the pure interest

I would like to take a break from my regularly scheduled fitness update to talk about design and websites. Huh, remember when I used to do that? Talk about my profession instead of my personal life? Oh well.

Kristin informed me about the iheart revolution months ago and I downloaded half the songs, but I had, for some unknown reason, never actually visited and explored the site. I did it today and I was struck by how unique it was, and I really liked it. All of the main content is on the first page, and instead of switching pages when you click main navs (aside from the obvious myspace and facebook links), it smoothly slides you down to the next section using anchoring and bookmarks, where the same nav is present again so you don’t get lost. I thought this was so cool and although an old technique, used in a new and efficient way. Not to mention how the main “i heart” graphic is created, layered gifs over a really cool background, this being the first stop on the navigation journey - all the links are sort of hidden inside. The site loads quickly, smoothly and is all there - so no waiting for new pages to load.

I like how they’ve broken the typical “link-must-click-to-new-page” preset and done something easy and simply unique.

Thoughts?

Take some time to check out the site and read how the album was created. It is beautiful stuff! I praise God for people who can use these talents in music and media for Him.

This is an old picture I took of cherry trees a few years ago (surprise, right?). It’s peaceful to me.

In June, I actually have some “profit” from freelancing, and I was deciding between a Wacom tablet or the new Microsoft Office 2008 for the Mac. After reading some not-very-good reviews on Office 08, I decided on the tablet. I ordered from Amazon one that had decent reviews, was medium sized, and not ridiculously costly - so I am excited to work with it. It’s supposed to be here today! I hope I can do some new types of illustration and it gives me some more freedom I’ve been looking for.

I went roller blading by myself last night, and it was ok. The only things I hate about blading/walking at the penninsula are the clouds of gnats. I had to have breathed some in because I would notice I was plowing into them way too late! I did 6 miles in 45 minutes, which meant I was going relatively fast. When I sat down in the car I wasn’t sure if I could get my blades off I was so exhausted . . . but somehow managed to. Then, I went home, had some veggies for dinner, and did “3T - Totally Tubular Turbo” . . . yeah, sounds cheesy but it’s a great workout using resistance tubing for weight/strength training. About 30 minutes after being done, I noticed I was having trouble lifting my limbs and walking up the stairs. I guess it can truly be said that I beat myself with working out yesterday! But I needed it so I am glad!!

This was mainly to make up for the fact I went to Olive Garden yesterday with my sis and my hubs and had the new Chicken Milanese. I did give about half to Bri and Amy, so that was good. But it was unbelievable. Worth every calorie, bite, and bloated feeling afterwards.

Also LOST last night? Wow. Some questions got answered, which was crazy, but somehow I have a really hard time putting it all together still. I depend on the short reviews for stupid people so I can sort of get a handle on what I saw!

Tonight we have small group which is always a pleasure, and I think some new folks will be joining, so I am excited about that! Brian and I also need to find an air conditioner this weekend, which needs to be a priority, and I am searching flyers for the best deals.

Oh and update: I have no accent, because Erie is awesome:

Have a happy Friday everyone!

Look at that little guy!!!! Source.

Frutiger is one of my all-time favorite sans-serifs (as fore-mentioned). Now there is a newly released serif version, in honor of the creators birthday!! Too bad it’s thousands. I’d love to have it. Anyone want to gift it to me?

A few pics from Niagara on the Lake to come next week. It was really beautiful, although flipping freezing most of our trip. Mainly I took pictures of food and flowers, and mainly pastries, and mainly tulips. It’s a tulip-pa-looza there!! Also be on the lookout on Danielle’s blog for some soon-to-come beautiful photos!

I also just received this sad news about Steven Curtis Chapman, beloved and long-time Christian music artist. His 5-year-old daughter was struck and killed in a car accident. That is so sad. Please pray for the family.

I know, baby pink is similar to magenta. But, you have to admit, pinks and purples are sort of dominant right now, especially in spring in the NorthEastern part of the country!

I don’t have much else to say except, HOLY CRAP ON THE OFFICE LAST NIGHT, I screamed a lot (sorry friends), and YAY FOR SUNDAY!!!!

Hey everyone!

• I roller bladed at the Peninsula for 6 miles with Angie yesterday! It was really fun. I almost fell over at the end but managed to make it
• I’m really not sure who will be the final two for American Idol… it’s a tough choice. I disagreed that David Cook took the night last night though, I thought last night was not his strongest at all.
• I made banana chocolate chip bread. It was well received upon asking. Never mind, lol.
• Today I need to do some promotion for an organization I am involved with and an event coming up. Click here and go to “Celebrity Dress Up Event” to read all about it. Thanks for your support, let me know if you are interested in buying tickets as I have some that I am responsible for selling

With the country receiving their economic stimulus, it’s interesting for me to learn what people plan to do with theirs. Are they putting it right back into the economy? Paying off federal debt (loans, bills, etc.)? Giving to charity?  Well, this is where half of mine is going. A small 6′ x 3′ shed for our tiny backyard. This is an item that I’ve needed for two years but my hubby has been resistant to spending our household money on, because the outside of the house is sort of my domain - he just doesn’t really concern himself with it. We made a decision that we could each do with our check what we wanted. Some of mine will go on my student loan, and the rest spent on this shed and potentially a small used (cheap) lawnmower.

Interesting and Flashy? Not really.

Necessary? Very.

Brian is using his plus some to add a bunch of cool pedals to his new birthday present, a VOX AC30 Amp, purchased by my family and a friend for him in a SCREAMING good deal. Don’t worry, we’d never ever be able to spend the full retail price on this. When I say screaming deal, I mean 1/4 price. This amp is a beautiful, prized thing for guitarists of his style/genre, and I am so thrilled for him to have his first amp ever! Here are some pictures from when we surprised him with it!

So, where is your economic stimulus check going?

Tune in next week, I plan on doing a color week - one new spring picture of a different color everyday.