Various & sundry.

Working From Home

2009-09-30T12:07:00.000-07:00

I started working at home, since I got laid off my job the week before last. And I'm proud to say that some of the things I was most worried about have not been a problem at all. Here are my top 10 myths that have been debunked over the last week-and-a-half:

1. I will start cleaning obsessively. (Nope, I have had no burning need to clean, and the fur tumbleweed that I swear multiplies faster than the pets could shed it, hasn't been as bad as I thought).

2. I won't be able to share space with Gary, my work-at-home-husband. (As a matter of fact I would actually say it has been fun. We had lunch together today, and sometimes chat as if we're cubicle-mates.)

3. The dogs and cats will pester me, rendering me unable to work. (We put 'em all outside, but they're still needy. I equate it to the types of interruptions I would get from co-workers stopping by my cube -- not pesty at all, but more like a nice break from what I was doing).

4. I will let myself go. (This will shock you all, but I've gotten up each day, brushed my teeth, combed the mop, and put on clothes. If you don't believe me, ask Gary).

5. My design work will suffer. (The small projects for Erika, and the larger project for PCBC all came out great. I'm really proud of them. And they were all completed from right here at the kitchen table.)

6. Gary will come to despise me. (Hasn't happened yet!! I think the man actually does love me, bless his heart.)

7. I will be starved for human interaction (besides Gary). (This is easily resolved with a trip to the coffeeshop or pub.)

8. I will overeat. (Funny but I probably snacked more when I was in the office. Here, I just haven't really craved much and only really eat at mealtimes.)

9. I will have so much fun walking the dogs, etc. that I will miss deadlines. (So far, none missed. I have my trusty moleskine dayplanner by my side and live-and-die by it just as I did when in an office.)

10. I will feel some sort of generalized listlessness or malaise because I'm such a people person and things are just too quiet. (Well, this will just be something I'll deal with. My strategy is signing up for one of those 10-days-of-Yoga deals at a local studio. First lesson is tomorrow!).

Sick day (or, how I almost went to a gay bathhouse)

2009-03-05T15:58:00.000-08:00

So, I wake up one morning this week, all scratchy-throated, sniffly and sinusey. What with all this rain, you would not think it possible for me to be as dried out as I felt. My skin was chapped, and it felt like the Mojave in my sinus cavity. Natch, I took the day off work and went on a quest for a sauna in Sacramento.

Last year the hubs and I went to the greatest spa in Santa Cruz. It had whirlpools, steam rooms, spa services, a sauna and was the most Zen-like, peaceful place to while away an afternoon. I emerged refreshed and way healthier than when I arrived. In other words, exactly what I needed the other day, only I needed it to be located at, say, F65 (such an odd place in Sac that I have to say I’m strangely drawn to it, and wouldn’t it be perfect for a modernist, hip spa-type-dealy?).

I also recall hearing about a Japanese spa in San Francisco that would have been the perfect cure for my malaise. But again, I just needed it to be here, in our fair Sactown.

The only way I know of to get information such as “where in Sacramento has a spa with a sauna?” is to check online, and not much came up, except a place out toward Rancho Cordova (I’m specifically not mentioning the location or the name, you’ll see why).

So I drive out there, walk in and politely inquire about their services. I am equally politely informed that the facility only welcomes men. I ask if he means like, on certain days? Then other days its women? Like at the Kabuki place in SF? Uh, no. Men all the time.

I’m bummed. There were no other places listed in Sacramento (besides gyms). So I do the only logical thing. I go have lunch at the Limelight. Why there? I don’t know. They do have good food, and if I can’t sweat out my ick, then maybe gorging on delicious food will help (didn’t). So in my (delightful) chat with the friendly barkeep, I mention my day’s failed quest and after he stops laughing he informs me that I’ve visited my first gay bathhouse. Nice. And other friends have confirmed it is true. I should have known — Rancho Cordova being the home of much of Sacramento’s seedy underbelly (i.e. Centerfolds, etc.). I know, there’s good stuff too (Sky High Sports, Rascals, and the air shows at Mather, but I’m making a point here).

Now, while I’m happy for the gays of Sacramento that they have such a resource at their disposal here in our little cowtown, I want to know: where can I spend an afternoon at a spa/sauna and perhaps get a massage, without joining 24 Hour Fitness or California Family Fitness (or turning into a gay male)?

Rumor has it that I can drop in to Alhambra Athletic Club and use theirs, but will it be all gym-ish and smell of sweat and socks instead of massage oil and incense?

I’m banking on someone out there knowing how to solve this important question.

(originally posted on Sactoblog)

Returning to Sacramento

2009-02-25T14:56:00.000-08:00

Look, I get it; Sacramento is going through hard times. From the plight of our state workers to our worsening housing market, not to mention the drought on top of the fact that the price of beer keeps going up. Things look bad all around. Except when you’re flying home from Las Vegas.

Yesterday I left Vegas: dry, brown, extremely quiet, scarily devoid of people, with casinos in bankruptcy, attendance at events down, many bars & restaurants closed (or not open certain days), and a housing market that seems much bleaker than ours. I couldn’t believe how empty the casinos were. And the horrible, horrible tourists with their pushiness and tacky outfits (although fewer people are going to Vegas, those that are there seem a little lower on the cool spectrum).

I got on the plane and as we approached Sacramento I saw all the lush green farms, the river and irrigation channels flowing, and the trees (oh, the trees). I am aware that this picture doesn’t negate the fact that we’ll face a drought this summer, but seeing all that green just makes you feel, what is it? Healthier? More optimistic?

And I always know I’m getting on a Sacramento-bound plane because the people are just a little nicer. We look up, say hi, hold the door, wait for our friends who get randomly chosen for a security check, move our bag so someone else can sit, listen attentively to the safety instructions. Sacramentans are, generally speaking, good people.

I came back from Vegas with more than just gambling losses and chapped lips — I gained perspective. It could be a whole lot worse.

(originally posted on Sactoblog)

The color of 2009

2009-01-09T11:27:00.000-08:00

I find this incredibly interesting. Pantone has selected "mimosa" as the color of the year for 2009, for reasons having to do with our collective state of mind. Fascinating. The way that we can collectively be drawn to a color seems to me to be related to why we all go to the bank at the same time, for example. What kooky internal, unknown quality is there that draws us together in these seemingly random ways? Are we so much more connected than we even know? I know some will cry bogus, but examples like this make it hard to deny that we can have a collective aesthetic, or internal timer, or numerous other types of (quite personal!) sensibilities.

PANTONE® 14-0848 Mimosa, a warm, engaging yellow, as the color of the year for 2009. In a time of economic uncertainty and political change, optimism is paramount and no other color expresses hope and reassurance more than yellow.

"The color yellow exemplifies the warmth and nurturing quality of the sun, properties we as humans are naturally drawn to for reassurance," explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. "Mimosa also speaks to enlightenment, as it is a hue that sparks imagination and innovation."

I'd like to weigh in as officially loving this color, and notice that I'm already using it in my design work, here and there.

Best of 2008

2009-01-02T14:18:00.001-08:00

OK, here goes, my personal top favorite things from the year 2008 (in no particular order):

The Visitor, a great small movie. Just may be my favorite of the year.
Pentagram's re-design of the Atlantic Monthly. A classy new look for a great publication.
NARS sticks. Makeup that isn't too makeup-y.
The utterly watchable yet utterly awful Jeff Lewis from Bravo's Flipping Out show.
Anthony Bourdain, you sexy beast, I'd eat something gross with you any day!
Feist. 'Nuf said.
The Bonn Lair, my favorite pub, where I'll always run into at least 5 people I know.
Iconoclasts on the Sundance Channel. It's high-level documentary-style, bringing together famous people who make an impact.
Tim Gunn on Project Runway. You make the whole show for me, Tim.
Baby Bel cheese.
Eddie Money. Saw him in concert with his daughter, Jesse, and loved it!
Typography I projects. I loved co-teaching Typography I at Art Institute this year. The students' projects were amazing.
SacTown magazine. This publication raises the bar not just in our region but for cities everywhere. Bravo to you, SacTown!
Etsy, the best website for my personal values -- support the little guy (gal), buy stuff that's unique & made by hand, whenever possible, and get really cool stuff. Also, it's a smartly designed website.
The Magic Theater. This place is small and eccentric and worth the drive from Sacramento for a 7:30 show.
Young @ Heart, a documentary that moved me. Elderly people on tour singing pop songs and proving that you're never to old to belt one out like James Brown.
Dandelion, another sweet, subtle, sparkly produt from the fine people at Benefit cosmetics.
Will Shortz, a toast to you for providing me another year of NYT crosswording fun!
Guinness, a tasty beer that is always reliable, delicious and lower in calories than any other decent beer.
The New Yorker magazine, what would I do without you? The two weeks this year when my subscription lapsed were quite lonely and bland and I never realized how much I need you and all your attendant writers and features. Can anyone explain to me why I still read Tables for Two when I haven't actually visited New York since like 2001? Your Barack Obama victory cover was your best since 9/11.

Blogged with the Flock Browser

Bacon is huge right now.

2008-11-05T14:37:00.001-08:00

Last night in class (Typography I) I uttered the phrase, "Bacon is huge right now." Maybe you don't believe me, and perhaps that sounds like an odd thing to say, but honestly, I and many friends are now Facebook "fans" of bacon, someone has a blog about bacon, my good friend mentioned a new product Baconnaise recently, plus our friends at YouTube provided this nice Obama-Bacon connection (hilarious -- you'll crack up). And don't get me started on how awesome the new magazine Meat Paper is!

What I mean to say is, sometimes trends seem really weird, but in this case, I feel we should have seen it coming. Bacon is a delightful backlash to another strong trend toward fresh, local, organic, crunchy, raw vegetables! Yes, what I'm saying is that for every powerful movement, there is an opposite (not always equal, but anyway...) movement to counteract it.

This plays well into something else that came up in class last night. A student pointed out that there's a huge trend toward hand-drawn and hand lettered type. People are craving the human touch! Of course they are, in this age of being tied to your computer/iPhone/online game/etc. It makes perfect sense that we need something to counteract all this digitization.

I know I'm not the first person to communicate this concept, but I'd like to think maybe I'm the first to say it with bacon.

People are funny.

2008-09-24T10:20:00.000-07:00

Christian Bale and Kermit the Frog. Separated at birth? Signs point to Yes, based upon the EXTENSIVE evidence found in this blog. I mean, who has this kind of time? I barely had time to scroll through the whole thing!! Enjoy.

Hail, victory.

2008-09-04T14:08:00.000-07:00

Well, my beloved Washington Redskins kick off their season tonight against the Super Bowl upsetters from NY. It's going to be tough, despite the Giants' weakened defense. Both teams are hoping to pull some surprise moves out tonight. But I am excited about our new coach and new offensive strategy. We needed a fresh take, and I hope Jim Zorn can deliver. Jason, Santana, Antwaan, Clinton, guys, I'm pulling for you. Go kick some Giant butt!! [EDIT next morning] It's going to be a tough year.

Etsy

2008-09-02T16:35:00.001-07:00

I assume if you're reading this, you're one of my friends, thus I feel I can safely presume that you have heard of, and adore, Etsy.com. So maybe you already know about Etsy's "Alchemy" feature, but I recently found it & love it. You can post an item that you need made or found or created in some way, and the price you'll pay for it, and people will bid on the job. I have posted my need for new outdoor cushions and the response was great. I selected the bid from the person who's response and profile I liked best, and now she has helped me select fabric, made some great suggestions about the job, and is working on it now. I will end up saving a bundle, and will get cushions that fit perfectly. Isn't that cool?

Uta Barth

2008-08-20T11:55:00.000-07:00

I would just like to share the fact that I love Uta Barth. I first saw her work when in art school in the late '90s and I love the beauty and richness that she achieves within such minimalism. I think I could look at her photos for hours.

Uta Barth's Gallery

Hipster-ific

2008-08-18T09:55:00.000-07:00

Read the closing line of this AdBusters article on "hipsters." While it's very well-written, I think it is being really unfairly critical:

We are a lost generation, desperately clinging to anything that feels real, but too afraid to become it ourselves. We are a defeated generation, resigned to the hypocrisy of those before us, who once sang songs of rebellion and now sell them back to us. We are the last generation, a culmination of all previous things, destroyed by the vapidity that surrounds us. The hipster represents the end of Western civilization – a culture so detached and disconnected that it has stopped giving birth to anything new.

Doesn't it seem like every generation is criticized for some form of "copying"? What generation of young people HASN'T been accused of hypocritically co-opting the past generation's revolution?

I have experienced this phenomenon in two different ways: one, being a part of GenX, we were forever criticized for our "retro" tastes: wearing vintage clothes, swing dancing, etc. And two, as a graphic designer, especially in the late '90s. We were always looking for a retro-hip look and were greatly criticized for not being "innovative" but rather just glomming onto whatever had already been designed and regurgitating it while trying to be ironic.

I would rather see it as we were taking the prescribed uses for things and twisting them. I speak for anyone who's taken a streamlined "Frigidaire" typeface and used it as a magazine headline or skate park logo.

My conclusion? Lay off the current crop of hipsters. Ironic re-appropriation is a legitimate form of art, especially when the resulting look or sound or attitude makes an impression. And, doesn't this author know that the cool kids never overtly called themselves "cool"? Being a hipster is the same thing -- those that are, would never say it.

What's the Good in Dabbling?

2008-07-25T14:29:00.000-07:00

I'm a dabbler. There, I said it. Sometimes I become possessed with a burst of inspiration that causes me to undertake some sort of random hobby. But inevitably, an equal and opposite force will eventually come along that causes me to drop that hobby. Why? I have no idea.

Take my latest project: playing the guitar. In a recent discussion with my dear friend Deirdre who was joking that next I'll be recording myself and posting it to MySpace. I was thinking — sheesh no, I'd certainly never do something like that. It's not "me!" But then I thought: why the heck am I taking these lessons? I have no idea. I just have always wanted the ability to pick up a guitar and play. When? No clue. What type of music? I'm not really sure. Why now, exactly? Beats me.

How will this be similar to my pursuit of tennis? Well honestly if it goes that way, I'll be thrilled. After a couple of years of lessons, I emerged a darn good tennis player, with the knowledge that I'll be able to play that social sport well into old-age, plus, that's where I met Gary. Yep, I got a husband out of it!

Who knows what wonderful, unanticipated gift I'll take from my guitar lessons? And that, I am pretty sure, is why I'm doing this. It may not make sense to everyone, but in a weird way, it is similar to the way I was taught to pray. Not asking for a particular object, or even a specific outcome, but more that things would be resolved, or revealed in a good way that we could never have predicted. I often pray that circumstances will bring about things that are positive and allow for growth, healing and well, blessings of some sort for me and for those I care about.

Could it be that dabbling is like a prayer to receive an unexpected gift?

Smart Fun with the OED

2008-07-23T16:46:00.001-07:00

It gave me great pleasure, while reading the Hoefler & Frere-Jones blog, to stumble on a project that someone has undertaken re-writing every entry in the entire Oxford English Dictionary in Limerick Form. It made my whole day.

Here are some entries I particularly enjoyed. Say au revoir to your afternoons, friends...

abecedarius

A verse called an abecedarius
Begins every line with the various
Consecutive letters.
Demanding, these fetters
Encumber—it's rarely hilarious.

An abecedarius is difficult at best and easily lends itself to tortured rhymes and twisted meter. The idea is to begin each line with the next letter of the alphabet.

Biarritz

In the southwest of France, there it sits:
The exquisite resort Biarritz.
By the Bay of Biscay
Women languidly lay
In the sand, showing off their great tans.

ceftazidime

Since ceftazidime cured my infection,
I've been putting my drugs to inspection.
Cymbalta? That's great!
Allegra? First rate!
Now to cure my dysfunctile erection...

(sef-TAZ-i-dime) is used to treat enterobacterial infections.

abrupt

That which suddenly comes to an end,
Like a greeting too brief from a friend,
Or flat ground, at steep rises —
An end by surprise is
Abrupt

Documentaries

2008-05-27T09:45:00.000-07:00

To read my blogs, you may think I'm some kind of documentary connoisseur or something, but I'm really not. I mean, I didn't even see "An Inconvenient Truth." However, I have seen three documentaries lately that I think are really exceptional. All three of these have really stayed with me, and even (in the case of Dr. Bronner) months later, I am still thinking about it. The first was "Dr. Bronner's Magic Soapbox" which I wanted to see because I was familiar with Dr. Bronner's soap, (available at any health food store) and it's most significant characteristic: the nearly incomprehensible rant that is printed on each label. Or really, it's more like a series of rants on each label. It's all about themes like Dr. Bronner's idea of an ALL-ONE religion, and other sort of hippie, out-there stuff, which is a delight to read while you're in the shower. The film focused on the man, his family, his long history in soap-making, and his idea to use his labels to communicate his important message to all mankind. But ultimately, the film is REALLY about the classic question about where the line is between genius and madness.

The next documentary I can't stop thinking about was "Young @ Heart" about a group of elderly people who are in a chorus which tours internationally. What is notable is that they sing rock-and-roll songs, usually with more energy and gusto than people half their age. What set this film apart, for me, is the way the songs they perform become profound statements on their own experiences of aging. The way aging is viewed in this film isn't sad at all, but just a path that we all must take someday, and one that has certain shared ups and downs. I loved this one scene where the director had handed out CDs for the members to listen to when they practiced at home. The seniors weren't sure how to use the CD -- which side was up? Would it play? Get scratched? This guy Lenny was my favorite. He sang "Purple Haze" but consistently forgot the words! Haze? It's the haze of old-age dementia. The saddest moment, though, was when Bill, all hooked up to his oxygen and everything, had to sing "Fix You" by Coldplay by himself, even though it was supposed to be a duet. His friend died before he could sing. I should note that some of the people in this film have downright amazing voices, and Bill is one of those. His bass notes resonate like a much-younger Broadway performer. And those with less talent make up for it in pure exuberance!

The documentary "The King of Kong" was truly the funniest. For something that is unscripted, the amount of laugh-out-loud (yet unintentional) humor was just great. The success of this film lies in its characters, and the way the story was edited and presented. I was on the edge of my seat! I laughed, I cried (honestly!). The plot starts off like this: nice guy named Steve Wiebe from Redmond, WA is a bit of a loser and upon losing his job at Boeing (even though his life-script said he was supposed to have been a lifer) he brings a Donkey Kong game into his garage and sets out to break the high-score record. The record was set in, like, 1982 by a total jackass named Billy Mitchell who looks a lot like Paul Mitchell (hair guy), only his hair is even more helmet-y and his face even more horsey, buck-teeth and everything. This guy thinks he's hot-sh*t, with a trophy wife and everything. The story centers around Steve Wiebe's quest to break Billy Mitchell's record, which he does, and he tapes it as proof. The "governing body" of these types of records, to whom Steve submits his tape, called Twin Galaxies, is a whole other hilariously inept cast of characters. Twin Galaxies is, unbelievably, in cahoots with none other than Billy Mitchell. I won't give away the ending, but lets just say it's a nail-biter, a heartwarming story of good vs. evil. Steve is a classic good guy, and Billy a wonderful villain -- oh, the humanity! I can't recommend this enough.

All three of these films prove that documentary films can deliver a wonderful experience of story, character and suspense, every bit as much as a fiction movie can. I am not sure that I knew that before. My experience of these films has made me want to see more documentaries. Recommendations accepted...

Press Check

2008-02-19T16:09:00.000-08:00

In case anyone wonders what I do on these alleged "press checks" I'm always going on, I snapped a photo last week at our printer in Vegas. Here's me inspecting a pile of PCBC registration brochures.

OK, no. More accurately, I'm biding my time while waiting for the guys to fix the web press. These types of delays cost a bundle for the printer (who charges by the job, not by how much time it takes to print), and wastes a bunch of paper. Paper is a tricky thing, especially when combined with water, as it is in printing. As you can imagine, the works get mucked up pretty easily.

And that means a very late night of hanging around, playing video games and causing trouble with my good friend and print broker, Chris. I'm lucky to have a printer I can tolerate for all these long hours (I hope he can say the same for me).

Helvetica: The Movie

2008-02-19T12:04:00.000-08:00

I was so excited about this film, a documentary all about the typeface Helvetica, that I pre-ordered the DVD. I thoroughly enjoyed my first viewing at home, while Gary fled to the spare bedroom to watch "Prison Break" or similar. I don't blame him. It is fairly dry. Although bunches of critics can't be wrong -- this is a film with jillions of award nominations. I have to give credit to Gary Hustwit, a designer and filmmaker responsible for "Hevetica" -- he realized that there are millions of designers out there, all noticing this sort of thing, and all fascinated, even consumed by it.

Once I found out I would be teaching Typography I, I knew it would be a natural for my students, and I showed it at one of our first classes, and we ended up referring to it for the remainder of the term. I recommend it to all my designer friends, or anyone with a love of the visuals we encounter every day.

The film is an ode to Helvetica, but it is also a history of 20th century graphic design (and a little bit of 21st century). It is a "who's who" of contemporary graphic design, and it includes such luminaries as Massimo Vignelli, Neville Brody, David Carson, Paula Scher and Stephan Sagmeister! And not everyone (as you can imagine from this lineup) is pro-Helvetica. Paula Scher considers it the font of the "man" or the establishment. But some of-the-moment designers like this group called Experimental Jetset are in love with it, and use it in a more ironic way -- not in the literal way, for example, Massimo used it.

Its amazing that so much could be said for a typeface that was designed to be neutral and fade into the background. And once you see the shots throughout the film of the various places it is used where we would probably overlook it, you realize you have been changed by this film. Everywhere you go, you'll spot Helvetica. Even more than perhaps you used to. At least that was true for me. I guess the message is that we are all slightly changed or affected by this typeface, whether we realize it or not.

Trip Home

2008-02-07T17:01:00.000-08:00

Gary & I took a trip back to the DC area to visit my mom this past week. Mom seems to be doing really well. Her community of Riderwood is so positive and offers so many active, fun opportunities for her -- I literally think the place is good for her health!

The big highlight of my trip was attending the 10-year anniversary of the women's book group I used to belong to when I lived in DC. I hadn't seen them since I moved away 6 years ago! It turned into an all-day event starting with brunch at one woman's home, proceeding to Georgetown for some shopping & visiting, then to the National Museum of the American Indian, then another shopping interlude, then to a great restaurant downtown with the whole group for a fun shared meal. What a day! When I found myself slipping back into the easy rhythm of these friendships, even after they've been on hold for 6 years, it struck me how wonderful it is to carry friendships in your heart, even if you are not always close by each other. It also became clear that my friends in California and my friends in DC share some interesting similarities, and I think seeing that somehow helps me to see myself, too.

Another highlight was attending my old church, Dumbarton United Methodist, in Georgetown. The welcome they gave me was overwhelming! Catching up with all of the people there took all morning -- luckily there was a pancake breakfast that day after church (for the 21st anniversary of the congregation's commitment to being a Reconciling church!) so I could connect with lots of the people I have missed so much. Dumbarton is so special, and being back reminded me of how lucky I am to be a part of that community, even as part of the diaspora. I need to renew my commitment to that church.

I have to say that watching the Superbowl was a fantastic experience on Sunday. We went to Third Edition in Georgetown and emerged at the end of the night with lots of new friends. I particularly enjoyed their ritual re-playing of the Redskins fight song not only before the game, but at halftime, and directly after the game. What a fabulous thing after having been the lone Redskins fan all season in Sacramento. HAIL TO THE REDSKINS!!

The trip continued with more visits with Dumbarton folks -- this time over dinner at Riderwood, as some of the members now live near my mom there. Gary is such a great sport to go along to event after event where he knows nobody, and he always enjoys himself, makes friends with my friends, and is kind and charming, too. I'd marry the guy again if I could.

We also managed to squeeze in a day trip to Annapolis which was fun. Showing Gary the historic town, with its Federal architecture and quaint character was great -- he, like me, always particularly loves towns on the water. We saw the Naval Academy and ate oysters and crab cakes. Yum.

If I hadn't had a head cold nearly the whole time, I would declare it an almost perfect trip. Oh, did I mention the awesome pub we found in Wheaton? Cheers to the Royal Mile, and to a fun week.

First Day of Teaching

2008-01-08T14:17:00.000-08:00

I've never taught before. Or, more accurately, I teach every day as do most graphic designers, informing people about our work, and why it works, the value of graphic design, the design process, even technical aspects. But I've never taught a group, sitting in a classroom at an actual design college. All staring at me, expectantly.

To my surprise (and relief) my first class was fantastic. If you, like me, would define fantastic as: chaotic, nerve-wracking, fascinating (as I got to know my students), hilarious, slightly disjointed (I veered wildly off-topic quite a bit), and eye-opening. I declare it a success! My students are energetic, unfocused, extremely talented and goal-oriented, and each is so unbelievably unique from one another.

The school itself is still getting off the ground, but is a lovely facility, staffed with a young, vibrant, dedicated group of professionals, who are insanely committed to the students. The amount of support and one-on-one attention is really surprising.

Overall, I think this is going to be a very important experience in my career. I'm just taking it one class at a time for now, not planning to quit my "real" (day) job anytime soon. We'll see if I can keep Typography I interesting from 6pm to 11pm twice a week. I am pretty sure it will be the cool projects that will pull us through.

More on my teaching journey to come...

Meet Milo!

2007-11-12T14:34:00.001-08:00

We were so relieved to finally be able to adopt this little guy. He spent a grand total of 18 days at the shelter (puppy jail, as you can see), and now he's happy to get a nice warm home, a fun new friend, Buster, and a hobby (chasing the cats). We introduced them on Friday, and they were fast friends. Buster was a wee bit jealous of the attention we were giving Milo. I think he'll get over that soon, though. Buster is so good-natured. Milo really liked hanging out at the pub Sunday afternoon, too. Could be that he was completely fawned-over -- I don't think his feet hit the ground once, with everyone holding & petting him! He's one cute, sweet dog, but I know we haven't even seen his whole personality yet. He's just trying to get healthy and rested again after his puppy jail ordeal.

A small dog stole my heart this week...

2007-11-02T11:25:00.000-07:00

So Gary & I have been considering getting another dog. We spotted this guy http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=9532510 online and went to see him out at the pound on Bradshaw this morning. He ran right up to us, and when we took him out to play, he stayed near us and tried to curl up on my lap. He's a sweetie. But he's really mangy, has runny eyes, matted poopy fur around his butt, and he's super-skinny -- you can feel all of his ribs. We loved him and were all set to adopt him BUT...

We couldn't. They apparently scan dogs for a microchip when they enter the facility, but they didn't detect one at that time. Then they re-scan the dog before they're adopted (or euthanized, shudder). Today they did the re-scan and found a microchip on Kelso (the name the pound gave him). So, they are going to start the search for the owners. I would be lying if I said I hope they find them. Maybe that's wrong of me, but I just know Gary, Buster, Sweetpea, Noel and I could fatten him up, give him a good bath, some eyedrops and some attention, and he'd be the happiest dog in the world. We'll know by November 8th if we get to adopt him, but chances are not too good.

Happy Football Day

2007-10-08T11:32:00.000-07:00

It was a happy day for this Redskins fan, as I watched my guys beat the Lions by a huge 31-point margin yesterday. Gary & I proceeded to meet some friends at Bunz & Co. on Judah St. in Roseville to watch the afternoon games. It's a really fun place to go watch all the games, and everything we ate & drank was really spectacular and deserves mention. Their wings were great -- some spicy, some not, and all the varieties present in our sampler were yummy. The best thing I had there, however, was the Bloody Mary. It was well over 20 oz., was nicely spiced, with pickled beans, lime, spiced rim, olives and and a shrimp (!). Perfect for football day.

2007-10-03T16:13:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my blog

2007-10-03T16:11:00.000-07:00

Here goes. I'm going to see how well I can keep this up. Chances are, I don't have enough thoughts on anything in particular to really create a robust blog, but I'm gonna give it the ol' college try. Stay tuned for a compelling first entry...