A Wink and a Smile

About that time again...

2011-07-24T16:49:00.001-06:00

Starting a new personal blog over here:
taylorrific.posterous.com

Not that I ever really write in this one anymore anyway.
Which means I doubt anyone even reads this anymore.

A Higher... Something

2010-10-09T23:35:00.000-06:00

After a jam-packed day of Oktoberfest, beer drinking, bonfiring, and more beer drinking, I ended up in an amazing (albeit fairly drunken) conversation with two of my best friends about religion. I LOVE talking about religion. Not in a Bible-beating sort of way, not in an "I'm right and you're not" sort of way, but in a passionate, heated, conversational/informational kind of way. I LOVE hearing different opinions and stances and beliefs. Something about it just fires me up. I am very solid in my belief in a higher power, a higher something, in God. Yet my beliefs are quite liberal. Living in the Bible belt, yet being a firm believer in God, I find it difficult and stifling to engage in religious conversation. I realize that a majority of people who believe are very closed minded and thus I rarely get to talk about it. Which is sad. I don't like arguments and I don't like blanket statements, so for the most part, those kinds of conversations are out of the question. Most people can't discuss without those kinds of reactions. Anger tends to be a byproduct, so to find myself in a conversation on the topic that is actually enlightening, interesting, engaging and just conversational, I always find delightful. Some of the best conversations I've ever had have been about religion in groups of people who practice and believe all different religions or even none at all. Anywho, it pretty much made my evening. Well, that and the whole bonfire and beer drinking part probably didn't hurt.

Week of Weeks

2010-10-08T21:37:00.000-06:00

This week's been an interesting one. It's felt twice as long as the average week yet I can't believe it's already the weekend. I've had something going on pretty much every night this last week. Not that anyone needs a rundown, but here goes.

Monday night I met a new hiking friend. His name is Preston and he's the brother of the husband of a co-worker's best friend. Random eh? We hung out for a couple hours over a beer and quesadillas (NOT a date). He's obsessed with hiking, really into cooking, works in horticulture and is nerdy in a non-technological way which I find refreshing, he's easy to talk to, laid back, and dare-I-say cute? I hope he'll be a good friend. I can't say I've got a crush on the boy, but I'm sure it's possible down the road. Right now, I'm just excited to have a potentially new mountain-crashing cohort.

Tuesday night I kicked off a drawing club! I'm trying to get some creative friends, co-workers and friends-of-co-workers together weekly to draw while possibly enjoying frosty beverages and enjoy some conversation. The first event was great! My co-workers Lauren, Elizabeth and Trey participated along with a friend of Elizabeth. It was a great time and I hope to keep it up and add to the group.

Wednesday night I cleaned my apartment, made homemade minestrone and experimented with my new French press. Not too exciting, but satisfying.

Thursday night I skipped out on a free show downtown to have girl's night with a friend of mine. We went to Rumours, a wine bar up the street, got annoyingly drunk, talked about work and boys and all your typical crap. We were loud and boisterous, spoke of things one only talks about when drunk and probably far too loudly while dropping far too many F-Bombs. It happens. It was a good time.

And tonight I had a dinner/bible study get-together with some girlfriends over homemade pizza, salad and brownies. We share concerns, prayers, praises, the week's events, our lives in general. It was nice. Truly. I can't say I'm as solidly devout as these girls are, but they help round me out and make me a better person. They are a great support system and just good people. And you can't go wrong with good people.

And as the week's evenings were packed and full of life, the days themselves were back and forth. I found out the Lynda project I was potentially offered isn't going to work out. If I brush up on my teaching skills, possibly in six months, but all in all I'm not all that disappointed. Which is odd for me. These things usually devastate me, but not so much this time. It actually felt like a bit of a relief. I also bought plane tickets to NYC to watch Morgan run the marathon and get to see my parents, sisters, cousins, aunt and uncle. My mom found out her dog, which she expected to have to put down this week, is going to be receiving some new joint treatments and is expected to live at least two more years, much more exciting than the few days my mom was expecting. I lost a $200 money order. I spent time in meetings about some exciting work initiatives that have me pumped about my job, scared of the timeline, excited for some challenges that lie ahead, and find myself in love with my job all over again.

I've been crazy busy, thinking about so many things, exciting things. Travel, work, boys, friends, good times, eating, drinking and general merriment. And all this thinking brings me around to this: I am 27 for less than 2 more weeks. I will be 28, two years shy of 30. I NEED to set some goals, work towards them, achieve them. This life is good. It's crazy, it's busy, it's moving fast and is far too short. I need to make the most of what I've got and go after the things I don't have and cherish every moment, thought, idea, friend, foe and experience.

Positivity

2010-08-14T11:17:00.000-06:00

I ended this week truly feeling like I've had a bad week. I've felt stressed out, which, despite a number of irons in the fire, I really shouldn't be as stressed out as I've been feeling. I've felt homesick, on which I blame the summer heat and ensuing cabin fever. Yet when I really look back at my week, it wasn't a bad week at all. My problem wasn't the week, but the folks I surrounded myself with. Between some crabby clients, friends having rough weeks, a friend who constantly complains and is depressed about life, to my sisters and their usual boy/friend/boyfriend dramas, to dramas with parents and just drama in general, I realize now that all that outside negativity really weighed me down. My week may have been slightly stressful, but was in no way a bad week.

This week, I am going to be positive. Not in that obnoxious way that some folks can be, but just generally happy. And I refuse to talk to any friends or family who are down on their lives. I can't handle it. For my own sanity, I need to take a week and break away from the sadness. I want to be there for friends and want to listen and hear them out, but for my own well-being I need to just step back a minute and look at how good my life is. Because my life is pretty darn great! It really is. I have a great job, great friends, a loving (albeit dramatic) family. I have some great opportunities I'm working on, am making use of my talents, which I'm lucky to have quite a few. I make decent money, live in a nice area in a nice apartment and have no reason whatsoever to be down on myself. NONE. YOU HEAR THAT BRAIN?! NONE! (ok, maybe I'm going crazy, but I can live with that).

I am going to run more this week. Eat better. Be more productive. Catch up with friends. Care more. And do my darndest to bring some cheer to my own life and that of others. I think tomorrow I will bake a Tandy Cake to bring in to work on Monday. Nothing starts a week off better than a cake topped with peanut butter and chocolate.

I am creepy

2010-08-10T15:05:00.001-06:00

Or supposedly, I have a creepy smile while I sit and work at my desk. I'm not sure how I feel about that. I think mostly self-conscious.

Nothing Exciting to See Here Folks

2010-08-09T00:18:00.001-06:00

My weekend wasn't overly exciting. Or really exciting at all, but I got a bit accomplished. Some tasks frivolous, some productive. I spent yesterday working on some Lynda stuff. If you're familiar with Lynda.com, you'll know that they offer some seriously top-notch tutorials and are pretty well-known in the design and tech community. Awesomely enough, I got a call last week, thanks to Marc, a co-worker of mine (he's an amazing networker). And this call was from Lynda, asking if I'd be interested in creating an HTML Email-themed tutorial. Which is obvious, since that's what I do all day every day, but still exciting and butterfly-inducing. Needless to say, there's heaps of paperwork, lots and lots to do this week. The gig's not final, they have to see if I'm a fit, but let's just say I'm WAY excited. And WAY nervous, in the best way possible.

Anywho, I spent a good bit of time on that this weekend, and just finished revising a business card design for a friend. I also tweaked my other blog design and twitter theme. Nothing major there. Lots of computer time put in this weekend, and could technically afford to put in more, but my peepers are tired. Much more computer time than I would like for a weekend for sure, but all of it worth it.

In non-technological things, I went to Radnor Lake TWICE this weekend. I hiked all the trails that are open and am sad that South Cove trail is still closed due to flood damage. It's my favorite trail. I am also kicking myself for not bringing a camera either day. It's so beautiful there and I inevitably run into a deer or two or five. One of these days I'll think to bring one.

I also bought some new felt shoes, a button down flower-print shirt and pink T from Target, went to Barnes & Noble to catch up on magazine consumption, Acolyte-ed at church and enjoyed coffee at Fido. All in all a semi-busy and mostly enjoyable weekend. Not very social, but these things happen.

Things I did NOT do:
Clean my apartment
Clean my bathroom
Clean my car out
Work on illustrations
Bake
Socialize (well, I did a little bit)

1:18am and I'm just now thinking of bed. This is a habit I should really try and change. Truly.

Sidenote: A friend of mine has talked me into watching Battlestar Galactica. I'm kind of excited to start a new [old] show, regardless of the nerd factor (like that's ever stopped me from doing anything before). I just have to find someone with some DVDs to share and I'm all set. I'm sure I'll post ramblings of it as I go along. And be sure to expect some Dexter Season 4 updates coming in the next month or so. When did I start watching so much TV??? Oy.

Weight Loss, Wellness and a year of BRCA

2010-08-07T22:48:00.004-06:00

I'm back on the WW wagon. I'm a bit reticent to mention it this time around, mostly because it's the third time around and I'm trying to lose weight I've lost before. The neverending frustration of the battles of the scales! The good news is this is the best I've done on it so far. I'm down 8.5lb. in 4 weeks and am back to jogging and have actually made it out to hike around Radnor Lake here and there despite the miserable heat. I'm hoping that by September I'll be in prime backpacking shape.

My goal this time around is to lose about 25-30lb. by my birthday, and so far so good. This also spurs from last year's BRCA1 news, which I don't feel like blogging about, and if anyone is actually reading this, chances are they already know that story. My doctor says the best way to decrease my almost imminent chances of breast and/or ovarian cancer is to lose the weight, eat right and exercise. Limit alcohol and just live a healthier life. Following WW pretty much ensures ALL those things happen, and I'm not depriving myself of any major food groups or good times with friends, so it's really a win win way to go.

It's been about a year since the gene testing and almost a year since finding out and I'm just now taking it seriously. I feel like when I found out I was petrified then went into a state of indifference, moved into a state of denial and have now come back around to reason and am taking the issue seriously, with almost 20 extra pounds to deal with. I have my next doctor's appointment at the end of September and am hoping to have shed some pounds by then. She's not the friendliest of doctors and if I can push it in her face (along with the obvious benefits of living healthier) I'll be a happy camper.

This time around on WW I'm going the meetings route, and while at times it feels like I'm in an AA meeting for fat people, it's a nice support group and everyone there is so happy and motivating. Some of the folks there (women AND men) have lost 150-200 or more pounds and it's so awesome to hear their stories and how their lives have been changed. Regardless of the weight loss issues, it's nice to be around such positive people. It makes me happy to hear how people change their lives for the better. Too many people live in their excuses (I'm no exception on various topics) and it's really great to see people stand up for themselves and live their lives to the fullest.

Anywho, I'm not to a weight yet where I actually feel like I've accomplished anything, but I'll be there soon enough. I keep trying to visualize myself being 25lb. lighter by the end of October and will be so amazed/ecstatic/thrilled/excited to actually reach that goal. 28 isn't really a big number, no major importance, but one year closer to 30 and I plan on going in to my 30s with more gusto than imaginable, cancer-threats be damned!

Midnight Oil. And Then Some.

2010-08-02T00:37:00.002-06:00

It's 1:30am and I'm sadly wide awake. Rather than laying in bed with my eyes shut as I tried doing for almost an hour, I'm instead surfing around the internet.

I'm in a bit of a learning mode lately. Watched a web design tutorial on Lynda.com, reading up on HTML5 , experimenting with some illustration projects and pattern creations, and now downloading Moveable Type. On the non-digital front I had a 7 hour one-on-one pastry class today at Flyte (more on that story at my other blog later this week). I'm thinking the fact that I ate 4 croissants and a cupcake today could attribute to the not-being-able-to-sleep ordeal. And to combat the sugary baked good overload and sleeping issues as of late, I plan on running tomorrow and possibly taking a kickboxing class. I think if I get myself back into a regular workout routine I might be able to get back to some semblance of a normal sleep pattern. At the very least, going to bed past 2am and waking up at 6 should make it easier to fall asleep tomorrow night for sure.

Hot Air

2010-07-31T21:41:00.004-06:00

I sat outside today in 90-some degree, muggy, post-rainfall, mosquito-laden weather with friends who are shooting for a 48 hour film festival. I was surprisingly not uncomfortable. My blood is turning more and more southern, but my heart, my heart is aching for colder weather. I want fall dammit. The first summer living in Tennessee was about this hot, for not quite as long, and it stayed hot through October. Not until October, but through it. I literally pray that is not the case this year, but am too leery to get my hopes up. The letdown would be too much.

On that note, I am itchy for the mountains. I know the weather is not something I can change and don't plan on moving back north anytime soon, if ever. I figure it's best to adopt the "can't beat 'em, join 'em" attitude. If I can't fight the heat, I might as well beat it and head to the mountains. I am tired of my AC's face and am jonesing for some shade, creeks, thinner air, and the smell of earth. Next Saturday, I will be in the mountains. Whether it be the Cumberland, Big South Fork or the Smokies. Come hell or high water, I will be booted, bug-sprayed, clif-bar-stocked and smiling from ear to ear in the middle of the woods in the middle of nowhere.

p.s. I think I'm jumping back on the regular blogging bandwagon. Time will tell, but I miss writing more than what will fit in a Facebook or Twitter update. Even if it is only about the mundane goings-on of my day to day. Expect cat pictures.

2008-12-31T16:46:00.001-06:00

I really need to update more often.

Merry Christmas to all my Design Nerd Friends

2008-12-16T13:25:00.001-06:00

Feeling Good, Nina Simone
Uploaded by mrfnk

The Ever-Dreaded Christmas List

2008-11-12T14:10:00.002-06:00

I hate coming up with Christmas lists. I can never think of what to put down. My sisters put down the same stuff every year:
jewelry
perfume
lotions
purses
clothes..

and then there's me...
utility/swiss army knife for hiking
sports watch
yoga mat
portion bowls
recipe organizer
Dial-a-Slice apple corer/divider
Nalgene flask
Ralph Lauren Romance Perfume (maybe there's hope?)
lots and lots of books

Oh-Bama

2008-11-05T07:54:00.003-06:00

This overwhelming feeling of excitement definitely beats the knot-of-doom in the pit of my stomach after the 04 elections. Sigh. So happy.

Liberal

2008-11-04T12:55:00.000-06:00

“What did liberals do that was so offensive to the Republican Party? I’ll tell you what they did. Liberals got women the right to vote. Liberals got African-Americans the right to vote. Liberals created Social Security and lifted millions of elderly people out of poverty. Liberals ended segregation. Liberals passed the Civil Rights Act, the Voting Rights Act. Liberals created Medicare. Liberals passed the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act. What did Conservatives do? They opposed them on every one of those things, every one. So when you try to hurl that label at my feet, ‘Liberal,’ as if it were something to be ashamed of, something dirty, something to run away from, it won’t work, because I will pick up that label and I will wear it as a badge of honor.”
— taken from a Tumble blog who took it from West Wing

26

2008-10-22T12:15:00.002-06:00

No longer in the early 20's. So far it's been a great birthday. Went to dinner with my buddy Daff last night, tonight it's a Flight of the Conchords movie night with friends, surprise bday cake at work (not just one but TWO cakes! red velvet and german chocolate. mmm), a very happy email from a client this morning who loved her stationery, spent some cash for new goods at REI, talked to my mom this morning, the cats were particularly cuddly this morning, the weather is perfect fall weather.

Overall things are going well! :-)

Happy Day of my Birth to me!

Reminds me of my days at HARLO..

2008-10-16T07:20:00.002-06:00

See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor.

Pay it Forward

2008-10-12T08:50:00.000-06:00

Tumblr

2008-10-03T16:01:00.000-06:00

I've started a new creative blog on Tumblr. It's really fun so far. Very easy to post just random stuff. I plan on posting some of my artwork, stuff I find on line and stuff reposted from other blogs. Read: Eye Candy Explosion.

taylorrific.tumblr.com

My Heart is Full of Happy

2008-10-03T08:59:00.003-06:00

A couple days late in coming, but no matter. It's October, and despite the overwhelming work load at work and home and a crazy-busy life, I'm happy. The weather has been in the 40s in the mornings and I've started running again. I created my own Zen alarm clock, which sounds a soothing chime/gong every so many minutes until it is every couple seconds. It gradually brings you out of sleep as opposed to the jarring, half-heart-attack-like buzzer of my regular alarm. Here is a blog post telling how to set that up. I set my iPod up to some $8 speakers and it works like a charm. I've been getting up every morning at 6:30am for running, pilates or yoga. I'm especially loving running in the mornings. Fall is here and my heart is so full of cool weather and the idea of pumpkins and cider, I can hardly contain it.

At any rate. I hope you all are enjoying the fall and getting some nice weather. I'll be on an 18 mile hike tomorrow, taking it all in and suggest you get your tush in the woods and get your fall on.

Make up My Mind

2008-10-03T08:55:00.002-06:00

So I've moved my personal blog back here and am in the process of working up a creative blog on tumblr. And am also in the process of redesigning my website. I'm going to start focusing more on illustration because it's my first love and just more fun then regular design (and incorporating the two would be stellar). This means my site is going to be more *cute,* even though I despise the word "cute," and definitely more fun. I might maybe make a more clean/corporate page for those looking for that kind of design, but honestly, with working full time, the only design stuff i truly want to work on on the side is illustration work.

Anywho. As I tend to say far too often, I will be making changes.

Oh High School

2008-09-29T20:21:00.002-06:00

Thank you facebook (and past friends for posting pictures) for the ultimate boost in confidence.

Work? What's that?

2008-09-24T09:57:00.001-06:00

I think my coworkers have too much time on their hands. And for that, I'm much appreciative.

What Would Jesus Do? The Robot, of Course

2008-09-23T10:38:00.004-06:00

And be sure to check out He's Our Promised Seed.

Nashville has a Gas Problem

2008-09-22T12:43:00.004-06:00

Seriously spent 35 minutes in line for gas last Friday. Good thing I only fill up every couple weeks. I think I'll be walking to work for awhile until this nonsense dies down a bit. Craziness.

Sad Day for the CD House

2008-09-18T13:59:00.001-06:00

Fallify Me

2008-09-17T10:24:00.007-06:00

diamonds and tear drops - this is a love letter from the bordello of your imagination. - Yard Dogs Road Show
In a fantastic effort to kick off the 2008 Fall season, Mother Nature has blessed us with some seriously gorgeous weather. This week has been in the 60s and 70s with crystal blue skies. It makes my heart melt and soar all at the same time. I walked to work yesterday and just soaked it up and this weekend I'll be out in Soddy Daisy, TN, doing some trail and bridge building on the Cumberland Plateau. I honestly can't wait!

And to top off all of this Autumnal Excitement, I went to see the Yard Dogs Road Show last night. If these folks caravan to your area, please please please check them out. They are a phenomenal collection of bohemian (or hobohemian as they call themselves), burlesque, vaudeville, old-timey, rockabilly, creepy band of awesomeness. Their show kicks off with the Indigo Girls Belly Dance Troupe and the show is a lovely/creepy mix of amazing music, complete with an accordian and horns section, a sword swallower, magic tricks, glitter, confetti, and dancing. The tone is Tim Burtonesque with a serious underlying funk-fun feeling. It's wonderful. And so perfect for fall and Halloween. I loved them.

I also am hoping to check out the book written by the manager/leader, Eddy Joe Cotton. He was a hobo for 10 years, hopping trains around the country. He kept 23 journals throughout the course of his travels and the book is his story. It is even endorsed with a quote on the cover by Dave Eggers, which makes me want to read it all the more. I'm thinking something along the lines of Dharma Bums, but for real, and thus more exciting. It is not available at my library, although I may borrow it from my friend Jenn if I don't cave and buy it. I think it will be an amazing read!

I hope you are enjoying the weather as much as I am. I'm feeling it in my bones and it feels fantastic. Carve a pumpkin, make some cider, go for a hike, but whatever you do, don't sit on your ass and let this season pass you by.

Douchebaggery

2008-09-15T08:47:00.001-06:00

AKA Ticketmaster:

Couldn't Have Said it Better Myself..

2008-09-09T17:06:00.002-06:00

Who doesn't like a little Spam on a Tuesday afternoon?

From: Marion Donahue
Subject: the next time you're
Date: September 9, 2008 11:40:45 AM CDT
To: tschena@taylorrific.com

his stunningly clever use of Command by its very nature A consequence of these complaint. However it one day a week. the Trading Spaces show. any possible this should be your and credible investigation data it would be useful format designed for the way irritating and consequently super parents, I believe this message just do their academy committees for

provided, this letter sets

Oh Marion, you are quite the eloquent one, aren't you.

The Wrath of KU Public Safety

2008-09-05T08:58:00.001-06:00

Just when you thought you were safe...
Shelby, my younger sister, went to register her car at Public Safety today. This car happens to be the same car I used at Kutztown. Supposedly she can't register the car because I owe them $45 in unpaid parking tickets??? Huh what? First of all, I couldn't have graduated without paying my parking tickets, a diploma would not be sitting in my apartment if I had had outstanding tickets. At first I thought that maybe I had gotten a ticket after I graduated, but I would have visited friends at Kutztown in my own car, not the Mazda, so it wouldn't be on that file. According to the overly rude woman, I WAS sent a bill and I probably just "forgot" about it. I'm not the kind of person to let things like bills slide, I don't just "forget" to pay them. I tend to be overly responsible in that way. If I ever received a bill for $45, it would have been paid and if I had a $15 parking ticket, I certainly wouldn't have let it go to $45.

I'll know this afternoon the exact time that I received a ticket and where. Their system conveniently went down while I was on the phone. I also want to know EXACTLY when a bill was sent, because as far as I know, I never received a bill. I have a little bit of an idea that perhaps Shelby took the car to Kutztown last year and maybe got a ticket and since the car is in my name, it would be on my file.

I totally got in an argument with the lady at Public Safety. Sigh. Happy Friday Y'all!

Kermit Bale

2008-09-02T15:37:00.005-06:00

If you like Christian Bale and Kermit the Frog, check this out:
http://community.livejournal.com/ohnotheydidnt/27350111.html#cutid1

Guilty Pleasure....

2008-09-01T19:19:00.003-06:00

I suppose they call them that for a reason. Sigh. My latest guilty pleasure? The relatively new, über-shallow, pop-tastic, OMG-overloaded sitcom: Gossip Girl.

The worst part? There is absolutely nothing about this show that is good. Nothing. The whole premise (if you couldn't guess from the title) is drama and everyone talking about said drama. It's all a bunch of teenagers/early 20-somethings that cheat on each other, lie to each other, spend gobs of money on clothes and shoes, just a whole bunch of awful. Everything I ordinarily hate and loathe.. yet I'm hooked. And I have zero good reasons why. So sad.

Maybe I should spring for cable and start watching something educational. Or just read more. The CW should not be included in free rabbit-ears-style "cable." Totally defeats my purpose for not getting full cable.

Oy vey.

Go Commodores!

2008-09-01T16:25:00.002-06:00

As of today I'm "technically" a Vanderbilt student. Not really, but kind of. I registered for a Figure Drawing class today that will be every Wednesday from 6-8. I'm really excited about it! Turns out Vandy has a ton of art classes open to students, profs as well as the public. And the price was pretty cheap, $160 included registration and supplies so all I have to do now is show up.

I do have to say, it was strange being on their campus. Felt like a fish out of water. Lots of students all dolled up and looking preppy, but it was still reminisce of Kutztown's campus. I guess most campuses have that feel to them.

In other news, I thought I'd make a list of my favorite things that the South has to offer to combat the recent level of homesickness. I love:

• my church and all of my many Nashville grandmothers that go there. They are all so friendly and welcoming.
• random friendliness and the ability to ask almost any random person a question and they will almost always answer it with a smile and also ask how your day is going
• cheese grits (they are surprisingly delicious and even more surprisingly easy to make)
• sweet tea
• pretty much all other southern comfort foods including: fried chicken, collard greens, fried okra, meatloaf, macaroni & cheese, just about any vegetable casserole. biscuits.
• short winter and a long spring, and even though fall won't be brisk and cold, i think i'll like being able to go out hiking longer
• barbecue
• the pace is not as crazy (which on occasion is annoying, but not usually)
• the use of y'all (it's growing on me)
• i really enjoy the accent
• did i mention how friendly everyone is down here?

I hope everyone's been enjoying the long weekend!

Breaking News

2008-08-30T19:59:00.001-06:00

My little sister is a waitress at the APD.. Free chocolate chip pancakes and coffee for everyone!!

My Brain is Expanding!

2008-08-26T12:31:00.002-06:00

So my good buddy at work has found me Rosetta Stone (French) on a bitTorrent site and is giving it to me. I can't WAIT to see what I pull out of my subconscious. I've got 7 years of knowledge tucked away in there.

AAAAAAND even though we have a Lynda subscription at work, he's getting me the PHP and CSS tutorials so I can work on them at home without hogging up time online since only one person can be on at once. So so so so so excited! :-D

I'm really almost kind of am on the verge of randomly driving home for labor day, but it will cost a lot in gas so I probably won't. I don't need to lament on that notion, you all know what I'm talking about.

Instead I think I will immerse myself in computer geekology and study some languages.. both verbal and code. Some people may consider this a lame way to spend a three-day weekend, but I'm actually pretty stoked!

Fall is on its way

2008-08-25T10:43:00.003-06:00

This morning it was raining and dreary and there were dead leaves all over the patio. Granted, it won't get chilly around these parts til November (sad day), it still smelled like fall. And I want autumn. I want it so bad. I think I'll be able to handle the warmer atmosphere better this year than last, but my heart can't help but ache for a cold nose and the need for a scarf. Sigh.

For the first time ever, (and I feel blasphemous thinking this. Jenna, don't judge me) I want to skip right past fall and October and Halloween and move right on to Christmas. I love love LOVE Nashville, but I just can't shake this homesickness. This is the first time it's been this bad and the longest it's gone on for. Ugh. Morgan may visit for my bday, which I'm excited for, but knowing her, I won't get my hopes up until she's booked the ticket and is on her way. She's fickle like that. Sigh.

Anyway. Sept. 1st I sign up for a drawing class at Vandy! I'm excited for this. Meet some new folks, a new circle of people. Looking forward to it. Vary things up a little.

Nostalgia

2008-08-14T15:56:00.002-06:00

The smell of the Clorox Wipes (the kind with the green lid, not lemon scented) remind me of college and living in Lehigh.

Busy and Busier

2008-08-13T15:44:00.003-06:00

In between freelance and AIGA craziness, I'm feeling pretty stagnant. I've decided to add some more excitement to my life, learn some new stuff and just improve my quality of life overall. I've recently signed up and am planning to sign up for a lot of new stuff!

• Mondays & Tuesdays: Kickboxing class
• Wednesdays: (starting in September) A Life Drawing class at Vandy's Sarratt Art Center
• Thursdays: Ongoing AIGA Activities
• Fridays: Open for concerts, shows and other social/beer-drinking/entertainment-enjoying activities
• Saturdays: Hoping to sign up for some more hikes with the Meetup group, or go on some on my own. Need to do more backpacking
• Sundays: Church and am signing up for a supper club starting in September.

Particular events I'm stoked about:
• My Morning Jacket Concert
• AIGA Think Tank
• My birthday.. will be planning something this year. Just not sure what yet.
• Paris in May. I AM saving up for this. It WILL happen

Busy busy busy. I am SO ready for fall!! And to all my PA peeps reading this, I will be home for two weeks this year for Christmas and New Years and hope to visit as many friends as possible! So not only am I ready for fall, but I'm wicked excited for Christmas already as well.

Hope summer's winding down well for everyone!

Lazy Summer and Humid Thoughts

2008-08-03T21:06:00.004-06:00

I'm convinced that July didn't happen. Here it is late-summer already and I feel like I've blinked and time jumped from May to August without a second thought. It's been a busy summer, but not as busy as it should have been. Travelled home, went to Bonnaroo, worked on some freelance, and have been neck-deep with work at work. And after being down for the count for a week and a half from a sinus infection, I'm slowly crawling out of the haze and sluggishness that it has brought on. As is normal for me this time of year, I've become increasingly lazy, eating poorly, whatever I can scrounge up in less than 10 minutes, not wanting to go outside or move really. I just feel, I don't know, burnt-out. Stagnant. I find this has been happening more and more often. I need to change this.

I read my cards tonight (yes. I read tarot cards. Judge if you wish), two readings. A quick reading to answer a question/situation that's heavy on my mind and while the cards were reversed and heavy, the outcome looks good. And then did an overall major reading, one main question, but the cards brought up various answers and insights to some little things that have accumulated and showed me what I need to work on. The final culmination didn't show much, but my "future influence" was the Magician, a good sign overall. Potentially good change, and change that I need to make. Lots to think about, lots to do. I'm going on an 8 mile hike this weekend which I completely forgot about. It will be good. I need to clear my mind.

Also, I want to apologize to everyone I haven't kept in touch with. Jenna, I am going to call you this week. I just got your voicemail the other day when I was cleaning out old messages and never realized you had called. I wrote down your home number and am planning on giving you a call this week sometime. I also have some stuff to send out to you.

Also Also or P.P.S. I am going to very soon, within the next month, make this blog private. I'm going to start a design blog on tumblr.com and start writing more about design and art in general. If you're interested in staying up to date on this blog, email me at tschena@taylorrific.com and I'll send you an invite.

Sunday Special

2008-07-27T12:24:00.005-06:00

This poem was read in church today. I really enjoyed it and thought I'd share:

Desiderata

Max Ehrmann

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

Parenting

2008-07-23T19:21:00.002-06:00

I've been home the last couple days, sick with an ear and sinus infection. Perfect condition for absorbing mindless, daytime television. Also makes me realize why I am still not a fan of watching TV. Today's beef: Parenting in America.

While watching the tube, I came to the realization that there is not ONE single decent parent being shown on air. None. First stop, Rachael Ray's talk show:

Scenario: Mom is upset because her two-year old son would rather be with his dad and wants nothing to do with the mother. At first I felt kind of bad, then the mother opened her mouth. Here are her complaints:

• I gave up my job to take care of my son and he [the 2 year old son] doesn't appreciate that.

• I HATE being outdoors and I will take him [again, the 2 year old] to the park ALL day because he's the boy. (There was some obvious resentment in her tone)

• I read him my favorite books and he [again the 2 year old] doesn't like them.

SERIOUSLY???? He's TWO YEARS OLD! How selfish. No wonder the kid doesn't want to be around her. And the worst part is everyone was all pity-party for her. Oy.

After a 4 hour nap, I woke up to watch wife-swap. Oh boy. That was a good watch. The one mother, a down-home Kentucky woman who was a sweetheart and a half, lets herself get walked all over by her daughters and asshole husband. She waits on the family hand and foot and gets no respect, yet she never puts her foot down. And then the other mother (this family was the best!) is a high-power exec., running a ghost-hunting business. And her husband is a Shaman. Seriously. Needless to say, it was a great show. Both mothers sucked. And the kids were all a bunch of brats. It was literally the worst of both extremes. One mother too sweet, the other too cold.

Right now it's Super Nanny. This show just burns me up. What's with parents these days? Why is there NO discipline?? It seems parents are more concerned being a "friend" and not a parent. It's pitiful. They let their toddlers walk all over them and give in to every tantrum. Sigh. At any rate, these shows give me hope that if I ever find myself in a relationship, ever get married, and at some point bear children, I think I'd do a pretty good job. At least compared to what I'm seeing in the media.

Come on America. Wake up and smell the Pampers. These kids are our future! As corny as it sounds, it's true. Scary thought: these over-spoiled, under-challenged, irresponsible hellions will be controlling our nation. I'd say that's worthy of a nightmare or two!

Post about future Post

2008-06-30T09:19:00.004-06:00

Conversation with s 70-some year old homeless Vietnam veteran with few teeth makes for an interesting and mildly disturbing day. But conversation with an old, well-read Japanese man (who makes the BEST sushi in Nashville for 5 bucks) is enlightening and very informative.

Witches n' Shit

2008-06-25T14:28:00.003-06:00

Snippet of conversation on AIM with my sister (Morgan). Looks like the late 1600's are making a comeback in Providence.

morgan 3:23
taylor, i am going to go to a psychic

taylor schena 3:23
what?

morgan 3:23
i think maybe she can help me figure out my subconscious

taylor schena 3:24
well you live on the beach
24:46
so i'm sure you can find one on a boardwalk somehwere

morgan 3:24
and there are tons or wiches and shit around
25:00
this is new england

The Birds

2008-06-04T22:26:00.004-06:00

Went to "Movies in the Park" at Centennial Park tonight with Nate, Mark and Hilary. I do love that movie. Such a classic. The filming is fantastic for the time and the cast is perfect. I love the slight accent and the way in which people interacted back then. So classy. Even when the characters are pissed at each other, the retorts are curt yet sophisticated. I love it.

At the end of the movie my friends and the folks around me were baffled, "I don't get it, did it have to do with the love birds?" In my head it all makes perfect sense. It's totally gender-based. I can't help picking apart the movie. Granted, while I took Gothic and Horror Lit in college 4 years ago, and slept through a good portion of the class, I still can't watch horror films without trying to pinpoint the "other."

The "Bird War" begins when Melanie visits Bodega Bay. She goes completely against the grain of what the typical female role is expected to be at the time. She is single, successful and jumps naked into fountains in Rome. Even the locals take notice. At the diner, post-gas-station explosion, the paranoid, hysterical mother points to Melanie and states that it all started when she came to town. Goes so far as to point at Melanie and exclaim: "Why are they [the birds] doing this? Why are they doing this? They said when you got here the whole thing started. Who are you? What are you? Where did you come from! I think you're evil. EVIL! "

Other female characters in the film are motherly. You have Annie Hayworth, Mitch's old flame who moved to Bodega Bay for her love for Mitch and never left, just so she could be close to him. She becomes the local school-marme which is essentially a motherly role. Lydia, Mitch's mother, is by default the standard mother both literally and figuratively. She makes it a point to bring up Melanie's reckless behavior and tells about how she still wakes up in the morning ready to prepare breakfast for her deceased husband. Her life revolves around her past husband and holding on to Mitch. As you can see, Mitch's role is the patriarch, the alpha male which every female looks to for support, Annie, Lydia, even his little sister, Cathy. All of the females except Melanie. Initially anyway.

While she does follow him to Bodega Bay, at the onset Melanie isn't swooning or drooling over Mitch. In fact, she is the one that makes the effort to "court" him in a sense. Bringing him lovebirds for his little sister, following him out to the country. She is the one doing the "hunting." Very much a role reversal. She is somewhat adamant on leaving yet Mitch persuades her to stay. As the movie progresses she comes to rely heavily on Mitch and becomes more motherly toward Bethany, which is quite the contrast of her character at the beginning. In the end, you see the issue of the Birds is "solved" as they drive away and Melanie is being held by Lydia, she is giving in and letting Lydia "mother" her and thus finally regards her as Mitch's better-half, or daughter-in-law. Melanie gives in to the ways of the "proper" woman, the daughter, the "wife" and "mother" figure to Cathy. And at this point the case is closed, story over.

Yes, the storyline of The Birds is overly creepy and chilling.. especially in the scene with the man with the gouged-out eyes. And on the playground as flocks upon flocks of birds gather on the jungle-gym. That just in itself is unnatural and unsettling, but I can't resist picking apart the underlying Gothic theme. I could be totally off and geeking out beyond all reason, but it makes sense to me. And was fun to think about.

Dang I miss Professor Herr's Honors Gothic and Horror Lit class.

AIGA Leadership

2008-05-30T23:52:00.002-06:00

Conference. That's where it's at. I've been hanging around Omaha since Wednesday night for the AIGA Leadership Conference. I've been able to meet folks form AIGA chapters ranging from Portland, ME to Portland, OR and all the way out to Hawaii. I've met AIGA peeps from almost every state. All I have to say is AIGA is populated by some quality people. Rather than being a creativity-oriented conference like most I've been to, this one focuses on, well, leadership. It's very motivating and inspiring to see what other chapters around the country are up to, to chat with Debbie Millman about programming, or schmooze with Honolulu's president, or eat lunch with DC and Arizona chapters. And not to mention checking out everyone's collateral.. amazing!

And the best part is, everyone is down to earth. Just a super-cool, laid back fun bunch of people. All talented, all hard workers, all dedicated, all passionate, and did I say all fun? Yes. All fun.

After waiting almost an hour for a shuttle, almost getting hit by a car, a social at the local art gallery (read: free drinks.. and some Dale Chihuly sculpture), double-fisting said free drinks, watching Phillip give crap to a bouncer, foosball at a local bar.. I'm chilling out for the next 15 minutes before heading out to the next round of parties. Rooms 534/524/622 are where it's going down! Oh yeah. We may be design nerds, but we still know how to get down. You should see the looks on the locals' faces! Oh boy! 40+ design geeks in one local bar is quite the sight to see!

I heart drawing

2008-05-08T21:15:00.006-06:00

I don't do this* near often enough... and I miss it.

*By this I mean drawing. Not to be confused with hula dancing.

Cause today can probably and just might get worse..

2008-04-29T12:27:00.001-06:00

So things today are a smidge stressful and I'm not in a good mood. And to add to the mix, Shelby just imed me to inform me the CD House is being demolished. :-(

Thanks Shelbs. I really didn't need to know that right this minute.

I Caved

2008-04-25T11:29:00.003-06:00

Just couldn't do it. I have to have my internet. I just can't stand not having it.. random google searches, AIM, checking emails regularly.. I just feel so lost without it. I just ordered DSL Lite from ATT. It's DSL sans voice-line which is sweet. And $19.99/mo. will keep my wallet happy. Granted, it's 768k, but I don't download anything large on a regular basis or play games online, and I'm sure it's a lot faster than the one bar of linksys I've been mooching. Anyway, looks like I'll be back online regularly sometime next week.

A Printer with a mind of its own...

2008-04-24T09:32:00.004-06:00

Got this from Daniel. He found it here. Cracked. me. up. Even though I haven't worked in print in over a year and a half, still. Enjoy!

It's a Death Cab for Cutie kind of day..

2008-04-18T13:29:00.002-06:00

The weather outside is gorgeous, it's Friday and for once, not-quite-so-busy (don't dare say slow). It's just a kind of chill, zone-out while listening to music, get-shit-done kind of day. If it were 20º warmer I'd suggest sitting on a porch with lemonade (or sweet tea) and that perfect silence between two good friends, the kind of friends where no conversation is necessary, the company is all that you need, with a witty comment thrown in for good measure. Or even a leisurely stroll through the woods, or meandering around flea markets on a hot morning.

I've got 5 Death Cab for Cutie albums and 1 Postal Service album on shuffle. It's perfectly relaxing. Every time a Postal Service song comes around I think of Conference Services, summer of 04. *sigh* that was a wonderful summer. Jenna and Kevin, I'm thinking of you both today. Your company would be perfect.

Wired.. is it worth it?

2008-04-16T13:34:00.006-06:00

So it's been almost two weeks since I've had internet in my apartment. I'm debating whether or not I really want to suck it up and get internet. The absolute least expensive option I can find is DSL through ATT which would involve setting up a landline ($13/mo. being the cheapest) and then getting internet ($19.99/mo. for cheapest, $32.00/mo. for decent quality). And really, I just think that's a lot to pay when so many places give it away for free. Not to mention the hassle of yet ANOTHER bill to pay each month.

Sure, using the internet at a coffee shop means I have to pack up my junk and cart myself to the nearest café, but when I get there, I am WAY more productive than when I'm working at my apt. I actually focus and get stuff done (and while stuff is loading I doodle with my Wacom). I don't spend as much time messing around on myspace or facebook or just random nonsense. And the fact that I'm at a computer ALL day every day is really making me re-think how much time I was spending at my computer. I probably checked email upwards of 20 times a day at home, not counting how often I check at work (that's no exaggeration). Sans-connection, I find at night I spend my time reading or watching a DVD, or going outside.. and who knows, at this rate, I might even start using my cellphone once in awhile! And spending time at the coffee shops isn't so bad. It's about the same price if not cheaper (and tastier) to buy 10 cups of coffee a month and soak up some atmosphere and community than it would be to get internet full time.

Anyway. I do miss having the ability to search random stuff whenever I want, but now that the addiction's not as fierce, it's not so bad. I kind of like it really.

For those of you who DO have internet, check this out: ffffound.com. I think Josh, you might like this especially, if you haven't already heard of it. You click on a found image and it shows related images at the bottom of the page, which you click on one and it shows more.. a visually exciting chain of events really. And you can check out the artists' work as well. It's quite inspirational!

Getting my Hike On!

2008-04-16T09:34:00.004-06:00

Going backpacking again this weekend. Heading out to Dayton, TN to check out Laurel-Snow Pocket Wilderness. I'm WAY excited!! A weekend jam-packed with mountains, waterfalls and, well, wilderness!

I created a logo for a co-worker and he gave me a $50 REI giftcard which meant I had some burned holes in my pockets. Went out to REI last night and bought this here Kelty Coyote pack. I haven't hiked with it yet, but I could tell a huge difference between this one and the borrowed Kelty I used last month. This one is fully adjustable so I could fit it exactly to my 14.5" torso... WHAT a difference! No spaces between the shoulder straps and shoulders, the waist strap fit around my waist and not my hips. I can't wait to see how it performs this weekend. Also while I was there I splurged and bought a pair of hiking pants. That store really is dangerous. At least everything I buy there (not on sale) goes toward my cash-back dividend at the end of the year.

I've also decided to start slowly acquiring gear, one piece per month. The pack was my first priority but then there's a sleeping bag, sleeping pad, tent, camelback, etc. etc. And at some point (not this year) I'd love to get a kayak. Sigh.

p.s. Heather, you should join the Nashville Hiking Meetup! Even though you're in Knoxville, we do a number of hikes further east (mostly along the Cumberland Plateau, but still, at least backpacking, seems a lot of the hikes are 2.5-3hrs. east of here). Also, I need to get out to the Smokies now that the weather's getting nice. Seriously.

Anywho, back to work.

Internet Addiction: Denied

2008-04-06T18:05:00.003-06:00

So my neighbors moved out this weekend, which is sad. They were awesome neighbors. And even worse, I can no longer share their internet and will be making many a phone call this week to get myself hooked up.

I can live perfectly content without cable, but no internet? ugh. that's a toughie.

Barnabus

2008-04-06T08:24:00.002-06:00

My kitten, playing with a cat toy while I make breakfast. What a ham.
My baby..

Design Coding

2008-03-28T13:50:00.001-06:00

Yeah bitches. fo sho.

Fishing? For Flies? What?

2008-03-18T21:17:00.003-06:00

I have recently joined my church's fishing group: The Wounded Duck Fishing Club. It should be a fun time! April 5th I'll be joining them in learning to fly fish! Very excited about that. Then afterwards there will be a cookout (or we're "going to grill-out" as they say around these parts). I'm in charge of burgers and buns. Let's hope I don't get tangled up in the fishing line!

I have to say, every time I think of fly fishing I think of the movie poster for "A River Runs Through It" that was on the wall of my 7th grade shop class by the scroll saw. Never actually watched the movie though. Watching movies with Brad Pitt in them seemed so much cooler in middle school. I think he's lost his luster.

Laundromat Hell

2008-03-13T21:43:00.002-06:00

I washed 3 weeks worth of laundry and suffered through 2 hours of Delilah and soft rock... and I lived to tell about it. I think I'm a much stronger human being now.

Touched..

2008-03-10T14:00:00.002-06:00

My dad just called me at work. He just had his high school class ring cut off. He's had that ring on his finger since 1970. It's seen the births of all my sisters and I, his marriage, his heart attack, many funerals, adventures in Mexico.. every good time, every bad time. He called me to tell me he's having it polished up and is sending to me. As the oldest daughter he wants me to have it. He's never once taken that ring off. Not ever. As a little girl, Morgan and I would pester him and he'd always say if he took it off his finger would fall off. And now, he's giving it to me (and his finger is still in tact).

It may sound silly, but I am so touched I can't even get over it. I've been tearing up since he called me. He says maybe it will bring me luck.

My dad is a sweetheart.

Saving Daylight (and my sanity) all in a Weekend!

2008-03-06T21:56:00.001-06:00

Don't forget to turn the clocks ahead this weekend! YEAH!

You can't even begin to measure my level of excitement for extended daylight! Morning runs, hiking Radnor after work, gorgeous weather.. walking EVERYWHERE! I'm going to be outside every chance I get!

A pack on my back and the sun in my face

2008-03-05T21:39:00.019-06:00

Went on my first big backpacking adventure last weekend. Definitely made for an awesome weekend! I've been a member of the Nashville Hiking Meetup Group for awhile, but hadn't gone on any hikes so I signed up for a beginners backpacking hike. I usually hike solo, but backpacking on my own was something I just couldn't muster up the guts to do, at least not the first time. I figured this would be a perfect opportunity to give backpacking a try and meet some potential hiking buddies. There were 3 other folks that went: Keeley, James and Peter. All new faces. The weather was perfect and hopes were high.

Originally the hike was planned to be a 20+ mile jaunt through the Soddy Daisy area of the Cumberland Trail. The thing with the Cumberland Trail though, is that it's not really finished. The Soddy Creek trail was carved out, only partially marked with paint, the rest with bands of tape, and fairly rough trail. Also, there are 2 "creek" (read: mini rivers) that have yet to be bridged. Throw on a 20 or so lb. pack and a mildly-in-shape, mostly-out-of-shape female and you've got some rough hiking!

We made it to the first "future bridge site" and thought "Oh shit!" We had to scramble over huge boulders, passing our packs up and over, then forming a chain across the river, holding on to each other as we crossed. Of course, the trail after that was a bit more on the rough side, being less travelled than the trail before the creek. We of course thought the next creek couldn't be as bad as this one. Yeah.. we were sadly mistaken.

Soon enough the second "future bridge site" was looming in front of us.. all raging, deep, and un-crossable. Peter hiked down a ways, couldn't find a passable section. Then we hiked up the other way, there were plenty of boulders and we though for sure we could find a section with enough to cross on, or at least a shallow spot to wade through. Wrong again. Every spot that looked shallow, swallowed up rocks and boulders and no bottom was to be seen. Every boulder that looked close to another boulder, upon closer inspection, was far away from the other. Eventually, after hauling ourselves over countless boulders we found a section we thought we could get over.

The Plan: we would tie cord around James and he would cross. Then we would pass our packs along the cord then wade across, holding on for support. Sounded good to us. So we went and got our packs, hauled them over boulders, tied cord around James and in the water he went. And just as fast the current swept him off his feet so we reeled him back in and that was that. After an hour of frustration, we were only 5 miles in to the hike and we had to turn back.

Of course, going back up the side of the mountain was killer and Keeley and I had to make a number of stops (I really need to get myself to the gym more often). Finding a spot to set up camp was tricky. The whole section was on the side of a mountain, much too steep for 4 people to set up tents. Finally, James found a spot off the trail, right on a cliff, where we set up the tent and even had a boulder as a table for cooking. It was a perfect spot. Got to see the sun set and everything. Amazing.

We made chicken wraps for dinner. Peter shared his adventure stories which were awesome! He's hiked 150 miles of the AT through PA!! And is big into caving and repelling. James made hot chocolate for everyone and I just took it all in. And the stars.. OH THE STARS! I've missed starry skies, living in the middle of Nashville, I don't get to see many of those. Especially not clear skies just full of so many stars. So beautiful.

Next morning, after a freezing night in the tent, we had oatmeal, banana bread, hot cocoa and tea then packed up and shoved off. We only had about 3 miles left back to the car so we hiked back, took a shortcut on the road. We saw a particularly disgusting no-dumping site, full of dumped garbage and a stray dog, whom I fed peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to.

All in all I'd say the hike was great. Hiking with a pack is much harder than I thought, but I think I did ok. I only hiked 10 miles as opposed to the planned 20, but according to my thighs, 10 miles was more than enough. I really want to get myself in better shape, I think we're going to try again in April and I want to make it the whole way.

There's just something about hiking. It puts my body through the ringer and despite the burning in my calves and thighs, the potential blisters, and sore toes.. I just love it. Doesn't matter how much I hurt, how bad I smell, or how gross I look, being in the woods puts a smile on my face. On the next morning, after my muscles were tight and sore, hiking in the morning, James looked back and said "you look SO happy.. you have this little half-smile like you're just loving it" and, well, I was! I was in the woods, in the sun.. no computer, no phone, no bills, no headaches, just sun in my face. The smell of the earth and the trees. That is my heaven.

Sigh. I love the woods. Let's just say all day Monday I was Jonesin' for some nature. Going from a weekend of mountain to a day full of computers and clients is pretty rough. But at least I had some lovely thoughts to entertain me. New friends, new experiences and a new activity to enjoy. Perfect.

Lace up the Hiking Boots...

2008-02-25T11:36:00.002-06:00

I just RSVPed for an overnight hike this weekend. It's out near Chattanooga, 10 miles a day. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a teeny bit nervous. At the same time, I'm really excited about it. It's an overnight hike specifically for newbies to backpacking. I've done long day hikes before, but have never gone overnight. I'll probably borrow gear from my neighbors. OOOh I've got some butterflies about it. Exciting exciting!

Wish me luck and that I go up and back in one piece. We head out Friday night, get up early and hike 9-5, camp, get up, hike back the next AM and drive back. And I don't know any of the people going, which should be pretty fun! New people and new experiences! Yeah!

Girl Scout Goodness

2008-02-21T15:11:00.002-06:00

I so just ordered 6 boxes of Girl Scout cookies. I ordered 1 box of Samoas (Caramel DeLites), 2 boxes of Trefoils (Shortbread Cookies), 2 boxes of Thin Mints, and 1 box of some new lemon variety. Hope they don't come in til after Lent!

Oh Happy Day!!

2008-02-21T11:35:00.002-06:00

AWESOME News!! My landlord called today. I had emailed her over a month ago about a new lease since my current one expires.. oh.. next week. She's going let me renew!! I was kind of worried she wouldn't, I know there had been talk with my neighbors about possibly selling and I was a little nervous about a possible rent increase, which I really couldn't afford. BUT no rent increase and I get another year in the coolest area ever for a flat $700/mo. Oh Thank You God! Seriously.

And I know my neighbors are house-hunting. My landlord said if they move out she'll look for an attractive single guy about my age to rent the place downstairs.. cha-ching! haha.

Oh I am so so SO happy!!!

Bonnaroooooo!

2008-02-16T14:20:00.001-06:00

Hey kids, who's going to Bonnaroo? I am! I was originally going to fly home the week before for my sister's graduation, but instead my mom is buying Nikki and her bf tickets and Shelbs is buying tickets and they're all coming down here :-) YAY! I just bought my tickets this afternoon.. quite a bit more than I paid 2 years ago! I paid $208 the first year, and this year? Try $277! Holy Crap! It'll be an awesome show though! I'm definitely stoked. If anyone else is headed down here from the North, let me know!

Furious. Fuck Continental.

2008-02-15T15:31:00.005-06:00

SO my two best friends, Kim and Karen, were supposed to fly in tonight. Unfortunately Continental is run by a bunch of douchebags and they decided to up and cancel the flight. Wouldn't give a good reason either. The flight was full, plane was fine, weather perfect. Just felt like cancelling I guess. I guess they really hate their customers. So now Kim and Karen had to shell out over $100 more for Southwest tickets but aren't going to get in until tomorrow afternoon.

Yeah, I'M FURIOUS! BEYOND ALL REASON! Ugh. I have been looking forward to them visiting for months and while yes, they are still visiting, that's a full 13 hours I won't see them. A full 13 hours less time at a more than $100 cost. BULLSHIT. That's what that is.

Love Today!

2008-02-14T08:01:00.000-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day! You can't listen to this song without getting a smidge bit cheerful. It's just too fun!

kittens and metal detectors

2008-02-10T22:38:00.000-06:00

The kittens punctured holes throughout my exercise ball with their oh-so cute claws of theirs. Argh. They must have put a lot of holes in it because I can't get it to stay fully inflated for a whole workout (when I pulled it out of the closet it was a droopy mess). Kittens, you are both on my shit list.

In other news, two dudes (one tall and lanky and bald and one overly hairy and fat) with a 4-ish or 5-ish year old girl were wandering around the yards of two empty lots next to my apartment. Fully clad with huge honking metal detectors. I could hear the beeping noises in my bathroom. Creeped me out, but I also found it very amusing. It's interesting to see the hunger and passion for exploring and discovery of ages past has dwindled and morphed to metal detectors in empty lots. The little girl seemed to be having a great time though! Turns out they were Civil War buffs searching for old bullets. Pretty neat, but creepy nonetheless. I'll bet deep down, they like to pretend they're pirates.

You say Tornado I say Tornah-do

2008-02-05T23:34:00.000-06:00

This sucks. Nashville's been hit and is going to keep being hit by some really pathetic weather tonight. Severe tornado weather passed right through my area. The kittens, my macbook and myself hung out with my neighbors and their dog under the stairs in their basement for a half hour. Not my ideal evening, but things could have been worse. We had hail, green lightning, and some crazy-ass wind. It touched down around Vandy (which is like, a mile and a half from my apt.) and Bellevue which is about 15 min. west of me. They kept talking about "rotations" passing through Nashville (right through my area) and stuff about the "tail hooking" or whatever. The weather was bad, that's all I know.

Unfortunately, while things are in the clear right now, tornado-y goodness is supposed to make a second stop through town around, oh, 1AM!!! UGH. All I want to do is go to bed, but the weather dudes keep saying no. I'm debating going to sleep or taking a nap, but I know me and I know that I can sleep through the heaviest of thunderstorms. That would definitely NOT be a good thing. So instead, I'm blogging.

Anyway, tonight is Fat Tuesday. And since I will be giving up ALL sweets until Easter, I dubbed tonight the "Last Supper" and splurged on some Coldstone Creamery for dinner. The last time I enjoyed their ice cream was last Fat Tuesday. And it was funny, because when I went today the guy was like "WELCOME BACK!" and I was confused. I couldn't figure out how he remembered me after a whole year. Guess I looked familiar. Anyway, if you're looking for a good combination, I figured out a particularly delicious one: Sweet Cream Ice Cream, Oreos, chocolate chips, peanut butter and fudge. DELICIOUS! Last year I made some strawberry shortcake concoction, but this was far superior. Try it out sometime.

Also for Lent this year, I've decided to start doing devotions everyday until Easter. I haven't done them in a long time and not regularly since being in Africa. I think it will be really good for me. It's a perfect time for spiritual growth. Tomorrow I go for my ashes. I can't decide if I'm going on lunch or in the evening. Probably the evening service.

For any of you kids interested, Bonnaroo looks frigging fantastic this year. Pearl Jam, Iron and Wine, DeathCab, etc. I will be definitely buying a ticket, credit card debt be damned.

The weather man keeps talking about Bucksnort, TN. It makes me want to laugh. Bucksnort. haha.

Oy. I really wish I could just go to bed! Stinking weather.

O is for Opportunity

2008-02-04T21:35:00.000-06:00

I may have landed myself an exciting freelance opportunity doing some print work for a research company. I've worked with them before with emma doing their email stuff and they're a really a fun bunch. So far things are looking really good. I made a pricing offer and they want me to call tomorrow to discuss ideas/direction/next steps. I don't really know how much I'll get to do for them, but I've been looking up their company and a new medical marketing research branch they've just started and am REALLY hoping for some big fun.

I forgot how much I love advertising and coming up with concepts and ideas. My sophomore, junior and part of senior years at KU I LOVED advertising design and was convinced that is what I would do post-graduation. And while I got to do a smidge at my last job, for the most part every idea was shot down and all hopes of creativity were stifled by a not-so-wonderful boss (even ideas that the client really loved, my boss would still shoot down, with me at the table, in front of the client, for an idea he would come up with that looked like crap). I digress. Just sitting at Borders tonight with a stack of design and advertising books and a whole bunch of regular magazines for research purposes, I just went nuts with ideas. Sigh. It felt really good. I mean, don't get me wrong, I LOVE what I'm doing now. Absolutely 110% love working with my clients and the fast-paced creative freedom my job allows, but the idea of getting back into print via freelance, and dipping my feet back into the advertising pool is really exciting.

I try not to get my hopes up too high when things like this come around, but I just can't help it. My hopes are hovering somewhere over Mars and I have no intentions of reigning them in.

Anywho, wish my loads of luck! I'm going to go work on a Valentine's Day custom campaign for work. I'm just chock-full of creativity and need to let some of it out. I feel like I've got a second wind tonight. Time to bust out the Wacom!

P.S. To all you kids in areas where Primaries are tomorrow: GO VOTE!

My job kicks ASS

2008-02-01T16:22:00.000-06:00

Three reasons why working at Emma is AWESOME:

1. Kegerator + Kegs (plural)

2. Air Hockey Table

3. Guitar Hero/Rock Band

Yup. It's a good time.

What's the Story

2008-01-31T22:08:00.000-06:00

I swear I had two other posts here. I must have only saved them as drafts. Ah well. This week is full of busy. I went to Exit/In on Tuesday to see Band of Horses. They are AMAZING. The Funeral is just such a gorgeous song. Their show was awesome. Their voices and the way they play, I was consumed. The crowd itself sucked, but that's generally the case at Exit/In. I was right up front too. Wicked sweet. I didn't get pictures, but the people next to me got enough to keep every photo album in Nashville stocked. Anyway, it was wonderful. Here's the music video for "The Funeral." Definitely one of my new favorites.

Also, I went to a hockey game tonight. I've decided I'm an official Preds fan. I have to say, I'm really not a fan of sports, but I really do enjoy hockey games. I don't know that I'd like to watch it on TV, but live, it's GREAT! The games are really fast-paced and get pretty intense. Perfect for short attention spans. Plus, it's not outside and they play rock music. Aside from the game, I had also inadvertently made three other plans for the night: an AIGA meeting which I missed, a henna party and a rock show. I think the hockey game was the best choice of the four.

So moving forward, I got an email today from a Marketing Research company that wants me to do some freelance print ads for them. I'm pretty stoked. I have to give them a timeline and pricing. It's been awhile since I've come up with that kind of stuff. I really like working with this client so I think it will be fun. I designed an illustrated Christmas email campaign for them which was REALLY fun. I'm excited. I hope it all pans out.

And on a fun note: here is the "Regular Everyday Normal Guy Rap Song." It was passed around the design team. HILARIOUS.
Here's the first one and the second. Way funny.

and 2

enjoy!

drama

2008-01-21T20:18:00.000-06:00

My family may live 14 hours away, yet their drama STILL drags me down. Ugh. I CANNOT be a mediator from this far away. It just doesn't work.
I'm just not going to answer my phone or instant messages for awhile...

Brain = Potato Chip

2008-01-20T11:01:00.000-06:00

Stagnant. That's how I feel today. I finally got around to cleaning my apartment. This has been on my to-do list for awhile now. I don't just mean tidying up some clutter and doing dishes, I mean the real-deal. Dusting, vacuuming, washing the floor, lint-rolling the couch, cloroxing all countertops and surfaces. The whole shebang.

I've made a discovery along the way. Laying all around my apartment were found remnants and articles of my lack of activity. I've noticed numerous books that have gone unread, a few of which are overdue at the library, twice-renewed. An untouched Michael's bag full of paintbrushes, paper and pallete. My unplugged Wacom tablet, dusty design books, crumpled up directions on how to knit a hat next to knitting needles and dusty yarn. A Wok, stir-fry book and Whole Foods bag of jarred Asian sauces in the corner. The bag of Christmas goods from home, still not put away. Posters I've had for months, unframed and still rolled up. Tools yet to be put away after assembling a rowing machine. The battery to my smoke alarm that I've been meaning to put back for ages.

What is the deal with me? I have all these big ideas and no follow-through. Even little mundane tasks, pushed to the side. A mess of intentions, creative aspirations and all thoughts pointing forward. And yet, nothing even gets started and what is put into production never gets finished. It's sad and makes me feel lazy. Which I guess that's what I've been. I have managed to complete all 3 seasons of Arrested Development, the second season of The Office, and have read 2 books, and have slept over 8 hours a night since getting back from PA. Yet creatively, I haven't accomplished a thing. I'm really beginning to disappoint myself. By brain has come to resemble a potato chip. Dried up, crunchy and mostly unhealthy.

So. This means this week I will start and finish one task. I'm not sure which of the many it will be, but I will do SOMETHING to get my brain working. My apartment may be dust-free as of this morning, but the overcrowded cob-webs of my brain need to go as well.

365 Days of Nashville (and then some)

2008-01-19T18:53:00.000-06:00

As of last Sunday it has been a year since my move to Nashville. I have to say this was the best decision I've ever made. I am growing into a much better, healthier and happier human being than ever before. In celebration (and boredom at the moment) I am posting in celebration of the past year and in anticipation of the year to come.
A rundown of this last year's goodness as follows:

I've lost some weight, dropped a couple pant sizes, and am at a number I haven't seen since about 8th grade. You won't find a single non-whole wheat carbohydrate in my apartment and my fridge is stocked with produce about 85% of the time. I've made some amazing friends and am having the time of my life. The people I've met here are wonderful! Hilary, Jenn, Jessica, Mark, Daff, Mike, Will, Nate are wonderful additions to my friend-base. Quality friends if ever I've known some.

I've seen more live music in this last year than my whole life combined, Nashville's great for free and very cheap but really good shows. I work for emma and LOVE LOVE LOVE my job! I get to interact with clients all over the world, have creative freedom, the ability to work at my own pace, work with AWESOME people and drink beer and play Guitar Hero (and Rock Band) on Fridays. I volunteer my time and am on the board of and am a very active member of AIGA. I read more, travel more and just do more in general and my social skills have greatly improved.

Since my move, I've discovered a few new "likes" that I would not have originally expected.
For Instance:

• Hockey
• Grits (particularly Low-Country Shrimp and Grits)
• BlueGrass music
• Girly Movies / Chick-Flicks.. not the sad drama ones, but the fun up-beat types
• Mexican Restaurants
• SONIC! (How I've lived 24 years of my life without Lemon-Berry Slushies and drive-thru tator-tots is a mystery)
• life without cable
• Yankee Candles
• Spicy Food
• Makeup
• Henna Tattoos

So overall, I'm really excited and happy with the past year and am really excited for this upcoming year.
I don't have as many goals leading up to 26 as I did leading up to 25, but the goals I have are bigger than usual.

The big two are:
• Save money
• Lose the rest of the weight

and my two small goals, which I'm considering New Year's resolutions and not birthday goals are:
• Run a 5k (I'm at 2.5 miles, so I'm getting there)
• Find myself a boyfriend

That's right folks. I'm finally at a point where I think I'd like a relationship. Never thought I'd really come to this decision. I've always cherished my independence and solitude, but the more I think about it, the more I think it would be really nice. So. If any of y'all know any nice single guys (particularly well-read with a good sense of humor and mildly-attractive) let me know!

I hope 2008 is starting out well for everyone!
Bonne Année, Bon Santé!

Henna-bo-benna

2008-01-10T22:53:00.000-06:00

Peacock: Symbol of love, passion, luck, protection, and prosperity.

Went to Jenn's for a henna party tonight and to watch Knocked Up. It was a good time. Jenn made me that sweet henna tattoo you see pictured above. Hopefully will give me some good luck in the start of this shiny new year. Definitely a good symbol. The tattoo's kind of light yet but should be dark by tomorrow morning. It turned out REALLY nice! Jenn's got mad skills.

Holy Beesus I'm Bored

2008-01-09T23:02:00.000-06:00

Working on AIGA stuff. Took a break to doodle. I took out a book from the library on "force full" figure drawing. Like animation-type character drawing. I really need to draw more. I do love it so. Was thinking about working out tonight and about how much I hate running yet I make myself do it. One thought led to another and voila. Random doodle. (p.s. that is not supposed to be me, though my butt probably is that big).

Home

2008-01-07T11:31:00.000-06:00

Of course, we couldn't have snow while I was actually there. Boo. Fun pictures though. And I'm definitely not sad about the weather this week being in the mid-50s to low-70s. Very nice indeed.

Lone Hikers Beware

2008-01-03T13:04:00.000-06:00

Police seek 'weathered' man seen with missing hiker

Now, I'm certainly not going to stop hiking by myself, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't genuinely freaked out a smidge. Jenna and Heather, you may find the article a bit interesting.

If I had to guess, I'd say she was probably abducted. If you were lost, you'd have your water bottle and leash with you. Creepy nonetheless.

lazy

2007-12-12T21:52:00.000-06:00

sorry i haven't been keeping up with this. i've had lots of good stuff, just no motivation. things at work are crazy busy and i just don't feel like posting. i will leave you with a pic of my christmas tree which i put up a couple weekends ago. i also have pictures of the kittens helping, but will post them another time.

I illustrated a really fun Christmas campaign involving cheesy sweaters and fruit cake. I may post it eventually. The client liked it so much they might use me for some side work in 08. Cha-ching! Got some invitations lined up too. And I might be working on the Nashville Roller Derby logo, which could score me "season tickets." Haha. Didn't think the Roller Derby even had such a thing.

I'm driving home next week and am EXTREMELY excited. I miss my family.

We're getting an extra paycheck at work AND $250 to donate to any charity we want. Each employee gets $250 to allocate wherever they please. I'm giving mine to a food cupboard back home. I think they could use it. I've been getting really involved in church. I was a torch-bearer last Sunday. I really like my church. Feels homey. I like that. And the spiritual boost is always a plus.

That's about it. I still have tons of shopping to do, Christmas parties and whatnot. I think this is the most excited for Christmas I've ever been.

p.s. happy late birthday to kevin, if you read this. i really should call.

Just Another Monday

2007-12-03T16:23:00.000-06:00

Today's been quite an interesting day. So far today I've...

- Volunteered for 2 hours at St. Luke's toy store, helping less fortunate folks pick out toys for their kids
- Designed stationery for the U.S. Pork Center of Excellence (www.porkgateway.org)
- Designed stationery for a tattoo parlor
- And designed stationery for a place that sells lingerie to small-chested women.

I love my job.

Wonder Years and Mac(crap)Book

2007-11-21T10:17:00.001-06:00

Saw the guy that plays Wayne Arnold from The Wonder Years at Fido this morning. That's right, you know you're jealous. I was excited, not enough to talk to him or ask for an autograph, I'm classier than that. But it was pretty exciting. That show's a classic. Also, yesterday some people from work saw Bobby Flay, also at Fido. The Food Network was shooting some special about Las Paletas (the most delicious gourmet popsicles ever) that are made in Nashville. Fido's quite the place to be I guess!

In other news, Macbooks are shit. At least their hard drives are. After having mine only 1.25 years, the hard drive crapped out. Completely kicked the bucket. I was furious. Abolutely livid. I kept my cool though, I'm good at that. Luckily the nice folks at the Apple store filled me in on what to buy and how to install a hard drive myself. That way I'm only spending a little over $100 as opposed to $300 for Apple to do it, and probably put in a shitty hard drive again anyway. Meh. Technology bites.

Come on Thanksgiving! Everyone be safe and gorge yourself on turkey and stuffing!

Warm Wishes and Seasons Greetings

2007-11-07T15:36:00.000-06:00

It's time to break out the hot chocolate and candy canes! Emma's offering some new seasonal goodies this year to go along with their custom holiday stationery options from last year.
Basically, we'll get to design full custom campaigns and postcard-style emails for clients, geared toward the holidays. They run about $300 a pop but they're designed high-res so the client can then go and make postcards, which is pretty snazzy. Plus the clients will get a design consultation.
Check out emma's seasonal page to see some samples. I designed the first 4 on the left-hand scroll section. I'm pretty excited about it! It's going to be A LOT of fun!

Illustration is fun.

2007-11-06T14:19:00.000-06:00

I'm working on an illustration for a house party invitation for a guy here at work (by 'a guy' I mean Kendrick). It's supposed to be in a similar style as David Berkeley's website. I guess he's a singer/songwriter friend of my co-worker and is going to be performing. I don't have the exact style down, but I think it's got a similar feel. Anyway, I'm definitely enjoying it. Makes me want to go home, put on some comfy clothes, make some coffee and/or hot chocolate, curl up with my Wacom tablet and a movie.

Who needs excitement. Really.

Weekends

2007-11-05T07:43:00.001-06:00

I love weekends. This weekend was the first in over 5 weeks where I've actually been in Nashville. Pretty low key and mostly relaxing. Friday night I went to the Frist with Jessica to hear two artists' presentations. One works in metals and one in felt. It was pretty interesting.
Saturday was a good, long and productive day. I got up early to do a crazy ton of laundry, then went off to the library to get a book on hold and some cookbooks. After that I spent the rest of the day cleaning. I put away all my summer clothes, organized drawers, put away laundry, vaccumed and washed the floors, dusted, wiped down all surfaces, cleaned the bathroom and even bleached the tub. I don't think my apartment's been this clean since I cleaned it upon moving in. Saturday night Hilary and I went to see Dan in Real Life (highly reccommend it) and then the kitten peed on my comforter and I spent the rest of the night at the laundromat.
Sunday was church. Irene, my 85 year old buddy, roped me into being a greeter which was nice. There was a mini luncheon afterward which was fun, got to mingle with some church folk. I then went out and bought a new comforter, got the makings of a beef stew together in the crockpot, took a long nap and watched TV and then went to check out the new Whole Foods. Awesome. Really nice place. and then wandered around Anthropologie and the Merrel store. Drooled the whole time. Came home, read for a bit, went to the gym, cleaned up and went to bed.

A very full and relaxing weekend indeed.

Barnabus & Magda

2007-10-29T22:54:00.001-06:00

Andy likes Coffee

2007-10-29T15:54:00.000-06:00

So apparantly Andy from "The Office" was just down the street at Fido fixing himself a caffeinated beverage. A few of my coworkers saw him, but alas, I was stuck at my desk. Still pretty neat that an Office character was just at Fido. I'd take that over a country singer anyday.

Doodle Collages

2007-10-21T22:11:00.000-06:00

This is what I've been doing lately when I get bored on airplanes.. or get bored anywhere really. Enjoy!

October's lost its Luster

2007-10-20T12:00:00.000-06:00

I never thought I'd say this, but I'm actually looking forward to November.

P.S. Avoca's really done a nice job refurbishing the airport. They've even got free Wi-Fi. Go Scranton!

All's Good in the B-burg Hood

2007-10-19T13:39:00.000-06:00

Thanks to everyone for the prayers and well-wishes! My dad's home, getting in plenty of relaxation and boring TV shows. I've been spending today hanging out couch-side with the ol' man, watching Rachael Ray and talk shows. I feel like I'm home sick from high school. Tonight Morgan and I are going out for some coffee. I REALLY wanted to go see 30 Days of Night, but sadly, Bloomsburg's lameness is ever prevalent and it's not showing in the area. Boo. Tomorrow my parents are taking me to the airport and tomorrow night I'm headed to the Roller Derby! And probably out Sunday night for my Bday. I'm definitley headed to church Sunday morning and might head in to work for a little bit Sunday to catch up on some revisions before Monday. We'll see. It will be nice to get back to Nashville. It was SO wonderful seeing my family, and my dad's doing great, but I do miss my apartment and my bed.

Emma sent my dad a HUGE box of fruit and cheese from Harry and David. I really do work for a phenomenal company. Emma gave me a whole week off to be with my family and sent my dad a beautiful get well gift. We really are blessed.

Be careful what you wish for...

2007-10-16T19:02:00.000-06:00

The last few weeks I've been complaining about being homesick. Unfortunately, I made a surprise trip home this week for less than happy news. For those who don't know, my dad had a massive heart attack yesterday. I left work right away and flew home to be with the family. The whole story is a bit crazy. He's doing really well now, but I'll explain the story a bit.. God was really with our family yesterday.

So anyway, Sunday there was a craft show in Benton and my mom was selling some stuff and my aunt and uncle had come down from Massachusetts for the day. My dad had gone to the show and was walking up a hill and started feeling this weird pain/discomfort. Almost like gas, like he had to burp but couldn't. When he got to the car it went away, but he wan't really feeling right. Not sick, but just not right. He had trouble sleeping and had been really tired for the last few days.

Yesterday he went in to work same as usual. One of the guys from the other end of the plant needed his glasses repair kit so my dad walked all the way to the other end of the plant. He started feeling the weird gas pain discomfort but this time it was worse than Sunday and he had to stop and rest. Then he walked all the way back to his office and was feeling really bad. He tried taking some baking soda and tums but it wouldn't go away.

At that SAME MOMENT my mom had called. She had left her purse in my dad's van (which is crazy cause her purse is like another appendage. She never leaves it anywhere!). My dad used that as his excuse to leave (he NEVER leaves work, and probably would have waited if it hadn't been for the purse). Anyway, he and my mom waited for my sister to get home cause she was out shopping then went to the ER. At first they thought maybe it was a stomach thing, having to do with ibuprofen. Then they took some xrays or something and the DR's eyes got HUGE. She said "Mr. Schena, you're having a heart attack."

It turns out his main artery was 100% blocked. They miraculously were able to put in a stint and clear the blockage. As they were putting in the stint his heart had just started to shut down. He shouldn't be alive. The Dr. said usually when they see this kind of blockage the patient has either collapsed and died or dies on the table. He's actually doing really well. Joking around with the nurses. He's a total goofball as usual. While he was on the table he was still with it, they had him on local anesthetics, so he goes to the doctor, while only inches from death "geez, maybe i shouldn't have had that third hot dog last night." He also started spouting off lines from One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest in the elevator post-surgery, demanding his cigarettes from Nurse Ratchet. And burping when they go to check his breathing. So basically, my dad's back to his old self. He's got great color in his cheeks and is in good spirits. He's been moved from the CICU and is now on a regular floor and we're hoping to have him home Friday.

So anyway. All is going well at the moment. We should be hearing about test results and whatnot tomorrow. I'll be home for the rest of the week (which I feel totally guilty about, with missing so much work for conferences and vacations this month as it is). But I have to say, it's SO good to be home. Be with my sisters, my mom and dad, Auntie Laurie, Auntie Sandy and Mimi. All I have to say is super thank you to God. He's really been watching out for the Schena clan this week.

AIGA Plug

2007-10-12T19:14:00.000-06:00

And another quick note.. AIGA is awesome. Seriously. I just went around and perused some student work (there's a portfolio review going on). These students here are having their portfolios reviewed by Debbie Millman and Michael Beirut not to mention many other prestigious design firms around the country. If you are reading this and are a design student, seriously, get involved in AIGA. Skip out on a few drinking nights and try and save up to go to one of these conferences or see if you can get in on one as a graduation/christmas/bday gift. AIGA is the one place where ALL designers are on the same playing field. You can meet the big wigs and top names, talk shop and ask questions over drinks. It's a great opportunity.

Plus, free T-shirts and paper samples galore!

AIGA NEXT in Denver!

2007-10-12T18:51:00.000-06:00

Hey kids. So I got in to Denver last night. Headed over to the conference and got a ton of free crap, free food and drinks. Good times. I ran into Nate Voss from B A Design Group (he spoke at ThinkTank Nashville). He's a cool dude. There was an after party at the Hyatt Grand (not to be confused with the regular Hyatt). I met a random group of designers from CA that drove to Denver in an RV (very cool). Met up with Nate again and met some kick-ass design students from Chicago. There was a dance-off (which is pretty funny when in a group of total design nerds). I've met a whole mess of people, most of who's names I've immediately forgotten, but I rememer the faces. The speakers today were pretty good. Got to listen to the guy in charge of Starbuck's Design Department. Very informative. Also got to listen to Michael Beirut and Armin Vit (among others) speak about the future of Design Writing. Also quite informative. Marian Bantjes spoke. And if any of you KU kids remember a fella by the name of Ryan Smoker, he was involved in this little reality show/Design-Off called Command-X that was way cool. They had to re-design the packaging for Jimmy Dean Pancakes & Sausage on a Stick. Anyway I talked to him for 5 minutes and exchanged cards. GO KU!

The theme of the NEXT conference is, of course, what is "next" in the world of design which also makes me think of what's next in my career. Will I take on new freelance? Do some volunteer design? Learn some new skills? Come up with new ideas to move forward at Emma? Speaking of which, Emma's a freaking awesome company. I know you're all sick of me saying it, but it is. And just about everyone I've talked to hear has heard of us, used our service, or know someone who has. Makes me happy!

Sorry this post is disjointed and random. Despite the great time I'm having, I've also got a nasty cold. Not fun my friends.

I hope to take and post more pictures soon! Be safe, Be happy, Be healthy, Be nerdy!

Regional Verbage

2007-10-10T12:24:00.000-06:00

Everyone is familiar with pop vs. soda, dinner vs. supper, sprinkles vs. jimmies, hoagies vs. subs etc.

I learned a new one over the weekend. On your car, when you turn your lights on high, I call it your "high beams" as does my family and friends back north. I was in a rental car in MN driving down a woodsy road and had to use my high beams and remarked how it's been awhile since I've had to use them (Nashville's a pretty well lit place). My friend Jessica didn't know what i was talking about. She insisted they were "brights." She had never heard the term "high beams" before.

I found that kind of interesting.

kitties!!!

2007-10-10T07:54:00.001-06:00

More pictures of my potential new fuzzy friends! I'm pretty certain I'll be taking two of them. I just can't resist. I haven't actually gone to meet them yet, probably monday or tuesday. Aren't they just the cutest!?

Names so far:

Male: Spike, Ambrosio, Barnabus, Quentin
Female: Endora, Magda
Either: Sprinkles, Jimmies

Give me more suggestions! The names above are characters from Buffy, The Monk (the book written in the 1700s, not the TV show), Bewitched, and Dark Shadows... are you getting the theme here?

Four-Legged Roomate Coming Soon

2007-10-09T14:12:00.000-06:00

I was SO close to getting a black lab puppy today. A friend of a friend of a friend of a friend found a box of black lab puppies on the side of the road over the weekend and was giving them away. I called but sadly they had all been placed. I really can't afford a puppy this month, and really shouldn't be looking to get a puppy at all but rather a full grown dog. But puppies. Sigh. Who doesn't love puppies. I want one, but now just isn't the time I suppose.

BUT in other four-legged mammal-friend news, I've been talked into getting a kitten! (Or possibly two, not sure yet). Matt, a fellow emmanite, has kittens.. or rather his non-pet-caring neighbor's cat had kittens behind his porch. There's an all black one, two gray ones and a striped fella. I'm pretty much definitely going to go for the black one, but am tempted to check out a gray one too. I know I definitely still want to get a dog after Christmas, so I'm leaning toward taking just one. Two cats and a dog is a bit much for one apartment. I'll be getting pics soon. The kitties are still nursing yet and have no shots, so it'll be awhile before I can get one, but how exciting! I'm all for fuzzy friends!

Throw me some name suggestions!

The Beer Gods have blessed me...

2007-10-08T10:53:00.000-06:00

Yuengling's in Nashville! Supposedly it's been spotted at the Brewhouse and rumored to be found at other bars. I hear it should be in stores within a few weeks.

You know I'm a happy girl about this!

Cash

2007-10-07T21:11:00.000-06:00

I hate money. The lack of it. And my inability to manage and save it. And credit cards. And debt.

I feel like I can never get ahead. Despite the bonuses and whatnot. That is my big goal for age 25-26. Learn to manage my money and spend less. Spend better. SAVE. Even a little.

*sigh* really gets me down.

Old Timer's Festival

2007-10-06T20:53:00.001-06:00

And here we have it. A post well-past due. Here you'll meet Roy and Banjo Guy, two folk song pros hangin out at the Old Timer's Mountain Fok Music Festival (not sure that that's the exact name for the event, but something similar nonetheless). Last weekend Jenna flew out to Nashville and we drove out to Knoxville to visit our fellow KU CD friend, Heather, who is a FABULOUS host by-the-by. We had a jam-packed three days of folk music, Smoky Mountains, tub basses and TomatoHead. I really can't think of a better way to start October. The weather was perfect, the conversation intelligent and plentiful, amazing friends and good memories.

We started Friday driving out to Knoxville which is a great drive. A perfectly clear day, perfect driving weather. We met up with Heather then headed out to the Old Timer's Festival. We met a number of elderly folks well-versed in the art of many a folk instrument be it fiddle, banjo, dulcimer, guitar, tub-bass etc. Overall a pretty low-key day. Drove around Cade's Cove, Meandered about Knoxville, enjoyed some delicious TomatoHead, hugs from Marley (Heather's dog).

Saturday morning started with a hike up to Abram's Falls, a nice 5 miles round-trip. Dipped my feet in the frigid falls water, basked in the sun. A friendly artist woman shared her apple chips. Baby fishes swimming about. A pleasant time indeed. After some time in the Smokies we stopped by the Mill, then a County Fair, went back to the Old Timer's Festival (had some awesome homemade ice cream). Then we stopped at a Craft Fair, the Dulcimer shop and then stopped for Fried Apple Pies (which are AMAZING and artery-clogging I'm sure). We were pretty beat from such a packed day so we stopped off for some Chinese (Bean Curd & Broccoli = DELICIOUS!) and watched Sleepy Hollow.

Sunday Jenna and I went to the UU church, which held a rather nice sermon indeed. Then I got to meet a couple of her friends (who bought us MORE TomatoHead! They are SUCH nice people. Really and truly). I must say, TomatoHead makes a mean baked tofu quesadilla. I don't know what it is with Knoxville, but damn do they know how to cook up some tasty tofu! After that we hung out with Heather, Michael and Marley and caught up on some 30Rock. Jenna and I headed back to Nashville, enjoyed some Mellow Mushroom and rented Waiting for Guffman.

Overall a fabulous visit. October's starting out on a great foot! Be on the lookout for more posts! I'm in Minnesota right now and will have a post up soon.. Minnesota's a pretty sweet place. Next week I'm off to Denver then I'll be in Nashville through my birthday then it's off to Idaho!! I'm a travellin fool! And that ain't no complaint!

A few more pictures for your visual enjoyment!

Chock Full o' October

2007-10-04T07:47:00.001-06:00

Well kiddo's, Fall is up and running and we're in the best month of the 12.. October! My favorite time of the year. I do wish the weather were a bit more brisk, but my schedule's packed full of travel, friends and conferences to make up for it. And lot of hiking in between! I'm headed out to Minnesota for an AIGA Design campout/conference which I'm totally excited for (not to mention the chilly 50 degrees-ish weather, rain and dreary-ness! YEAH!). I should be getting a heaping helping of fall this weekend, with some designy goodness on the side.

Also, I'm hoping to post this weekend about my trip last weekend to the Smoky's. Be prepared for old dudes, stringed instruments, waterfalls and Tomatohead. Good Times were had and Good Times ahead! Tally-Ho!

FAIR WEEK

2007-09-25T12:16:00.000-06:00

*sigh* It's that time of year again. Fair Week. And I'm down here in Nashville, no Fair for me. I don't know if it's the unGodly 90+ degree weather or just not seeing my family for months, or missing the times when I had a whole week off for Fair, but I'm definitely feeling down. I think a bit on the homesick side.

Come on Fall. Seriously.

Weekend of Phenomenal-ness

2007-09-17T14:38:00.000-06:00

Our Think Tank event went down on Saturday and it was AWESOME!!!!
I got to schmooze and be inspired by:

Shaun Inman - Development and Web Design
Be A Design Group - Design Podcasters and kick-ass designers in general
Von Glitschka - Illustrative Designer
Marian Bantjes - Type Designer
Debbie Millman - Brand Manager (on the cover of HOW, redesigned BK logo, etc.)

AMAZING event. I scored a limited edition poster from Be A Design Group which was screen-printed and incorporated letterpress and metallic ink.. very nice. The whole event was so inspiring and all of the speakers (wives of speakers too) were just so wonderful, easy to talk to and FUN! Once AIGA photos are posted, I'll be adding more!

Friday was great too. Took the speakers to Monell's, a popular Nashville Meat n' Three. Great food, good time.

And yesterday was the icing on the cake. Beautiful weather and 10 miles of hiking.

Couldn't have asked for a better weekend! More picture and details to come, but I just had to get a post in now.