Just needed a little Push...

So one of the reasons I bailed out half way through #100HappyDays was because some of the things that make me happy take longer than a single day. For example, making music.

Those of you who have been following my adventures to date will recall my posting a link to a song (or track) I've made over here, the first I've finished in a very long time. Given one of my hopes in being here was to tap into my creative side a bit more, it was a thrill to finish something and share it with the world.

Added to that thrill is the inspiration that comes from Mike Monday, a former DJ and music producer who now runs a program called Start Now Finish Fast. The program is focussed on helping electronic music makers get past the many barriers, real and imagined, to success and increase their output and enjoyment. The tools this program equips you with go far beyond just making music, but rather any pursuit you set your mind to, really. Any of you creative types should really consider checking it out. But in short, we learn by doing, and essentially fail our way to success.

In order to increase my efficiency, I made the decision to purchase a Push controller, for use with Ableton Live music making and performance software, which I have been using for around 8 years now. They were having a sale, and I decided somehwat spur-of-the-moment to bite the bullet and get one.

The package awaiting payment
of import tax. Biro for scale.

For a minute I regretted the decision. Despite my best efforts, including enlisting the help of an Indonesian local, there was no information to be found on the internet to help determine import duties on bringing this gear in to Indonesia (thanks for nothing, Indonesia Postal Services). Turns out to be around 35% - on a package weighing 4.2 kgms and valued at $USD 500+. Total import tax of about 1.75 million idr - about $AUD 160. Youch.

A few pics of the device below.

Charlie can't keep his hands off the pretty lights.

In short, this is a music creation tool, with the coloured buttons used to play and sequence drum sounds, or play musical scales using a very clever grid layout, as pictured above under Charlie's stubby little fingers. I wasn't sure just how much this would speed up my workflow. But I can tell you now, it is significant. I won't bore you with the details - feel free to ask if you are interested. But suffice to say, I made what I think is the best piece I've ever done in about half a day (not including another day spent mixing and polishing). Making music has never been so quick or fun.

Anyway (tl;dr) - below is a link to my first creative effort using Push. It's still far from perfect (he says after every thing he ever does!), but if Mike Monday's advice is true, then this is a pretty sweet failure on the way to a win. It's a progressive house club track, so if that's not your bag feel free to tune out now. But for those who don't mind it deep, dark and long, turn off the lights, chuck on your headphones with some decent volume and let this take you for a ride.

Cheers

Massages. While you eat.

In the southern tourist part of town, Jalan Prawirotaman, there is a funny old character named Bapak O'Om. Not sure of the spelling, but it's pronounced 'Oh-ohm'. We've met him on previous trips, as he goes from restaurant to restaurant, bar to bar, offering massages to the patrons for a small fee. And while he rubs  head, face, neck and shoulders, he delights in talking of his family, especially his children, of whom he is incredibly proud. He's one of the true characters of Jogja.

Here he is, massaging my wife, bringing her as much joy as the Via Via bakery cheesecake we shared shortly afterwards. Conversation with Pak O'Om of course focussed mostly on his family, and ours - especially the new addition. He is incredibly confident he knows the gender. And in September we find out if he was right.

The funny things Indonesians write on their vehicles...

I have no idea what is written in the dirt, but in a country known for its zero tolerance policy on drugs, painting this name on your truck seems a little overt. 

#100HappyDays - A Premature Conclusion

I think I'm going to bring this 100 Happy Days thing to a close at 50. Mainly because I see it more as 100 Interesting Days - and not every day is interesting. That doesn't mean they are unhappy - just not worth writing about. And consequently updating this blog daily has become a bit of a chore, which is not how I want it to be. So I think what I'm going to do from now on is just post interesting things in the main blog part - sometimes short entries, maybe longer ones every now and then, and pictures where I have ones worth sharing.

How's that sound to you?

#100HappyDays - Day 50 - the Socceroos last match

Halfway through this #100HappyDays affair, and not great at keeping up with it. But I must say, I am sure that it works. Having motivation to seek out the positives from the crappiest days does make me feel overall more happy.

Stayed up to watch the Socceroos last game in the World Cup 2014, against Spain. As expected, we went down convincingly to Spain, and without the confidence that veterans Tim Cahill and especially midfielder Mark Bresciano inspire in the younger players, it was still a gutsy match. Happy to be able to support my team, even if they don't win.

#100HappyDays - Day 49 - A Birth Plan

The wife and I took a car out to Klaten, rather than riding a scooter like the previous trip, and while it was a little more expensive, it was certainly a wise decision from a comfort perspective.

We met Ibu Yesse, who seems to be pretty much exactly the kind of midwife we want. She was perhaps a little reserved with us, but maybe she doesn't work with many bule. And she has had to fight to keep doing what she does, with much resistance from people here who are still unable to consider that a hospital birth isn't the best option for some people.

Anyway, Rencana (plan) A, home birth. Rencana B, got to the clinic in Klaten if Ibu can't be at the home birth for any reason. Rencana C - Rumah Sakit (Hospital), if there is a need to seek medical help.

A big relief for Kai and I.

#100HappyDays - Day 48 - Recovery breakfast

Not much to write about here, as I ended up dreadfully sick after the wedding (and no, I don't think the alcohol was to blame). But the breakfast with friends at Mediaterranea (before they were even officially open for the day) was great.

Being this sick reminds me to appreciate health when I have it.

#100HappyDays - Day 47 - DJing at Rini's Wedding

(still playing but catch up here - but who cares)

Babun, myself and Uki - photo courtesy Uki.

Was asked by our friend Rini if I would DJ at her wedding, to complement the band. Fun was had. Though lordy it was humid.