I am truly fortunate to have amazing co-workers. The environment we work in has been challenging in the most unhealthy of ways but this week I got to spend the week in Austin and have personal connections with people I have only known via Zoom.

Frost, with occasional child at the window

I clearly haven’t reached gen z with my YouTube drum videos.

Decided to start watching one Bruce Willis movie every night through the new year. Starting off tonight with “The Jackal” (1997). Saving Hudson Hawk (one of my top 10 all time favorite movies) for the turn of the new year.

Counting the days for Christmas/New Years break. I am taking a little over two weeks off of work. No travels really but lots of play with the family, and much needed rest.

• After seemingly months of not playing, I managed to have some time with the sticks and recorded a cover of "Between Two Points" performed by David Gilmore and his daughter, Romany. The original song was written by The Montgolfier Brothers back in the 2000s.

Full song cover:

• We went to a Christmas tree farm to get our tree. They have a lovely red barn where kids can go upstairs to an open space a play with toys, skateboards and other fun vehicles. I tried the skateboard, it's the first time in like 30 years that I've hopped on one.

• It has been abnormally warm here in central Nebraska. Today was 62, sunny, no wind. Most days have been similar. I hope January doesn't clobber us like it did last year.

• My crazy work hours has kept me away from the news, I'm all the better for it to be honest.

My hopes were pretty low on trying this NA bourbon but I was pleasantly surprised. Worked well as a whiskey sour and straight, on the rocks.

Finally played a little today. I started listening to David Gilmour’s new album about a week ago. This song (Between Two Points) is something else, had been something like 20 years since I first heard it and Romany Gilmour just shatters and cyclones through all emotions with her performance.

The habanero is the perfect pepper.

It’s a short week this week due to Thanksgiving. The 12 plus hour days I’ve been putting in regularly for the last 3 months has made it difficult to wind down (I woke up today at 2 am, granted I think I fell asleep at 8pm).

• Lot’s of reflection on finances.  While I would love to be in a fuck you money situation, my goal is to be able to have the occasional go pound sand money.
• Tied to the above, mainly gearing up for the change in administration in January (and next 4 years).  I really can’t predict or time things but have come to the conclusion to prepare for the worst and acknowledge or reap the rewards of any successes that come up.
• My work will undergo major shifts this upcoming year. Lots of unknowns within that statement, but I work with talented, wonderful humans.
• My son is becoming more musical every day (lyrically and sonically).  He’s also discovering (and appreciating) the nuance of comedy.  I can listen to him all day (and often do).
• My wife and I have a lot to do still to focus on what’s in our control for the next year, next 5 years, next 20 years.  Lots of big decision making experiences we need to go through. We both agree on the need to simplify and reduce stress as key outcomes.
• I’ve been listening to David Gilmour’s new record. It’s lovely, and of course Steve Gadd is playing drums on it.

One reaps what one sows.

The pie photography tonight is on point.

The Daylight DC1 arrived! Excited to put it through its paces during the holiday. Digging the screen so far.

It’s not even December yet but my mind is taking me to New Year’s, when I make my one Manhattan for the year, sip and reflect on the past year and think about next year’s possibilities.

My friends made a nice song, I think you’ll like it.

I appreciate that Bluesky is growing. I occasionally skim it and find the vibe in general to be good. I still prefer owning my feeds and posts via micro.blog and cross posting from here as appropriate. I did request Openvibe devs to consider micro.blog support (it’s just a nice app).

I’ve been fairly introspective over the election and not seeking out too much online around it, I’m glad I came across these gems:

Jon Stewart has an excellent interview with Heather Cox Richardson on the election.

John Gruber’s writing is on a whole new level

I’ve resorted to just have the election live updates from Apple News on my phone home screen instead of watching live. Gave the kid a bath, brushed his teeth, set him to bed. Only checked now where we are at. Now back to figuring out a movie to watch and not looking at my phone until snack break.

Moving to a small town in Nebraska after so many years in Seattle makes voting (in person!) feel extra special. Hearing the folks around me hanging out after voting, talking about dinner, family, how young so and so is doing, absolutely no contention or anger. Community is where it’s at.

So…The Home Depot has a life sized animated Buddy the Elf for sale…

At the end of the day…

Eradicate this phrase….please

Boeing has been shooting itself in the foot since the early days when they decided to move their HQ from Seattle and “innovated” by outsourcing shit. But sure, let’s blame the workers in Seattle, who produced high quality airplanes up until leadership changes decided that quality and engineering takes a back seat to perceived shareholder value: (gift link) The Machinists Take Boeing Hostage

Twice in one year.

A single site was responsible for 60% of our IV fluid supply. It’s bananas that we allowed this by virtue of being ignorant of its existence.

Helene ravaged the NC plant that makes 60% of the country’s IV fluid supply arstechnica.com

2024 continues to be…weird.