Orbits of a deluded mind

Excuse me but has anyone seen where I misplaced my invoice for spring? I could have sworn it was scheduled to be cooler and nicer for at least a couple more weeks.

This was taken in the NYC area by a photographer shooting a frame every five minutes. This was linked via MSNBC and after seeing it, I couldn't pass up offering it here too. Woah..

Static on multiple fronts

Folks, first I want to offer up an apology. I’ve been meaning to write more than a few people in the past few days. Unfortunately, days have become weeks and still I’m falling behind. Between lack of time to write at home and a deep sense of mental exhaustion, the words have simply not been flowing.

Heat
The last month here has been nothing less than nasty here in North Alabama. It’s been over 90 degrees every day here since July 2nd. For the past two weeks, it’s gotten above 96 every day. When you factor in humidity, it’s been miserable with a heat index in the 100+ range. At the beginning of this heat wave, our air conditioning unit started slowly failing. The fan assembly broke down and was barely circulating air. We were lucky it didn’t fail completely, but it was hard to keep the house below 80. After two weeks, multiple calls and several visits by the landlord’s approved technicians, and replacement of the blower, the system finally works.

The heat’s put a damper on outdoor activities and caused me to cancel or pare back outdoor photography activities. Until the heat wave breaks, I will not attempt to conduct outdoor photo sets except before 10am or after 7pm. It also means that most SCA is out of the question for us. Safety is more important.

Work
Since getting back from the work related travels in June, I’ve been finding myself increasingly taking a management role in things. It’s not been planned. It’s just sorta happened. I was assigned to help out with a test and found that the execution team was spread over several missions and deadlines were approaching rapidly. I soon found myself directing fellow contractors to make sure various functions and tasks were being completed. Throughout this, I’ve asked the management if this was the job they wanted me t do and received multiple affirmatives. I’ve apparently impressed them. I’ve been asked to travel to California again to attend a planning meeting with the major players in the test. I’m working my tail off in support of this and being noticed I hope.

Blacklist (B’ham)
Heat and hard work, meant it was time to party. Since I’ve missed the energy and vigor of Sleep When You’re Dead, I was excited to have the schedule clear for “Blacklist” in Birmingham. I’d missed the first show in July, but August looked to be a great show with “Miss FD” (Fright Doll) playing darkwave and electronica. Tammy and I dressed out for the night and drove down with great anticipation. When we got into town, we discovered the address for “The High Note” was wrong (north versus south street address) so we headed further south across downtown. OK, in all respect to the organizers, it’s hard finding good locations, but wow. This venue was awful. The air conditioning was not just turned down, it was probably turned off. The sound system was dorked up and the attitude of the bar staff (not the organizers) less than welcoming. To the promoters’ credit, they tried their best to make it work and have apologized to participants and guests alike. While I want to go back, their next show is scheduled the same weekend as DragonCon. I hope the event finds its footing. I’m willing to give them another try, but not in that venue.

DragonCon
Speaking of DragonCon, the family is getting really excited. It appears that this year will be mainly Chris and I roaming together while Brenna will be hanging out with the Revenger crew. Tammy can’t go due to work and there’s no way I’m taking the 5 year old solo. We’re staying at a hotel on the north side of Atlanta and will drive in and out. It’s cheaper and it will certainly be quieter at night. Although I’m going to bring my camera, I’m not planning to shoot shows and will limit myself to costumes and such. I think the biggest thing is realizing my limitations on editing time and wanting to relax and enjoy the event. Panels, shows, shopping and no 20 lb camera bag, sounds nice. I’m looking forward to meeting “Twisted Doll” during the Con at some point. She’s a model I’ve been corresponding with for some time. I still don’t know whether or not I’m even going to dress out that much.

Steampunk
A year or so ago, I would never have considered this but I believe I’m going to curtail and even back away from some folks in the local steam community. I recognize the drama llamas gathering in some respects and I just don’t want or need the fluff. If I’m needed, then I’m quite sure I’ll make myself a bit more available.