I took this picture out of the window of the plane en route from Fresno to LA tonight at the beginning of a (very) short trip to the UK. I arrive on Monday afternoon and will be leaving again on Wednesday afternoon to return to California. I'm away all week however as I have to attend some meetings on Thursday and Friday in San Francisco.
All told, it's been a busy few months for the UlloaSullivan household and I'm looking forward to taking a few weeks off from travelling in the run up to Thanksgiving once I get back home on Friday night. And while all this running about around the globe provides interesting stuff to mention on this blog, Michelle is really quite a cool person to hang out with and I just haven't been getting my fill recently.
And of course the cats still need some convincing that they can't pick and choose when it suits them to use the cat flaps.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Rainy Halloween
Last night it rained for the first time in the history of the Michelle and Craig Halloween Party. And while we managed to find time between showers to squeeze in the obligatory Pumpkin Bowling competition, the other outdoor activities - including a Scooby Doo Bounce House - were pretty much a wash-out.
Fortunately, the food was good - thanks to Bill, Rita, Letty and Jim - the dessert was great - always invite Janie to your parties! - and the range of customes on display was as innovative as ever.
Check out the Flickr site for more photos of the festivities.
Fortunately, the food was good - thanks to Bill, Rita, Letty and Jim - the dessert was great - always invite Janie to your parties! - and the range of customes on display was as innovative as ever.
Check out the Flickr site for more photos of the festivities.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Revolution Cars
I just got back from a week in San Francisco at the NetSuite Partner Conference and the latest product launch. It was by far the biggest partner event we've held and is a great thermometer of how things are going for us.
We had about 20 visitors from our Japanese partners this year in addition to some from Denmark, Australia, Germany, Mexico and Brazil, all of whom want localized versions of the product as soon as possible. That should keep me busy.
The photo is of a couple of cars that one of our partners had branded with NetSuite 07 as part of a competition. Sorry Michelle, I wasn't able to try about the Lambo but 3rd party reports indicate that while it was impressively fast the suspension is a touch too firm for the San Francisco streets.
We had about 20 visitors from our Japanese partners this year in addition to some from Denmark, Australia, Germany, Mexico and Brazil, all of whom want localized versions of the product as soon as possible. That should keep me busy.
The photo is of a couple of cars that one of our partners had branded with NetSuite 07 as part of a competition. Sorry Michelle, I wasn't able to try about the Lambo but 3rd party reports indicate that while it was impressively fast the suspension is a touch too firm for the San Francisco streets.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Annual Halloween Party - This Saturday
Just an FYI for those of you who haven't been reading Meleena's prolific output on her new Web site, we are hosting our annual Halloween party this Saturday (27th) at our Haunted Mansion in Kingsburg.
Yes, there will be Pumpkin Bowling!
Cornflake may or may not wear a costume - it all depends on how she feels that day.
Yes, there will be Pumpkin Bowling!
Cornflake may or may not wear a costume - it all depends on how she feels that day.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Look what the cat brought in
Things are going pretty well on the cat flap training front. Apart from bothering Michelle during the night on Tuesday in the hope that she would give in and let them out the back door again (she didn't - she mustered up the resolve to take them through to the office and show them the cat flap) they appear to have figured it out nicely. The next step is to teach them to open the actual flap rather than leaving it open all the time for them.
The only problem is that, because we're not right there where they come in and out, we don't always notice the little gifts/toys the return to the house with after their nocturnal adventures. This morning, for example, I smiled when I saw Miko energetically playing with a toy on the kitchen floor. It took me a few moments to realize that the actual cat toys were a little way away from her and that what she was playing with was actually the severed wing of an unfortunate Stella Jay.
Now all we have to worry about is whether the rest of it is hidden somewhere else in the house. If so, I hope we find it soon.
The only problem is that, because we're not right there where they come in and out, we don't always notice the little gifts/toys the return to the house with after their nocturnal adventures. This morning, for example, I smiled when I saw Miko energetically playing with a toy on the kitchen floor. It took me a few moments to realize that the actual cat toys were a little way away from her and that what she was playing with was actually the severed wing of an unfortunate Stella Jay.
Now all we have to worry about is whether the rest of it is hidden somewhere else in the house. If so, I hope we find it soon.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Catflap Training - Day 1
Thanks to the (weekend) talents of our Brother-in-Law, Bill we now have a couple of Catflaps installed in the house to aid the nocturnal comings-and-goings of Miko and Cornflake.
I say nocturnal as that is mostly the time when their exercise and toilet needs most interfere with my and Michelle's sleep patterns. Sometimes on Saturday or Sunday afternoons also, but I'm not counting naptime for the purposes of this post. Anyway, it's getting a little too cold overnight to leave our bedroom sliding door open so we decided that we need to go the route that many cat owners before us have tried and tested.
Now, all we have to do is train them how to use it. And while the physical aspects of it shouldn't be a problem I suspect that we are more likely to have trouble convincing them that we are no longer in servitude to their indoor/outdoor whims and that we're not going to open the door for them - no matter how many times Cornflake might knock on the front door or Miko let out one of her little 'I'm not really sure how to miaow' miaows.
I say nocturnal as that is mostly the time when their exercise and toilet needs most interfere with my and Michelle's sleep patterns. Sometimes on Saturday or Sunday afternoons also, but I'm not counting naptime for the purposes of this post. Anyway, it's getting a little too cold overnight to leave our bedroom sliding door open so we decided that we need to go the route that many cat owners before us have tried and tested.
Now, all we have to do is train them how to use it. And while the physical aspects of it shouldn't be a problem I suspect that we are more likely to have trouble convincing them that we are no longer in servitude to their indoor/outdoor whims and that we're not going to open the door for them - no matter how many times Cornflake might knock on the front door or Miko let out one of her little 'I'm not really sure how to miaow' miaows.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Introducing the all new Meleena.com
We are pleased to announce the re-launch of Meleena.com. It is now not only up-to-date (Meleena isn't 8 anymore!) but also now under the control of the titular individual herself. That's right - Meleena is able to update and post on the site at her own whim and, in fact, spent last evening doing just that.
Head on over there at your leisure to see what she's been up to, what she's planning, and just what goes on inside that mind of hers. Who knows what we'll find her blogging about... that's the fun of it. :)
I'm curious George
Are you really so busy living your Hollywood life that you don't even have 5 minutes to respond to our simple request? Or, rather, have one of your many assistants respond on your behalf? Would it really have put you out to let us know one way or the other if we would be able to use your Lake Como property for Neil and Maya's wedding next year?Unfortunately, just like you, we are busy too and we just don't have time to wait for your reply any longer. We have to get on and make alternative arrangements. We can't jeopardise the planning of the whole event just because you don't have the courtesy to pick up the phone and ask one of your people to let our people know whether you plan to be in residence at this, one of your many beautiful properties, during the month of June 2008. Dude - It's 9 months away! How much advance notice do you need? We even gave you quite a few additional days beyond the October 5th deadline thinking that you might be waiting to pull together some of the requisite documentation - a rental agreement, perhaps or some standard terms and conditions, the clean-up checklist, etc. - and knowing that you might need a little extra time to get things in order before confirming its availability with us. But no - utter silence.
So, while you continue to enjoy all the trappings of being an A-List star and seemingly forgetting all those of us that have followed your career right from that small office manager part you played in Roseanne before going on to enjoy greater things on ER and your subsequent movie success (with the exception of Batman and Robin) we will just have to put plan B into action and make the best of it that we can. It's a shame George. A real shame.
By the way, do you have Brad Pitt's cell phone number? We hear he has a property in Sicily...
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Viva Las Vegas
Michelle has announced that she would like to go to Las Vegas for her birthday weekend this year. It is all she wants, apparently, and who am I to deny my wife her birthday wish?
We'll be fleshing out the details soon enough, but the plan right now is to head over to Vegas in time for the evening on Friday November 30th and stay through Sunday December 2nd.
It's adults only this time - sorry kids, there'll be plenty of time for you to experience the wonders of Las Vegas when you're 21 and older - and we're looking forward to staying up late, hanging with the stars, and partying like it's 1999!
We'll be fleshing out the details soon enough, but the plan right now is to head over to Vegas in time for the evening on Friday November 30th and stay through Sunday December 2nd.
It's adults only this time - sorry kids, there'll be plenty of time for you to experience the wonders of Las Vegas when you're 21 and older - and we're looking forward to staying up late, hanging with the stars, and partying like it's 1999!
Monday, October 8, 2007
Friday night Italian
I was fortunate enough to be able to join the folks on Friday night for dinner to celebrate Mum and Dad's 40th Wedding Anniversary and Steph's (something'k) birthday. Well, no one mentioned how old she was and I figured it would be rude to ask.
Anyway, much fun and hilarity was enjoyed by all and the food was good too. I've made a mental note to stop by there again on a future stopover.
One question remains, however - Neil, what was Dad doing with his hand?
Anyway, much fun and hilarity was enjoyed by all and the food was good too. I've made a mental note to stop by there again on a future stopover.
One question remains, however - Neil, what was Dad doing with his hand?
3 or 4 stitches?
Behold a photo of Paul's index finger following a recent food preparation slip-of-the-knife and the subsequent hospital visit. It seems like he did a pretty good job, although early reports (from Dad) about him having 4 stitches seem to be a little exaggerated as we can all clearly see that there are only 3!
Way to get some extra attention from Mum, little brother. ;)
Way to get some extra attention from Mum, little brother. ;)
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Meet Boo Boo
Here is a picture of Boo Boo, a 4" tall Chihuahua that has recently been declared the World's smallest dog and is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records accordingly. In addition to wearing a pink and white tutu, it's favorite food is potato chips.
Boo Boo makes Mack look like a giant! And Cornflake and Miko would almost certainly think she was something for them to torture!
Read more about her here.
Boo Boo makes Mack look like a giant! And Cornflake and Miko would almost certainly think she was something for them to torture!
Read more about her here.
Um, Hay-lo?
Come on Matthew and Justin (and Jim)!
Halo 3 has been out for a couple of weeks now and I haven't heard a peep from you guys about how good it is. What's the scoop? Are you spending so much time playing it that you have forgotten to wash, eat, visit the bathroom or communicate with real people?
Or is the control scheme so complicated that not even you dexterousl teenagers (not you Jim) are able to figure out how to make Master Chief run around and shoot things? Perhaps you could tear yourselves away from the game for a few minutes to post some comments on here for us. Seriously - I really want to know.
Halo 3 has been out for a couple of weeks now and I haven't heard a peep from you guys about how good it is. What's the scoop? Are you spending so much time playing it that you have forgotten to wash, eat, visit the bathroom or communicate with real people?
Or is the control scheme so complicated that not even you dexterousl teenagers (not you Jim) are able to figure out how to make Master Chief run around and shoot things? Perhaps you could tear yourselves away from the game for a few minutes to post some comments on here for us. Seriously - I really want to know.