Yellow Bricks

Ok here's the deal.  I know my millions of blog readers will be disappointed, but frankly I don't have the time nor the writing ability (see icatlin.vox.com or chickfreakcubed.vox.com) to keep using VOX.  So I've found a blogging system that allows me to be more mobile and doesn't bedazzle me with so many features, which frankly keep this ADD a.k.a multi-tasking mind of mine to busy changing things instead of posting.  So I've found a new home @ lukecatlin.posterous.com.  I hope you'll stop by to say hi and add me to your blogrolls (links for those less "in the geekspeak".)  I know my millions of readers are crying now.  But I must stay true to form.

I've been spending a good deal of time lately preparing for the next Mary Kay Seminar in Dallas in July.  I decided that it was time to update the branding for Pink Office, since we are close to introducing a new version of the application.  Below is the current logo we've had since we launched in 2000 and the new one.  I really think the new one helps update the look considerably.

current logo

new logo

Cas Haley appeared last year around this time on America's Got Talent.  He was my favorite to win, though he was beat out by a ventriloquist.  Come on people a ventriloquist??  Needless to say I don't watch this show now after that tragedy of choice makin.  However, I just purchased what I think was his first solo CD on iTunes.  I'm not normally into this type of sound, but he just floored me with his variation of the Police song "Walking on the Moon."  Check it out and support the guy if you like it.  You can find him on iTunes.  Oh yeah almost forgot....my apologies in advance for showing anything with David Hasselhof.

Just wanted to let those 2-3 people that read my blog know that I've reached a milestone.  Recently I vocalized that I was content in Wichita, Kansas.  This from a guy that has obsessed about relocating to the Northwest for 13+ years. Upon our recent vacation to Seattle / Portland I realized that though I still love it there, that the time just isn't right to live there.  It may or may not ever be.  Talk about waiting on the Lord.  I hope 13 years constitutes doing so.  Granted I'm sure God has probably been trying to tell me for some time, I've just chose not to listen.  I'm looking forward to what the state of contentment actually means to my daily life.  My wife asks me what my next obsession will be.  Hopefully it will be not to have one for awhile.

Came across this short movie clip while sorting through old photos.  Carrie & I both crack up everytime we see it.  It's like she saying, "I can't believe I stopped for the paparazzi to take another picture"

My lovely wife Carrie has shown an interest in photography and to help support this new hobby I've been researching new digital cameras.  Though I pride myself as fairly technical by nature, there is tons to learn when it comes to digital photography.  I was originally leaning towards a DSLR on the recommendation of a colleague, however after evaluating and getting feedback from what Carrie needed I settled on the Nikon Coolpix P80.  It just released in the US and though it's not a SLR it has many of the features of one.  Her main wants from a new camera were the ability to take quick pics (hard to keep the kiddos still for long) and the ability to zoom.  The P80 has an 18X zoom.  Hope she enjoys it.  It's an early 10th anniversary present. :-)

15029_super

I broke down today and purchased an Apple TV.  I actually owned one for a day last year.  See in this moment of weakness, I purchased one from Best Buy.  However I took it home and realized that my XBOX would do everything that the AppleTV did, albeit not as gracefully.  Well time passed and Apple decided to upgrade the software in the AppleTV to add the killer ability to get HD movie rentals.  While shopping at Sam's Club for a month of groceries, I noticed an AppleTV display in their clearance section.  Having learned that everything was negotiable, I found the dude that runs the electronics section of Sam's and proceeded to talk him into a lower price.  I was able to get him talked down about 20 clams, which for a first attempt wasn't bad..given that Big Box retailers usually won't negotiate on electronics, especially Apple products.  Well today, I stopped by again to find out if they'd sold the it yet.  I found the same manager again and tried to work my magic.  This time I was able to convince him to reduce by $65.00.  Well, I'm proud to say I'm the new owner of an AppleTV...new in the box baby.

Appletv

Alright it's gray & rainy here in Wichita, I'm working in the office and the honey calls offering up Starbuck's magic.  Ok, I'm officially ready to leave for our 10th anniversary trip to Seattle & Portland.  However 28 more days have to pass until we fly the friendly skies.  Carrie & I recently sat down together to plan our itinerary, little did we realize the Fodor's Pacific Northwest travel guide (and no..not that Hobbit from Lord of the Rings, he's Frodo) had already had our trip planned (w/ slight modifications) for us.  I now recommend their travel books to those of you looking for more "planned" travel experiences.  So now you know why I use the Seattle & Portland themes for the blog.  I'm what you'd call somewhat of a "Northwest Admirer".  

Fodor's Pacific Northwest, 16th Edition (Fodor's Gold Guides)

Fodor's