Ta da!!!! I made it! I posted every day in November!
What I learned:
1 - I do enjoy posting
2 - Posting off the top of my head does not always make the best subject matter
3 - Using Flickr is easy
4 - There are topics I would like to spend time on writing before posting
5 - Keeping up with it every day is very hard. Especially in a bad mood. I don't believe I'll be carrying this on for the coming months.
The blogs I've enjoyed reading that I found through NaBloPoMo or Participated in part of it. Even if I wasn't the best at commenting:
Art Play Possibility
Fluid Pudding
Dutch Blitz
ExSchutz
Titansphere
Leandra
November 30, 2007
November 29, 2007
My New Word
Tags
Life
My new word for the new year may be "No". A lot of commitments were made this past year but I didn't fulfill them all gladly. A lot of resentment usually came with them.
I'm not sure my reasons are good reasons. I just know there is stuff I want to do and if I do someone else's stuff I can't do mine too. This is going to sound like a cliche woman problem but that reason sounds a little lazy to me. Or maybe it sounds a little lazy to me because even when I did have time for my stuff the past year I wouldn't do anything and instead of exploring why i wouldn't do it, I'd just fill it with someone else's project.
Another reason why I want to say "no" is, I want to have projects I control, that I'm the final say on things. It may be a mix of perfectionism or possessiveness or something but when working on someone else's project I have to follow their rules and get their approval and this is now annoying. I AM DONE! I no longer play well with others in groups!
I don't know what this means for things I've already committed to for 2008. My next step will be to make a list of goals for next year and then consider what extra things I've signed up for.
I'll let ya'll know the results.
I'm not sure my reasons are good reasons. I just know there is stuff I want to do and if I do someone else's stuff I can't do mine too. This is going to sound like a cliche woman problem but that reason sounds a little lazy to me. Or maybe it sounds a little lazy to me because even when I did have time for my stuff the past year I wouldn't do anything and instead of exploring why i wouldn't do it, I'd just fill it with someone else's project.
Another reason why I want to say "no" is, I want to have projects I control, that I'm the final say on things. It may be a mix of perfectionism or possessiveness or something but when working on someone else's project I have to follow their rules and get their approval and this is now annoying. I AM DONE! I no longer play well with others in groups!
I don't know what this means for things I've already committed to for 2008. My next step will be to make a list of goals for next year and then consider what extra things I've signed up for.
I'll let ya'll know the results.
November 28, 2007
My Arms Are Going To Fall Off
ARrrgghhh... Tonight the workout was all about the arms. The hardest one machine is the one where i have to push straight up - i felt like a total whimp! After 15 reps of just pushing the machine - no weight add - it was very hard to do the other 40 reps still left. The other machine that beat me was the chest pull thing - let me tell you i'm gonna have some good lookin' pecks if i keep that up ;-)
Then after the gym was the first night for Z's new agility class. I think it's going to be very good instruction especially for me. The class we went through this summer was good but I didn't feel like I got clear instructions on how I was supposed to run the course. Even though this is one more thing I have to do this month it will be nice. The ironic thing is I was going to take Obedience 3 with my husband and Nitro but I called back a little too late to pay for the class and they gave my spot away. So, instead of having an activity my hubs and I do together we're spending more time apart. Ah, well, at least starting Jan. he'll only be working 2 Saturdays a month and not every Saturday.
O.M.G.^ I was going to wait until Dec.1st to start a count down to Christmas Exit but I looked at the calender today. There are only THREE more weekend before the flight to Texas! THREE! I have to make some serious lists of projects and stop procrastinating on stuff.
Plus, I have a zine page deadline looming for Jan. 11th. I have the idea at least but I still have to make the layout and then carve the plates. I did have this more elaborate plan that involved embossed lettering but I won't have time to go get signed up, oriented and creative at this awesome place before the deadline. They have a press for lino block prints and such. They also have letter presses and something like 60 type faces *sigh*. I still want to do the elaborate plan just maybe on my own personal project. Did i mention the theme is Alphabets and I have been waiting for this thing to come around for over a year! I'm very excited about it.
^ I love the books by Christopher Moore. I picked up "You Suck" on CD and one of the characters was a teenage girl that kept a journal and she used omg, alot. The voice actor pronounced each letter with emphasis O.M.G. - i can no longer say/write it with out that audio running through my head.
Then after the gym was the first night for Z's new agility class. I think it's going to be very good instruction especially for me. The class we went through this summer was good but I didn't feel like I got clear instructions on how I was supposed to run the course. Even though this is one more thing I have to do this month it will be nice. The ironic thing is I was going to take Obedience 3 with my husband and Nitro but I called back a little too late to pay for the class and they gave my spot away. So, instead of having an activity my hubs and I do together we're spending more time apart. Ah, well, at least starting Jan. he'll only be working 2 Saturdays a month and not every Saturday.
O.M.G.^ I was going to wait until Dec.1st to start a count down to Christmas Exit but I looked at the calender today. There are only THREE more weekend before the flight to Texas! THREE! I have to make some serious lists of projects and stop procrastinating on stuff.
Plus, I have a zine page deadline looming for Jan. 11th. I have the idea at least but I still have to make the layout and then carve the plates. I did have this more elaborate plan that involved embossed lettering but I won't have time to go get signed up, oriented and creative at this awesome place before the deadline. They have a press for lino block prints and such. They also have letter presses and something like 60 type faces *sigh*. I still want to do the elaborate plan just maybe on my own personal project. Did i mention the theme is Alphabets and I have been waiting for this thing to come around for over a year! I'm very excited about it.
^ I love the books by Christopher Moore. I picked up "You Suck" on CD and one of the characters was a teenage girl that kept a journal and she used omg, alot. The voice actor pronounced each letter with emphasis O.M.G. - i can no longer say/write it with out that audio running through my head.
November 27, 2007
Cooking
Tonight I went to a Pampered Chef event at a friend's house. I'd never been to one, it was fun! I've admired the round cooking stone and I finally got one. I agreed to host a party in late January. It was funny, one of the other woman there said she'd come to mine too - she loves the cooking stuff.
The ironic thing is, I don't do a lot of cooking but love the gadgets. The other hard thing is just being married, i have a lot of kitchen stuff that doesn't need replacing but then again there is always a chopper or new cheese grater needed. Both my grandmothers cook and they both cooked with and around me. My mother cooked out of necessity. I just don't love doing it as an everyday thing. It may be more the planning and clean up than the actual act of cooking.
I've asked for cook books for Christmas. Something along the lines of 30 minute meals and the like because i really lack the skill to plan a menu. Also, trying to eat healthy, i'm not really sure what to cook. I know the general rule is that you can eat just about anything just in smaller portions and in general less white flower and sugar and corn starch.
Maybe with my new cooking stone I'll get inspired to cook more. Maybe.
The ironic thing is, I don't do a lot of cooking but love the gadgets. The other hard thing is just being married, i have a lot of kitchen stuff that doesn't need replacing but then again there is always a chopper or new cheese grater needed. Both my grandmothers cook and they both cooked with and around me. My mother cooked out of necessity. I just don't love doing it as an everyday thing. It may be more the planning and clean up than the actual act of cooking.
I've asked for cook books for Christmas. Something along the lines of 30 minute meals and the like because i really lack the skill to plan a menu. Also, trying to eat healthy, i'm not really sure what to cook. I know the general rule is that you can eat just about anything just in smaller portions and in general less white flower and sugar and corn starch.
Maybe with my new cooking stone I'll get inspired to cook more. Maybe.
November 26, 2007
Pants & Band-Aids
I finally purchased another pair of jeans. They're not as dark as I'd like but they'll do fine. I'm trying not to feel bad about spending money on pants that hopefully won't fit in a few months but I can't go around naked in the mean time.
Last night we did the foolish thing of staying up until 1:00am watching the office. We finished all the 3 seasons and will now try to find the latest episodes online of season 4. But I had to get up at 7am to go to work so you know, I've been tired all day. I went to the grocery store on the way home and picked up a few things. I unloaded everything. My husband comes in to grab a soda out of the fridge and says "I don't think these need to be refrigerated." Turns out I had put the Band-Aids in the fridge. Yup, I'm tired.
Good night folks.
Last night we did the foolish thing of staying up until 1:00am watching the office. We finished all the 3 seasons and will now try to find the latest episodes online of season 4. But I had to get up at 7am to go to work so you know, I've been tired all day. I went to the grocery store on the way home and picked up a few things. I unloaded everything. My husband comes in to grab a soda out of the fridge and says "I don't think these need to be refrigerated." Turns out I had put the Band-Aids in the fridge. Yup, I'm tired.
Good night folks.
November 25, 2007
7 Random Facts
A few days ago I was tagged by Leandra at Sometimes the Paint Makes it on the Paper to write about 7 random things about me. I've been delaying the post because it's been hard to think of 7 things... so... i'm just going to start:
7 - I'm the first person in my immediate family to move out of Texas in about 4 generations.
6 - I have an allergy to milk - i still have ice cream in small amounts but in general i stay away from it.
5 - I collect drift wood.
4 - The name Violetkey came about because I needed a user name quickly a few years ago. I saw my keys sitting on top of a purple folder on my desk.
3 - For the past 3 years I have participated in a quarterly zine with a group of graphic designers from the US and Canada. The zine has a theme such as "Black & White" or "Robots" and I design one page and send it to a woman in GA who assembles the books once everyone has sent in their pages.
2 - I can speak fast. I cultivated this skill in high school because in general i was very quiet but when i would go off on a topic i'd speak fast to get it all out before i could be interrupted . It freaked a guy out in 10th grade that I could speak that fast to him - i actually enjoyed it because he was a jerk most the time.
1 - I can't not speak with out gesturing with my hands. I have been challenged to talk with out using my hands and I can't keep a straight train of thought, it might have also been nerves at the time.
That wasn't too bad. Hope that was random enough for you.
Oh, here are the rules and I tag anyone who has not done this before.
7 - I'm the first person in my immediate family to move out of Texas in about 4 generations.
6 - I have an allergy to milk - i still have ice cream in small amounts but in general i stay away from it.
5 - I collect drift wood.
4 - The name Violetkey came about because I needed a user name quickly a few years ago. I saw my keys sitting on top of a purple folder on my desk.
3 - For the past 3 years I have participated in a quarterly zine with a group of graphic designers from the US and Canada. The zine has a theme such as "Black & White" or "Robots" and I design one page and send it to a woman in GA who assembles the books once everyone has sent in their pages.
2 - I can speak fast. I cultivated this skill in high school because in general i was very quiet but when i would go off on a topic i'd speak fast to get it all out before i could be interrupted . It freaked a guy out in 10th grade that I could speak that fast to him - i actually enjoyed it because he was a jerk most the time.
1 - I can't not speak with out gesturing with my hands. I have been challenged to talk with out using my hands and I can't keep a straight train of thought, it might have also been nerves at the time.
That wasn't too bad. Hope that was random enough for you.
Oh, here are the rules and I tag anyone who has not done this before.
Guidelines:
- Link to the person that tagged you and post these rules on your blog.
- Share 7 random and or weird things about yourself.
- Tag 7 random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs.
- Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
November 24, 2007
Random Conversation
My brother called me this afternoon.
V: "hello"
Bro: "Hi. Un momento"
V: "what?"
{pause}
Bro: "Un mommento. Did you know I talked with a Mexican co-worker and it's not pronounced uno for one and momento for moment. No, it's un. Un mommento. But that's not why I'm calling."
V: {laughing at the randomness}
***
No, what he was calling about I can't say until after the 30th, just in case. It's good news don't worry.
V: "hello"
Bro: "Hi. Un momento"
V: "what?"
{pause}
Bro: "Un mommento. Did you know I talked with a Mexican co-worker and it's not pronounced uno for one and momento for moment. No, it's un. Un mommento. But that's not why I'm calling."
V: {laughing at the randomness}
***
No, what he was calling about I can't say until after the 30th, just in case. It's good news don't worry.
November 23, 2007
Back to the Gym
The first year of marriage I was not good to my self. I had successfully lost about 20lb. for the wedding, about 15 more I would have comfortably fit back into size 12. I had not seen a size 12 in about 8 years.
Then a lot changed in the past year. I went from an active walking, moving, small amounts of lifting type of job to a job were i sat for 8hrs of work and about 1.5hrs for a commute. Pizza, soda, chocolate because staples in our diet. I stopped going to the gym. I ballooned.
In September I was fed up and discussed with my self. I went back to the gym. I signed up for a trainer. It took a month for me to pay all the set up fees and October was to be the start. Then i didn't hear anything from the person i was set up with. It took me 2 weeks before i even got my self in there to say "hey, i want to do this and no one is helping me". I got attention. I set up my first meeting for Oct. 24. it went okay, a little lower then my expectations. Next meeting was Oct. 31st. I was in that minor car accident and canceled my appointment - if i was going to be sore the next day i wanted to make sure it was from the accident not the work out. I never heard from my trainer to set up another appointment. Wouldn't you know it, I never went back into the gym. For the past month I've talked my self out of it.
On Wednesday my trainer calls and wants to set up an appointment. Even though it was late i excepted his only opening at 9pm tonight. I am grateful he called because who knows how many more weeks would go by before i got my self back in there. The session went a little better then the first. I still feel like he's mostly standing there counting for me. Then i'm too busy breathing and trying not to let my legs fall off to ask him to explain, what am i doing and why? what should i be doing between my sessions? I want a routine. I'll get the nerve up and ask on our next session which is Nov. 28th. at 6p. Thank goodness I don't have to go home first!
So, I'm starting again to change my life.
Then a lot changed in the past year. I went from an active walking, moving, small amounts of lifting type of job to a job were i sat for 8hrs of work and about 1.5hrs for a commute. Pizza, soda, chocolate because staples in our diet. I stopped going to the gym. I ballooned.
In September I was fed up and discussed with my self. I went back to the gym. I signed up for a trainer. It took a month for me to pay all the set up fees and October was to be the start. Then i didn't hear anything from the person i was set up with. It took me 2 weeks before i even got my self in there to say "hey, i want to do this and no one is helping me". I got attention. I set up my first meeting for Oct. 24. it went okay, a little lower then my expectations. Next meeting was Oct. 31st. I was in that minor car accident and canceled my appointment - if i was going to be sore the next day i wanted to make sure it was from the accident not the work out. I never heard from my trainer to set up another appointment. Wouldn't you know it, I never went back into the gym. For the past month I've talked my self out of it.
On Wednesday my trainer calls and wants to set up an appointment. Even though it was late i excepted his only opening at 9pm tonight. I am grateful he called because who knows how many more weeks would go by before i got my self back in there. The session went a little better then the first. I still feel like he's mostly standing there counting for me. Then i'm too busy breathing and trying not to let my legs fall off to ask him to explain, what am i doing and why? what should i be doing between my sessions? I want a routine. I'll get the nerve up and ask on our next session which is Nov. 28th. at 6p. Thank goodness I don't have to go home first!
So, I'm starting again to change my life.
November 22, 2007
The Stuffing Results
This is what's left of the Cornbread Stuffing. I forgot to take a picture before it was eaten. Also, I'm definitely picking up cornbread packets the next time I'm in Texas. The honey cornbread mix made it taste sweet and it was an odd combo with the sage plus it gave it a spongy texture, not soggy like undercooked but chewy. Lessoned learned.
The day was really good and relaxing. I got up and cooked because I didn't end up doing anything last night except eat my pizza and beer for dinner and get sucked in to Guitar Hero and The Office. Cooking this morning was really nice actually. It was super sunny and I had the blinds open in my office to let that sunshine into the kitchen.
We got to the in-laws at about 1:00p. I took the stuffing and a corn casserole dish for baking there so it would be hot. They got a 22lb turkey and it tasted so yummy, very moist. The best part is there are left overs! I love Thanksgiving left overs. Even though I have to go to work tomorrow at least I have a little feast to take with me.
I called my family this evening. Its easiest to talk to everyone while they're still at one location so all they have to do is pass the phone. Very nice to catch up.
I am very thankful for all my family!
November 21, 2007
Thanksgiving Stuffing Ingredients
My paternal Grandmother always make Cornbread Stuffing for Thanksgiving. Growing up my sister and I would help her make it. I bet it probably started this way because it is a save and easy task for younger kids to do. But even to this day we help her make it - the years we're in town. The years I stay in Oregon I make it for my husband and his family.
This year I did not have the classic packets of cornbread and biscuit mix that are traditionally used. So, I picked up the closes things I could find. I'm amazed at how hard it is to find packets of bread mixes here. I am committing a small crime for using sweet cornbread because in the Texas we just don't do such things but in the stuffing I'm sure I won't notice. I'm thinking of buying packets while I'm down there for Christmas, they'll keep for a year, right?
I did forget to place a few items in the picture like celery and the walnuts but then again i didn't get too picky either because I only have one egg and really to make the cornbread i'm going to need more.
The beer is not an actual ingredient for the stuffing. It is there for me to drink as I clean and cook. But at the rate I'm going I'll be lucky to be done cleaning before it's bed time. The good thing is dinner isn't until 3 tomorrow. I'll have some time in the morning to cook it even though I had thought I'd go over early to help my m.i.l. cook - we'll see how this works out.
Phase one: the ingredients
Stay tuned for the results tomorrow.
This year I did not have the classic packets of cornbread and biscuit mix that are traditionally used. So, I picked up the closes things I could find. I'm amazed at how hard it is to find packets of bread mixes here. I am committing a small crime for using sweet cornbread because in the Texas we just don't do such things but in the stuffing I'm sure I won't notice. I'm thinking of buying packets while I'm down there for Christmas, they'll keep for a year, right?
I did forget to place a few items in the picture like celery and the walnuts but then again i didn't get too picky either because I only have one egg and really to make the cornbread i'm going to need more.
The beer is not an actual ingredient for the stuffing. It is there for me to drink as I clean and cook. But at the rate I'm going I'll be lucky to be done cleaning before it's bed time. The good thing is dinner isn't until 3 tomorrow. I'll have some time in the morning to cook it even though I had thought I'd go over early to help my m.i.l. cook - we'll see how this works out.
Phase one: the ingredients
Stay tuned for the results tomorrow.
November 20, 2007
Not Flexible
This week has been a tough one and it's only Tuesday! No, really, I'd say the past couple of weeks have been a little hard.
Things keep popping up that make me realize I am not as low maintenance, spontaneous, flexible in my plans as I thought. I don't know why it took me so long to realize this. Surely, any family member of mine that reads this will bust out laughing that I ever thought I was.
Notable examples:
Don't rearrange the furniture in the living room with out first letting me know you plan on doing it soon and then the day you do it call me and give me a heads up that my environment is now different. I have a really bad reaction to walking in unknowingly and everything being different - i can't explain why but it hits some deep button of mine and I freak out. Not a verbal yelling freak out - more of my mind can't absorbed that things are different and it's ok that they are. It might stem from my teen years and being really protective of my room. I knew if someone had been in there and moved something which is quite a feat considering my room was messy.
Don't suddenly change the details of a plan on me when I've already figured everything out - I can get grumpy. Holidays have been a big change for me since moving. I know what you're thinking it's been 4 years but understand, the routine of the holidays are deeply set with in. From my birth I don't think the pattern of which family's house to go to for what holiday has changed - except for a few extreme cases.
For example, Thanksgiving has always been at my Dad's parents house. The years i'm in Oregon for Thanksgiving - who knows what the plan is. The very first year my Thanksgiving dinner was Jack in the Box. I was not happy. The following year I hosted with the help of my step-dad (he and my mom had moved up). Last year I was in Texas for T-day. This year i'm in OR and not until last night was a location and plan chosen. To make things worse there was a miscommunication and my m.i.l. thought that I was hosting again this year. No, nononono - maybe if we had chosen to do that plan a few weeks ago when we could have budgeted to feed the whole family but not on this weeks budget we can't. So, it's back to the very fist original plan of going to their house and i bring the stuffing. I get anxious if these things are not decided in a timely manner. Which mean i probably should have suggested hosting it weeks ago. Then again we'd probably be in the same boat because what stalled the choice was an invited for everyone to go over to a siblings of my f.i.l - this plan fell through.
Let me take a moment and say I love my in-laws! You always hear horror stories about them but I enjoy spending time with mine. From the very first holiday (easter) I was here they have always invited me over. So any ranting i do it's just out of my own issues of anxiety.
So, in conclusion I don't handle change well.
Things keep popping up that make me realize I am not as low maintenance, spontaneous, flexible in my plans as I thought. I don't know why it took me so long to realize this. Surely, any family member of mine that reads this will bust out laughing that I ever thought I was.
Notable examples:
Don't rearrange the furniture in the living room with out first letting me know you plan on doing it soon and then the day you do it call me and give me a heads up that my environment is now different. I have a really bad reaction to walking in unknowingly and everything being different - i can't explain why but it hits some deep button of mine and I freak out. Not a verbal yelling freak out - more of my mind can't absorbed that things are different and it's ok that they are. It might stem from my teen years and being really protective of my room. I knew if someone had been in there and moved something which is quite a feat considering my room was messy.
Don't suddenly change the details of a plan on me when I've already figured everything out - I can get grumpy. Holidays have been a big change for me since moving. I know what you're thinking it's been 4 years but understand, the routine of the holidays are deeply set with in. From my birth I don't think the pattern of which family's house to go to for what holiday has changed - except for a few extreme cases.
For example, Thanksgiving has always been at my Dad's parents house. The years i'm in Oregon for Thanksgiving - who knows what the plan is. The very first year my Thanksgiving dinner was Jack in the Box. I was not happy. The following year I hosted with the help of my step-dad (he and my mom had moved up). Last year I was in Texas for T-day. This year i'm in OR and not until last night was a location and plan chosen. To make things worse there was a miscommunication and my m.i.l. thought that I was hosting again this year. No, nononono - maybe if we had chosen to do that plan a few weeks ago when we could have budgeted to feed the whole family but not on this weeks budget we can't. So, it's back to the very fist original plan of going to their house and i bring the stuffing. I get anxious if these things are not decided in a timely manner. Which mean i probably should have suggested hosting it weeks ago. Then again we'd probably be in the same boat because what stalled the choice was an invited for everyone to go over to a siblings of my f.i.l - this plan fell through.
Let me take a moment and say I love my in-laws! You always hear horror stories about them but I enjoy spending time with mine. From the very first holiday (easter) I was here they have always invited me over. So any ranting i do it's just out of my own issues of anxiety.
So, in conclusion I don't handle change well.
November 19, 2007
Time Time Time
I had planned on writing on an actual topic that I'd been thinking about but it got so late!
So instead I'll give you my quick impressions of Ratatouille - yes i had to go look at the box for the spelling.
Great animation! The story is good and inspiring but it's a little long. I enjoyed all the iconic things they did with the character of the food critic with the nick-name "The Grim Eater". There were about 2 places i thought "this is the end of the movie" and it wasn't. The final ending was cute. The best part? The short movie called "Lifted" listed as an extra on the dvd - I laughed sooo hard through that whole thing!
I'm not really sure this is one I want to own and I think i own just as many animated movies as i do "chick flicks".
So instead I'll give you my quick impressions of Ratatouille - yes i had to go look at the box for the spelling.
Great animation! The story is good and inspiring but it's a little long. I enjoyed all the iconic things they did with the character of the food critic with the nick-name "The Grim Eater". There were about 2 places i thought "this is the end of the movie" and it wasn't. The final ending was cute. The best part? The short movie called "Lifted" listed as an extra on the dvd - I laughed sooo hard through that whole thing!
I'm not really sure this is one I want to own and I think i own just as many animated movies as i do "chick flicks".
November 18, 2007
Crafts
As part of heading up the art groups Christmas party I was thinking of party favors. On Martha's site I found these cute little paper stockings. Of course this is what I choose to do for the favors. However, I will not be sawing these things. No, no, the glue stick is going to be my best friend.
Here is the first stage:
I'm using left over wrapping paper from last year. This is causing the stockings to be curly right now and those were the only small paper weights i could find for the photo. I will be smashing them flat for a few days and then applying the backing and little decorate things for the "cuff" of the stocking. There will be about 30 when finished.
Today I also made a list of all the project I need to get done for Christmas. Many of them still have to do with wedding photos that I was suppose to get to people by last Christmas but we waited so long to order them that we didn't get them until Feb. of this year. So, this year it's wedding stuff. Plus, I'm making a new snowflake block print for everyone like I've done the past few years. My family seems to like them but if they didn't I don't think they'd tell me. They're much too polite - instead they'd just put it in a drawer somewhere and I'd forget to notice if they were out or not. Of course it helps that I'm not there every year for the holiday. So, point is, I'm gonna be busy!
I have to share this photo of my husband and his dog Nitro. Sure, I could say "our" dog but really Nitro doesn't listen to me very well and being a Heeler he can only be superobsessed loyal to one person but can be protective of a whole family. I thought the paw on his shoulder was really cute.
Here is the first stage:
I'm using left over wrapping paper from last year. This is causing the stockings to be curly right now and those were the only small paper weights i could find for the photo. I will be smashing them flat for a few days and then applying the backing and little decorate things for the "cuff" of the stocking. There will be about 30 when finished.
Today I also made a list of all the project I need to get done for Christmas. Many of them still have to do with wedding photos that I was suppose to get to people by last Christmas but we waited so long to order them that we didn't get them until Feb. of this year. So, this year it's wedding stuff. Plus, I'm making a new snowflake block print for everyone like I've done the past few years. My family seems to like them but if they didn't I don't think they'd tell me. They're much too polite - instead they'd just put it in a drawer somewhere and I'd forget to notice if they were out or not. Of course it helps that I'm not there every year for the holiday. So, point is, I'm gonna be busy!
I have to share this photo of my husband and his dog Nitro. Sure, I could say "our" dog but really Nitro doesn't listen to me very well and being a Heeler he can only be super
November 17, 2007
Lazy Day
I have absolutely nothing new to report. Boring right?
I read all day and napped and wished my headache would go away.
I can tell you that my latest addiction is watching The Office (American version). A friend brought over season one last week. Tonight we rented the first disk in Season 2. In the real world the boss would never have a job but oooh it is funny and awkward at times.
Go watch.
I read all day and napped and wished my headache would go away.
I can tell you that my latest addiction is watching The Office (American version). A friend brought over season one last week. Tonight we rented the first disk in Season 2. In the real world the boss would never have a job but oooh it is funny and awkward at times.
Go watch.
November 16, 2007
Happy Birthday Husband
On this special occasion we both skipped work. But I don't feel guilty about it because i woke up with a sinus headache and his stomach hurt. I still have the headache but he's feeling better. Some of his friends are heading over in about half an hour. They are either watching The Office season 2 or playing Halo 3 or probably both. I might retreat to the bedroom with a book after I eat some dinner. Except if they're watching The Office - that's good stuff.
The day was not very eventful. We lounged around the house this morning and looked at a few houses that we might buy next year if they're still up for sell in a couple of months.
Then my husband got a call from his mom and told him that she wanted to buy him a memory card for his birthday. So, the looking online for the best deal ensued. He found one. At Fries in Willsonville, a 30-45 min drive on a good day. Today was not a good day, hard rain and we left around 2:30 when it seemed the whole city was getting off work but for sure on the way home everyone would be on the road home. The traffic was horrible, our exit from one freeway to the next was blocked off and we had to do a major detour to get going the right direction. It took us about hour and half to get there. On the way i was trying so hard not to feel nauseas between my headache and his lurching in the stop and go traffic. I love my husband but his driving in the stick shift car in traffic drives me bananas (no pun intended).
Finally, we got there, he picked up his card and we took the long drive home. We got home a little faster because we took an alternate route that didn't involve so much freeway.
That was the most excitement so far.
Unfortunately for him I've been moody all day swinging from grumpy & cursing to really upbeat and goofy. Ah, well, he'll have a guy's night and it'll be all good.
Plus, we'll use a gift certificate my sister sent him for dinner next weekend. It will be better.
The day was not very eventful. We lounged around the house this morning and looked at a few houses that we might buy next year if they're still up for sell in a couple of months.
Then my husband got a call from his mom and told him that she wanted to buy him a memory card for his birthday. So, the looking online for the best deal ensued. He found one. At Fries in Willsonville, a 30-45 min drive on a good day. Today was not a good day, hard rain and we left around 2:30 when it seemed the whole city was getting off work but for sure on the way home everyone would be on the road home. The traffic was horrible, our exit from one freeway to the next was blocked off and we had to do a major detour to get going the right direction. It took us about hour and half to get there. On the way i was trying so hard not to feel nauseas between my headache and his lurching in the stop and go traffic. I love my husband but his driving in the stick shift car in traffic drives me bananas (no pun intended).
Finally, we got there, he picked up his card and we took the long drive home. We got home a little faster because we took an alternate route that didn't involve so much freeway.
That was the most excitement so far.
Unfortunately for him I've been moody all day swinging from grumpy & cursing to really upbeat and goofy. Ah, well, he'll have a guy's night and it'll be all good.
Plus, we'll use a gift certificate my sister sent him for dinner next weekend. It will be better.
November 15, 2007
Art Every Day Post - finally
I came home from a blah kind of day. Realized, I have this whole evening to my self*. My office is clean and I really like sitting in there**. Lets do art!
I found my mp3 for some Jars of Clay. I pulled out my sketchbook - it is a big 11x14 thing, love it. I pull out my oil pastels which i have not used in-for-ever. I have doodled this little flower with only half the petals for a couple of weeks now. The thought popped into my head that it looked a lot like a crown. Tonight I doodled it out and created a full color version and a more duo-tone but um, i like the full color better. Also as part of the process i moved my hand over the little colors until one said "pick me!". I doodled some little shapes. It was fun.
It only took 45 minutes.
But i felt satisfied and told my self i don't have to make this a long process. I can do fun, quick, sketches and be done with the night that quickly.
Of course after taking pictures, editing said pictures, uploading and posting about it. I'm pushing an hour and half on time.
*hubby is working a night shift (4p-midnight) at a different branch of the vet company he works for.
** even though there is a mouse that is somewhere between my office and the living room. Yeah, gross but sooo much better than roaches. Except we can't get the apartment complex to call us back and no one is in the office! But i'm not really sure what they're going to do because the last time this happened they just put sticky traps in my kitchen (thats where it was last time) and then one actually worked and I had to have someone else deal with a dead mouse - blah!!!
I found my mp3 for some Jars of Clay. I pulled out my sketchbook - it is a big 11x14 thing, love it. I pull out my oil pastels which i have not used in-for-ever. I have doodled this little flower with only half the petals for a couple of weeks now. The thought popped into my head that it looked a lot like a crown. Tonight I doodled it out and created a full color version and a more duo-tone but um, i like the full color better. Also as part of the process i moved my hand over the little colors until one said "pick me!". I doodled some little shapes. It was fun.
It only took 45 minutes.
But i felt satisfied and told my self i don't have to make this a long process. I can do fun, quick, sketches and be done with the night that quickly.
Of course after taking pictures, editing said pictures, uploading and posting about it. I'm pushing an hour and half on time.
*hubby is working a night shift (4p-midnight) at a different branch of the vet company he works for.
** even though there is a mouse that is somewhere between my office and the living room. Yeah, gross but sooo much better than roaches. Except we can't get the apartment complex to call us back and no one is in the office! But i'm not really sure what they're going to do because the last time this happened they just put sticky traps in my kitchen (thats where it was last time) and then one actually worked and I had to have someone else deal with a dead mouse - blah!!!
November 14, 2007
Grumpy
I'm so grumpy right now. The meeting with the logo guy was long and now i have to start over because he didn't like my version - he wants the version thats in his head and the version I'm not sure I can produce.
What do you do when you have a client that you can't create what they want? Do you refund the down payment and say "go try so & so"?
When does your abilities or lack there of in a style become a defining moment of 'get over it and get good at it quickly' or become a definition of your "style" and you can only produce in that way? I mean people who love white space and Neo-Plasticism* style is not going to necessary know how to produce graffiti art - but should they? As a commercial artist should I?
Anyway... just some rambly thought.
*I had to look that up - only some art history stuck with me.
What do you do when you have a client that you can't create what they want? Do you refund the down payment and say "go try so & so"?
When does your abilities or lack there of in a style become a defining moment of 'get over it and get good at it quickly' or become a definition of your "style" and you can only produce in that way? I mean people who love white space and Neo-Plasticism* style is not going to necessary know how to produce graffiti art - but should they? As a commercial artist should I?
Anyway... just some rambly thought.
*I had to look that up - only some art history stuck with me.
November 13, 2007
Barely Remembered
Almost went to bed with out posting! I've been working on that logo I previously mentioned. It's taking on a style I don't think the guy was originally thinking.
However, I am learning some limitations on my abilities. For example I can understand in my head what he wants to see but trying to translate that into the computer is becoming more difficult and time consuming than originally thought. Also my personal taste (style?) is creeping in. I'm a little bit of a minimalist and prefer simple design. I don't know if this is because i don't have the talent/skills/patience for details or if this really the way I work no matter what.
I'm done for tonight and tomorrow night I shall find out his opinion.
On an unrelated note - I must invest in good headphones - maybe those big kind that completely cover the ears. The whole time as background noise I've listened to my husband comment: "good kill" "Oh son of a...!" "Don't go in there!" "get the active camo" and then there is the explosions and various different gun sounds depending on which weapon is being fired. Yeah, if my office isn't going to have any doors, I need good headphones.
However, I am learning some limitations on my abilities. For example I can understand in my head what he wants to see but trying to translate that into the computer is becoming more difficult and time consuming than originally thought. Also my personal taste (style?) is creeping in. I'm a little bit of a minimalist and prefer simple design. I don't know if this is because i don't have the talent/skills/patience for details or if this really the way I work no matter what.
I'm done for tonight and tomorrow night I shall find out his opinion.
On an unrelated note - I must invest in good headphones - maybe those big kind that completely cover the ears. The whole time as background noise I've listened to my husband comment: "good kill" "Oh son of a...!" "Don't go in there!" "get the active camo" and then there is the explosions and various different gun sounds depending on which weapon is being fired. Yeah, if my office isn't going to have any doors, I need good headphones.
November 12, 2007
Procrastinating
I took on this contract job on the side. It's for a logo. I have put off starting this thing for 3 weeks now. There isn't really a deadline just as soon as it gets done.
I am working with the man who came up with the original concept for the logo. So, really, i'm not creating anything original from my brain. No, i'm basically the production artist trying to read the mind of the original creator. See, he created in color pencil - I am to create it in the computer all 3D-ed and makin' it look amazing to the point it can never be produced practically. Argh!
This happens every time I take on a paid side job. I think "oh cool extra money and it sounds like an interesting thing". But then as soon as its time to start I feel all annoyed that I have to spend any extra time I have on this project to get it finished. Ironic, no?
I know you're advice is to get it done already so I can move on. Yeah, I know. I will spend weeks avoiding something that is really only budgeted for 8 hours, silly.
On a side note i beat GuitarHero2 but I will never play for over an hour again. My right arm is all screwed up from strumming.
On another side note i want to kill Nitro, our male dog. He has stopped telling us when he needs to go out side and instead leaks drippy pee trails all over the living room/hallway carpet. He did that earlier this evening. The crowning touch? We let him out maybe 45 min. ago and just now he peed a little on the leather couch cushion beside me! WTF?! I swear for a medium sized dog he has the bladder of a squirrel.
Ok, I'm going to stop moaning and complaining and go work on that logo.
I am working with the man who came up with the original concept for the logo. So, really, i'm not creating anything original from my brain. No, i'm basically the production artist trying to read the mind of the original creator. See, he created in color pencil - I am to create it in the computer all 3D-ed and makin' it look amazing to the point it can never be produced practically. Argh!
This happens every time I take on a paid side job. I think "oh cool extra money and it sounds like an interesting thing". But then as soon as its time to start I feel all annoyed that I have to spend any extra time I have on this project to get it finished. Ironic, no?
I know you're advice is to get it done already so I can move on. Yeah, I know. I will spend weeks avoiding something that is really only budgeted for 8 hours, silly.
On a side note i beat GuitarHero2 but I will never play for over an hour again. My right arm is all screwed up from strumming.
On another side note i want to kill Nitro, our male dog. He has stopped telling us when he needs to go out side and instead leaks drippy pee trails all over the living room/hallway carpet. He did that earlier this evening. The crowning touch? We let him out maybe 45 min. ago and just now he peed a little on the leather couch cushion beside me! WTF?! I swear for a medium sized dog he has the bladder of a squirrel.
Ok, I'm going to stop moaning and complaining and go work on that logo.
November 11, 2007
"Redefining the Dictionary"
From my understanding TED is a conference that happens once a year and different people have about 15-20min. to share an idea on a topic.
Through a series of links I found my self on the TED website and reviewing different talks. One that i found and really enjoyed was Erin McKean's talk on "Redefining the Dictionary" which I encourage you viewing. The fun surprise was finding out Erin is the author of the blog A Dress A Day which I had stumbled upon and been reading for a few months. I thought it was great that I found two random things that actually have something in common with each other.
One of my favorite bits is: "The internet is great for collecting words becuase the internet is full of collectors. This is a little known technological fact about the internet but the internet is actually made up of words & enthusiasm."
I can't seem to embed the video - go view it here: Erin McKean's Redefining the Dictionary
I might have more deep thoughts about what the future of the dictionary is later but the comments in the video are interesting.
Through a series of links I found my self on the TED website and reviewing different talks. One that i found and really enjoyed was Erin McKean's talk on "Redefining the Dictionary" which I encourage you viewing. The fun surprise was finding out Erin is the author of the blog A Dress A Day which I had stumbled upon and been reading for a few months. I thought it was great that I found two random things that actually have something in common with each other.
One of my favorite bits is: "The internet is great for collecting words becuase the internet is full of collectors. This is a little known technological fact about the internet but the internet is actually made up of words & enthusiasm."
I can't seem to embed the video - go view it here: Erin McKean's Redefining the Dictionary
I might have more deep thoughts about what the future of the dictionary is later but the comments in the video are interesting.
November 10, 2007
Clean Office
Tags
Life
After years of going through boxes and trying to organize and have an office - I'm done! I have a functional office. I'm so happy!
There are still lots of little things to go through - such as a stack of cds that i need to determine whats on them and if i need to keep it or not. There are other organizing boxes that are more attractive that I want to get when I have properly budget the money for them. I also have lots of projects I needed to get started on. But one thing at a time. Click on the photo to go to Flickr and read the comments I've made on it.
Now that I've spent hours being productive, I also cleaned the kitchen, I'm going to go play Guitar Hero 2.
How was your Saturday?
There are still lots of little things to go through - such as a stack of cds that i need to determine whats on them and if i need to keep it or not. There are other organizing boxes that are more attractive that I want to get when I have properly budget the money for them. I also have lots of projects I needed to get started on. But one thing at a time. Click on the photo to go to Flickr and read the comments I've made on it.
Now that I've spent hours being productive, I also cleaned the kitchen, I'm going to go play Guitar Hero 2.
How was your Saturday?
November 9, 2007
A Good Friday Night:
Dinner with a friend
Great Conversation
Good food
Dessert at home with the hubby
Snuggle time in front a movie
Knowing I get to sleep in
Hope ya'll are having a good night too.
Great Conversation
Good food
Dessert at home with the hubby
Snuggle time in front a movie
Knowing I get to sleep in
Hope ya'll are having a good night too.
November 8, 2007
Cruises
Lets celebrate that its been a week of consecutive posts!Yea!
I stumbled upon the coolest thing today. Cruises with an artist bent! That's right, you can take a cruise and take art workshops. I think this is amazing. You get to go see beautiful places and create beautiful art.
I really want to go on this Alaska cruise: ScrapMap
This one going to the Caribbeans also sounds really relaxing: Arts de Mer
I think I'm going to have to seriously save my pennies and go on one of these soon.
I stumbled upon the coolest thing today. Cruises with an artist bent! That's right, you can take a cruise and take art workshops. I think this is amazing. You get to go see beautiful places and create beautiful art.
I really want to go on this Alaska cruise: ScrapMap
This one going to the Caribbeans also sounds really relaxing: Arts de Mer
I think I'm going to have to seriously save my pennies and go on one of these soon.
November 7, 2007
Day 7
Honestly, if i was not doing NaBloPoMo and wanting to keep my commitment of posting all month. I would have skipped tonight. I'm so tired.
I will say this, I'm officially giving up on NaNoReMo. I can't stand reading any more of Catch 22 - the "who's on first" type of writing in every chapter but with a new character is getting old! Maybe I wouldn't feel this way if i had nothing else i wanted to read but as it so happens i have a large To Be Read pile right now. Most notably Kite Runner and Thunderstruck. Both need to be read by Christmas so my dad and I can go out to breakfast and discuss. Plus my dad keeps asking me if i've read Kite Runner and to be honest I started it but it didn't catch me fast enough for me to finish before it was due back at the library. I'm going to see if my M.I.L has a copy i can borrow becuase i know she's read it. Thunderstruck is turning out very interesting, who knew electricity was that fascinating?
Then there is the new Chuck Palahniuk Rant that I'm borrowing from the library and will need to be returned in a couple of weeks becuase i'm sure i won't get to renew it. Then I also started Getting Things Done, also from the library. But something about his style is not connecting with me. Also, part of my brain says "you've read enough about organizing just do something already or go read 7 Habits which you haven't finished."
So, it seems I won't be persevering through Catch 22.
P.S. I haven't given up on Art Every Day Month - i'm just moving my goal to have one finished piece a week.
I will say this, I'm officially giving up on NaNoReMo. I can't stand reading any more of Catch 22 - the "who's on first" type of writing in every chapter but with a new character is getting old! Maybe I wouldn't feel this way if i had nothing else i wanted to read but as it so happens i have a large To Be Read pile right now. Most notably Kite Runner and Thunderstruck. Both need to be read by Christmas so my dad and I can go out to breakfast and discuss. Plus my dad keeps asking me if i've read Kite Runner and to be honest I started it but it didn't catch me fast enough for me to finish before it was due back at the library. I'm going to see if my M.I.L has a copy i can borrow becuase i know she's read it. Thunderstruck is turning out very interesting, who knew electricity was that fascinating?
Then there is the new Chuck Palahniuk Rant that I'm borrowing from the library and will need to be returned in a couple of weeks becuase i'm sure i won't get to renew it. Then I also started Getting Things Done, also from the library. But something about his style is not connecting with me. Also, part of my brain says "you've read enough about organizing just do something already or go read 7 Habits which you haven't finished."
So, it seems I won't be persevering through Catch 22.
P.S. I haven't given up on Art Every Day Month - i'm just moving my goal to have one finished piece a week.
November 6, 2007
Sign Me Up
It would seem that I have a bad case of Sign Me Up, if there is a challenge or a committee that needs a person, I'm your woman! As soon as i sign the proverbial dotted line i get a case of "what have I done?" but not too bad. Just since Sunday this is what I've done:
#1 - My church has been pushing for more nursery workers. For a small church of about 200 we have a large percentage of children. On Sunday they had a quick meeting after church for the workers and potential workers. Well, I guess I've been having the case of the guilts because I don't normally enjoy the Sunday evening services and my husband and I have been making a habit of skipping. I thought "well, i could at least help on Sunday night for someone who did want to listen". So, up i went to the meeting. It turns out they actually need workers for the sunday school hour and the wednesday night, wednesday night really bad. The topic of me and my husband doing it as a ministry came up, i told her i'd have to talk to him about it. I haven't as of yet but I know his answer will be no because he's already spread a little thin between work and school. I keep telling my self it's only one night a month and I can give that up but at the same time I'm feeling a little selfish about it and maybe a little hypocritical.
Hypocritical because my husband and I just avoided the "homebuilders class" this summer because they were doing a video series on raising children in a Godly way. Considering when it started we'd been married 9 months and already pestered about children and all our friends were pregnant and abandoning us, we felt a little bitter about it and left the class until they were done (they're just about to start a new series on something else). The hypocritical part comes in that i just spend months avoiding children and now I'm volunteering to spend a couple of hours with them once a month. Maybe it was the news of my sister that got me all worked up to be around them. Because honestly, I haven't felt excited about any of my friends pregnancies. Happy that they had healthy beautiful babies and I gladly bought them gifts for the showers. But until my sister announced last week that she was pregnant I have never felt so excited about a baby.
# 2 - I'm part of an art group that meets once a week to draw but because of work I only go to the once a month meetings that are on Tuesday nights. Tonight was such a night. I love this group. Next month is our Christmas party. At the start of this meeting the leader brings up "while everyone is sharing consider if you want to help organize the Christmas party". So, I think about it, "yeah, that could be fun". At the end of the meeting the leader goes "Ok, any one interested in heading up the party?" We take a couple of seconds and look at each other... Then my hand shoots up! Whaaat? I immediately follow that up with "Anyone want to co-host?" I get a volunteer form this really sweet woman who I've collaborated with on buffet type stuff before. Then after the meeting broke up I got a couple of other women offering to help with whatever. I am looking forward to this and it's not that elaborate of an event.
#3 - Then while standing around talking i get looped into a convo in the kitchen regarding next years retreat. This years retreat was mid Oct. and quite trying on two of the three women who have organized it in the past, the two wanted to pass the baton. Guess who was there to grab one end of it? Me, that's right, me. On the other end the women i mentioned above who is good at organizing. And there is still one woman from the original group that wants to be part of it which is good because she finds the speakers. They usually do the planning meeting in January so at least I have a little bit of time. BUT the few things I really want - the invites, paper work handed out to attendees with such things as schedules, and name tags! So, basically the graphic design type stuff. It should be interesting.
#4 - Also brought up by a woman was a collaborate project she is trying to lead that started 6 months ago. She wrote a children's book and asked our group to take a copy, read it, illustrate a page and get it back to her. I find it interesting that she brought it up tonight because for the past 2 weeks the story has been taunting me from the shelf it's sitting on. I have a fairly clear idea of what I want to do but not how. I told her tonight that yes i still want to do this thing and yes i'll work to get my butt in gear to get you something.
Lets re-cap what i have signed up to do lately:
1 - illo for the book
2 - NaBloPoMo
3 - Art Every Day
4 - NaNoReMo
5 - Nursery once a month
6 - Bible Study on Monday nights - picking up one woman on way.
7 - Art Christmas Party
8 - Art Retreat 2008
Yeah, I wonder if there is something I'm avoiding...
#1 - My church has been pushing for more nursery workers. For a small church of about 200 we have a large percentage of children. On Sunday they had a quick meeting after church for the workers and potential workers. Well, I guess I've been having the case of the guilts because I don't normally enjoy the Sunday evening services and my husband and I have been making a habit of skipping. I thought "well, i could at least help on Sunday night for someone who did want to listen". So, up i went to the meeting. It turns out they actually need workers for the sunday school hour and the wednesday night, wednesday night really bad. The topic of me and my husband doing it as a ministry came up, i told her i'd have to talk to him about it. I haven't as of yet but I know his answer will be no because he's already spread a little thin between work and school. I keep telling my self it's only one night a month and I can give that up but at the same time I'm feeling a little selfish about it and maybe a little hypocritical.
Hypocritical because my husband and I just avoided the "homebuilders class" this summer because they were doing a video series on raising children in a Godly way. Considering when it started we'd been married 9 months and already pestered about children and all our friends were pregnant and abandoning us, we felt a little bitter about it and left the class until they were done (they're just about to start a new series on something else). The hypocritical part comes in that i just spend months avoiding children and now I'm volunteering to spend a couple of hours with them once a month. Maybe it was the news of my sister that got me all worked up to be around them. Because honestly, I haven't felt excited about any of my friends pregnancies. Happy that they had healthy beautiful babies and I gladly bought them gifts for the showers. But until my sister announced last week that she was pregnant I have never felt so excited about a baby.
# 2 - I'm part of an art group that meets once a week to draw but because of work I only go to the once a month meetings that are on Tuesday nights. Tonight was such a night. I love this group. Next month is our Christmas party. At the start of this meeting the leader brings up "while everyone is sharing consider if you want to help organize the Christmas party". So, I think about it, "yeah, that could be fun". At the end of the meeting the leader goes "Ok, any one interested in heading up the party?" We take a couple of seconds and look at each other... Then my hand shoots up! Whaaat? I immediately follow that up with "Anyone want to co-host?" I get a volunteer form this really sweet woman who I've collaborated with on buffet type stuff before. Then after the meeting broke up I got a couple of other women offering to help with whatever. I am looking forward to this and it's not that elaborate of an event.
#3 - Then while standing around talking i get looped into a convo in the kitchen regarding next years retreat. This years retreat was mid Oct. and quite trying on two of the three women who have organized it in the past, the two wanted to pass the baton. Guess who was there to grab one end of it? Me, that's right, me. On the other end the women i mentioned above who is good at organizing. And there is still one woman from the original group that wants to be part of it which is good because she finds the speakers. They usually do the planning meeting in January so at least I have a little bit of time. BUT the few things I really want - the invites, paper work handed out to attendees with such things as schedules, and name tags! So, basically the graphic design type stuff. It should be interesting.
#4 - Also brought up by a woman was a collaborate project she is trying to lead that started 6 months ago. She wrote a children's book and asked our group to take a copy, read it, illustrate a page and get it back to her. I find it interesting that she brought it up tonight because for the past 2 weeks the story has been taunting me from the shelf it's sitting on. I have a fairly clear idea of what I want to do but not how. I told her tonight that yes i still want to do this thing and yes i'll work to get my butt in gear to get you something.
Lets re-cap what i have signed up to do lately:
1 - illo for the book
2 - NaBloPoMo
3 - Art Every Day
4 - NaNoReMo
5 - Nursery once a month
6 - Bible Study on Monday nights - picking up one woman on way.
7 - Art Christmas Party
8 - Art Retreat 2008
Yeah, I wonder if there is something I'm avoiding...
November 5, 2007
Migraines
The thing about reading blogs that deal with the day to day, you find out a few personal things that maybe are TMI.
I have had migraines from the time I was about seven. There have been different triggers through out the years, there have even been years when they leave me alone for the most part. When I was 19 i even went through several doctors just to make sure nothing was wrong with my brain. There isn't {insert joke}. At that time it was diagnosed as "stress". I was given a medication sample to test but i was in school and working and it never seemed like a good time to test a drug that might make me drowsy.
Well, this past year it's plagued me every month with my cycle. I have no idea if this is new or I'm just now paying attention to it. I still usually get that one random headache a month. So, when i went to the doctor a few weeks ago i brought it up again. New medication, I'm actually trying it tonight on one of my random headaches. I'm not really sure if it's a migraine but i've had a little dizziness and that is one sign. I thought it was worth a shot. It's a desolvable tablet - it's like taking an altoid with a bad after taste.
Did i mention that one of the side affects is drowsiness? yeah, it is and i think I'm already feeling it. I mean i was tired but now i can't even keep a straight though. Bed time.
*edit for corrections - apparently i using<> will gaurantee that blogger thinks it's code. Also, updated the correct time span for when i went to the dr.
*edit for update - well, i didn't wake up with a migraine which is a plus. Although, i'm still tired. I'm not sure if it was my bad sleep schedule for the past few days or the meds. The next time I take it I'll try it while still at home incase it is the meds.
I have had migraines from the time I was about seven. There have been different triggers through out the years, there have even been years when they leave me alone for the most part. When I was 19 i even went through several doctors just to make sure nothing was wrong with my brain. There isn't {insert joke}. At that time it was diagnosed as "stress". I was given a medication sample to test but i was in school and working and it never seemed like a good time to test a drug that might make me drowsy.
Well, this past year it's plagued me every month with my cycle. I have no idea if this is new or I'm just now paying attention to it. I still usually get that one random headache a month. So, when i went to the doctor a few weeks ago i brought it up again. New medication, I'm actually trying it tonight on one of my random headaches. I'm not really sure if it's a migraine but i've had a little dizziness and that is one sign. I thought it was worth a shot. It's a desolvable tablet - it's like taking an altoid with a bad after taste.
Did i mention that one of the side affects is drowsiness? yeah, it is and i think I'm already feeling it. I mean i was tired but now i can't even keep a straight though. Bed time.
*edit for corrections - apparently i using<> will gaurantee that blogger thinks it's code. Also, updated the correct time span for when i went to the dr.
*edit for update - well, i didn't wake up with a migraine which is a plus. Although, i'm still tired. I'm not sure if it was my bad sleep schedule for the past few days or the meds. The next time I take it I'll try it while still at home incase it is the meds.
November 4, 2007
Computer Whoas
I have this external hard drive that is a um, come to think of it is quite old, about 5 years. I've been using it for that long as a off again on again back or an "eeks my computer needs spaced" device until i could get the data burned to something.
Right now I'm using it as a data mule between my laptop that has no dvd burner to the desktop that has a dvd burner. I am trying to backup 4 years of school and about 3 years of photos. I don't really care if the school stuff gets lost, yes that would mean I'd have a lot of work to redo to have a portfolio but between you and me a lot of it probably needs to be updated anyway.
Today I thought I was going to be productive and burn off more stuff. The ultimate goal is to wipe my laptop and reload everything. Why would i bother doing such a thing if there are no viruses etc.? Because it just seems like the thing to do after you reshuffle it's data parts backing everything up. Also, sometimes, don't you just love the feel of a clean slate? Even if it takes you weeks and hours of gnashing of teeth to get it?
So, right, i was going to be productive today... Until the desktop computer booted up and i got this blue screen saying something a long the lines of "I have to scan the F drive and it's best not to disturb me until I'm done". The F drive would be my external - oops shouldn't have started with that thing plugged in. The kicker the desktop processor is so slow that it takes it 3 HOURS! I wasn't productive today, I'm sure the desktop feels all proud of it self for scanning the drive which nothing was wrong to begin with.
The ultimate point of this thread? Old electronics stink. I'm going to find another way of backing up my laptop. This may mean 1) buy a huge external drive and just not bother burning anything 2) buy an external dvd burner for my laptop. The current process of copying data to the HD and then copying from the HD to the desktop to copying the data to the DVD burner is ridiculous! You may think i'm adding in an unnecessary step of copying from HD to DT to DVD but I tried direct from HD to DVD and it didn't authenticate the disk, so sure it look like stuff is burned to the DVD until you try to open a file and the disk says there is no data to open. No worries at this point nothing has been deleted.
If anyone knows of an option 3 let me know.
***Art Every Day***
I don't think this really counts but I'm going to go have a good time watching Meet the Robinson's with my husband and laugh about the "Caffeine Patch".
Right now I'm using it as a data mule between my laptop that has no dvd burner to the desktop that has a dvd burner. I am trying to backup 4 years of school and about 3 years of photos. I don't really care if the school stuff gets lost, yes that would mean I'd have a lot of work to redo to have a portfolio but between you and me a lot of it probably needs to be updated anyway.
Today I thought I was going to be productive and burn off more stuff. The ultimate goal is to wipe my laptop and reload everything. Why would i bother doing such a thing if there are no viruses etc.? Because it just seems like the thing to do after you reshuffle it's data parts backing everything up. Also, sometimes, don't you just love the feel of a clean slate? Even if it takes you weeks and hours of gnashing of teeth to get it?
So, right, i was going to be productive today... Until the desktop computer booted up and i got this blue screen saying something a long the lines of "I have to scan the F drive and it's best not to disturb me until I'm done". The F drive would be my external - oops shouldn't have started with that thing plugged in. The kicker the desktop processor is so slow that it takes it 3 HOURS! I wasn't productive today, I'm sure the desktop feels all proud of it self for scanning the drive which nothing was wrong to begin with.
The ultimate point of this thread? Old electronics stink. I'm going to find another way of backing up my laptop. This may mean 1) buy a huge external drive and just not bother burning anything 2) buy an external dvd burner for my laptop. The current process of copying data to the HD and then copying from the HD to the desktop to copying the data to the DVD burner is ridiculous! You may think i'm adding in an unnecessary step of copying from HD to DT to DVD but I tried direct from HD to DVD and it didn't authenticate the disk, so sure it look like stuff is burned to the DVD until you try to open a file and the disk says there is no data to open. No worries at this point nothing has been deleted.
If anyone knows of an option 3 let me know.
***Art Every Day***
I don't think this really counts but I'm going to go have a good time watching Meet the Robinson's with my husband and laugh about the "Caffeine Patch".
November 3, 2007
Art Every Day
I almost didn't do anything creative today out of sheer self pity. What motivated me? I didn't want to type "I didn't do anything today, again". I over looked my office being a mess and took advantage of my dinning table being clean. I grabbed my giant clip board and supplies for watercolor. I had been having the urge to play around with them. I've had a couple of quick lessons on how to formally use them. Considering i have a very cheap set of pan watercolors and equally cheap but about a 2 year old never used before tube set, I didn't think formal training needed to be important for tonight. While my husband was a way playing basketball I played.
What I most like about watercolor is the layering look that is archived using layer after layer. I've been admiring Irisz Agocs* and she's mentioned using coffee to paint with. I had heard of this before but she has had some nice results. I thought I'd give it a try with my left over coffee. The mug is the result. The bird and the little spots of color were playing around. I think the yellow layered the best. Of course this could have something to do with the fact that I actually got pigment out of the tube instead of only the colored oily liquid. Anyway, I'm glad I did get something on the page for the day.
Interview with Irisz Agocs
What I most like about watercolor is the layering look that is archived using layer after layer. I've been admiring Irisz Agocs* and she's mentioned using coffee to paint with. I had heard of this before but she has had some nice results. I thought I'd give it a try with my left over coffee. The mug is the result. The bird and the little spots of color were playing around. I think the yellow layered the best. Of course this could have something to do with the fact that I actually got pigment out of the tube instead of only the colored oily liquid. Anyway, I'm glad I did get something on the page for the day.
Interview with Irisz Agocs
November 2, 2007
Day 2 And...
Coming off of the high from the news of yesterday, today was kinda boring.
At work I had a few small projects after a week of nothing. My boss and I talked about possibly upping my salary and reworking my schedule so I work 4 days of 10 hours. This is all basically happening because I'm hitting my one year mark in a week and they want to keep me. They've hinted at more responsibilities after the new year and to hang in there for the next month or so of basically nothing to do. By the end of the conversation my boss made it very clear that he realizes it's not exactly what i wanted to be doing with my career but that they're open to doing just about anything to keep me another year. I hinted at him with no promises that I could give him another year. My husband and I have a lot of traveling planned for next year and a goal of buying a house - not the exact best time to go job hunting. He's talking with the higher ups about everything and will get back to me in a week or so.
This is all very flattering but part of my brain is saying "What?! Another year of this monotonous crap?!" Although, my other part is saying "Take it. Build up your own art. Sit with your self a little longer to really figure out if you want to stay in corporate graphic design or if you want to move in a different direction." I'll see what happens.
***Art Every Day***
Unfortunately I don't have any new art today.
***NaNoReMo***
I'm only a few pages behind to finish the 4th chapter of Catch 22. My first impression is, it's a little boring and I don't really care for the main character Yossarian yet. It's a good thing I have the general philosophy that i have to finish a book once i start it. Just this time i have to finish it with in a set time limit...
Got to go my husband has started Hot Fuzz and I must go watch. It's the best movie!
At work I had a few small projects after a week of nothing. My boss and I talked about possibly upping my salary and reworking my schedule so I work 4 days of 10 hours. This is all basically happening because I'm hitting my one year mark in a week and they want to keep me. They've hinted at more responsibilities after the new year and to hang in there for the next month or so of basically nothing to do. By the end of the conversation my boss made it very clear that he realizes it's not exactly what i wanted to be doing with my career but that they're open to doing just about anything to keep me another year. I hinted at him with no promises that I could give him another year. My husband and I have a lot of traveling planned for next year and a goal of buying a house - not the exact best time to go job hunting. He's talking with the higher ups about everything and will get back to me in a week or so.
This is all very flattering but part of my brain is saying "What?! Another year of this monotonous crap?!" Although, my other part is saying "Take it. Build up your own art. Sit with your self a little longer to really figure out if you want to stay in corporate graphic design or if you want to move in a different direction." I'll see what happens.
***Art Every Day***
Unfortunately I don't have any new art today.
***NaNoReMo***
I'm only a few pages behind to finish the 4th chapter of Catch 22. My first impression is, it's a little boring and I don't really care for the main character Yossarian yet. It's a good thing I have the general philosophy that i have to finish a book once i start it. Just this time i have to finish it with in a set time limit...
Got to go my husband has started Hot Fuzz and I must go watch. It's the best movie!
November 1, 2007
Now For Some Really AWESOME News
I'm an Aunt!!! this font is not big enough
My older sister and her husband are having their first child! I'm ecstatic!
This baby will be the first everything - First child, grandchild, great grandchild. The first to christen me and my siblings aunts and uncles. The first child to make great aunts and uncles out of my beloved aunts & uncles. The first to have second cousins. I find this so fitting for my sister because she is also the first grandchild and so forth.
How she told me since I'm in Oregon and she's in Texas:
I get home from work to log in and write my NoBloPoMo first entry. I check my email because you can't have the computer on with out check email. I find one from my sister. It goes something like this: "I took this interesting picture tell me what you think. I'll be out of town this weekend so call me. How are Christmas plans going? love..."
I open the attachment and there is her hand holding her pregnancy test with a little + in blue. Much squealing and shouting and celebratory dancing goes on in my living room. I call her. She doesn't answer the phone!!! I try her at home and it just rings and rings. I try her hubby's phone, voice mail. I leave really excited messages both times I get the voice mail. I must share this news with someone. I call my husband at work - i can barely keep from squealing while I'm on hold. Once he picks up I shout the news into the phone! He's all very happy sound and saying things like "that's great news" but then has to go.
I'm giddy and bouncing around the living room. My dogs have retreated to the hall way and stare at me from a safe distance. I must have been really freakin' them out because usually they are all for jumping up and down with you. I notice my mom is online... I wonder if she knows... I can't keep this to my self I must find out in a round about way if she too got an email from S. So we him-haw back and froth beating around the bush and finally we figure out we're talking about the same thing. In fact it turns out I am the last family member to know. My mom calls me and we squeal some more and lament about how S won't answer her phone. Then my sister finally calls!
Here is what I know some from her some from my parents:
- She's 3 months
- She has a midwife
- The birthing center is beautiful
- They have heard the heart beat
- She wanted to wait and tell me at Christmas in person by picking me up at the airport. I'm so thankful she didn't because if one of the family members had slipped and told me I would have been so bummed not to find out from her. I loved the photo email anyway.
- Beatrix Potter is going to be the nursery theme
- They're going to find out what they're having when they can
- Each family member found out in person in a cool way. She's yet to have time to tell me all this because she was out tonight and had to get back to the meeting she was attending. My dad told me how he and my siblings and his parents found out. I'll document this later I think.
- The due date is May 23rd. It will share my birthday month! My paternal grandfather wants her to wait another 2 weeks and have it on June 4th, his birthday, lol.
I spoke with my step-mom and we discussed maybe having a baby shower in Dec. when I'm down there for Christmas. We're wondering if this is too early. Maybe it could just be a cool women get together to celebrate the new life.
*Sigh* I can't wait to do all these little cool things for my sister who has done so many cool things for me at special times in my life.
*** Art Every Day ***
Growing up my mom always decorated for fall/thanksgiving with pumpkins, gourds and cobs of corn in different colors. I liked this tradition so I continue it. Here are pictures of my arrangement for our dinning table, I don't have a fireplace to decorate like I did growing up.
The green pumpkin is from my in-law's pumpkin patch, it didn't ripen and I liked the way it looked. I was so excited to find the gourde with the little legs. I really want to glue eyes to it and a little mouth to make it a little creature. Maybe I'll do that later this month. The card is a Halloween one a friend sent me. I thought it had a nice pattern.
While shooting I found a few limitations on the depth of field options for my camera. Also, that I don't have very good lamps for lighting in the apartment. This was shot using a lamp with a twist able arm and one bulb.
A little different perspective:
I told ya'll November is going to be a good month!
p.s. if you want to find out my mom's reaction you can go to MarillaAnne's site and I'm sure she'll post tomorrow - she lost internet connection tonight.
My older sister and her husband are having their first child! I'm ecstatic!
This baby will be the first everything - First child, grandchild, great grandchild. The first to christen me and my siblings aunts and uncles. The first child to make great aunts and uncles out of my beloved aunts & uncles. The first to have second cousins. I find this so fitting for my sister because she is also the first grandchild and so forth.
How she told me since I'm in Oregon and she's in Texas:
I get home from work to log in and write my NoBloPoMo first entry. I check my email because you can't have the computer on with out check email. I find one from my sister. It goes something like this: "I took this interesting picture tell me what you think. I'll be out of town this weekend so call me. How are Christmas plans going? love..."
I open the attachment and there is her hand holding her pregnancy test with a little + in blue. Much squealing and shouting and celebratory dancing goes on in my living room. I call her. She doesn't answer the phone!!! I try her at home and it just rings and rings. I try her hubby's phone, voice mail. I leave really excited messages both times I get the voice mail. I must share this news with someone. I call my husband at work - i can barely keep from squealing while I'm on hold. Once he picks up I shout the news into the phone! He's all very happy sound and saying things like "that's great news" but then has to go.
I'm giddy and bouncing around the living room. My dogs have retreated to the hall way and stare at me from a safe distance. I must have been really freakin' them out because usually they are all for jumping up and down with you. I notice my mom is online... I wonder if she knows... I can't keep this to my self I must find out in a round about way if she too got an email from S. So we him-haw back and froth beating around the bush and finally we figure out we're talking about the same thing. In fact it turns out I am the last family member to know. My mom calls me and we squeal some more and lament about how S won't answer her phone. Then my sister finally calls!
Here is what I know some from her some from my parents:
- She's 3 months
- She has a midwife
- The birthing center is beautiful
- They have heard the heart beat
- She wanted to wait and tell me at Christmas in person by picking me up at the airport. I'm so thankful she didn't because if one of the family members had slipped and told me I would have been so bummed not to find out from her. I loved the photo email anyway.
- Beatrix Potter is going to be the nursery theme
- They're going to find out what they're having when they can
- Each family member found out in person in a cool way. She's yet to have time to tell me all this because she was out tonight and had to get back to the meeting she was attending. My dad told me how he and my siblings and his parents found out. I'll document this later I think.
- The due date is May 23rd. It will share my birthday month! My paternal grandfather wants her to wait another 2 weeks and have it on June 4th, his birthday, lol.
I spoke with my step-mom and we discussed maybe having a baby shower in Dec. when I'm down there for Christmas. We're wondering if this is too early. Maybe it could just be a cool women get together to celebrate the new life.
*Sigh* I can't wait to do all these little cool things for my sister who has done so many cool things for me at special times in my life.
*** Art Every Day ***
Growing up my mom always decorated for fall/thanksgiving with pumpkins, gourds and cobs of corn in different colors. I liked this tradition so I continue it. Here are pictures of my arrangement for our dinning table, I don't have a fireplace to decorate like I did growing up.
The green pumpkin is from my in-law's pumpkin patch, it didn't ripen and I liked the way it looked. I was so excited to find the gourde with the little legs. I really want to glue eyes to it and a little mouth to make it a little creature. Maybe I'll do that later this month. The card is a Halloween one a friend sent me. I thought it had a nice pattern.
While shooting I found a few limitations on the depth of field options for my camera. Also, that I don't have very good lamps for lighting in the apartment. This was shot using a lamp with a twist able arm and one bulb.
A little different perspective:
I told ya'll November is going to be a good month!
p.s. if you want to find out my mom's reaction you can go to MarillaAnne's site and I'm sure she'll post tomorrow - she lost internet connection tonight.
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