Archives for October 2010

If you want something done …

There’s that old saying, “If you want something done, ask a busy person to do it.” I know that saying all too well, now … I’ve never been busier! However, I’m still not at the point where I’m doing enough business to cover all the bills, yet. But, I’m so busy doing all the work that I don’t know where I’m going to find time to seek out additional work to finally have enough work to pay the bills!

I guess at this point, I have to really have faith in word of mouth and other leads that I’ve been generating to come through and get me past that finish line. It’s a very scary and exciting time, with lots of great work to do and wonderful people to work with. But, I’m definitely feeling the tremendous pressure of trying to find the money to pay bills and knowing that I can’t be in two places at once … I have to either be doing work or bringing in more.

I don’t know how I’m going to get over this hump, but what I know is that I don’t have a choice: I have to figure it out, somehow.

WordCamp NYC 2010, Day 1

WordCamp NYC 2010

I was at WordCamp NYC 2010 today, which was less “camp” and more “conference” — it was well organized, there were different tracks of presentations, scheduled speakers, lunch was provided, and t-shirts were handed out, etc. For the cost of $30, this was an incredibly good offering.

My only “complaint” (more like whine) is that the 2010 t-shirt sucks compared to the 2009 shirt. I’m sure the 2009 shirt was more expensive, but I’d totally be willing to pony up another $10 to get one. I hope for 2011, they bring back the way cooler subway-style NYC shirt.

Tomorrow is the more traditional “unconference” format camp, which I suspect will weed out all the “omg blogging!” types, and only the real geekcore folks will be there. I plan to submit at least a few patches towards WordPress 3.1 in the hacker room. I’ll also be volunteering from 3-4 PM at the genius bar, so bring your questions and come get some answers!

A fine Dungeon Master in the making

I came downstairs this morning and noticed that someone, most likely Charlie, was playing with the LEGO table. What do most kids build out of LEGOs? Little vehicles? Maybe a pet shop? Or spaceships? And what do my kids make … ?

The beginnings of a LEGO dungeon.

Yeah, that’s right — it’s a LEGO dungeon. With a secret, hidden treasure room, an altar that looks like a diving board, and its own red dragon guardian and giant serpent.

Every day, I wonder if today’s the right day to try and introduce D&D to her … I have a feeling we’ve got a fine Dungeon Master in the making, here.

And this is how I get to start my day, today. I think it’s going to be a great one.

It’s great to be a Barbershopper!

The Barbershop chapter that I’m a member of — the Ridgewood Cavaliers of Harmony — recently performed at the Belmont PAC at Cedar Crest on September 26, 2010. Lucky for us, Shirley Keller had recorded our performance and generously provided us with a copy, which I was able to chop up and upload to YouTube.

So, if you’ve been wondering what I’ve been doing every Monday night for the last few years at rehearsals … this is it! And, if you’re interested in checking us out and possibly joining us in singing some songs, or if you’d like to book us to sing at your venue or event, let me know! I’d love to hear from you.

October is Breast Awareness Month

Causes come and go, but Breast Awareness Month is a keeper.

In support of such a good cause, I’m trying to be extra-aware this month of all the lovely breasts I see! Please, don’t get all bent if I’m staring at your chest — I’m just doing my part to support the cause!

Can you imagine what life would be like in a world without boobs? Sad, sad indeed.

pink-ribbon-pasties.jpg

Oh, and apparently those pasties pictured above are available for sale on eBay.

Should I start another blog?

So, lately I’ve been thinking … maybe I should create another blog. One that is totally separate from this one and as anonymous as possible.

You know that saying, “if you’re shocked by what I do say, you couldn’t begin to imagine the things I’m thinking that I won’t say.” Yeah, it totally applies to me. But, I’m realizing that I really need an outlet to get those things out and share them, despite the fallout they’ll create.

I’ve been sitting on what I wrote above, thinking about it more and more. Then, the synchronicity of Chris Brogan’s latest post, “Don’t Be Chris Brogan“, helped me make my decision.

Screw it. This is my blog, for better or worse. Writing here is supposed to be mine. My intent isn’t to drive away readers, but at the same time, if I’m not putting 100% of myself into everything I write and post, I’ll never be happy with it. And, it’ll show. And, I won’t write as much, because I’ll always be doubting whether I should post it or not. And, the stuff worth posting might not get posted and that would be a real shame.

I guess consider this fair warning that, from here on out, Dossy’s Blog is going to be my space to publish whatever I feel I need to get out there. If it strikes a nerve with you, I welcome you to either respond in the comments, or if it really bothers you, stop reading. But, I just can’t do what I’ve been doing. It’s just not working for me.