An honest dialogue about love, life, and everything in-between...

Monday, December 31, 2007

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

11:25 PM |

...final reflections on 2007

As you can see it's clearly 11:30pm on New Year's Eve and I am yes, on the blog. That means I ended up going no where. However it's still "early" and anything can happen. Last year I left the house at 11:45pm. So we'll see. Anyway. Though I'm by myself on New Years, I'm not alone. I had a great time on the phone with my sisters. I've been talking to my homegirls via text and cell all night. And though most of us would like to be somewhere, many of us are quite content being where we are and not pressed about it. I mean why spend tons of dollars to be around complete strangers, possibly have the party broken up, and may not have a good time? Why go uptown where they don't treat my people fairly. No point. I look good. I feel good. I'm happy. My neighbors have been popping off fireworks since the sun has gone to bed. And I'VE GOT A FULL BAR!!! So I'm GREAT! ...Understand what that means???....I'm GRRREEEAAATTT!!!!

As I reflect on this year I did well for myself. I've gotten more exposure as a freelance graphic designer. I've made great progress and am respected as an instructor at my school. I've got good friends and reconnected with old ones. I've lost weight and am still losing getting closer to my goal. I got a new house. I got a new car. I can pay my bills. I though I've had my low points this year overall, things have been good for me. If I can give any advice it'd be this:

1. Let go. Your heart will thank you for it.
2. Enjoy the minutia. Every day is a new start.
3. Don't set unrealistic expectations/resolutions. You'll just let yourself down.
4. Be happy and positive. It's hard but it makes life better. Like the new Batman trailers say "Why so serious".

I think everyone should take the time to really reflect on this year and the things they have accomplished and over come. And if this year hasn't been too good for you, in 20 minutes 2007 will be the past. Let it go and move on from this point. My sister met someone that told her 2007 was supposed to be the end of the bad things so 2008 is supposed to be great. I believe all things in your life happen for a reason. Whether you're meant to know the meaning or not. Learn, grow and progress. I wish you all health, wealth and happiness.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!



Saturday, December 29, 2007

WOE IS THE DESIGNER

12:13 AM |

...think twice before being simple!


I saw this comic and it sparked this. There is great freedom in being a freelance designer. However all graphic designers have come up against this obstacle before. Maybe not to this extreme, but we've all come across those really simple clients. Those who think we are magical, water into wine, statue of liberty disappearing, saw man in half, pixie dusting hobbits who can pull anything out of thin air. Please understand that designing is an art. It takes more time, talent, commitment, creativity, organization, insight, observation and patience than anyone who is not in the field can imagine. If you don't know what your company does, what makes you think I'm able to create a brand for you? And if you know so much, what the heck do you need my skills for? My advice is given with the understanding that I am current on the industry trends, understand the psyche of people, know the psychology behind color, understand the visual innuendos of placement and alignment, know what prints well, what fonts are legible in small formats, what will replicate well in black and white, reverse, four color process, spot color and web. What we create for you will be representing your company, your product to all. There's so much that can be done with subtitles that can either increase your revenue or hurt your company's image. Don't belittle my intelligence or my talent by being stupid and condescending. Understand if you give me a pig, I will put the prettiest shade of lipstick on that bitch, but guess what it'll still be a pig. And do expect to pay me for the pain and suffering I have experienced by trying to wrap my brain around the asinine assignment I have been given.


....Moral of this rant: Be good to your graphic designer.



Tuesday, December 25, 2007

'Twas The Night Before Christmas

12:23 AM |

'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house
Not a creature was stirring but me and my mouse.
On the computer I surf, I blog and I type
Waiting for the youngest to make it in for the night.
My grandma was nestled all sung in my bed
While I lay on the couch with a tiny pillow for my head.
The presents were all wrapped.
The food pre-prepaired.
No milk and cookies for St. Nick
We're too old for that affair.
I reminisce over the days when there was such a clatter
And I arose to find the cookies missing from the platter.
When the tree would stay lit all through out the night.
When I would come downstairs and find my new bike.
When we lost all power because of the snow
But cooked breakfast Christmas morning with out the oven or the stove.
Memories are like candy, some can be bitter to eat
But during this season I hope yours are sugary sweet.
Be thankful each day that you're blessed to be alive
And enjoy your holiday with your loved ones by your side.
May your day be filled with laughter, be merry and bright.
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.



Thursday, December 20, 2007

Random Thought

11:07 PM |







Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Random Thought

8:49 PM |







Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Top 5 Reasons It's Better Partying at 25+

1:37 AM |

...not a forward, just my own thoughts


5. House parties have turned into "get togethers" and that usually means BYOL (Bring your own liquor) and food! By this age you have should some true friends that will actually stay after or return the next day to help you clean up after a party at your house.


4. If you party like we party, the host/hostess after the party gets to keep the liquor. Big BONUS! Of course you're free to take your bottle, but people will look at you crazy. It's the least the guest can do after they've wrecked the house and used up all your toilet paper.

3. Most of your friends are too grown and have too many responsibilities to get completely trashed when you go out. Since you all usually meet up somewhere, all people are responsible for getting themselves home which kinda eliminates the need for a designated driver. And we all know being a DD with a bunch of drunks is no fun. If they do get smashed, they have their own home to go back to even if you have to take them. Usually they have a significant other to come get them.

2. Most of the clubs for you have ample space, seating not reserved exclusively for VIP's, and AIR CONDITIONING (what a concept). Some even serve food. So that means you can party and chill and not worry about sweating out your "perm".

And the number 1 reason for partying when your 25+

1. You probably won't be dodging or running from bullets at the end of the night!!!



...not a call to action, but a legitimate question


I'm not totally sure why this topic came to mind. It could be the result of some truly horrible dates I've been on. It could be the saturation of effeminate male figures on my television. It could be the fact that I see little girls leading little boys around by their noses at my school. It could be that god-awful I Love New York finale I got sucked into watching. I just had to ask the question: What happened to the man?

While this may seem like I'm sending women to the dark ages, hear me out. There was a time when men commanded attention. They were strong and assertive. They were heads of their homes. They weren't afraid of getting their hands dirty. When I was in school, while the guys did a lot of skirt chasing but it wasn't like they were jumping every time their woman said jump. Truthfully most of the girls were following mindlessly behind the guys. Now all I see are guys failing to handle business because their woman is whining about "quality time". (Please don't get me started on that....wait get me started...I'll come back to that issue in a minute.) What happened to the man???

I'm an assertive woman. I don't want man who will buckle to my every whim. No where in there do I say I want an asshole or someone who will beat my ass. That's not what I'm saying. I want to feel confident that I have someone to lean on. Some one to support me. I need to know that when I'm at my weakest moment, I have someone by my side that has my back. If I feel scared, he'll protect me. If I want a follower or someone to obey my commands, I'll get a dog.

Truthfully I know that this decline in a strong male presence has to do somewhat with the lack of the man in the role of the father in the homes. Our male population is saturated with those brought up by women only. While I think it gives men sometimes a hyper sensitivity to our needs, which can be a plus, I think it doesn't necessarily give them any example of how a true man handles business. Plus it also can set up the pattern of the women running this because that's all they've seen. Not to say women can't raise strong men, they've done it and done it well for years. But you can't deny that this could be a factor.

All in all I'm saying men, be men. Be strong and handle business. To address the woman and the quality time issue I mentioned before, it's really simple. If a woman is truly down for you, then she won't block you from achieving your goals. She won't have a problem with you handling business. And women let them. True you may not get as much time as you may want, but if he's truly down for you, he won't leave you behind when he makes it. I know this may sound old fashioned but truly this goes both ways. As I'm climbing I'd want my man to support me, just as I would support him. But I can get support from a wet noodle. MAN UP!



Monday, December 17, 2007

Random Thought

7:39 PM |







Why I Don't Sleep

2:15 AM |

...ignoring the voices in my head

I lie here sneezing and hacking away with this cold that's awakened suddenly like a sleeper cell in my body. As I wait for my Nyquil to kick in, crying through the indigestion its given me, I wonder why I'm still even up to feel these symptoms in the first place. No matter what my day has required of me or what task lie ahead the next, I still find myself awake long after I should be. It's a well known fact that a lack of sleep can lead to numerous problems including variations in mood, depletion of energy and some studies even link it to weight gain. Knowing that if I got more sleep I would feel better during the day and be twice as productive as I am, I still continue to stay awake.

It's not that I can't sleep so much as I don't want to. My most creative thoughts come long after the sun has gone down. I have project ideas, illustrations I want to draw, a crochet blanket to finish, sites to browse and information to collect. I have tomorrow to plan for, and items to organize. However my lack of motor skills and inability to focus visually usually leave me unable to complete what I started. I can't quiet my mind long enough to make getting to bed at a normal hour possible.

I said all of this to actually say this: Why do we constantly do things we know are contrary to what we should be doing? I know I need more sleep. I've done the research, know what I need to do, know that I'll feel better in the morning but I continue to keep myself awake. I guess the voice in my head that tells me the right thing to do is easy to ignore. But why? We all have that voice. What has the little voice told you to do that you've ignored? Why won't you listen?



Saturday, December 15, 2007

Wakko's 50 State Capitols

1:24 AM |

...just for lawrenorder


Just as a side note. Our cartoons were silly, some seemed really pointless. But there were some that really did have some content that would contribute to the learning environment. And truthfully it can and will stick.




And for a bonus, it's taped off dude's tv but see if you remember.



Thursday, December 13, 2007

I Reminisce

2:55 PM |

... cartoons, cartoons!


My sisters and I used to watch this little show called Animaniacs. Here are two of our favorite things from that show. Well at least they were mine.

Yakko's Universe:



Yakko's World:


Yakko's World - Funny bloopers R us



TRY THIS

2:17 PM |

...can you beat it?




Wednesday, December 12, 2007

RANDOM THOUGHT

8:10 PM |







1:12 AM |

FLUSHED AT BIRTH
....the hell???


Dec 10 - Asia

A 36 year-old woman accidentally gave birth in a train traveling from Tai Dong to Tai Pei. When the train reached the next station, an hour and a half later, the mother was immediately sent to the hospital while rescuers tried to pull the baby from the toilet bowl opening. The 6.6 pound baby girl is now in stable condition.



Aug 29 - Kansas City, Mo

A 20 year old woman allegedly tried ti flush her newborn son down the toilet at a McDonald's after giving birth in the bathroom. Workers became concerned after the woman didn't return from the restroom. The workers quickly called paramedics after checking on the woman, and paramedics were able to revive the baby. Allegedly the woman told paramedics that she tried to flush the baby down the toilet several times, and that, at 32-weeks pregnant, she didn't know she was with child. Seriously??? This is what you come with???



12:35 AM |

MUST KITS
...for when the "unexpected" happens

Bella and Linda is this online boutique that carries what they describe as one-of-a-kind items and accessories. While browsing this site, I came across a series of "Must Kits" created by Urban Aid. These kits compile a lot of the little things that can help to make life's uncomfortable situations a little more bearable. Just to highlight a few that caught me off center:

For the Ladies:


SHAME ON YOU KIT
...so you can be clean on that walk of shame

Includes: 1 toothbrush (and toothpaste) 1 panty (one size fits all thong) 3 condoms 1 "emergency" phone card 1 packet of pain reliever 1 "leave behind" note.






For the Gentlemen:


THE CLEAN GET AWAY KIT
...so you can be fresh on the ride home

Includes: 1 pair boxers 1 disposable razor 1 shave cream (1.28 fl.oz.) 2 condoms 1 toothbrush (and toothpaste) 1 packet of pain reliever 1 "leave behind" note.






Pick some up for those sneak-ay freak-ay's in your life.



12:44 AM |

LET'S ALL GO TO THE MOVIES
...part 2

As you may know from part 1 I love movies, and it really looks like 2008 will be a good year to spend some time in the box office. The screen writer's strike may affect the release dates of movies in 2009 if a resolution is not reached (another subject for another time), so it's best to enjoy what is already, ready. So what's on deck???


SPEED RACER

Yes, those that graced us with the Matrix trilogy have brought the classic series by anime pioneer Tatsuo Yoshida to life. Starring Emile Hirsch (that kid from that bad movie The Girl Next Door), Christina Ricci, Susan Sarandon, John Goodman and Matthew Fox as Racer X, the movie is set to be released May 9, 2008. The colors and the effects in this movie remind me of another animation turned live action movie that I can't remember the name of (no seriously, I can't and if you know let me know). The effects look good and I think it was smart of them to keep with the fantasy element than to attempt to make it true to life.




CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: PRINCE CASPIAN
I have yet to see the first one, not out of lack of desire, just a lack of time. This next installment appears to be as enchanting as the first. The children return to a very different Narniam 1300 years later.
The Golden Age of Narnia has become extinct, Narnia has been conquered by the Telmarines and is now under the control of the evil King Miraz. With the help of the Narnians, led by the mighty knights Peter and Caspian, the children embark on a remarkable journey to restore magic and glory to the land. in this one and new adventures ensue. This movie is set to be release May 18, 2008.



INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL
Just before Harrison Ford is too crippled to make another, Lucas Films have gotten one more Indiana Jones out of him. It's my hope that this movie does the others before it justice and respectfully closes out this franchise. I am also glad that Mr. Ford agreed to don the legendary hat, leather coat and whip one more time because I have a feeling that good ol' George may have tried to create one with out him. (the horror!). Because production of this just wrapped October 31, 2007 there's no trailer I can find out yet. They haven't even gotten fully into editing yet. Either way this movie is scheduled to be released May 22, 2008.

RAMBO
Let's not forget ol Sly Stallone when speaking of revivals. He is back as Rambo and he's still kicking ass and taking name. He's hired to take some do-gooders "trying to help" the people of Burma up a river. Then the chaos and killing ensues. Stallone looks to be in shape and ready. However I don't foresee this one being as graceful a conclusion as the Indiana Jones saga. Look for this one January 25, 2008.




In other notes, Nicholas Cage states that he's willing to do a Ghost Rider 2 (another movie I didn't see...wonder how he was in it). They are also confirming actors to star in the upcoming GI Joe movie. Ray Park will take on the role of Snake Eyes. Sienna Miller has already agreed to her role as the Baroness. Where's my popcorn......



8:09 PM |

RANDOM THOUGHT
....I'm not the only one who has these


LMAO!!



...an email that raised some good points

It seems like every time I turn around someone else is getting married. I already have three weddings next year blocked out on my calendar, with one more friend planning to be engaged by the spring. In the last three years, at least 10 people I know have gotten married. And I don't keep my circle of associates that big. So when I got this forward I thought it brought up some good points to share with those who are in relationships with the person they think may be "the one".

--Golden rules for finding your life partner by Dov Heller, M.A --

When it comes to making the decision about choosing a life partner, no one wants to make a mistake. Yet, with a divorce rate of close to 50%, it appears that many are making serious mistakes in their approach to finding Mr./Miss. Right! If you ask most couples who are engaged why they're getting married, they'll say: "We're in love"; I believe this is the #1 mistake people make when they date. Choosing a life partner should never be based on love. Though this may sound "not politically correct", there' s a profound truth here. Love is not the basis for getting married. Rather, love is the result of a good marriage. When the other ingredients are right, then the love will come. Let me say it again: "You can't build a lifetime relationship on love alone"; You need a lot more!!! Here are five questions you must ask yourself if you're serious about finding and keeping a life partner.

QUESTION ..1: Do we share a common life purpose?
Why is this so important? Let me put it this way: If you're married for 20 or 30 years, that's a long time to live with someone. What do you plan to do with each other all that time? Travel, eat and jog together? You need to share something deeper and more meaningful. You need a common life purpose. Two things can happen in a marriage: (1) You can grow together, or (2) you can grow apart. 50% of the people out there are growing apart. To make a marriage work, you need to know what you want out of life! Bottom line; and marry someone who wants the same thing.

QUESTION ..2: Do I feel safe expressing my feelings and thoughts with this person?
This question goes to the core of the quality of your relationship. Feeling safe means you can communicate openly with this person. The basis of having good communication is trust - i.e. trust that I won't get "punished" ; or hurt for expressing my honest thoughts and feelings. A colleague of mine defines an abusive person as someone with whom you feel afraid to express your thoughts and feelings. Be honest with yourself on this one. Make sure you feel emotionally safe with the person you plan to marry.

QUESTION ..3: Is he/she a mensch?
A mensch is someone who is a refined and sensitive person. How can you test? Here are some suggestions. Do they work on personal growth on a regular basis? Are they serious about improving themselves? A teacher of mine defines a good person as "someone who is always striving to be good and do the right ";.So ask about your Significant other What do they do with their time? Is this person materialistic? Usually a materialistic person is not someone whose top priority is character refinement. There are essentially two types of people in the world: (1) People who are dedicated to personal growth and (2) people who are dedicated to seeking comfort. Someone whose goal in life is to be comfortable will put personal comfort ahead of doing the right thing. You need to know that before walking down the aisle.

QUESTION ..4: How does he/she treat other people?
The one most important thing that makes any relationship work is the ability to give. By giving, we mean the ability to give another person pleasure. Ask: Is this someone who enjoys giving pleasure to others or are they wrapped up in themselves and self-absorbed? To measure this, think about the following: How do they treat people whom they do not have to be nice to, such as waiters, bus boys, taxi drivers, etc. . How do they treat their parents and siblings? Do they have gratitude and appreciation? If they don't have gratitude for the people who have given them everything; Can you do nearly as much for them? You can be sure that someone who treats others poorly, will eventually treat you poorly as well.

QUESTION ..5: Is there anything I'm hoping to change about this person after we're married?
Too many people make the mistake of marrying someone with the intention of trying to "improve"; them after they're married. As a colleague of mine puts it: "You can probably expect someone to change after marriage for the worse" If you cannot fully accept this person the way they are now, then you are not ready to marry them.

In conclusion, dating doesn't have to be difficult and treacherous. The key is to try leading a little more with your head and less with your heart. It pays to be as objective as possible when you are dating; to be sure to ask questions that will help you get to the key issues.
Falling in love is a great feeling, but when you wake up with a ring on your finger, you don't want to find yourself in trouble because you didn't do your homework. Another perspective.... There are some people in your life that need to be loved from a distance.... It's amazing what you can accomplish when you let go of or at least minimize your time with draining, negative, incompatible, not-going anywhere relationships.

Observe the relationships around you. Pay attention.... Which ones lift and which ones lean? Which ones encourage and which ones discourage? Which ones are on a path of growth uphill and which ones are going downhill? When you leave certain people do you feel better or feel worse? Which ones always have drama or don't really understand, know, or appreciate you?
The more you seek quality, respect, growth, peace of mind, love and truth around you...the easier it will become for you to decide who gets to sit in the front row and who should be moved to the balcony of your life.

An African proverb states, "Before you get married, keep both eyes open, and after you marry, close one eye"; Before you get involved and make a commitment to someone, don't let lust, pity, desperation, immaturity, ignorance, pressure from others or a low self-esteem make you blind to warning signs. Keep your eyes open, and don't fool yourself that you can change someone or that what you see as faults aren't really that important.

Do you bring out the best in each other? Do you compliment and compromise with each other, or do you compete, compare and control? What do you bring to the relationship? Do you bring past relationships, past hurt, past mistrust, past pain? You can't take someone to the altar to alter them. You can't make someone love you or make someone stay. If you develop self-esteem, spiritual discernment, and "a life"; you won't find yourself making someone else responsible for your happiness or responsible for your pain. Seeking status, sex, and security are the wrong reasons to be in a relationship.
WHAT KEEPS A RELATIONSHIP STRONG ARE:
1. TRUST
2. COMMUNICATION
3. INTIMACY
4. A SENSE OF HUMOR
5. SHARING TASKS
6. SOME GETAWAY TIME WITHOUT BUSINESS OR CHILDREN
7. DAILY EXCHANGES (meal, shared activity, hug, call, touch, notes)
8. SHARING COMMON GOALS AND INTERESTS
9. GIVING EACH OTHER SPACE TO GROW WITHOUT FEELING INSECURE
10. GIVING EACH OTHER A SENSE OF BELONGING AND ASSURANCES OF COMMITMENT

If these qualities are missing, the relationship will erode as resentment withdrawal, abuse, neglect, and dishonesty; and pain will replace it.

Happiness keeps You Sweet, Trials keep You Strong, Sorrows keep You Human, Failures keep You Humble, Success keeps You Glowing, But......... . Only God keeps You Going!



1:18 AM |

CAN YOU SEE?
...a rock formation at a lake in Burma

I found this image on wonderfulinfo.net. This is a rock formation that reveals an image that can only be seen on a specific day once a year. If you can't see it, look at the vertical photo.














12:06 AM |

WHY I'M SO BUSY



6:22 PM |

BABY ALIVE
....what the crap is this?


I saw a commercial today that stopped me dead in my tracks. I've stopped working just to say that this one of the dumbest toys I've known. Now I'm aware that this toy has been around since 1973, so it's not new. Neither are the commercials. But this commercial I feel has taken things one step too far.

For those who are unfamiliar with the Baby Alive doll, it's a doll that's supposed to look, act and feel like a real baby. Meaning that it cries, eats and poops. Their commercials usually show little girls having so much fun feeding and changing diapers. You know, start that domestication of the woman real early. Anyway.

So back to why I'm annoyed. The commercial this time featured a boy doll and a girl doll. Well this time while the little girls were changing the baby, the boy doll proceeds to "urinate" in the air on the little girl. It was quick so I may have been imagining it. At least I thought. Then I watch the mother of the little girls in the commercial duck the spray as well. They all laugh and giggle. But really, why showcase a baby doll having projectile piss??? I know REAL little boys do this but honestly, why put that feature in a baby doll? This is what they waste my technology on? Maybe it's just me. I never saw the appeal of playing with a puking, pissing, pooping doll anyway.



12:59 AM |

BUSTING OPEN THE BOX
...just what the doctor ordered

I get so tired of trying to get my simple students to be creative (at an art and design school no less...what a concept). Really it's wearing me down. A student told me today she thinks I'll quit in a year. Apparently I was mindlessly wandering the halls with a look on my face that said "screw this, these kids are stupid, they don't pay me enough for this mess". So at home I'm waisting valuable sleep time and stumbled upon a photo blog that had images of some creative advertising. Had to let all 4 of you take a look. Good stuff.









View others on Sutra's Photo Blog.



12:35 AM |

BLINDED ME WITH SCIENCE





11:01 PM |

IN CASE YOU DIDN'T KNOW








12:21 AM |

RANDOM THOUGHT







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