New Animation time

My friend sent me a link to this. I felt it appropriate to share with everyone so they can have a good laugh. Enjoy.

A Random Doodle

I thought I'd share a little doodle of a bunny that appeared underneath my pen today. Perhaps he is magic.

A Happy New Year with Tim and Tom

Happy New Year!

In leau of the new year I was doing some computer cleaning. I ran across this animation and had to share with everyone. Enjoy.

Recycling + Design = Neato

I was searching for Recycled gift ideas and came across this video. Now as much as I enjoy making things and being good for the environment there are a few things that I don't agree with in this video (ie the purchased bag to scrap for a couple of fasteners). However the general idea is so cool and eco-friendly.

Animate My Day

So for those of you that know me you probably know that I'm a huge animation buff. For those of you that don't know me, believe me... I love animating and I love watching animations. Here is one that I stumbled upon that is more than worthy to share. Enjoy.


minilogue - hitchhiker's choice from ljudbilden on Vimeo.

My past week... in photos.

It snowed...

Black Friday... My destination: Ace Hardware, Time Store opened: 7am, My Target: A laser level, Crowd: NONE

Worked a lot. (So did my co-worker Dave...)

The mouse ate all the peanut butter from the traps. NO mouse yet. Set some new traps...

I put up my first Christmas tree. Not that this is my first christmas tree putting up ever ... or for that matter even my first this season. This is my first while living on my own.

Everyone that came to my house commented on the "Lost" flyer on my fridge. I think it'll be a perfect addition to my decor.

Have a good week.

This means WAR!

Over the past month a lot of the time I've spent traveling, leaving my house all alone. I have an ongoing battle against spiders. I assumed that while I was away the spiders would notice my absence and build up their forces awaiting for my return. Much to my surprise I received a phone call today from my friend, Lori, who has been checking in on my house for me (so that it wouldn't be lonely). She told me that a bowl of candy had been invaded (not by spiders) a possible rodent attack! I was in route to my house (about 4 hours out) and started plotting my counter attack. I stocked up on some rodent killing supplies and I'm ready for battle.

The second I stepped into the door I started the hunt. I saw the evidence (a mini Hershey's bar) and started tracking a possible path. Then I stumbled upon a stash in the office... more evidence (an organic fruit leather and a Special K bar). That's more than enough evidence to me.



I unpacked my warfare from the bag, and loaded my weapons.



The traps are set.... Now we sit back and wait...

A change of scenery.

I know that my blog is fairly new, however I think there are going to be some changes made. Obviously the name of the blog is called "designing twenty-five to life". I am a designer and I love all things cool and designeriffic. So along with photos that I'll take I'm going to try to post some things that I've designed and things that I think are cool designs... etc. I think it will make for a much more interesting blog. I hope that everyone will enjoy my changes.


Today at work I was browsing the internet for the perfect picture of a crayon. A crayon you ask?! Yes a crayon. My job is that cool that I get to look through thousands of photos for the perfect picture of a crayon then recreate it. Of course when you type "crayon" into any search, many things non crayon related come up. So a few hours later, I'm now fighting the urge to take photos, and damn good ones at that of various random things.

During my search of the perfect picture of a crayon I stumbled upon this photo on flicker:



It brought back some memories that I had pushed into far corners of my mind! I totally owned one!!!! It definitely had its flaws but it rocked! There was the interchangeable plates so that you had the bottom of a ladies wardrobe (IE skirt, pants, shoes...) and then there was a middle section with some sort of top and a head with a hat or not, or you could choose the upper half of a woman's body to place with the bottoms. There were so many options! to top off all of that there were pattern plates so that you could put a pattern on the fabric. Anyway so you chose the layout you wanted and placed a piece of paper on top then lowered down a frame thing and rubbed a crayon on top and wa-la (assuming that you didn't move the paper while doing the rubbing) a perfect fashion designer style drawing. Then you choose a pattern or not and color it in! Who ever came up with it?!

November already?

So I haven't written in a long time. Frankly I was busy, didn't have internet, etc etc... now I've ran out of excuses. I have internet, and I'm not so busy any more. I should be... believe me I do have things to do but I just haven't found a good reason to do them. I'm still recouping from my busy time.

I went to Augusta Georgia last weekend for work. Had a lot of "firsts" on that trip. Here they are: First time on a 9+ hour road trip alone, first time to Tennessee and Georgia, first time not getting lost in a state that I drove to by myself, first time traveling with a company, first time tracking milage, first time eating at Quizinos by myself, first time driving through the moutains by myself, first time staying in a hotel alone and my first time that I listened to Arthur the Invisibles book on tape all the way through.

As I was driving through the mountains (for my first time alone) I snapped some photos. Here they are....

So many things!

Wow its been a while since I've written on here. First and foremost... I MOVED OUT!

Yes thats right I have my own place now. Its cute. Living on my own is definitely something to get used to. I've lived in a small rural town of 600 people for the past 25 years. I now live in a town with a population of 6448. I actually have neighbors that aren't related to me! I do still live across the street from a church, before it was the Free Will Baptists (which I am), and now its the Seventh-Day Adventists of whom I know nothing about. I still get wild bunnies in the yard, I haven't seen Deer tho.

I live less than a block away from the train tracks. Did you know that trains come at 2:30 am and blow their horn... ALOT?! I'm not used to noises like this or street lights! Currently I don't have internet at home, hopefully I'll get something figured out with that soon. I feel like I'm roughing it in the "city". I did sit up an antenna so that I can get some snowy channels. Thank goodness though that PBS comes in as clear as day!

Also the Wii has its new permanent home. I've been so busy unpacking things that I've had to put the wii play on hold... but soon!

While having to adjust at the new homestead my job moved 4 days before I did. So I'm adjusting to a new work environment as well. I left behind a horrible area and space and moved to a bigger posh office area. The other designer and I have one of the nicest cubicle areas in the office. Plus we have the plastic fish and all the candy too! One of the coolest things is my commute to the office has gone from 45+ mins to a cool 2 mins (driving).

More to come.

Happy Birthday to me

Yes I'm another year older today. There is nothing really to look forward to past the age of 25. I mean there is over the Hill, but really do you look forward to that age? My dad just turned 60 and frankly that's awesome. He has accomplished a lot in his life and I only strive to do as many things as he as done... if not more.

In the past 365 days I've graduated college, got a job in the field of design, had hoped to have moved (soon... very soon!), met many cool people, had a girls weekend, and I've learned many new things along the way.

I have many lovely friends and coworkers that have made this one of the coolest birthday's that I've had. I've received many text messages, cards, and gifts each of which are special in their own way. I've had 3 birthday desserts (homemade strawberry short cake, blue iced bakery cake, and homemade cheese cake pie), I've had 3 birthday dinners Faux-joe stuffed peppers with corn and white cheddar mac and cheese, homemade tacos & home made chicken salad. There is just something about a birthday meal that just tastes so good. I think I've also gained 10 birthday pounds (so worth it!).

Time to get kickin on the next 365. I think I'll start with sleep then work then maybe... pie? ;)

No Nonsense Non-Stick

So the other day in the mail I received my free sample of Reynolds Wrap Non-stick Foil. Even better than that... I will soon have a kitchen to use it in! My house is about 1 week away from being done. Its lacking a stove, counter top and working plumbing (the toilet works!). I picked up my key yesterday and I'm ready when it is.

Also yesterday morning I saw Mr. Jones walking his normal route again! I hadn't seen him since the incident but he seems well. I'm glad he's ok.

The Many Hats of this Hired Hand

So I was thinking the other day about every occupation that I've had over the past 9.5 years of employment. I thought it'd be interesting to list them all in one place.

Dippin' Dots Girl
Barista
Deli Dolly
Sales Girl in a Christmas Store
Sales Associate
Shoe Sales Girl
Bar Waitress
Sales Supervisor
Assistant Manager
Visual Display Coordinator
Customer Service Associate
Security Officer for a Mall
Sales Girl for a Candle Store
Cashier
Head Cashier
Illustrator/Graphic Designer
Admin Office Associate
Production Artist/Graphic Designer

3...2...1... Hair

Barbie had it. My little pony had it (not mine, I wanted it but I only had the one with the apples on the butt). Before those there was the Crissy doll in the 70's and even now they have a Dora the Explorer (which is probably lead infested but thats another story) that has hair that grows instantly!

Ron Popeil made a decent attempt to try to hide the hair that doesn't grow. They make wigs, rugs, braid in and glue on hair. None of which is the same.

I want to have long hair one day, short the next. Sunday bangs and Tuesday an inverted bob. We can change our hair color like we change our clothes, however changing our hair is a different story. I want day to day dramatic, instead of chopping all my hair off then waiting a year or two until I can have that dramatic feeling of change again. The hair color change takes the edge off of my dramatic need, I get a little ohh and ahh but not the WOW factor like when I walk in with a new do. Its almost like becoming a different person and walking in their shoes for a while.

I wonder what size shoe I'd like to be next.

Hey Sport.

Yesterday in the mail I received my Tide and Downy samples! Now I just need to move to my own place and install my washer and dryer. I wonder if they have a free sample that covers that too?!

Today I received my Playtex Sport Tampons (yes plural). There are three in the box: two regular and one super. I'm super excited. I just have to find out what sports they are for. The box says "Incredible Protection and Comfort for Bodies in Motion." That is the only insight they give me on this great product.

I don't see any racing stripes or MLB team logos (Go CUBS!)

Tennis anyone?

Heart for the Bridge.

I'd like to take a moment to extend my thoughts to the people who were victims of the bridge collapse in Minneapolis last night. The thought is unimaginable. My heart goes to the loved ones of those that are lost or have perished.

When it comes to rebuilding the bridge I think that they should make it a beautiful memorial. I also think that they should look at toothpick bridge contests to find the right design. Here is a well designed toothpick structure:

Oat Slime and Updates

Every morning I make myself a bowl of instant oatmeal (its quick and the water boils while I'm getting ready). This morning I did the same that I always do but my oatmeal was a slimy texture *gag*. I opted to toss it out in a garbage can while getting my number 1 with a bottle of water at McDonald's. The arches came to the rescue once again.

Mr. Jones update: I haven't seen him since the incident. I have seen Mrs. Jones (I have really original names don't I) and Mrs. Peabody (she is new).

Table staining update: Almost done! Clear coat #1 is going on tonight. It's looking good so far. It definitely looks like a non factory finish, but thats not always a bad thing.

Contact update: I can still see. I'm still waiting on my trial lens to come in so that I can get these puppies ordered. But I've had no issues with the new one!!! My ordeal may soon be over.

Weekend in a Sunflower Shell

So over the weekend I went to IKEA in Bowlingbrook, IL. I seriously don't know what I've done the past 25 years without IKEA. I'm worse than a little kid in a candy store in that place! I took my dad with me this time around... speaking of kids in candy stores. Before we went there he couldn't quite grasp the idea of the IKEA. (Is it like a Sam's club?, Do you have to be a member?...) I showed him the catalog which he flipped through a couple of times but I think he still had a few questions. We walked in the store and I think it all hit him at once. I believe that man is an born IKEA lover too! He was grabbing cheap stuff left and right like he was on a shopping spree. He filled that yellow borrow-a-bag like no one I've ever seen. He purchased about as much as I did! I think he is super stoked about the return trip after I move.

Yesterday I went to Dollar General on my lunch hour to waste time. I stumbled upon Butter Toffee coated Sunflower Kernels. I think they take the health out of eating seeds but its well worth it! YUM!!!

Did I mention Free?

My friend John introduced me to this website: http://www.fatwallet.com/c/22/

If you want to get some of the free stuff that I got you will have to cut and paste because I can't get the link thing to work with Safari. I recommend these free things (Yes I really did sign up for all of these!):
P&G Laundry products:
http://walmart.triaddigital.com/enhancedrendercontent_ektid16280.aspx
Cool Goat Stickers:
http://www.backcountry.com/store/sticker_signup.html?AID=306722&PID=361116&SID=FW5hytbl
Post-it Notes and flags:
http://www3.3m.com/qfrm/ShowSurvey?surveyid=JOEMLMM0&pid=17990503&aid=119186032
Free Sport Tampons (maybe NOW I can go horse back riding):
http://www.startsampling.com/sm/walmart/captureAddress.iphtml?item=24766&source=
Contact Solution (We ALL know I need this!!!):
http://www.replenishlenscomfort.com/
Non-Stick Foil Sample:
http://www.alcoa.com/reynoldskitchens/grillaxation/entry_form.asp
Texas Hot Sauce:
http://www.hotexas.com/freesamples.htm
National Guard T-Shirt (I'm sure I'll get a lot of junk mail from this one):
http://www.highroadsolutions.net/clients/lmo/forms/form_tshirt.php?email=&source_code=tshirt_cart
Advil Sample:
https://j.ovm1.net/wch1/AdvilCoupon/registration.aspx?c=1381&p=ADVCPP0609&s=01
Cookbook:
http://www2.gooseberrypatch.com/gooseberry/affiliates.nsf/f.sunmaid?OpenForm&action=initial

We'll see what shows up to my house. I'll keep you posted when the things finally come (If I remember by the time they arrive). I love the auto fill thing that Apple computers do so well. It makes filling out these forms a little too easy. ;) If you find any good samples leave a comment and let me know! I love a good freebee!!

Mr. Jones

Nearly every morning on my drive to work I see Mr. Jones. He is an elderly man who walks from an unknown place to an unknown place but I'm pretty sure he starts early and takes the same path every day. He stops and leans on someone's fence to rest. Mr. Jones walks with a cane and wears an orange vest so that people can see him. He wears dress pants and a button up shirt like I would picture my grandpa to wear if he were alive. I don't know if his name is Mr. Jones or not, this is what I've nick named him. Every morning that I pass him wether he knows or not I say hello and wish him to have a good day. This morning on my drive to work I saw two ambulances and a cop car along with a crowd of people. I don't know what happened but Mr. Jones was being helped by the paramedics and police. It was a couple of houses before the fence where he stops for a few moments. He seemed ok. The neighbors had gotten him a drink of water. I hope that he is alright. Even though I don't know him I'm sure he is a wonderful gentleman, who touches many lives on his daily walk. He has touched mine and I wish him well.

Probation

Today was eye appointment day again. I was given a new doctor and with that, a new outlook on life. He not only messed with my contact lens but he even checked my vision! Said I needed to up it! WOW... it took three visits for this! He was even so thorough about it that he went through the entire stock of the trial lenses that they had in stock to find a different one to replace the horrid kind that I had last time. I get to go back as soon as my new trials are in. Doc gave me "probation" (yes that is really what he said, ironicly fits the title of my blog). I have hope again.

Need

Need is an over used word. I personally say that I need things a lot, when really my life doesn't depend upon it. For instance I need a new digital camera. Ok not really, my old one works just fine, its really because I have a desire for a better one. I started to revaluate the word need yesterday when I sat down to figure out how much it will cost to live alone. Do I need internet, phone, cell phone, tv?

I went back to the Salvation Army Thrift Store today to check out things that I didn't have enough time to look at yesterday. I bought nothing for myself, I didn't need anything. As I was getting into my car I noticed that there was a wheelchair sitting outside the donation door. A very nice one at that, it looked brand new and fancier than one of those at a hospital. There was a note on the chair that said "Free to someone who needs it." That touched me. The store could have sold it for $10 but they opted to help where the need is. For that I respect the Salvation Army Thrift Store so much more.

Nifty Thrifty

During my lunch hour today I went to a local Salvation Army Thrift Store that I had never been to. Most Salvation Army's that I've been to are usually dirty, piles of junk, cramped and smell worse than my grandma's closet. Not this one. I was impressed the moment I walked in. Clean, organized, almost like a show room in a nice specialty store. I even complimented the person working behind the counter on the appearance of the store as I was purchasing my picture frame, and two bowls. I must say if you are ever in the DuQuoin area just east of the fairgrounds on Rt 51, stop by the Salvation Army. I'm sure you too will be impressed.

Shopped then I dropped.

I love a good bargain. Getting something cheap and fabulous makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. This morning I started out the morning looking for great bargains at the ever classic garage sale with my mom. 4 hours later the back seat of my car was full and most sales had shut down for the day. I came home with a board game called "Moods", never heard of it but it looks like it might be entertaining. I also got a nice Pyrex dish for a quarter, now you can't beat that! My mom reads a lot so most of the bulk was books for her. I felt a bit like I needed to shop so after a rest I got online. Every Saturday I like to watch PBS they have a lot of great shows, which I like all but the water color painter guy (I'd like it but they play some sappy music which bores me). Two of my favorite shows are Simply Ming (a cooking show by Ming Tsi) and America's Test Kitchen. Today my need to shop brought me to Amazon which I got a couple cook books from my favorite cooking shows that I just mentioned. Great deals too! It made me feel a little better. THEN I went looking for my mom a new cell battery for her Startac cell phone. Found a good deal for that while I was on the site I picked up a new battery for my dads T720 and a new phone body for his too (his a bit rough on his phone and it will make him happy with a nearly new phone). Now I feel better.

While I'm on the subject of shopping last weekend I ordered my first item off of an infomercial. Don't judge... you know you've thought about getting something before. It wasn't the Little Giant ladder which I really want but I just don't have the need for an $80 ladder just yet. I got one of those exercise balls and a work out video that goes along with it. Its the Gunnar's Core Secrets. It was only $10 for the whole package. Its hard to find a quality ball (with pump and accessories) for $10. It came in the mail and I can't wait to try it out! I won't get to for a while. Its getting closer to move time and things are getting a bit piled up around here, so it will have to stay in its nice little box and wait for the new place and the ample space that comes along with.

Happy shopping!

FREE Dance Lessons

Thursday nights are host of the free Sunset Concerts. My friends Lori, Rafe, Vicky and I all car pool each week during the summer to enjoy the music, food, dodging of Frisbees, and watching of intoxicated people. We eat, drink and take pictures.

This evening at the Sunset Concert I saw one of the best dancers that I've ever seen. He was part monkey and part man... I shall call him the Amazon Dancer. He had a lush head of curls, a slender yet toned man tall with long arms, tan... very tan, shirtless and I believe underwear less (he was wearing jeans) shoes are doubtful. He owned the patch of grass near the stage area known as the dance floor. Arching his back with arms in the air as he leaped forward and back and side to side. He was swinging about like a monkey dancing from tree branch to tree branch. A skill that I shall never master and might get severely injured (or injure others) while trying. I'm sure I would inspire others... probably to become dance teachers.

Contact update: My friend John found a PDF that told me how to wear the lenses properly. I wore them yesterday and things worked out great. Today they were perfect for half a day then back to the shooting eye pain the rest of the day. I even tried taking them out, rewetting, and ignoring. Nothing worked. I think I may have a very old (but new) pair of Acuvue Torics (I had moved up to Advanced Acuvue's the past couple of years) and I'm willing to try those tomorrow. My bestest best friend Vicky suggested to rub a brownie in my eye. Even that suggestion is becoming very tempting.

4th on the 4th

Happy 4th of July!

I attended a local fireworks show this evening. They had a fairly nice show. During the grand finale there was an overload of smoke and we didn't get to quite see the last of the finale. It looked as if the town had been sat on fire, which quite possibly could have happened and caused all those fireworks to gone off at the same time.

Last night some friends of mine put on a very nice show as they do every year for their friends and family. I believe that even though the local town's show used bigger better professional fireworks. Nothing beats a good ol' neighborly shin dig that was put together with love and surrounded with laughter... sparklers, poppers, and those kinds that produce the parachutes. Oh and not to forget the fancier kind that illuminate the night sky with the AHH factor. A magnificent display.

Last but not least... an 80's taped version of "The Canterville Ghost" starring a young Alyssa Milano. Taped strait from the Lifetime channel without editing out the commercials. Makes me want some Crest Sparkle toothpaste. YUM!

I beg your pardon?

After writing Bausch & Lomb yesterday about how to put in my new contact lens, today they were kind enough to respond.

This is what I wrote to them:
I'm trying out the PureVision Torics (I've been an Acuvue wearer for many years now) and with the Acuvue's I had to put them in by making the two lines horizontial and they went in fine and felt fine. I don't believe that I'm putting the PureVisions in correctly. I called my Eye Care center and they aren't being very helpful. How do you correctly put in the PurVision Torics? They aren't comfortable at the moment... in fact they hurt and they are not inside out. PLEASE HELP!!!!

This is their response:
Dear Contact Wearer:

Thank you for contacting Bausch & Lomb. We are happy to be of assistance whenever possible.

It is most important to be relaxed when trying to insert contact lenses. You are not alone! Many first time wearers get frustrated trying to insert lenses.

We suggest you practice inserting the lenses, when you are not rushed. Take some time out each evening and practice. If you get frustrated, walk away and try again the next night. We find the most common problem with inserting lenses is the lens is too wet. It is common for the wearer to dispense too much solution on the lens before inserting them thinking this will help. This causes the lens to flop over on the finger because the lens is too wet.

Our best advice would be to rinse the lens off, drop the solution off the lens and let the lens sit on the end of the finger to air dry for about 30 seconds. When you approach the eye, the wet eye will attract the dry lens. After inserting the lens, we suggest you use a lens rewetting drop such as the ReNu Multi-Plus® Lubricating and Rewetting Drop. This will only need to be done until you get use to handling the lens.

A contact lens will be inside out if the edges of the lens flair outward. The edges will form a perfect cup shape if the lens is the right way. If this is difficult to notice, be aware the lens will feel uncomfortable on the eye if it is inside out.

If this occurs remove the lens, flip it the other way and try again. If these suggestions do not help, we suggest you visit your eye care professional for further instructions. We are forwarding you a patient instruction guide, which contains a few helpful instructions.

We hope this information is helpful. If we can be of future assistance, please contact us again via the Internet, or call us directly at 1-800-553-5340.

Sincerely,

Connie Talley
Bausch & Lomb
Consumer Affairs

This is my reaction: Seriously?! I don't believe Connie Talley even read my question. Apparently a form letter can't answer EVERYTHING!

I see.

A month ago I went to the eye doctor for my yearly check so that I could get more contacts. Routine. Well I'd been having issues with my left contact lenses which turn cloudy in a week. My eye doc's idea was to switch cleaners and come back in two weeks. I did. The new cleaner which is much pricier than my old... didn't do the trick.

Plan B: New brand contact for my left eye along with the new cleaner. They ordered me a new trial of PureVision Toric. My mom picked it up for me because the office's hours aren't convenient for me and my work schedule. Saturday morning I opened the new lens and I couldn't figure out how to put it in. My old lens had two lines that had to be lined up on the horizon... this one.. no lines. I put it in and it was perfect on the first shot. Sunday (none the luck)... shooting pains in my left eye. Today... third times the charm (or so I thought). About 10 am the same shooting pains in my eye. By 4 my eye was blood shot and teary. I called my eye doctor, explained my situation and asked them how to properly put this brand of contact into my eye. Their response was for me to come in and the girl would watch me put it in. That makes me laugh a lot. She didn't even attempt to help me, it was like I was dumb and I've never put in a contact lens before. I've emailed the manufacturer for instructions on proper placement (other than the eyeball) and I have another eye appointment for the 19th... I'm awaiting Plan C.

I'm open for suggestions.

The First

Today being the first day of July should mark the first post of my first blog.

I've been refinishing a very old table for about a month now. I'm beginning to think that I should not be a furniture refinisher. I have a feeling that I should have just bought a new table and chairs. However every time I'm sanding the table I can't help but to daydream that someday, years down the road, I will be enjoying this table and all its history and the fact that it has more meaning than a factory finished table that was way over priced from Target. I feel that all the little specks of paint that no matter how many blisters I get from sanding will not come off the wood are just bits of history shining through. I'm still only on the 60 grit sand paper so I'll keep you updated on my masterful furniture finishing skill.