Having obtained permission from the new parents, I am pleased to present, for the first time ever on the Internet, Ava.
She's pretty much perfect, sleeps prolificly, and weighs less than Miko.
Congrats to Christina and Aaron.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Friday, November 28, 2008
With this post...
Here it is, folks. This post equals the all time record for posts in a single month set back in September 2007. I would like to thank each and every one of you for providing me with the material with which I was able to achieve this momentous, er, achievement.
I was tempted, after realizing that I was so close to equaling the record, to write about any old tosh just to get some extra entries up here. Indeed, I could have writtent about the intermission phone call I received from Mum and Dad during the Cliff Richard 50th Anniversary concert last week, or the fact that I bought Neil two Mansun CDs for his birthday, that I'm in the middle of trying to re-organize my office so as to accomodate a massage table (long story - ask Michelle), that I finally picked up a Blu-Ray player, that I've discovered that Armand from our UK PR agency follows this site on his RSS feed and congratulated me on yesterday's turkey via email, or that Christina and Aaron's baby girl Ava was born on Monday night to much fanfare and SMS texting activity.
But no, I wasn't going to abuse your trust and confidence in this site by just posting such inconsequential drivel. I respect you all too much for that. Actually, the news about Ava being born doesn't fall into that category at all - the only reason I didn't post about it was that I didn't want to intrude on their privacy by putting a picture of her online without her parents permission. I know what it's like to be in the spotlight and I don't wish such pressures on her within 4 days of being born. Perhaps next week...
Anyway, making a long story short, we've hit 23 posts with a little over 60 hours to go until the end of the month. Who's taking bets on what the eventual number will be?
I was tempted, after realizing that I was so close to equaling the record, to write about any old tosh just to get some extra entries up here. Indeed, I could have writtent about the intermission phone call I received from Mum and Dad during the Cliff Richard 50th Anniversary concert last week, or the fact that I bought Neil two Mansun CDs for his birthday, that I'm in the middle of trying to re-organize my office so as to accomodate a massage table (long story - ask Michelle), that I finally picked up a Blu-Ray player, that I've discovered that Armand from our UK PR agency follows this site on his RSS feed and congratulated me on yesterday's turkey via email, or that Christina and Aaron's baby girl Ava was born on Monday night to much fanfare and SMS texting activity.
But no, I wasn't going to abuse your trust and confidence in this site by just posting such inconsequential drivel. I respect you all too much for that. Actually, the news about Ava being born doesn't fall into that category at all - the only reason I didn't post about it was that I didn't want to intrude on their privacy by putting a picture of her online without her parents permission. I know what it's like to be in the spotlight and I don't wish such pressures on her within 4 days of being born. Perhaps next week...
Anyway, making a long story short, we've hit 23 posts with a little over 60 hours to go until the end of the month. Who's taking bets on what the eventual number will be?
Where's the Ham?
All went swimmingly with Thanksgiving preparations in the UlloaSullivan household - did you see that Turkey? the stuffing I made was even better! - and in all those participating in bringing it all together in Dinuba. Bill's entry in the turkey cook-off was probably his most accomplished yet.
There was just one snag - there was no ham. And no Lizz, Mark or Marky in sight. 6:30 came and went. Then 7:00. And finally, just after we thought all was lost, we heard the shutting of car doors and the feast could commence. Apparentely Lizz had tried a new variety of ham this year - one that inspired Marky to want to spank it (?) - which ended up taking a little longer than usual. Still, better late than never and it quickly became very quiet as people began tucking into their piled-high plates of goodness.
A special mention to the Kim and Ev who prepared the mashed potatoes and let slip their secret of adding a splash of Mayo to make it just that little bit fluffier (and higher in calories).
Oh, and dessert was great too - just the upper required after a belly full of Turkey with it's sleep-inducing properties.
Bravo everyone!
There was just one snag - there was no ham. And no Lizz, Mark or Marky in sight. 6:30 came and went. Then 7:00. And finally, just after we thought all was lost, we heard the shutting of car doors and the feast could commence. Apparentely Lizz had tried a new variety of ham this year - one that inspired Marky to want to spank it (?) - which ended up taking a little longer than usual. Still, better late than never and it quickly became very quiet as people began tucking into their piled-high plates of goodness.
A special mention to the Kim and Ev who prepared the mashed potatoes and let slip their secret of adding a splash of Mayo to make it just that little bit fluffier (and higher in calories).
Oh, and dessert was great too - just the upper required after a belly full of Turkey with it's sleep-inducing properties.
Bravo everyone!
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Straight out of the oven
Behold the UlloaSullivan Turkey - our entry into this years Turkey Cook-Off.
40 Minutes and counting...
Saturday, November 22, 2008
A record in sight?
Looking back at the UlloaSullivan.com archives I see that September 2007 currently hold the record for being the most prolific in terms of posts. Somehow we managed to find 23 things to say that month. May 2008 comes a close second with 21.
Now, of course, it's easy to post 23 times if you're not worried about entertaining your readers with high quality, amusing, factually accurate content. But that's not what we're about here at UlloaSullivan.com. We take each of you seriously. We don't waste your time. And we only write about something when we 1) have something to say, and 2) think it will interest or amuse you.
It is with excitement then that I note that as of this morning there are currently 18 posts for November 2008. And it's only the 22nd! And there are number of exciting activities taking place over the next 8 days or so that will undoubtedly generate some good solid material that meets the two key criteria above. And once I finish typing this post that count will already have increased to 19 - only 4 to go to match the existing record.
In any case, go and check out what was going on in each of those two months in the life of the UlloaSullivan team. I do it myself just for fun sometimes. We have it pretty good here.
Now, of course, it's easy to post 23 times if you're not worried about entertaining your readers with high quality, amusing, factually accurate content. But that's not what we're about here at UlloaSullivan.com. We take each of you seriously. We don't waste your time. And we only write about something when we 1) have something to say, and 2) think it will interest or amuse you.
It is with excitement then that I note that as of this morning there are currently 18 posts for November 2008. And it's only the 22nd! And there are number of exciting activities taking place over the next 8 days or so that will undoubtedly generate some good solid material that meets the two key criteria above. And once I finish typing this post that count will already have increased to 19 - only 4 to go to match the existing record.
In any case, go and check out what was going on in each of those two months in the life of the UlloaSullivan team. I do it myself just for fun sometimes. We have it pretty good here.
UlloaSullivan Citrus
While it's unlikely to help power the US economy out of the doldrums I am pleased to report that the UlloaSullivan orange tree has managed to product an orange this year.
Yes indeed! After the catastropic losses of the big freeze in 2006 that wiped out our entire crop, and the recovery year of 2007, our tree has worked hard to produce this close-to-perfect miracle. And, as if wanting to ensure it gets it's own fair share of attention too, our lemon tree has managed to do the same.
There's nothing like a bit of friendly competition to keep fruit trees on their toes. Or roots.
Anyway, we are very proud.
Yes indeed! After the catastropic losses of the big freeze in 2006 that wiped out our entire crop, and the recovery year of 2007, our tree has worked hard to produce this close-to-perfect miracle. And, as if wanting to ensure it gets it's own fair share of attention too, our lemon tree has managed to do the same.
There's nothing like a bit of friendly competition to keep fruit trees on their toes. Or roots.
Anyway, we are very proud.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Whose Chocolate Brownies?
Just wondering - who made the Chocolate Brownies that I found in our fridge today?
They're lovely.
Feel free to leave some more in there at any time in the future.
Thank you - whoever you are.
They're lovely.
Feel free to leave some more in there at any time in the future.
Thank you - whoever you are.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
A Good (Sun)Day
09:30 - Woken up early by Michelle (Jet lag, remember)
10:45 - Breakfast at Country Waffles
11:45 - Quantum of Solace (Highly Recommended)
14:00 - Shopping (For you and for me)
17:00 - Home
18:30 - Taco Night at the Leons
21:00 - Home and Sofa/Cuddle Time
10:45 - Breakfast at Country Waffles
11:45 - Quantum of Solace (Highly Recommended)
14:00 - Shopping (For you and for me)
17:00 - Home
18:30 - Taco Night at the Leons
21:00 - Home and Sofa/Cuddle Time
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
At the airport...
... don't have an interesting picture to share, but wanted to post anyway.
I do have a beer, though. Or biru as they say here. And I am enjoying it. Alot. It is making me sleepy. Which is exactly what I was shooting for. I might have another.
The flight's delayed by 25 minutes. But they are being extremely nice and polite about it. Or perhaps it's because of the beer/biru (sugoi nama biru desu) and that sleepy effect I just told you about that it just seems like they're being polite.
Really pretty excited about going home tonight.
Just noticed it's a full moon. I have a nice, fancy, window seat - wonder if I'll be able to see it. Apparently, to the Japanese, the moon looks like it has a rabbit on it. Weird. Westerner's think it's a face. Japanese people think it's a rabbit. Perhaps that says something about us. Or them.
Have some more beer, Craig. Make yourself sleepy. You'll be home soon. And all will be well.
Yes. All will be well.
But seriously - a rabbit?
I do have a beer, though. Or biru as they say here. And I am enjoying it. Alot. It is making me sleepy. Which is exactly what I was shooting for. I might have another.
The flight's delayed by 25 minutes. But they are being extremely nice and polite about it. Or perhaps it's because of the beer/biru (sugoi nama biru desu) and that sleepy effect I just told you about that it just seems like they're being polite.
Really pretty excited about going home tonight.
Just noticed it's a full moon. I have a nice, fancy, window seat - wonder if I'll be able to see it. Apparently, to the Japanese, the moon looks like it has a rabbit on it. Weird. Westerner's think it's a face. Japanese people think it's a rabbit. Perhaps that says something about us. Or them.
Have some more beer, Craig. Make yourself sleepy. You'll be home soon. And all will be well.
Yes. All will be well.
But seriously - a rabbit?
Children's News Network
There's not much to watch on TV in the hotel I've been staying at these past two weeks. At least not in English. CNN is pretty much the only channel that I can get in a language I understand. I have therefore gotten more than my fair share of Larry King, Anderson Cooper, Wolfe Blitzer and all their cohorts providing endless commentary on the state of the world and the US Election at all hours of the day and night.
Don't get me wrong - I appreciated the coverage during election day and quite enjoyed watching all those states turn blue while nursing the nasty cold I was suffering from at the time. But since then, I have to tell you, there has been nothing but vaccuous, inconsequential, drivel with the same stories being covered over and over again. There's only so many people's perspectives on what Michelle Obama and Laura Bush might have discussed during the tour of the White House on Monday - particularly when none of the people providing the perspective were actually there and hence are merely only able to speculate at what might have been said. And I really have no interest in discussion of the autumnal hues they chose for the dresses they wore that day and what it might mean about the future of the world economy, bailing out badly run US car manufacturers or addressing the news that Iran has just tested a new long range missile.
I have concluded that 24 hour news channels - be they red, white or blue in their leaning - must be targeted at simpletons who need to be constantly reminded about what is going on in the world in order for them to understand it or, perhaps, be scared into doing what big brother wants you to do.
Either that or you're simply not expected to watch the channel for more than 30 minutes at a time lest you become obsessive.
Boy, am I glad to be going home today.
Don't get me wrong - I appreciated the coverage during election day and quite enjoyed watching all those states turn blue while nursing the nasty cold I was suffering from at the time. But since then, I have to tell you, there has been nothing but vaccuous, inconsequential, drivel with the same stories being covered over and over again. There's only so many people's perspectives on what Michelle Obama and Laura Bush might have discussed during the tour of the White House on Monday - particularly when none of the people providing the perspective were actually there and hence are merely only able to speculate at what might have been said. And I really have no interest in discussion of the autumnal hues they chose for the dresses they wore that day and what it might mean about the future of the world economy, bailing out badly run US car manufacturers or addressing the news that Iran has just tested a new long range missile.
I have concluded that 24 hour news channels - be they red, white or blue in their leaning - must be targeted at simpletons who need to be constantly reminded about what is going on in the world in order for them to understand it or, perhaps, be scared into doing what big brother wants you to do.
Either that or you're simply not expected to watch the channel for more than 30 minutes at a time lest you become obsessive.
Boy, am I glad to be going home today.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Heading Home
Yep - I've juggled a few things around and will be heading home on a flight tomorrow evening local time and arriving back in Fresno at around 12:30pm.
Not sure how I'm going to get home from there yet - I'll drop a couple of likely candidates an email and see if they can help me out - or how I'll get into the house without a key, but I'm pretty sure that someway, somehow, I'll be home on Thursday afternoon.
And with any luck I'll be staying put for a while.
At least, that's the plan as of right now...
Not sure how I'm going to get home from there yet - I'll drop a couple of likely candidates an email and see if they can help me out - or how I'll get into the house without a key, but I'm pretty sure that someway, somehow, I'll be home on Thursday afternoon.
And with any luck I'll be staying put for a while.
At least, that's the plan as of right now...
Monday, November 10, 2008
A little concerned
It seems that Meleena has been leading a pretty boring and uneventful life for the past month. The last we heard from her on her own blog was that she was preparing for the Halloween party. But since then, silence...
If anyone has seen her - please let her know that I'm thinking of her and hope she finds something interesting to do soon.
Alternatively, if it turns out that she is just being lazy and not bothering to keep us up-to-date with all the happenings in her busy T.I.T. lifestyle... Well, that's a different matter altogether... I guess it would be very T.I.T. of her...
So, which is it Meleena?
If anyone has seen her - please let her know that I'm thinking of her and hope she finds something interesting to do soon.
Alternatively, if it turns out that she is just being lazy and not bothering to keep us up-to-date with all the happenings in her busy T.I.T. lifestyle... Well, that's a different matter altogether... I guess it would be very T.I.T. of her...
So, which is it Meleena?
Sunday, November 9, 2008
My legs are sore
Yes, readers. I did make it out again yesterday afternoon and walked up to the Roppongi Hills area to visit the CD store. On the way back I stopped off at the office to see if there was a spare DVD player attachment for laptop so I could watch the Serenity movie.
All in all, I spent 3 hours of yesterday walking around the city. Somewhat of a record during my 6 months (yes, it will be 6 months as of this Thursday) of being out here in Japan. Needless to say, my legs are a little sore today - they're just not used to it.
Back at the hotel, I took a bath, watched an episode of Dr Who, made myself a cheese sandwich for dinner, did a bit of work and then watched Serenity. What a great movie. What a fitting way to wrap up the story line from the Firefly tv show and get to see the hot 'companion' character again - I heartily recommend you watch both... er, TV show and Movie, that is.
All in all, I spent 3 hours of yesterday walking around the city. Somewhat of a record during my 6 months (yes, it will be 6 months as of this Thursday) of being out here in Japan. Needless to say, my legs are a little sore today - they're just not used to it.
Back at the hotel, I took a bath, watched an episode of Dr Who, made myself a cheese sandwich for dinner, did a bit of work and then watched Serenity. What a great movie. What a fitting way to wrap up the story line from the Firefly tv show and get to see the hot 'companion' character again - I heartily recommend you watch both... er, TV show and Movie, that is.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
US Starbucks Take Note
The Starbucks here in Tokyo do a great job of helping their patrons avoid scalding their fingers or spilling their coffee. Clearly they recognize the challenges associated with safely consuming hot drinks on the go - perhaps to help customers avoid spilling hot drinks on each other during their long Tokyo Subway commutes? And it's not just Starbucks. Another of their competitors here in Japan - Doutour - uses sticky labels to keep the hole sealed until you're ready to drink. Oh, and they don't overfill the cups either.
The US, with the all-pervasive modern miracle of the drive-through window, could really do with taking these customer-friendly notions on board. I know it would help ensure my day (and lengthy commute) started on a good note. And it would make me feel even better about fueling my caffeine addiction on a regular basis in the knowledge that they care equally about both the interior of my car and the avoidance of scalded body parts.
Guardians of the Imperial Palace
As I walked around the Imperial Palace earlier today I noticed that there were a large number of these enormous spiders hanging from intricate three dimensional webs on the trees that ring the palace grounds. They remind me of the spider thingies that lurk all over the place in the Legend of Zelda games, but which are actually pretty easy to kill with a well placed throw of a boomerang or a slingshot-launched Deku nut.
It took me a little while to work up the courage to get close enough to take this picture. They really are pretty scary.
It took me a little while to work up the courage to get close enough to take this picture. They really are pretty scary.
A long week/walk
I've been struggling with a nasty cold since arriving here in Tokyo last weekend and haven't really done much apart from mope around, wake up at strange hours of the night and keep various work initiatives moving forward. I have to say, it's been a little boring being holed up on the hotel room, not feeling much like going out and there is really only so much CNN you can watch (even with a historic presidential election and the ongoing global economic meltdown getting 24/7 coverage). When I started to feel better later in the week I was therefore looking forward to the arrival of the weekend and the opportunity to wander around the city, getting some exercise and a bit of shopping done before jumping back into work on Monday.
Of course, when I woke up yesterday it was pouring with rain. And it continued all day, putting a damper on that idea. So, it was with trepidation that I peeked out of the windowe upon waking up this morning. Early signs weren't so good as the sky was overcast but I was encouraged when I realized that it wasn't actually raining yet.
Quick as a flash I pulled my sweats on, grabbed my trusty iPod and camera, a bit of cash and headed out for a walk. Somewhere between here and Starbucks I decided I should go for it and do a full lap of the Imperial Palace before heading back to the local supermarket to pick up some bits and pieces for breakfast.
90 minutes later - yeah, it turned out to be quite a long way - I found myself back at the hotel with a bowl of crunchy nut cornflakes, strawberry yoghurt and a second cup of coffee feeling pretty darn good about myself.
My plan now is to hang out for a couple of hours, do some work, talk with Michelle and then go for another walk up towards Roppongi Hills to see if I can find the CD that Nick wanted me to look for, investigate whether I really do want an iPod Touch as my next music playing device and decide what I'm going to have for dinner.
Ambitious? Maybe. But you don't get very far if you don't set big audacious goals for yourself. I'll let you know how I get on...
Of course, when I woke up yesterday it was pouring with rain. And it continued all day, putting a damper on that idea. So, it was with trepidation that I peeked out of the windowe upon waking up this morning. Early signs weren't so good as the sky was overcast but I was encouraged when I realized that it wasn't actually raining yet.
Quick as a flash I pulled my sweats on, grabbed my trusty iPod and camera, a bit of cash and headed out for a walk. Somewhere between here and Starbucks I decided I should go for it and do a full lap of the Imperial Palace before heading back to the local supermarket to pick up some bits and pieces for breakfast.
90 minutes later - yeah, it turned out to be quite a long way - I found myself back at the hotel with a bowl of crunchy nut cornflakes, strawberry yoghurt and a second cup of coffee feeling pretty darn good about myself.
My plan now is to hang out for a couple of hours, do some work, talk with Michelle and then go for another walk up towards Roppongi Hills to see if I can find the CD that Nick wanted me to look for, investigate whether I really do want an iPod Touch as my next music playing device and decide what I'm going to have for dinner.
Ambitious? Maybe. But you don't get very far if you don't set big audacious goals for yourself. I'll let you know how I get on...
Friday, November 7, 2008
The reaction from Japan
From this front page article you can clearly read the positive response from the Japanese people.
Barack Obama sugoi desu! Ichiban President-Elect.
Usagi ni wa, kate masu.
Barack Obama sugoi desu! Ichiban President-Elect.
Usagi ni wa, kate masu.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Happy Birthday Rita!
Sorry I can't be there in person for your celebration this weekend, but I will be there in spirit.
Hope you have a great day... Look forward to seeing you soon.
c
Hope you have a great day... Look forward to seeing you soon.
c
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
An Alien Perspective
If anyone has any doubt that today was a momentous day for the United States, just take a moment to visit the Web sites of newspapers in other countries and see what they are saying about the choice the American people have made.
The United States of America was forged by the foresight and will of its founders and the hard work (and blood) of it's people. Today the American people told the world that they are not done yet, that the journey isn't over, that there is more to come, that they still dream the dream.
Well done, America. Well done.
The United States of America was forged by the foresight and will of its founders and the hard work (and blood) of it's people. Today the American people told the world that they are not done yet, that the journey isn't over, that there is more to come, that they still dream the dream.
Well done, America. Well done.
Monday, November 3, 2008
And I will name it Christina
I arrived back in Tokyo on Sunday morning a little grumpy and feeling a cold coming on. It didn't help that when I arrived at the hotel at 11:30 I was told I couldn't check in until 3pm, couldn't get into the office, couldn't find a Starbucks with a wireless network I could connect to and really needed just to lie down and get some sleep.
What about the apartment? Well, I had moved my stuff out of there when I left Tokyo last time as I knew I wasn't going to be back here for long and it didn't make sense to have it sat empty with the company paying for it. Remember - you should always treat the company's money as if it were your own. In this case, however, I was kind of rueing my decision for a while there.
Until, that is, I finally got to the room and saw this wonderful massage seat over by the window. I tried it out and it's pretty good. It has a nice firm touch just like it's namesake - and with the benefit that 1) it's here in Tokyo with me right now, and 2) it's not going on maternity leave.
What about the apartment? Well, I had moved my stuff out of there when I left Tokyo last time as I knew I wasn't going to be back here for long and it didn't make sense to have it sat empty with the company paying for it. Remember - you should always treat the company's money as if it were your own. In this case, however, I was kind of rueing my decision for a while there.
Until, that is, I finally got to the room and saw this wonderful massage seat over by the window. I tried it out and it's pretty good. It has a nice firm touch just like it's namesake - and with the benefit that 1) it's here in Tokyo with me right now, and 2) it's not going on maternity leave.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
10th Annual Halloween Party Tonight
Mike and Cornflake wanted me to remind you that tonight is the 10th annual UlloaSullivan Halloween Party.
I'm sorry that I can't be there, and that the cats will likely be unsociable throughout the event, but all of three of us hope you have a great time and teach those pumpkins their annual lesson.
Boo!
I'm sorry that I can't be there, and that the cats will likely be unsociable throughout the event, but all of three of us hope you have a great time and teach those pumpkins their annual lesson.
Boo!
A Toby-fying Visit
This was the scene that greeted me this morning as I woke up (far too early) at Neil and Maya's house.
In spite of us hanging out, playing with trains and balls, watching an obviously 70s leisure drug-inspired Children's TV show and getting hugs and kisses before bedtime, it seemed that Toby was still a little unsure about finding me in the spare bedroom this morning. Perhaps it was my bleary-eyed, jet-lag and too much partying induced appearence that was to blame.
Anyway, he eventually caved in and came charging towards the bed while shouting unintelligible instructions that were probably intended to let me know that I needed to get up as Mummy had to hurry and get ready to go to the Bicester for the gymnastics team and that I was likely going to make her late.
Unfortunately I didn't figure out the message in time and caused her problems anyway. Sorry Maya. Thanks for the enormous plate of chilli and the Cadbury's Wispa, though.
In spite of us hanging out, playing with trains and balls, watching an obviously 70s leisure drug-inspired Children's TV show and getting hugs and kisses before bedtime, it seemed that Toby was still a little unsure about finding me in the spare bedroom this morning. Perhaps it was my bleary-eyed, jet-lag and too much partying induced appearence that was to blame.
Anyway, he eventually caved in and came charging towards the bed while shouting unintelligible instructions that were probably intended to let me know that I needed to get up as Mummy had to hurry and get ready to go to the Bicester for the gymnastics team and that I was likely going to make her late.
Unfortunately I didn't figure out the message in time and caused her problems anyway. Sorry Maya. Thanks for the enormous plate of chilli and the Cadbury's Wispa, though.