Yes, go ahead and berate me for not posting. I deserve it. Truth be known, i grew tired of blogging. I find that facebook is a better outlet for my different moods and, frankly, didn't involve so much time to prepare.
So, now, i give you a hodgepodge of topics to read about...in no particular order.
Finding Reason...I'm sure, by now, you have realized that you haven't seen much from me with regards to Finding Reason (either here or on Facebook). Well, the reason for that is that I am no longer a member of Finding Reason. I was replaced by someone with more talent than myself. Yes. It's true. The band that I help start released me of my duties at the beginning of June. Yes, it sucks. And yes it hurt. I miss playing with those guys. There were no creative conflicts or personality issues. I just wasn't playing to the level that would take the band to the next level. It was a business decision. I have no hard feelings towards those guys, although i do wish things were different. Will I make a return to the music scene? Unlikely. However, i do hope to find some time to take some lessons to help me get better.
Sticking with the music theme, i recently saw a sold-out Lady Gaga show. It's been quite a while since i've been to a mainstream live music act. Normally, i would do a complete show review, but since it's been a while, i wouldn't be able to do it justice. I will say that I'm glad i did get to see the show. I called it a popera. pop + opera = popera. Essentially, Lady Gaga told a story and incorporated her music into the production. The stage setup changed with the different scenes. And of course, Lady Gaga herself had many wardrobe changes. And yes, her outfits were just bizarre. If you'd like to see her show, too bad...the next Houston performance is already sold out for April 2011. Lady Gaga was just a little too preachy for me, but it was an entertaining show...i think that was my first pop show.
Shifting gears...In July, i celebrated my 10th year in the manned space flight business. It's hard to believe that. I have seen and done a lot in that amount of time. I've gained so many friends here and on two different continents (Europe and Asia). Coming out of college...or heck, even high school, i never would have imagined that i would travel to Moscow, Russia (5 times) or to Tsukuba, Japan...or accumulate over 3500 hours of console time flying the International Space Station. The space station contract has been extended to at least 2020. Will i spend another 10 years in the human space flight business? Only time will tell...but i hope to be engaged in that for a while. It has been challenging of late (mostly due to management), but I aim to stay put for a little while longer.
Speaking of Moscow and Japan, I was in Moscow in April and then Japan in June. Both were for work. That was my 5th trip to Moscow and my first to Japan. Interestingly enough, these two countries are 180 degree apart in almost every way. It was great to experience both and to make new friends. This is one of my most favorite parts of my job. The flight to Japan was much more pleasant than the flight to Moscow...even though it was 2 hours longer. I tried sushi for the first time ever...and it is not for me. Maybe future blogs will contain pictures...
Well, i don't want to overload you on this first post in over 3 months. I will end it here. I have more items to share with you, so i will be back...
