bloggity blog

iPickle

2009-12-31T13:38:00.002-05:00

In loving memory of my ipod nano (which I'm still kind of hoping will turn up somewhere safe and sound).

Mark: they should come out with something like the kindle but for music with video capabilities and call it i-something

Sarah: hmmm...i-vid, i-muzak...

Mark: something simpler. with a "p"

Sarah: i-pickle. it could be green

Mark: that's it

When Large Just isn't Large Enough

2009-12-30T23:10:00.004-05:00

Late night?
Early morning?
No time for Refills?

You need The BUCKET.
Featuring Double-Straw Infusion

Things that Shouldn't Happen in Real Life

2009-12-13T21:41:00.003-05:00

On my way home from work Friday night, I decided to do a little shopping. As I stepped out of my car in the TJ Maxx parking lot, my left foot was positioned on something other than pavement, causing it to slip slightly. Not so much as to cause a fall, but enough to make me look down to see what I'd stepped on...a banana peel!

Unveiling P-52, The PSSISTK

2009-11-10T22:46:00.004-05:00

Early this year we set out to produce a comprehensive training program that would be guided enough for sales and management novices, produce new challenges for the seasoned veteran, allow for coaching opportunities for involved managers, but be flexible enough to be self-paced. 24 lessons—workbooks, videos, and guidance for program leaders. All to be produced by one project manager/head writer/editor/director, 3 contributing writers, 1 videographer/editor, and 1 graphic designer/proofreader/editor/production artist—all balancing this key project with other projects and hectic travel schedules.

My role began with the design concept—actually several design concepts, partly due to changing the name of the program a couple of times before settling on The Professional Selling System—In-Store Training Kit. We tested a couple of the lessons with our members stores back in February (?) to make sure we were on the right track. It's hard to remember when exactly that was, but what I do remember is that we were calling it something different and had 2 solid design concepts that are miles away from where we ended up!

By July I was wondering how we'd ever get it all done. The solidified design concept needed to be applied to 24 lessons, 3 dvds, 3 leader's guides, and packaging. I spent a lot of time communicating with vendors, getting quotes, changing specs, and finding the best packaging solution. I spent many, many days furiosly laying out the contents of the 24 lessons, and a leader's guide for each. I also spent significant time searching for and editing images and proofreading lessons. As content and design were approved I transitioned my files into print-ready pdfs and sending them off to print. It seemed like it would never end and got to the point where I just wanted it done, off my desk, out of my sight. Anyone who saw me in late September and early October can attest to the stress written on my face. Print proofs came in for my review and approval. Changes were made. Specs were verified. Finally in mid October the final files were uploaded to the printing company's ftp server. I breathed a sigh of relief and took the next day off.

As we started to receive printed samples, we were able to see the fruits of our labor. We're proud of the work and like "the kit" a whole lot more now that it's done than we did in the late days of it's production. Early reports from some of our member stores is that they're loving it. It's cool to know that people are using something I designed rather than tossing it in the trash or letting it sit on a shelf.

What the Photo?

2009-11-06T16:26:00.006-05:00

One of the lesser joys of design is searching for photos for posters, workbooks, brochures, powerpoints, etc. The perfect photo can be elusive, and searching for the perfect photo, incredibly annoying. My search usually follows a three-step process.

Imagine the perfect photo for the context

Type in a list of keywords that might bring up that perfect photo

Throw out all preconceived ideas of what you're looking for and work with what you've got.

Last week, during a discussion about a giant banner, someone said, "I've got the perfect image—A campfire, with 4 marshmallows on sticks, roasting over the fire. We can superimpose the four logos on each of the marshmallows!"

"Great," I said, "find me that image and I'll make it happen. Oh and it needs to be high res, large enough for me to scale up to giant banner sized, and free of any copyright." We've since changed direction.

We subscribe to two different stock photo sites that more or less fit our needs, but we're limited to what we can find by creative keyword searches. The good old google image search doesn't work in a professional context for many reasons. Often we end up adjusting our needs based on what's available, or what's available sparks a different idea. In the end, only the final design is seen and no one knows the turmoil of the search.

Keywords are funny things. What you may think is the perfect keyword may not bring up what you're expecting. I once typed in "Confused" and got this:

The keywords listed were: overhead, thoughtful, scratching, ethnic, posing, young, perplexed, language, man, asian.

Confused? Yes!

The Worst Ways to Wake Up

2009-09-23T23:21:00.003-04:00

The "What Time is It???"
You suddenly realize you've been sleeping soundly, without the interruption of an alarm. Is it before the alarm, or did you and the alarm have some sort of missed connection? Why is the sun streaming in? Chances are you should be at work already or, best case scenario, leaving for work right this second.

The "What Day is It?"
This happens to me a lot, usually on Fridays. When I wake up asking this question, the answer never ends up being Saturday. It happened today, a Wednesday; so disappointing.

Ahhhh!! Leg Cramp!
A gentle slumber is interrupted by being daggered in the calf. You go from unconscious to sitting up straight or standing beside your bed, silently screaming. In a hotel room in Groton, CT about 6am, my mom exclaimed "you're up early!" apparently not noticing my whimpering as I tried to stretch out the muscle that was waging a terror attack on my peaceful existence.

"Let's have some fun this beat is sick..."
Calf cramps are horrible, but waking up to Lady Gaga is like more like being stabbed in the temple. I have a bad habit of setting the alarm to Kiss 108—Matty in the Morning makes me laugh. I may as well play Russian Roulette with a full chamber. I once awoke to the Jonas Brothers and knocked my alarm on the floor trying to shut it off as quickly as possible...this hasty snooze emergency sometimes leads to the "what time is it."

sketchy sketchy

2009-08-05T22:59:00.003-04:00

I'm pretty attached to my computer, and I don't draw as much as I should. Sometimes though, I have to get a doodle out.

And then sometimes it's nice to see if I can still put the pencil to the paper and make it look like something.

Unseasonably Cool

2009-07-12T12:12:00.005-04:00

At the checkout, the cashier asked me, "stocking up on Christmas presents?" A little confused, I replied, "Um, no. Well, one is a present but not for Christmas. I don't really do Christmas shopping this early. Maybe uhh... I should..."

That evening, wrapped in my new "Snuzzle, The Blanket With Sleeves" (just like the popular "Snuggie"), knitting a scarf, drinking hot cocoa, and roasting chestnuts over an open fire, it occurred to me that it was July 1st. Buying Christmas presents in July seems strange to me, but buying a blanket for immediate use in July may be more strange.

I confess that I've been intrigued by "Snuggie" for a long time. I looked into buying a couple as Christmas gifts because I have a couple of friends who are always cold. I was dissapointed that the buy one get one free offer would not allow me to buy different colored snuggies and there was $7 shipping charge on each. I also found the "Slanket," a higher quality option with a wider variety of colors, but way more expensive, so I gave up the search for a sleeved blanket. When I randomly started receiving Snuggie emails I was convinced that Snuggie was stalking me. I was afraid that one morning I would walk out my front door and a Snuggie would be standing there waiting for me.

Needles to say, when I walked by the "Snuzzles" in the Christmas Tree Shop on that cool, rainy July day, the array of colors at only $7.99 each was like a dream fulfilled. Patience had paid off. "Don't you just love a bargain?®" Unseasonable temperatures were no longer a disappointment, but an opportunity to try out my new cool weather companion.

It seems now that July may have finally arrived in the way that we're accustomed to—with warmth and sunshine. However, should a cold front come rushing in, my Snuzzle is nearby, ready to be called into action.

Pierogies & Kolaczki

2009-06-24T22:28:00.005-04:00

Those are 2 of my favorite Polish words. (As kids the favorite word amongst the cousins on my dad's side of the family was "dupa." We could usually get away with saying it a few times before getting yelled at.) Pierogi and Kolaczki are both delicious, and nostalgic—they remind me of my Babcia. She would make pierogies once or twice a year and sometime we would keep some in the freezer for a meal at a later date. My memory is a little sketchy as to how often we actually had these treats, but I epecially associate both items with Easter. I don't have Babcia's recipes—I'm sure someone in the family does—but thanks to the miracle of the internet I've been able to recreate them and make some new memories.

A few years ago, my friends, which included a couple Korean's an Indian, and a mix of European heritages, decided to have an ethnic pot luck dinner. It was held the day before Easter so of course the first thing I thought of was pierogi. And really the Germans, Irish, and Finns haven't given me a lot of foodspiration. What the heck do Finnish people eat anyway? On the way to the pot-luck I picked up my bff and briefly informed her family of my delicious creation. The next day, Easter, her grandmother said to me "oh, that's right, you're the Polak!" to which I replied, "yes, I'm also a mick and a kraut." A discussion of every racial slur she knew followed...Nana is one hot ticket. Oh the memories.

My second pierogi experience was this past weekend, for another international pot-luck. The friend who was hosting asked what I would make, and when I told her about the last similar occasion, she said, "great, that's what you're making this time!" I was thrilled to have another chance to express my culinary gifts through the ancient art of pierogi making, but my word are they a labor of love! The Kolaczki were a last minute addition because I can't help but try to squeeze in way more than I actually have time for, but they were well worth the extra, frantic baking, and really not that difficult to make. However, the dough is basically 3 sticks of butter and 8oz of cream cheese so i don't see them making a regular appearance in my diet. That night was filled with amazing food and tons of laughter and I'm glad that food provides a tasty link between my childhood memories and fresh young-adult memories.

If I Were a Counselor

2009-05-30T00:44:00.002-04:00

I would apparently give really annoying analysis. Take, for example, this conversation with my best friend.

me:perhaps it's just not "meant to be"

Michelle: yeah
that phrase gets annoying after a while

me: but it's true

Michelle:yeah yeah
i know
that's why it's annoying

me: are you saying GOD is annoying??

Michelle: sometimes
his timing is annoying

me: but it's perfect!
how can you take issue with perfection?
i would argue that it's your own understanding that is annoying
and you're projecting those feelings on the Almighty

Michelle: you're annoying

I guess I'll stick with design for now.

First Love

2009-05-19T22:00:00.002-04:00

In 10th grade I had to write a paper for U.S. History on a person, any person. I chose Norman Rockwell, and when the paper was done I was sure I wanted to be an illustrator. Somehow I ended up getting a degree in graphic design instead, but thankfully I still get the occasional chance to illustrate. It's been great to return to my first love for a bit while working on online childcare licensing training. Clicking on the pictures will give you a better look.

Dear Mom...

2009-05-01T22:00:00.004-04:00

My mom is my most frequent blog commenter, which is cool. Mom's pretty tech savvy for a mom, and depending on what restaurant, movie theater, or museum you go to, a senior citizen. :) I think it's high time she started blogging herself actually. After all, writers write...right? I'm pretty sure it would be informative, entertaining, and well composed. There'd be a lot of posts about Bryn, the dog, and the pack of crazy cats—Shadow, Kumo, Zorro and Xena. There'd be a post here and there about library hijinx, a brief note from time to time about her overly-active octogenarian parents, and of course a lot about how proud she is of her two awesome kids (they grow up so fast!). Oh, and there'd probably be some pictures of random wild flowers, exciting bird life, and massive cat-sized squirrels in the yard.

I've gotten really side-tracked here...

Mom's latest comment on my blog implies that perhaps she would have liked the option of duct taping me to a wall as a child. I remember often hearing she was going to wrap me up in cotton and stick me up on a shelf, but I always thought that was more about protection than confinement. Looking back, I'm not sure why she would have needed to go to such extreme measures. I was definitely a way easier kid than my brother. I'm pretty sure I was as calm, sweet, and polite as I am now.

Love you mom! Happy Birthday!! :)

Take Your Friends to Work

2009-04-15T17:05:00.004-04:00

I like to put a little bit of myself into my work, and sometimes I like to put a little of my friends into my work. Today I needed some names for a poor example of a childcare behavioral chart, so I turned to my some of my favorite trouble-makers. This would have been one rambunctious pre-school class, and I think the smiley/frowny face indicators are pretty accurate even now.

Sick art

2009-03-22T23:03:00.005-04:00

I don't really make resolutions, but one of my goals for this year is to make more time for drawing and painting. Being sick for a month wasn't really part of the plan, but it's given me a lot of guilt-free rest time, during which I've painted quite a bit. As I return to full health with antibiotic assistance and add things back into my schedule like making dinner, eating dinner, working out, and hanging out with friends, I hope I can continue to find time for art. I already know what the next painting/series will be...I just need to find some figs.

This painting is based on what usually comes out when I doodle. It's usually just in black or blue ink so I wanted to try it with some color, on a larger scale. It's a little trippy and begs the question, what's actually going on in my mind if this is what always comes out on paper...

It's a sweater

2009-03-02T23:32:00.002-05:00

And I think I like it. This is my third sweater and like the old cliche, third time's a charm. Sweater #1 was ok, but a little off. I wore it once, got several compliments, but found myself tugging at it all day and have never worn it again. I'm ok with that; it was a first attempt and I had skipped over scarves and mittens and easier things and dove right into the sweater. Sweater #2 I realized when it was about 80% done that I probably wasn't going to like it. At 100% done I knew I didn't like it. Very dissappointing. I was determined to create a sweater I like. I started #3 around Thanksgiving, then took a break to knit 2 scarves and 1.75 glittens, and really my days aren't exactly wide open with time for knitting. Finally this weekend, fighting a cold, I found a lot of down time to work on it and a snow day today allowed me the luxury to finish it. I'm happy with how it turned out.

How to Tell if Your Delivery Man is a Christian: 3 Simple Steps

2009-02-24T19:28:00.005-05:00

Yesterday I was expecting not just one, but two exciting deliveries via UPS. Having missed a delivery on Friday, I left work a little early so as not to repeat the disappointment of narrowly missing a delivery that would surely revolutionize my very existence. As I waited, I sat down at my too-slow-for-my-awesomeness computer, where conveniently I had a perfect view of the street.

I realize that everyone I know is interested in the most mundane, moment-to-moment activities of my life, so I changed my "google talk" status to "waiting for UPS." Within moments, Myca im'd me, speculating that it was the UPS Man that I was really waiting for. I assured her that no, I was much more interested in the parcels than the man carrying them. She encouraged me to be open to the possiblity. 2GB of ram to improve my pc performance, a touch-screen wif-fi enabled phone, and my future husband all in one? What a story that would be! She assured me that she'd heard of it happening before.

But what are the odds that the UPS man would be an attractive, single, Christian man? And how would I be able to find out? Attractive and male would be no challenge to discern. Single, possibly more challenging, but we women have our ways. Christian, well that's a requirement and probably the least obvious. I firmly believe in equal yokage so I'd need a way to qualify him before things went any further than "sign here."

We came up with the following:

Look for signs and symbols: Quickly scan for jewelry or tatoos that might symbolize deep roots in faith. A little flash of Christian symbolism doesn't necessarily mean the same thing to everyone, so proceed with caution. Also keep in mind that many delivery companies have strict dress codes and he may not be allowed to wear jewelry or show tattoos...and not all Christian men wear jewelry or have tatoos. In any case, you'll probably need more information before you start planning your wedding.
Find a way to ask if he participates in Church activities: "Do anything special on Sunday?" probably would have worked for me since my delivery was on Monday. It may come off as a tad-bit personal, but I'm sure they get odd small talk all the time. The further away from Sunday you are the weirder it's going to seem. Instead try, "Done anything of eternal significance lately?" Still uncertain? Step 3 should clear up any confusion.
The sign of the fish, literally: Christians have been identifying eachother in this way for centuries. When asks for your signature just make half a fish. If he draws the other half, you're in. If he gives you a blank stare, just draw the other half yourself and close the door, literally and figuratively.

Things didn't work out for me and the UPS Man. I opened the door, he said, "here ya go," handed me the packages and left. My front porch light has been out for years so I barely even got a look at him and he didn't ask for a signature despite at least one of the deliveries requiring an in person signature. I'm pretty sure he just got really nervous when I opened the door. Myca agreed that he was probably "blown away by [my] awesomeness." I have that effect on men...that's why I'm single.

"Winter" "Storm" "Watch"

2009-01-27T22:02:00.002-05:00

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch from December 1st to April 23rd. This winter storm watch covers Connecticut, Maine, and everything in between. A winter storm watch means significant snowfall, sleet, freezing rain and ice, or no precipitation of any kind. An "approaching system" is getting your hopes up for snow, but the precipitation could change to sleet and freezing rain, or it could change course and miss your area completely. Expect a total accumulation of "a dusting" to "can't get the front door open." Travel could be very difficult, but let's face it, your commute probably stinks anyway. If you must travel, it is highly recommended that you look out the window before departing for an up-to-the-minute forecast.

Some Paint to Remember, Some Paint to Forget

2009-01-22T23:29:00.008-05:00

Nearly a year finding time to complete it. Days contemplating what to say about it. Finding enough to say, knowing to say it all would be too much. The desire to share it narrowly defeating the desire to keep it unseen. A tribute to my Dad begun 3 years after we said goodbye. A way to spend a day remembering.

The abstract geometric more his style than mine, yet somehow distinctly me. For four years of art school painting was assignments. Now life is busy, with little time made to connect brush to canvas. But the art is in me, like it was in him.

Finally making the time to lose myself in it. Surrounded by the music he loved, understanding the solace he found in creating. Control in a sometimes chaotic life.

Glittens!

2009-01-21T18:33:00.007-05:00

In my LIFE Community a couple weeks ago, the icebreaker questions was, "Gloves or mittens?" As we went around the room stating our preferences, the consensus seemed to be that mittens are warmer, but gloves are better when manual dexterity is needed. Personally, I'm a glove girl. I can't remember ever having mittens. It's possible that I had some as a kid since mittens are a lot easier to get on the hand of a little kid, and mom always made sure we were well bundled. I have an image of a blue and gray child's snow mitten in my mind, but I can't confirm that I actually owned and wore such thing. Are mittens warmer, I wondered. Should I try mittens? But what about actually being able to use my fingers? I like the freedom of a glove. Finally, someone offered the ultimate solution—glittens. Convertible mittens, with partial fingers. It was promised that this liger of hand protection would offer maximum warmth and manual dexterity. I was intrigued.

Rather than running right out and buying a pair of glittens, I thought, I could knit a pair. Why my first instinct is usually to make things, I can't explain; it's just who I am. I've been knitting for about a year because I needed yet another hobby that I don't have enough time for. I had never knit a glove nor a mitten, so why not try both at the same time. I like a challenge. So I bought some cheap yarn and started figuring it out. Here it is, my first glitten!

I looked at a few patterns for suggestions, but didn't follow any particular pattern, so hopefully I can remember what I did as I knit the left glitten.

Working Hard and Hardly Working

2009-01-07T22:24:00.006-05:00

I love efficiency. My work computer is not efficient, nor does it always allow me to be efficient. That bothers me. It's usually at its worst when I'm trying to meet a deadline, or 8 deadlines that all happen to coincide. No one has yet designed a super-program customized to does absolutely everything I need it to do, and honestly my pc couldn't handle such a program anyway, so I'm constantly working in 3, 4, 5... programs at a time. I try to reduce that as much as possible, knowing that my computer suffers the afflictions of old age, but when things get crazy it seems most efficient to be able to copy from Word into InDesign, make sure all my photos are the right size and CMYK in Photoshop, tweak the logo, icon, what have you in Illustrator, update the InDesign file, and make the PDF for print all the while being alert to incoming emails for unforeseen emergency changes to something else. So much activity usually results in my computer refusing to respond for what seems like centuries at a time. Why is it that when I need it to be most efficient it rebels and taunts me with a spinning hour glass or that darn noise that sounds like it's doing something, while onscreen there's an utter lack of activity? Grrr...

It's times like that when I pick up a pen and start doodling some random desk tsotchke just to keep myself calm while the computer takes several deep breaths. Pre-Convention times are particularly bad, preparing Education Day materials and programs, training fliers, posters, and anything special we're rolling out afresh. Some financially responsible individuals decided to move our winter Conventions to the first week in January, so December was intense. I didn't panic, I just reached for my stuffed, "Come On Eileen" singing, leprechaun hamster.

Radom Mental Images

2008-12-12T13:28:00.004-05:00

I tend to be highly visual. As a graphic designer by trade this is a good thing. I'm expected to be able to take a concept, expand upon it, and create a visual representation of it. It gets a little weird sometimes when someone says something like "I hate when we put all our eggs in one basket and then someone throws a wrench in the plan." I suddenly see this happening from every angle and the mess it would create. Or when the doctor says "You've never had an IV before? I just need to thread this tube into your vein." Actually having an IV wasn't that bad, but every time I think of that phrase I want to puke.

Sometimes my own thoughts just go astray and I can't explain where an odd mental image has come from. This one I think I can explain, but I'd rather not.

Got Pink?

2008-10-26T23:00:00.004-04:00

Sometime during those warm summer months of long ago, I saw a bubble-gum pink Toyota Camry with the license plate "Got Pink" parked down the street from my office. My first thought probably wasn't very nice, but it was basically "ew gross, who even wants pink." I really wanted to take a picture of it because, although a pink car is disgusting to me, I know my best friend would love a pink car. Plus, in my mind I've been building a photo album entitled "bad choices" and that car would fit perfectly. Unfortunately I didn't have my camera with me and never saw the pink car again in that spot.

Flash forward to about 3 weeks ago. I was pulling out of a parking lot and right there in front of me was Got Pink! Megan, I presume this is her name because it says that right where it would normaly say "Camry," pulled out of the parking lot and got on the highway, where I followed her about a mile until my exit—all the while thinking about what might possess someone to paint her car pink and what type of person she is. Over the next week I saw Got Pink 2 more times in different places, and eventually my judgement of her choice caused me to think about some of my own pink choices. Confession time...

I'll just skip right over pink clothing since I have clothing in all colors and pink clothing is acceptable...although come to think of it, owning 3 pink hoodies seems somewhat disproportionate. hmm... Ok, right now, in my pink purse lie my pink cell phone and my pink ipod case. In all honesty, if the nano had come in pink when I bought my ipod, not just the case would be pink. Also, that's not the only pink purse I own. My gym bag is also pink, and somewhat obnoxious. There are 2 pink rugs in my kitchen because the table cloth, among other colors, has pink stripes. Clearly this blog is full of pink...as are my website, my resume, and my portfolio...essentially my entire identity is brown and yes, pink.

So maybe I'm not so different than the girl with the pink car? No, my life may be pretty well accessorized with pink, but I maintain that a pink car is going too far. I would never paint my car pink. But if I did it would be a dark sparkly pink!

Historical note: when I was 17 I briefly had pink hair. I'm sure a lot of people looked at me trying to figure out what would possess someone to color her hair pink.

"They wanna be treated just like anybody else! "

2008-10-23T12:48:00.002-04:00

My gym has a handicap shower. It's larger than the other showers, has a bench, and the shower head hangs on a hose. I've never seen any obviously disabled people working out there, but I suppose they could, so it's nice to have a such an accommodating shower. The thing is, the locker room is on the second floor, and there's no elevator. I'm just speculating, but I think someone with a handicap warranting a special shower probably won't be able to climb the stairs.

It seems as if anyone is welcome to use the shower, but as a non-handicapped person I can tell you that a shower head that is only hand-held and does not affix to the wall is darned annoying. Today I had a choice between the handicap shower and a shower with a burnt out overhead light. Showering in near darkness isn't as bad as you might think.

"I got news for you: handicapped people, they don’t even want to park there! They wanna be treated just like anybody else! That’s why, those spaces are always empty."
--Cosmo Kramer, Seinfeld—The Handicap Spot

This Blog's for You

2008-10-13T22:48:00.007-04:00

Actually, it's for my mom, who has now seen and read my blog. And who also shares my blog/time dilemma. Hopefully she'll find a little time to read mine. I mean really, with so few posts it doesn't take much time to read my blog. (Side note, the Firefox spellchecker doesn't recognize the word doesn't.) I was supposed to send Mom some pictures awhile ago of the Amsler/Sarmento wedding back in August and haven't done so.

Here we are. I think the Bride and Gromare fairly obvious, I'm the one in the bridesmaid gown and the other two non-bridesmaids, although looking quite bridesmadesque are Laura and Lynn.

The weekend after the wedding was a camping trip and 9 hour hike with my Life Community. Followed the next weekend by the annual Fire Boston Harbor Cruise, which I'm sure mom was sad to miss this year. ;)

September highlights included the Fire Fall Retreat and my LOST themed birthday party.

To My Adoring Fans

2008-09-17T12:35:00.002-04:00

I was anti-blog for a long time. Who has time to blog? Who really wants to hear random things about me or you? Who cares? Then I started reading the blogs of friends and found them informative and entertaining. Then I was also introduced to stuffchristianslike.blogspot.com, and my fanship of blogs skyrocketed. Still, I enjoyed reading blogs, but really didn't think I could get into blogging myself.

Late one night I decided to create a blog, more for the challenge of making it look cool. I think I met the challenge, and that's about where my blogging stopped. I have found that I in fact don't have the time for it, or have not yet made the time for it amongst my other hobbies, and I've been paralyzed in the what-exactly-should-my-blog-be stage.

So, after much procrastination and over-thinking, here it is, my first actual post. I have one co-worker who's subscribed to my blog and he'll probably be the only one who notices. So here's to you Shawn. I promise to post again within the next year, but I'm setting your expectations low.