JediWright.com

So this is the basic technique we’ve been using to feed Lee, when he’s being too fussy to feed from the breast:

We use a little 1.5 tsp-sized syringe to drop in the breast milk alongside our finger; he goes through about 1 every 2-3 mins at the fastest and 15-mins at the slowest. Whether or not this is a measure of our speed of dispensing it, varies based on who’s feeding him. If it’s me at 4am, then it sometimes takes me 10-15-mins for one; other times I squeeze it all out in less than 5.

We’re still trying to get him stop fussing at the breast, but Tristan’s just getting frustrated and doesn’t like to see him upset. It’s definitely something that takes getting used to and should work itself out with practice.

When I first heard that Stokesay Castle had shut its doors and was on the market, I couldn’t believe the opportunity.

An old friend, employer and business mentor of mine had told me about it and not long after, I contacted the agent from LoopNet, Nelson Oswald, to discuss various options but haven’t heard back from his first response in which he stated:

“Are you still interested in discussing availability of Stokesay property? The business had to be closed due to serious illness of owner. Unfortunately it is not feasible to lease the property for a single year-end event. However, I would like to show the property to you and discuss various options such as: Price is negotiable, owner’s may hold some secondary financing for qualified/experienced buyer, excluding newer residential property located on the 10+/- acres… resulting a price reduction, etc.”

That was from December 1st, 2008. I’ve just emailed the owner through the email listed on the Stokesay Castle website, hoping to plead my case for a lease-to-own arrangement. Hopefully I receive a favorable response soon.
–
Update from the owners earlier today: “A year ago we would have been able to possibly work out an arrangement with you, but unfortunately we have had to place the business in chapter 11 bankruptcy. The business was turned over to the court system and lawyers. It is currently set-up to be auctioned off by March 15th. I can give your the lawyers name and phone number but that is the best that we can do. We wish the best to you and your family.”

I’ll give the lawyer a whirl for the sake of thoroughness but it’s sounding even more unlikely at this point. Too bad…

Time for some list-making with my first, Top 10 list of the new year.

This is a Top 10 of all my favorites, spanning any and every category. From favorite travel destinations, films, books, websites, events, jobs, and anything else that tickles my list-making fancy. Also, it should be noted that it’s been posted in no particular order.

1. Favorite Trip
I flew into Barcelona after my first European trip and job with The Do LaB in Portugal and did some sight-seeing with Patricio and finally got to see Amanda, meet her husband and otherwise catch up with her life of 10-years there in Europe.

2. Favorite Job With The Do LaB
I think my favorite job with these guys this past year was the one for SpeakerCraft. Everyone kicked ass for weeks in the pre-fab, load-in and setup in Denver at the Cedia Convention. That job was the most taxing in terms of details we’ve yet done and it really showed. It was so much work but in the end it turned out amazingly beautiful.

3. Favorite Live Show
Nine Inch Nails’ show in Baltimore, MD at the Virgin Music Festival was definitely my favorite show of the year. I always love Trent Reznor’s music and his live performances with a band are one of the best. Plus, I got to bring Tristan and my old high-school friend Jesse Buck along too; it was both their first time seeing NIN live.

4. Favorite New Web Service
I think definitely without a doubt, that Posterous was the coolest new web utility service. I discovered it late in the year but have been thoroughly enjoying its use ever since.

5. Favorite New Book
My favorite new read of the year had to be “From Program To Product – Turning Your Code Into A Saleable Product” by Rocky Smolin.

6. Favorite Gift
Definitely without a doubt was Tristan’s handmade pregnant belly cast she made for me at Christmas.

7. Favorite News
No it wasn’t Obama winning, it was the unforgettable news that I was going to have my first child and a son at that. He’s growing nice and strong and due in 3 weeks.

8. Favorite New Album
This is a bit tough but would have to say Booka Shade’s “Movements”. Then Santogold’s self-titled album, followed by Death Cab’s “Narrow Stairs”.

9. Favorite New Movie
Hmm, another toughie but I’m gonna’ have to say Iron Man I think. Tropic Thunder, Batman: The Dark Knight, Speedracer, and a few others were all great too, but I think Iron Man was one of the most well done comic book adaptations yet, and a great first-time effort in one from Robery Downey, Jr.

10. Favorite Activity
Blogging has proven the most enjoyable activity that I’ve pursued this year. My creative pursuits have kind of been up and down a lot over the last few years so blogging has helped to stabilize and fulfill the need for a healthy, consistent outlet of expression. Plus, I received my first check in related advertising.

Ball Drop

Originally uploaded by JediWright

New Year’s Eve celebrations are a dime a dozen, especially in cities ’round the world. House parties with friends are probably the most common here in the States, next to major towns and cities hosting public celebrations.

This year, er last year, Tristan and I spent our night with my brother Ben and his girlfriend Jen, our step-brother Justin and his girlfriend, and some of our friends, totaling just 11.

We were the first to arrive, getting to Jen’s parents place around 8:30pm. We took a small soundsystem, some food and drink left-over from my 30th bday party (love me some recycling in any way possible . The other guests started showing up not long after.

We had a nice selection of beer thanks to my bro and a great spread of food by Jen. We chatted about relationships, politics, law, beer, the house we were hanging in, our accident from earlier that day, and a host of other random subjects.

We probably had our most fun though when playing Taboo – good ol’ slapstick fun. Or whatever. Not quite my normal activities compared to the last 6-7 years’ celebratons, but still a good time.

Last year we dropped by Tristan’s sister Olivia’s place for a drink and then headed off to our last major Green Sector party, which was held at Creativity in Venice. That was an okay time, but it too was pretty low-key.

Seems like things are mellowing out, year after year. I think everyone’s just so overstimulated these days that not much is super-exciting. Don’t get me wrong, I really enjoyed myself last night. But part of me always craves for the big lights/soundsystems/crowds/etc.

Maybe next year will be that all-out-year, if The Do LaB does another NYE event; their last was back in 2004.

No matter what though, that transition will always retain some measure of magic and excitement. Change is an awesome thing.

Happy New Year!

p.s. The rest of my pics from last night are up on my Flickr now.

ohio_edwards-sisters

Originally uploaded by JediWright

One half sister, one half daughter, one half mother-to-be, and one half my other half. All that and more is Tristan, on the left-hand half of this pic, the other half is her sister Olivia and one of her other halves; or should I make that one fifth?

They’ve always been inseparable until Tristan and I moved to PA, now there really struggling with the separation from each other. So much so that we’re most likely moving back to LA after the baby’s born.

I had hoped the move here would be the best move for the baby, but it’s proving otherwise on some levels. Hopefully her depression subsides with some recent homeopathic herbal remedy we picked up today from Nature’s Garden (in Exeter). Our midwife recommended it to us this morning.

Anyway, these girls are one-of-a-kind. There reunion will be a fresh start in some ways and they’ll probably become closer than ever. Which is all well and good by me, cause the baby will get that much more attention, as will Tristan.

And I’ll be able to return some of my energy and focus to creating the kind of success we’ll need to support this growing little family.