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.

Today was day 8, and I didn’t have a chance to post, so I’ll just give it in past tense. I did ok with my eating, although I fudged what I ate for dinner - I just didn’t want any more meat, and I had to stop at my parents to take care of the cats, and all I could think about was the grape nuts and fresh strawberries they had - so that’s what I ate. Not too bad, very healthy, just not what was recommended. I also had the morning snack for my afternoon snack so had no protein smoothy which was sort of a bummer.

Today’s Meals

Breakfast: Egg White and Tomato Omelet (although I actually had multigrain waffle with cottage cheese and fruit)

Snack: 20 almonds (had later with some dried cranberries)

Lunch: Salmon and arugula/romaine salad with light italian (Instead Meghan and I went to Marketplace grill and I had an amazing salad with grilled chicken, light italian, and some parmasan cheese & croutons - I know - i’m bad)

Snack: Strawberry protein smoothie

Dinner: Baked or Broiled Chicken Breast with, frozen peas and carrots (ooooor grape nuts with fresh strawberries and a bit of sugar)

Workout: Cardio Party (I did Cardio Party Remix - 30 min + some weights)

So… how am I? I am really stressed at the agency - things are kind of crazy for me. It’s a good problem, but we keep getting new projects!!! I barely have time to quote them all and get it together, plus work on existing projects that are dragging on.

Physically, I was down another pound and a half this morning which was great. Today, the lower back is a bit achy, but I’m planning on asking for a massage from the hubby. There was so much to do when I got home, so that was a bit overwhelming, and it’s done now (dishes, laundry, cat feedings, litter, etc., blech).

Today I spent the ENTIRE morning at Panera. from 9-10:30 at 12th street for a client meeting and from 10:45-1:15 pm at the Peach street location for a meeting with the girls. It was really weird but kind of fun. I like Panera - I wish I could spend time there more often. Except eating choices? Well almost all are high-calorie. For breakfast I did an egg souffle, spinach and artichoke- 490 calories, but at least I had protein from the eggs. I drank a lot of water and had nothing else till lunch when I made a wheat bread, grilled chicken, fat-free ranch, avacado, light cheddar cheese and tomato sandwich. It was AWESOME. (fyi)

Today’s Meals:

Breakfast: Breakfast Burrito, tortilla, pinto/black beans, salsa

Snack: Strawberry Protein Smoothie

Lunch: Chicken Salad (I was pretty close on this except I did have bread)

Snack: Cottage Cheese & Tomatoes (mmm…. um…. I really only like the cottage cheese with sweet stuff)

Dinner: Pork Chop and Apple (this sounds really small, lean, and weird)

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Last night was a hard night… Brian and I were both very stressed and emotional due to family issues, priorities and finances, but you know what? We got through it and in the end ended up hugging in the middle of the living room floor laughing. I had a long talk about it with my friends today too, and it felt good to be able to open with them and just talk it all out. It’s amazing how you have people, and we all have lives, and everyone’s is so full of these complicated little messes, victories, triumphs, sadnesses, fears . . . etc. and sometimes just getting them out in the open is the most valuable thing you can do for each other, and tell that person “i understand, i get you, and i’m praying for you.” And when your friends problems are bigger and more major, it helps you get perspective too.

relationships are cool.

I’ll tell you what, being accountable on the internet is pretty exhausting. it’s hard to believe I’m already on day 6 of this. Only 5 more days to go (counting today). Yesterday went really well until a big picnic we had with some friends at Aaron & Kelly’s - again, thanks guys. It was so much fun! But, I basically threw rules out the window and ate normally last night. Sometimes I think it was worth it, other times I regret it because I was fighting waves of nausea all night due to eating more in quantity and more fat then my body has had in a week. I think I DON’T regret it way more though - everything was soooo good. And truthfully we had a lot of fruit and veggies - the main splurges were a hot dog, a little too much ranchy cornbread salad, a cupcake, a piece of cheesecake and a bit of cookie cake. (do you see where my main weaknesses lie?)

The picnic was great with little kids running around all over the place!! I’ll tell you what, kids are way funnier then adults, and they don’t even mean to be. They just… are. From Candace screaming with laughter when Brian peaked out from behind a corner, to watching she and Eli enjoy a classic game of “ring a round the rosie” (little do they know where that originated), Logan calling his mom and dad old, and Camden actually ENJOYING playing with Connick! 

Ok, the fact that all of those names are represented on the internet, INCLUDING THE DOG, freaked me out a little bit.

Back to business. Weigh-In today. 4.2 lbs less then Monday. Water retention, bloating, etc. aside, that is good news. I’m seriously impressed with myself. This morning I’m feeling a little bit off, sort of queasy (maybe as a result of overeating last night?) But excited to workout for the first time since Tuesday!! The busy-ness eliminated that possibility for three days!! Ok enough…

Day 6 Menu:

Breakfast: Feta, Black Olive, and Tomato mainly egg white Omelet (for me just eggs, tomatoes and feta)

Snack: Fruit & Cheese

Lunch: Turkey and Hummus Pita (I don’t even own hummus)

Snack: Peanut Butter & Banana Protein Smoothie

Dinner: Grilled Ahi Tuna Salad (no on tuna, probably use shredded chicken instead)

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Have a great Saturday everyone! the plans for me today are workout, clean, shoot a wedding, some web work, and do a lot of yardwork.

My dear friend Ashlee (now resides in Boston and I miss watching The Office with her) and her new husband Jason were married on Saturday.  She’s a graphic designer and he is a product designer who works here. So obviously, everything was perfect in its aesthetic appeal.

As usual I hung around like a pesky fly taking pictures when I could. She really loved them, saying “breathtaking…” I said it was easy because THEY were breathtaking, plus PhotoShop is really cool. AND, they haven’t seen any other pictures yet, so it’s always exciting to see your first set. I think their professional wedding photos will be amazing as they instructed their photographer to be “off beat” and “non-traditional” as possible. I could here his camera shutter going during the ceremony - he was taking multiple shots sometimes 10 clicks in 10 seconds. And the garden grounds were so awesome, I’m sure they will be amazing. 

Ashlee & Jason have dated for almost 10 years before getting married, so this was well over-due. Congratulations guys!!

ServErie is in full swing at our church now. This movement partners with local organizations who help in a variety of ways around the community. City Mission, Habitat for Humanity, Mother-to-Mother, etc. Basically opportunities are presented to us, and slots are (hopefully) filled by the congregation.

Last weekend, the promoted opportunity was sorting clothes at the City Missio donation center. When I read it in the bulletin and saw on the ServErie board, I felt a very obvious “Go and do this,” from the Lord. Having some retail experience in sorting worn/used clothes and tagging (I worked atPlato’s Closet in college, w00t!), I knew this would be something I (and pretty much anyone who doesn’t mind laundry) could do. As I pulled up on Tuesday, I was a little nervous, but mainly because you don’t know the procedures of the organizations, if they’ll even need you, where to go, who you’ll work with, etc. The nervousness was totally unfounded, as I walked in they quickly ushered me in, kept asking if I was from Grace Fellowship Church (no) and introduced me to Tiffany, Nancy, Diane, Robert and Fred who usually hang out at the “sorting” table. I couldn’t believe the amount of clothes and donations - which was great. Bales full that were twice my height. But the need was also great - they definitely can use any volunteer to help with all of the merchandise. It is also the warehouse for furniture and all kinds of other items they get in to sell. So, in short - a simple behind-the-scenes job, but one that was really awesome. Fred told me… with a serious expression, “Your good.” Me “What? Why??” “Your good. We like you. You need to come back.” Me, red-faced “Ok. I’ll try.”

It’s also amazing to see the people that are there, and being there on Tuesday I joined them for their bible study and prayer time. I don’t know many of their histories, but I know they are all affected by and touched by the mission of the organization. I enjoyed the company of the people so much and was so glad to be serving outside of the church and helping the city, that I did go back today as well. Couldn’t stay as long, but everyone was glad to see me back. I’m hoping for one day a week, a few hours, but if my freelance picks back up I might not be able to swing it. I am doing my best though. Thanks, God and City Mission for the opportunity!

One of my best friends, Christy, finally got her playmate - a baby 9 week old cockapoo puppy named Violet. She was a little lethargic and tired this weekend, but when Kristin and I went to visit her we still got some adorable pictures. I wish I could do animal photography for a living sometimes! Christy was just glowing in the pictures - if she is this happy with a puppy, I can’t wait to take beautiful photos of her with her newborn baby (when the time comes)

I downloaded a photoshop action and had some fun with these… you can see how they’d be great for wedding photos or dreamy nature shots. I thought they were so cute for Violet! You obviously have to be careful with these things, but hey, it was fun!

This is a ROSE BUSH. It always freaks me out how plants start out SO tiny.

Seriously - Christy? Hello? Model?

This looked even cuter through the lens!

I love this picture!! My Nikon would NOT auto-focus. I still don’t know why. So excuse my slightly perturbed expression.

Happy Friday everyone!

sidenote: It is 12:40am. I stayed up late getting some of the many things done that need to be done this weekend - I’m really glad I did, because although I am tired, I am much less stressed now! Thanks to some crazy second wind I get around 11:45 if I can stick it out, I decided to blog. Anyway, I was typing something into my google search bar in safari and I saw this message:

UM….. WHAT?????

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!