinkling lights, glowing snowflakes, and regular snowflakes dancing on our ceiling at night. Makes for a good way to relax after the medical treatments are administered to some of the feline staff. Binky is continuing in his treatment of diabetes (and sadly losing more of the mobility in his back legs, but the fact that he has the omph! to push himself up and down the stairs at least once or twice a day is a good thing). Booboo contracted an infection as a result of gum disease. Sigh. Antibiotics and insulin all around. Even the fish were in some sort of 'not feeling well funk' last week. A new (non-chipped) tank, and some serious water chemistry later...things seem to be on a more even footing.
As for the CTO. Still spending lots of thought cycles on an 'every other day' basis chewing on what I want to do. What's MY hobby. What can I grab 20 minutes or more of the day to invest in that keeps me engaged? Because truthfully? Right now it is homestead. And work. And reading up too much on all the analysis of the stupidity that is social media (which is making me consider the close of the twitter account). That's it. The only exception being the 2 or so visits to the gym when they can be worked in. If it's not applying brainpower to spreadsheets and pivot tables or lists or timelines, it's steaming the floors, or doing laundry, or scrubbing the tubs and wiping down surfaces. I can't even fathom what the upkeep for a McMansion must be like. Anything bigger than 1500sq feet? Just save the misery, please.  The bright spot in all this of course is that part in 'homestead' that involves spending time with the VeePee. Just when you think he cannot get any cuter, he does. Stubbornly independent, willfull, picky but sweet, cuddly and funny.. that's our little guy. And the hardest part of the weekend coming to a close? Was having to go back to a routine that doesn't have him in it all day.  Thankfully, there's another long holiday break coming up (and one that won't be too bogged down by organized events... so more time to just forget about chasing dustballs, and instead run after a certain little someone)....

Little Man. Big Cute.

Oh Mr. Veepee. This week now marks your 10 month anniversary in office. Yippee! Just when we think  you can't get any cuter. You do. Those teeth. That laugh. Those edible toes and feet. That killer smile that could melt rocks. Sigh. Our collective hearts ache with love. You have been 'bizzy' this past month. You zoom around in your little spaceship practicing this thing called 'walking'. And when you are let off the tether, you crawl, and pull yourself up on anything you can. You like to bang on things. And the CTO is noticing you have a disturbing tendancy to gravitate towards toys that are more like tools (i.e. hammer). You like to take those toys and use them on household items. Like the B+B glass cabinet. Um. No. And the fascination with wires? Oh please, just let it go. Its just electricity in a copper and rubber conduit. Not tasty. Not interesting. You take as much joy in the little laser toy meant for the furry staff as they do. Funny how a play session turns into an attempt to nab the small point of light and avoid being run over by you at the same time. You keep it interesting. Spring is here, and summer is slowing approaching us. Soon it will be time for you to take to the skies and visit the corporate offices on the East Coast. Some very important meetings are all lined up for you. You know it's important that you check on how things are going, and offer encouragement to the enterprise in these crazy times. Hee. In the meantime, the CTO/CEO are digging in their heels and trying to keep it all on an even keel. We do better some days than others. Always trying to keep it all in perspective and, as they say, count and savor our blessings. The castle is quiet of late. No renovations or improvements (well, except of course if you count the Laundromat disaster, but that wasn't planned for so in our books, it doesn't count). We do have a new desk on the way for your room. One that is of course, modern, Italian, fits in with your decor, and most importantly, takes LESS space. But other than that, the digs seem to be holding up pretty darn well.
Happy Saturday little guy. Stay happy. Keep curious.

OH Hai. Today? Marks 9 months + 1 day officially in office.

Awww Mr. Veepee. Lookit that cookie-encrusted smile. Complete with drool. And that radical shirt. You mean business! Especially with lace and skulls. Today officially marks 9 months and 1 day in your capacity as VeePee here at Binkomonster. You seem to be hitting your stride and getting the hang of this executive thing. You want amusement. Eats. Cuddles and Hugs, and Sleep. All on demand. Let's just say that you keep all of us (even the furry staff) on our toes. And speaking of furry tribe members... you continue to take more than a loving shine to Booboo. And he continues to seek you out for snuggles. If he makes it to your next anniversary in office without being squished by you, we'll count ourselves lucky. We know how you feel though. He is so soft and snuggly. It's very hard to control the urge to snuggle with him as hard as you possibly can. And we've been in office much MUCH longer than you have. The happiness you bring the CEO and I cannot be put into words. There simply isn't enough language to encapsulate how we feel. But we'll try:
1. Getting up in the morning? Even though its 5:30am? Tough, but so worth it. Just to see you raise those arms up in expectation of early morning cuddles.
2. Mealtimes? Awesome. The breadth of what you are willing to try is astounding. And the fact that you have such a voracious appetite for veggies is inspiring us to eat better too.
3. Bathtimes? Double super cool. Getting you scrubbed up and into fresh pjs is the highlight of the CEOs day.
4. All the time? So incredibly fantastic. Doesn't matter if you are just herding the tribe around in your little walker, climbing all over the couch, or riding on our collective hips as we take care of mundane castle tasks... every, single, minute... is a joy.
We love you little guy. Happy 9 months.

Memo #7: The Imminent Shift Approaches

From: The Binkomonster CTO
To:   The Binkomonster VeePee (awright, awright, CUTIE PIE)
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Ahh Mr. VeePee. April quickly approaches. The lazy fox jumps over the brown dog (er, sorry, been focused on fonts lately..) Hee. Ahem. Let's begin again. April does quickly approach, and with it, another milestone. 9 months of you being firmly in office. That's the same amount of time spent preparing for your arrival last year. And my what a journey this continues to be! You are taking to everything with such zeal and enthusiasm. You have bonded quite nicely with at least one member of the the 'fuzzy' staff with four legs (well, let's be honest, he seems to have taken a shine to you). You are on the culinary warpath. With an appetite that knows no bounds, and a searing curiousity to sample every texture available to mankind, it's no wonder that we can offer you half of a lime, only to see you bite into it gleefully, and then attempt to contemplate the 'taste' as you are so wonderful at doing. (and by the way? it's so CUTE, please, keep it up). Your preferences have gone beyond the initial rice cereal with dairy to include every vegetable, every fruit, turkey, chicken, and bread. Oh goodness the bread. You are keeping the bakeries busy little man. And that's not a bad thing. While the economy and financial craziness roils around us, your biggest challenge has been getting past this thing called 'crawling'. Your impatience at not yet being mobile is very visible. You are busy yanking yourself up on anything you can grab hold of every chance you get. You. Just. Want. To. WALK. And we know that is coming, sooner than we'd like. Once you get to the point where you can use those little legs of yours to motor around, well, let's just say the CTO is going to be on the world's best diet plan. We're terrified, but ecstatic at the same time. More places to explore. New things to do and see with you. You continue to be such an accommodating little fellow. Your ability to be patient with us when we have to do things that don't encompass the fun spectrum is truly first rate. Waking up each morning to see your smiling face, and coming home to those totally squeezable and smiling cheeks for our evening meeting are the highlights of our day. The joy is undescribable. We know that it isn't always going to be this massive exuberance. There will be temper tantrums, there will be fits, and there will be crying (there is already). But little man? Just know that we, the CEO and CTO, have nothing but love and support to offer you. As much as you possibly may need. And hopefully? That's enough to get you through any 'cloudy' patches.
The CEO and CTO are also celebrating another new development, that being the acquisition of your new transportation. Whee! It was sad to have to turn in the Mini mobile. We have grown to love it so... but with you getting cramped in the back, and our backs starting to very loudly complain, it was time to remedy the problem. Comfort and safety for all. So you now have a shiny new wagon, with your little chair permanently affixed in the back (until you grow into a new one). With space for the CTO to stretch her legs, get good lumbar and hamstring support. With every whiz-bang technology doo-hickey for the CEO. We are very keen to do a roadtrip. To Mars.

Making a List. Checking it Twice. Checking Things Off both Naughty and Nice.

The temporal? First week of the new year. 2009 to be exact.
The location? Up in the top levels of the Binkomonster castle. In front of the fire. Warm. Cozy. Glass of wine in hand. In pajama attire.
The VeePee? Loudly burbling and flailing away happily, next to the CTO.
The foodstuffs? Chicken curry stew. Done and waiting on the Wolf-top. And apple raspberry slab with some Cherry Garcia ice cream for topping. Haven't decided whether to include a small tumbler of Bailey's to finish off the menu, but the night is young.
We'll see.
The moving picture box? News. For now. We'll be switching to a rerun of the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen in oh about, 2 minutes.
The accomplishments thus far (yesterday)? Finished organizing the crippling and mounting pile of mail and paperwork. We are current. On everything. All bills paid/accounts settled. All paperwork filed. All books put away. The house has had a thorough cleaning and dusting, and apart from running around cleaning the new urinary artwork that shows up courtesy of one of our persnickety staff members, it's tidy.
And what have you done for me lately (i.e today)? Another productive day. The Chardonnay wine label is FINALLY finished. Laundry done. VeePee has had a haircut. Email has been read and sorted. The to-do list for the man is complete and we're starting to make a slow dent. We got out of the castle to grab a nutritious lunch (yippee for the new Pho place on 9th). And we rounded out the day putting in some superhero time at a new satellite location (SF Library, how we love you!)
It feels different. But it feels good. The decks have been cleared to go and explore and find some new creative challenges without having that nagging list of mundane tasks hanging around like odors from a ripe litter-box. So we'll start by breaking with tradition and eschewing our usual spin through Macworld this year. No, we don't need anymore neon green neoprene covers for our staff Ipod collection thank you. And we're all set on the hardware front too thanks (all officers have been upgraded).  How about a Photoshop class instead? Or some time in the studio with a blank canvas and some messy paints or clay?

Oh and for those 2.4 readers who are interested, yes, the holidays were fantastic, and our trip to WD-50 was nothing short of sublime so there will be a pictorial review coming shortly. Wylie Dufresne is our new culinary hero.

Happy New Year Internets!

 

Our lovable VeePee. On the CEO's lap. At Bergdorf in NYC. Excited about something.

Memo #6: Surely, You are Joking Mr. Veepee?

From:    The Binkomonster CTO

To:        The Binkomonster VeePee (also known as Cutie, Snuggler, Pumpkin, Squeezy-Cheeks)

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A happy sigh. It continues to be a roller-coaster ride, with signposts whipping by so fast we hardly have time to read the print. Two weeks ago ushered the 4 month anniversary of our VeePee in his current office. I might have scarfed a cookie in honor (or a cocktail, I can't remember). But what I do distinctly recall is that we opened our lovely Petrus 1970 two Sundays ago. And that really was meant to mark the occasion. After all, we had to drink it this year (supposedly, it is at 'peak'), and shlepping it to the NYC satellite office was simply not an option. So hey, a little steak, a bit of potato gratin, a cake from Miette, and Presto! Add wine and get some very happy folks. The new grill that is allowing us to make lovely slabs of charred meat for supper is working just fabby. Now as for you Mr. VeePee, well, what can we say? You continue to grow like super healthy grass, and boy have you shown us glimpses of your personality! No wallflower are you. Nope. You are even more snuggly than BooBoo (and I think he knows because he seems to gravitate and want to cuddle up to you now rather than the tired old executives). And you can giggle. And you seem to be flummoxed by this 'crawling' thing, instead wanting to just get on with it and walk. And the curiosity! I have a sneaking suspicion that the books which now lie so organized in the home office aren't going to be that way forever. But it's all good if it feeds that interested nature of yours. Your smile when we get to see it is amazing. I call it the 10,000 watt special. Because it is. More accurately, it's like the power of 10,000 suns shining down and that translates into some major positive energy. You also have the 'lower lip stickout' which is usually a precursor to imminent meltdown. The silver lining here? At least we get a sign beforehand so we can try all sorts of tomfoolery to head the screaming off at the pass.  We feel so lucky to be able to be spending our time with you little guy. You have no idea how much joy you've brought to the castle. The only thing that could make it better? The ability to slow time down....

Memo #5. Isn't He Lovely?

Subject:    2 months? Where did it go?
From:       the CTO
To:           the VP
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Ah the difference a summer makes. Back in July when we first brought you to the castle offices, you were a mere slip of a thing. Seven point something pounds, twenty-something inches, teeny hands and feet. Peepers closed most of the time in deep slumber. And now? A strapping thirteen plus pounds, a gain of 2 whole inches, and feet and hands that are still small, but getting chubbier (along with your legs/arms/neck). And your sparkly little orbs? Wide open. Even sometimes at 3am (though less so lately), which we're not so keen upon. You are starting to babble ever so slightly, and drool constantly, and above all you are so insanely curious about your surroundings. Keep it up kid. Just one request? Wish there was some way to slow down the growing up. The CEO and I feel like things are zipping by at an insane speed and before you know it, we'll be sitting down and looking over your college applications. Your cuteness factor is off the charts. You have no idea how happy the CTO is that she has had this uninterrupted block of time to spend with you. You also have no idea how much she wishes she had another few months (and even then, it wouldn't be enough). It's very hard to resist the urge to constantly cuddle with you and shower you with kisses. Especially when you are starting to smile so much. The tribe is slowly warming up to you, with Booboo making almost nightly attempts at claiming you as his own (don't worry, we're sorting him out). Boingy on the other hand has regressed and turned into a super villian (Rogue Pissant). In the past week, we've had to deal with him peeing ON the CTO (yes, she resisted the urge to dismantle him), and just this morning, pooping on the bed (on the CEO's side). So he's now back in 'jail' while we try to figure out what the next steps are. On the plus side, the castle is now cleaner than it has ever been since we first setup habitation here. Home projects are done, but we are doing a small remodel of the patio (just swapping out the moldy old couch, pillows and rug for some ergonomic and modern chairs). Time is winding down and the alarm bell will soon be ringing signaling that the CTO has to go and put the handcuffs back on to work for tha Man. And it will be a sad day indeed. But not for you! The CEO steps in and has his uninterrupted block of quality time with you, which he anticipates with glee. It's been a very fast two months. It feels like we just got you home, and were starting to work on decoding your language. And then we had a month long visit from our Executive Board Member (Grandma) who resides on the East Coast. And now here we are. The weather is turning cooler, the Renaissance Faire is in full swing, Halloween is being planned all over, and you, you continue to grow and amaze me in every way. Just when one thinks her heart is so stuffed with love for you (and can't take any more), you turn on that megawatt smile, or grip your little hands around her neck, and she feels like the protagonist in Amelie, just about ready to dissolve into a puddle on the floor (cleanup on aisle 13!)
Happy Thursday Internets. I have to go and see about a conference with our VP. I think napping is on the agenda, and maybe a cocktail.

Memo #4. OK Mr. Crankypants...

Subject:  Training, Orientation, Catching Up and Happiness

To:          The Binkomonster VP
From:      The Binkomonster CTO
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Mister VeePee.
This past Sunday marked the anniversary of your third week here on Planet Earth and with us, the Binkomonster Executive staff. It has been quite an experience. This whole getting to know you, getting to know us, figuring out the daily routine thing is an unexpected adventure. Some assessments we have made thus far? You are cuter than a button, incredibly soft and cuddly, and you always smell great. If soft had a smell, we'd have to say that you are it. You are also quite the fussy little crankpot. You like to protest at very high decibels, and your cry is so pitiful that it breaks my heart (and makes it difficult to try and let you be on your own). I can see you and I are going to have some battles of will in the future, but that's ok. Bring it on. Even when I am tired, and it is 3 in the morning, and I want nothing more than to just be sound asleep and comfortably nestled among the pillows, your cries don't jar me. I know that one day, I will miss this. I will miss being up at all hours of the night ensuring that your nutritional and deficational needs are being met. And I will probably have a tear or two to shed for missing those moments. So that's why I am treasuring them as fully as I can now. It's funny, this past week, as I was tidying up the castle, and putting various paperwork into filing and away, I looked back on the past 9 months with both happiness, but sadness too. For as much as I carped about the discomfort, I miss the whole just you and I thing. Having you safe and sound with your requirements being taken care of by my system unconsciously. I miss feeling you kick around, and the sensation of you shoving your feet into my ribcage. 9 months went by so quickly. Where did it go? And here we are today, at 3 weeks already! You are already growing. Your hands are filling out (no longer as super tiny as they were that night the doctors brought you to us after the surgery). You have chubby cheeks and a nice round tummy, and your eyes are now wide open, and taking everything in. The CEO and I are still waiting for that real first big smile (we've seen sort of tiny ones, we think). And I am waiting for the day  when you start to babble at me instead of crying all the time. Right now, it is I who is constantly yammering away at you. And if Im not doing that then I am most likely cuddling you or showering you with kisses. I admit I cannot help myself. I am powerless against your cuteness.
Being castle-bound for the past few weeks has been interesting. At this point, I am convinced I know every crevice and imperfection in every wood floor plank in our castle. Dust has no home here since my OCD ensures that every speck of it is wiped away on a daily basis. And getting all of the home projects done before you arrived? As the Mastercard commercial suggests: priceless.
The rest of the tribe have for the most part adjusted to your arrival. Booboo is now making tentative friendship gestures (like trying to rub against your head in affectionate greeting). Binky doesn't know what to make of you, and Boingy? Boingy is just doing what he knows best, peeing where he should not. Wooby on the other hand, has now gone to live at one of our satellite offices with a Binkomonster partner. The fighting, and her peeing on the bed finally drew things to a pinnacle. Happy to report however that she is thriving in her new digs, living like a queen, eating when she wants and getting showered with affection from no less than three humans. We miss her very much, but sometimes, hard decisions have to be made that are in the best interest of a critter, and this was one such example. And speaking of critters, it is with great and deep sadness that I note the passing of Rusty, fuzzy tribe member of the Binkomonster East Coast satellite office. He was a truly wonderful, and irreplaceable dog, that gave 9 years of joy, cuddles, wet dog kisses and the best companionship. He is missed greatly, and very much in our thoughts these past few weeks. Sniff.
Finally, with some cheer, I report a busy month ahead for the Binkomonster staff. We should be getting a visit from family members from both sides (CTO and CEO), and are very much looking forward to some extended family time. Mr. VeePee gets to meet everyone and voice his protests to a wider audience, which should provide for some entertainment.
Here's hoping the summer is going well for the Internets. Happy end-of-July. And happy three weeks Lucian! (Mom and Dad love you).

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.

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.