Nothing like snow to shake you from the spring-weather-induced buzz that was this weekend. I'm going to see if I can hold out and keep the heat off for the next two stupidly cold days...
I spent much of my weekend going out in the way that makes my married friend jealous. I'm usually just happy when the excursions are actually as fun as they sound, and that was the case this weekend. We started it off with Ladies 80's night at Skully's. While it's not my usual scene, we had a decent time and "danced" to some good/bad 80's music for about two hours. The highlight was this one guy who was totally into it, 100%. I stopped dancing several times and just watched him. Unfortunately, there were slimy guys, and they were plentiful. I almost killed a guy. Seriously. Some tips:
1: Not all girls left their houses looking for you.
2: Do not kiss a girl's hand if you don't know her. Don't kiss her cheek, and sohelpme, don't think about kissing her neck. These are all fatal errors, regardless of how charming you might think you are.
3: Never start off a compliment with,"I've been watching your body move all night...". That's just gross.
4: Don't be the old, overweight guy taking pictures from the corner on his phone.
5: Stop.trying.so.hard.
I'm giving this night another chance this week and going with a group. I'm anticipating a good time (and hoping to win tickets to the Black Keys show!).
On Saturday I followed up my normal yoga class with an advanced session that was awesome but that also kicked my butt. After this weekend, everything hurts, but it's great. Bring it, bikini season.
We went to Gallery Hop on Saturday night and found it to be much, much colder than expected. We also ended up sitting outside for dinner because that was the only place to get a seat. I've never been so happy about the lighting of the candle on the table. We hit our usual galleries and then headed to Mojoe lounge. I think I met half of the people I know (and some that I didn't) at some point that night. We were supposed to meet up with some people and go to a "goth dance party afterward. None of us knew what that even involved, but we were open to checking it out despite our lack of goth-ness. In the process of walking there we decided that the night had been full enough, and rocking out a goth party would have to be postponed.
After two more intense yoga sessions, I am yet again sore this morning. I'm about to meet up with a friend for our weekly get-together. After that, I'm caving and going to American Apparel for some t-shirts. I never knew it was so hard to find a good t-shirt. The rest of the day will be spent on working (yay!) and then teaching tonight. Have a good Monday!
Oh, and get the new Yeah Yeah Yeahs album. Some good stuff.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Get your milk and shoes (and that one hot new album...)
Today's Song that you used to love is Promiscuous. I might have listened to it twice. I can't say that I'm proud.
I taught my first kids' yoga class yesterday and that was interesting. I think it was fun for the kids, but had me reconsidering having children (or, at least, nine children at once). The whole experience reminded me of science class, when they showed us atoms bouncing around, primary colors and all. The quote of the day came from a little girl who came up and said, very seriously: "I like yoga because I, I like ice cream".
In the design world, things are still moving, but at a slightly slower pace. A friend recently asked me what I was going to do and I had to just admit that I don't know. Compared to two years ago, the market is drastically different. I'm trying to figure out how to adjust. I'm also trying to build on my skill set while riding this all out.
Instead of a print designer, companies now want a designer who can do print and web, who know print production, PHP, HTML, Flash...the list goes on. Instead of a good designer, people want someone who can "do it all". I know there are people out there who can do it all, but not surprsingly, I've seen some really horrible designs come from this set-up. The design industry tends to mirror what is going on in culture, and I think this is especially true now. People no longer go to specialized stores for things, they go to large retailers. It's easy and saves both time and money. We are a culture of convenience. Unfortunately, I think we have given up quality in a lot of cases. If you have a print designer and a separate web designer, you more likely to get higher quality work because they are each specialized in what they do. Design has also become watered down thanks to pirated copies of Photoshop getting into the wrong hands. Anyone can "photoshop it", but not everyone can edit and design well, and unfortunately, people seem to be forgetting this when they are comparing costs. I'm not happy about the current economic situation, but I can't help but think that this time of reevaluating our spending habits is a good thing. Maybe we can actually get back to a place of higher quality and greater markets for focused skills.
So, until I master the web/photography/marketing/design/general office duties, I will stay busy. Tonight that means dancing, tomorrow, working from home on a rainy Friday...
I taught my first kids' yoga class yesterday and that was interesting. I think it was fun for the kids, but had me reconsidering having children (or, at least, nine children at once). The whole experience reminded me of science class, when they showed us atoms bouncing around, primary colors and all. The quote of the day came from a little girl who came up and said, very seriously: "I like yoga because I, I like ice cream".
In the design world, things are still moving, but at a slightly slower pace. A friend recently asked me what I was going to do and I had to just admit that I don't know. Compared to two years ago, the market is drastically different. I'm trying to figure out how to adjust. I'm also trying to build on my skill set while riding this all out.
Instead of a print designer, companies now want a designer who can do print and web, who know print production, PHP, HTML, Flash...the list goes on. Instead of a good designer, people want someone who can "do it all". I know there are people out there who can do it all, but not surprsingly, I've seen some really horrible designs come from this set-up. The design industry tends to mirror what is going on in culture, and I think this is especially true now. People no longer go to specialized stores for things, they go to large retailers. It's easy and saves both time and money. We are a culture of convenience. Unfortunately, I think we have given up quality in a lot of cases. If you have a print designer and a separate web designer, you more likely to get higher quality work because they are each specialized in what they do. Design has also become watered down thanks to pirated copies of Photoshop getting into the wrong hands. Anyone can "photoshop it", but not everyone can edit and design well, and unfortunately, people seem to be forgetting this when they are comparing costs. I'm not happy about the current economic situation, but I can't help but think that this time of reevaluating our spending habits is a good thing. Maybe we can actually get back to a place of higher quality and greater markets for focused skills.
So, until I master the web/photography/marketing/design/general office duties, I will stay busy. Tonight that means dancing, tomorrow, working from home on a rainy Friday...
Monday, March 30, 2009
I'm just glad I wore that sweater
After two weeks of enjoying and then not enjoying my free time, I feel like life has picked up and started moving forward again.
Saturday was the first home game for the Crew and it was a nice start to what will hopefully be another good season. It felt so good to be in the seats, feel the energy, hear the cheers, and see some good soccer. I've never been a sports fan, but seeing the games live is a completely different experience. I can't wait for the summer games!
I woke up on Sunday feeling both sick and tired, despite having gone to bed early the night before. I came home from church and fell right back to sleep. I felt fine during yoga class (kicked my butt, and shoulders, and...)but was in bed and asleep by 10:30 last night. I think there is a small army of various viruses going around, so I will gladly give my body all the rest it needs. And I might double up on those vitamins...
Met up with a friend for a delicious breakfast this morning. Fate or coincidence (only time will tell) decided to amuse us. Shortly after having a conversation about a certain current crush, he unexpected walks in and sits down at the table next to us. I'm not good in situations like this. I enjoy the awkwardness too much and just laugh. Luckily, my friend is cool and calming and kept the situation somewhat in check. While my mom gets to hear all of the updates, the online community doesn't need to, so that's the last this will be mentioned on here. Just know: it was so, so weird.
In other fate related news, I got another possible design client today. This one came from a random conversation with someone I randomly talked to after going to church even though I didn't feel good. I didn't talk to anyone else yesterday, just this one girl, and then I got the email today. I'm always amazed when stuff works out like this.
I decided to bank on the good day and nice weather and finally spray painted some things I got the other day. Have to say, they look pretty good. I saw a very similar mirror at Anthropologie today - the difference is that mine was $5 at a thrift store. The paint went right through the paper and I ended up with glossy black hands. After some nail polish remover, things were close to normal. It reminded me of my art class days, waitressing and trying to hide the oil paint that wouldn't come off my hands. I also got some cork squares and will hopefully have a nice inspiration wall soon...
Time to end this rambling mess of an entry. Have a great day!
Saturday was the first home game for the Crew and it was a nice start to what will hopefully be another good season. It felt so good to be in the seats, feel the energy, hear the cheers, and see some good soccer. I've never been a sports fan, but seeing the games live is a completely different experience. I can't wait for the summer games!
I woke up on Sunday feeling both sick and tired, despite having gone to bed early the night before. I came home from church and fell right back to sleep. I felt fine during yoga class (kicked my butt, and shoulders, and...)but was in bed and asleep by 10:30 last night. I think there is a small army of various viruses going around, so I will gladly give my body all the rest it needs. And I might double up on those vitamins...
Met up with a friend for a delicious breakfast this morning. Fate or coincidence (only time will tell) decided to amuse us. Shortly after having a conversation about a certain current crush, he unexpected walks in and sits down at the table next to us. I'm not good in situations like this. I enjoy the awkwardness too much and just laugh. Luckily, my friend is cool and calming and kept the situation somewhat in check. While my mom gets to hear all of the updates, the online community doesn't need to, so that's the last this will be mentioned on here. Just know: it was so, so weird.
In other fate related news, I got another possible design client today. This one came from a random conversation with someone I randomly talked to after going to church even though I didn't feel good. I didn't talk to anyone else yesterday, just this one girl, and then I got the email today. I'm always amazed when stuff works out like this.
I decided to bank on the good day and nice weather and finally spray painted some things I got the other day. Have to say, they look pretty good. I saw a very similar mirror at Anthropologie today - the difference is that mine was $5 at a thrift store. The paint went right through the paper and I ended up with glossy black hands. After some nail polish remover, things were close to normal. It reminded me of my art class days, waitressing and trying to hide the oil paint that wouldn't come off my hands. I also got some cork squares and will hopefully have a nice inspiration wall soon...
Time to end this rambling mess of an entry. Have a great day!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Hold it right there
A much needed series of enjoyable events have made up for the series of crappy days that started the week.
Last night I got to help out with a photo shoot. Let me re-phrase. I got to help out on a really awesome photo shoot with a great model and two extremely talented photographers, and it pretty much rocked my night. Old factory, cool lighting, great music (Nine Inch Nails, Radiohead, to name a few) and everyone in the zone. This is the kind of thing that makes me love my job. I had a great time being a semi-stylist...is there a degree for that?
Rainy days kept me inside more than usual this week. I've officially watched all three seasons of Veronica Mars and am left wondering what to do with my life. To get out of the house/broaden my horizons I've been thrifting. Thrift stores are interesting at about 2:00. A few of the people in my latest stop were a little off. Not bad, but just to the point where I avoided eye contact. One woman was having conversations with herself, questions and answers and all. She liked the pans, but no, she didn't need another pan. Another woman was holding up the line because she had three things and only wanted one of them. They would say, "Do you want this?" and she would say no. Then she would say she did, so they'd ring it up and she would say she didn't want it. We went through about five rounds of this. I was afraid the woman in line in front of me was going to spontaneously combust if we made it to round six.
This weekend marks the first home Crew game of the season. It's supposed to rain, but still supposed to be somewhat warm. I've sat through some horrible weather, and will gladly do it again. The fans, the players, the noise...I am so, so excited!
Have a great weekend!
*UPDATE* Going to be teaching yoga to a group of 3 & 4 year-old kids next week. I want to laugh at the anticipated cuteness.
Last night I got to help out with a photo shoot. Let me re-phrase. I got to help out on a really awesome photo shoot with a great model and two extremely talented photographers, and it pretty much rocked my night. Old factory, cool lighting, great music (Nine Inch Nails, Radiohead, to name a few) and everyone in the zone. This is the kind of thing that makes me love my job. I had a great time being a semi-stylist...is there a degree for that?
Rainy days kept me inside more than usual this week. I've officially watched all three seasons of Veronica Mars and am left wondering what to do with my life. To get out of the house/broaden my horizons I've been thrifting. Thrift stores are interesting at about 2:00. A few of the people in my latest stop were a little off. Not bad, but just to the point where I avoided eye contact. One woman was having conversations with herself, questions and answers and all. She liked the pans, but no, she didn't need another pan. Another woman was holding up the line because she had three things and only wanted one of them. They would say, "Do you want this?" and she would say no. Then she would say she did, so they'd ring it up and she would say she didn't want it. We went through about five rounds of this. I was afraid the woman in line in front of me was going to spontaneously combust if we made it to round six.
This weekend marks the first home Crew game of the season. It's supposed to rain, but still supposed to be somewhat warm. I've sat through some horrible weather, and will gladly do it again. The fans, the players, the noise...I am so, so excited!
Have a great weekend!
*UPDATE* Going to be teaching yoga to a group of 3 & 4 year-old kids next week. I want to laugh at the anticipated cuteness.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Keep that chin up
Feeling "blah". Feeling like I'm fighting some kind of seasonal allergy/bug. Ugh. About to meet up for some tea or ice cream, depending on which sounds better in about 30 minutes. For now, enjoy this video. It has definitely made my day:
*UPDATE* Tea + thrifting + good friend + ice cream + another good friend = much improved day. Good friends make all the difference, really. Now, I have a mirror to paint...
*UPDATE* Tea + thrifting + good friend + ice cream + another good friend = much improved day. Good friends make all the difference, really. Now, I have a mirror to paint...
Monday, March 23, 2009
Ordinary Riches
Did I really go a week without a post? Apathy of this magnitude should be illegal.
It was a good week. I caught an awesome show by the one and only Rachel Yamagata. She put on a great concert and has an amazing voice. Her fans: not so awesome. One girl got so wasted that she was dancing up on people she didn't know (and the music wasn't really dancing music at the time). Last time she stumbled by me she was complaining that she couldn't see her face. The other group was up front and kept yelling stuff at Rachel (apparently they love her, everyone). Lastly, there was the drunk guy with the oxygen tank who was also muttering loudly. Can you drink while hooked up to oxygen? I figured out a few ways to off him if he didn't get quiet...
Yoga has been going well. I checked out a studio and liked it, so I'm filling out the paperwork to rent it once a week. The woman working with me is so nice and I think it's going to be a really good thing! I subbed my first class this weekend and it went really well. It's strange to teach someone else's students (especially when you are usually beside them), but everyone was great. I talked to quite a few people this weekend and they were all so nice, supportive, and encouraging. I'm a fan of the yoga folk.
I've been applying to jobs all over the place and haven't heard back from a single one. Even rejection letters are better than nothing. So, for now, I guess I'll stay the course and stay in Columbus. I have a good thing while it lasts. I'll be going to my first Crew game of the season this weekend and I'm so excited! The nice weather definitely helps keep the spirits lifted. Speaking of which, I'm going to go out and enjoy the sunshine and all 50 degrees out there.
I've been enjoying this song/video and thought I'd share the joy:
It was a good week. I caught an awesome show by the one and only Rachel Yamagata. She put on a great concert and has an amazing voice. Her fans: not so awesome. One girl got so wasted that she was dancing up on people she didn't know (and the music wasn't really dancing music at the time). Last time she stumbled by me she was complaining that she couldn't see her face. The other group was up front and kept yelling stuff at Rachel (apparently they love her, everyone). Lastly, there was the drunk guy with the oxygen tank who was also muttering loudly. Can you drink while hooked up to oxygen? I figured out a few ways to off him if he didn't get quiet...
Yoga has been going well. I checked out a studio and liked it, so I'm filling out the paperwork to rent it once a week. The woman working with me is so nice and I think it's going to be a really good thing! I subbed my first class this weekend and it went really well. It's strange to teach someone else's students (especially when you are usually beside them), but everyone was great. I talked to quite a few people this weekend and they were all so nice, supportive, and encouraging. I'm a fan of the yoga folk.
I've been applying to jobs all over the place and haven't heard back from a single one. Even rejection letters are better than nothing. So, for now, I guess I'll stay the course and stay in Columbus. I have a good thing while it lasts. I'll be going to my first Crew game of the season this weekend and I'm so excited! The nice weather definitely helps keep the spirits lifted. Speaking of which, I'm going to go out and enjoy the sunshine and all 50 degrees out there.
I've been enjoying this song/video and thought I'd share the joy:
Sunday, March 15, 2009
A worthy break
My my, it's been a while.
I went on a short trip, did a lot of yoga, went rollerblading at 2:00 on a Monday, and watched an entire season of a TV show in one weekend. Yes, I am finally taking a break.
My trip "down south" was educational. Even after 24 years of visits, I think the place surprises me more now than it did before. The cultural contrast is almost shocking. Things that I wouldn't even think twice about are alarming and unusual (it was weird that I liked "those things", referring a latte), and it was interesting to listen to the perspectives of people who live, essentially, in such a different world. I got some good quality time with my family and had a nice long drive to transition.
As soon as I pulled up to my apartment, my "check engine" light came on. Talk about timing. Apparently, it isn't a vital problem and my car will be fine, but it was a bit of a wake-up call for me. If something would happen to my car, I'd be in a rough spot. So, I would love to "live the dream", and I will as long as I can, but things like insurance and the ability to provide for myself are important, too. The people who seem to get most excited about my "freedom" are mostly married and have a job, so I question their judgment when they tell me to sell everything and move to Paris. I knew I should have married rich at a young age...
In just two days at least four people have reminded me that life is short. I am trying to convince myself that this isn't some sort of sign of my impending doom, but rather a sign to take care of a few things. We get so lost in adulthood, in cultural norms, duties, and pride that we usually let closed doors stay closed or leave things as they were. Is there someone you need to get back in touch with? Do you need to put a person ahead of your pride? Do you need to take giant leap into the unknown? Or maybe, do you just need to get up out of that chair now and then and stop letting life pass you by? Seriously.
Today is sunny and warm, for a change. I need to make business cards, apply for a few jobs, and work on my website. I might just end up rollerblading on this Tuesday afternoon, too...
I went on a short trip, did a lot of yoga, went rollerblading at 2:00 on a Monday, and watched an entire season of a TV show in one weekend. Yes, I am finally taking a break.
My trip "down south" was educational. Even after 24 years of visits, I think the place surprises me more now than it did before. The cultural contrast is almost shocking. Things that I wouldn't even think twice about are alarming and unusual (it was weird that I liked "those things", referring a latte), and it was interesting to listen to the perspectives of people who live, essentially, in such a different world. I got some good quality time with my family and had a nice long drive to transition.
As soon as I pulled up to my apartment, my "check engine" light came on. Talk about timing. Apparently, it isn't a vital problem and my car will be fine, but it was a bit of a wake-up call for me. If something would happen to my car, I'd be in a rough spot. So, I would love to "live the dream", and I will as long as I can, but things like insurance and the ability to provide for myself are important, too. The people who seem to get most excited about my "freedom" are mostly married and have a job, so I question their judgment when they tell me to sell everything and move to Paris. I knew I should have married rich at a young age...
In just two days at least four people have reminded me that life is short. I am trying to convince myself that this isn't some sort of sign of my impending doom, but rather a sign to take care of a few things. We get so lost in adulthood, in cultural norms, duties, and pride that we usually let closed doors stay closed or leave things as they were. Is there someone you need to get back in touch with? Do you need to put a person ahead of your pride? Do you need to take giant leap into the unknown? Or maybe, do you just need to get up out of that chair now and then and stop letting life pass you by? Seriously.
Today is sunny and warm, for a change. I need to make business cards, apply for a few jobs, and work on my website. I might just end up rollerblading on this Tuesday afternoon, too...
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