Weekend links.

A busy week...at home!  That's right -- I turned down every invitation this week (except a very limited few) and loved every minute of it.  I made progress on my book.  I worked out.  I didn't drink.  I pitched places.  I might have possibly come up with a secret burger celebrating the UAE astronaut Hazzaa.  Overall, I probably went a bit too far on the side of introversion, but that's okay.  As I said to someone on a call this week, my approach to the busy season in Dubai right now is 'mercenary.'  I'm making choices fully motivated by a) is it paid? and b) what is the networking like?  I feel fortunate to be at a point where I have invitations if I need them, but in evolving what I'm doing (copywriting/looking beyond Dubai), there can't be time for everyone.

• Are your swizzle sticks worth something?
• As a window sitter (always), who has the right to the window shade?  (PS, I shut that shit as soon as possible).
• A reservation in the UN delegates dining room (yes, it's possible).
• Why you hate the word moist.
• Check out my new articles for Dining and Nightlife Middle East?
• Reducing waste in the air.
• That time I was on The World's Most Luxurious Hotels.
• Lessons about food waste.
• Buy me any of these advent calendars.

This weekend sees us brunching at Boca (it's been too long!) and looking for our new place for next year.  Next week sees me presenting at the Travel Tech conference (as well as moderating a panel), I'll also be interviewing and moderating at the Restaurants, Cafes, and Bars conference, on the radio, and of course, volunteering at K9 Friends.  And somehow, I'm running a 5K next Friday.  Busy times!!! What are you up to this week?