Green Light!...Red Light!...Green Light!...Red Light!...

I loved playing that game!  Apparently this cat does too...

Six things...

From Randi T...

I'm too tired right now to come up with something on my own....

1) Four places that I go to over and over: work, gym, Meijer, online (does that count?) :)

2) Four people who e-mail me (regularly): Rob, mom, Alex, Duc

3a) Four of my favorite places to eat: El Camino, Sansui (sushi), RAM, Oceanaire
3b) Four of my favorite places for takeout: Qdoba, Mark Anthony's pizza, China Wok, B-Dubs

4) Four places I would rather be right now: in my bed, the spa, California wine country (always), just about anywhere but work

5) Four people I think will respond: um....who knows...

6) Four TV shows I watch: LOSST, Big Bang Theory, Ghost Hunters, Psych...I watch a lot of TV (DVR) this list could go on and on...

Adventures in Kinko's...

So I took my external hard drive to Kinko's today in order to print the photo portfolio book that I created on my own in Word over the weekend.
I explained what I needed and told her, "all I have right now is my external hard drive...is that ok?"
"Yes"

Great!
So she takes it and hooks it up to her computer. Then...trips on the cord (I have no idea), rips it off the counter and it falls to the floor.
Not great.

So the computer crashes and they take it to other computers, I'm talking to a coworker that happened to come in, I finally pay attention wondering what the frick is taking so long and I hear "click click click click..."....you know...the click of death for hard drives.
I asked if that was my drive making that noise.
"Yes"
"That basically means it's dead...and I'm sorry but...it's because you dropped it"

And the stress got to me. You know how I was saying all the 'signs' were pointing to me doing this photography stuff? Well, the past few days have been the 'anti-signs'...seriously I've had so many obstacles it's been ridiculous. Things I think will work great...turns out they won't and I don't find out until I've spent time on it. Over and over and over...
And then this.

Well, I'm not an idiot...I don't keep all my eggs in one basket. That external hard drive is my back up so it's not like I lost the portfolio book or all the photos on there. I had them at work and I have them at home. But I'm running out of time. I have an event Thursday night. And I've had enough with the obstacles already!
Anyway...I lost it...I couldn't hold the tears. I was upset and just angry that this would happen! Kinko's BROKE my $200 hard drive. $200 isn't a lot to some people...but it is to me at this stage of the game.

But here's where customer service makes up for some of it...

The assistant manager lady came over to talk to me. She said that they aren't supposed to accept external hard drives and that the girl didn't know that. (I was waiting for her to say...tough shit...but she didn't)

It was an accident and she's very sorry. (I know no one did it on purpose but seriously...) She could see how upset and stressed out I was. She said they would print what I needed as fast as they could when they got the files and when could I come back...

I was on my lunch and it was already almost an hour...I have no flash drive that will hold that much memory...I need this book and my prints for an event Thursday...yada yada.

After all was said and done...she had given me a 1GB flash drive for my trouble and I could use that to bring over the files later. And yes, they would be responsible for the cost of repair (yea right....repair the click of death?) or a new hard drive. And I have the business card and note to prove it.

So...yes, it was a shitty day. But kudos to Kinko's for the customer service. That's how you keep and/or bring back people.

I went back right away to get the photo book done but I'm going to leave the photo printing to the professionals. (I'm working on printing to Robert's now)

....I need a martini

Another legend gone...

Paul Newman

1925-2008

Paul Newman died of cancer yesterday, he was 83. Here's to grabbing life by the horns...

So long Butch...

Photo Tribute

Who should be President, the debate, & my view...

I pride myself on being an objective person, I can think and make desicions for myself thank you very much and I actually do not strictly associate myself with one party or the other. To be fair, however, I agree with more views on the Democrat side but I just want the best person for the job in the Oval Office. 'W' has done a terrible job in my opinion. But that doesn't mean that all Republicans are bad...Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush...both good Presidents. And then you have Kennedy, Roosevelt, Carter, and yes even Clinton who I think all did good jobs.
(Please don't argue with me...they all obviously had their own faults but overall they did very well for this country.)

I think it's silly to associate yourself with a political party on the condition of their view on abortion, gay marriage, religion, or stem cell research. There are more important issues...but I know it happens. I know for a fact that there are people out there that won't vote for someone if they agree with gay marriage even if they agree with every other policy. There are people out there that say "McCain is an idiot and Palin is a joke but I'm a Republican" and they will go and vote Republican. You know you don't have to right? You know you can change your mind, you know you have the freedom to vote for whoever you want...freedom...this is the USA. You don't have to be a lemming.
I digress...

I only watched a couple minutes of the debate...we had been watching TV that we recorded and missed its start. I turned it on at about 9:45 and could only stand it for a very short time. McCain's bumbling and blinking about two times a second was driving me crazy. Now, I saw that but I'm not dumb, I'm sure he had...some...moments...
Presidents have to have views and plans and all that...but, you have to agree, there's a certain image and stature they must carry as well. They represent the USA and McCain is NOT the kind of image I want for this country.

Moving on...
If you read my blog at all you know I will be voting for Obama. But I'm not naive enough to believe every ad I see and everything I hear. If you want to sort through the lies...no matter where your loyalties lie...here is a completely objective website for you.

http://www.factcheck.org/

And their analysis of the debate...
http://www.factcheck.org/elections-2008/factchecking_debate_no_1.html

Way too funny...

http://indexed.blogspot.com/2008/09/busy-busy-busy.html

Political Ads...

From Cracked.com
What campaign ads would look like if the voting age was 6.

Sharon Osborne & Letterman & Sarah Silverman...their 2 cents on Palin & McCain...

If Sharon Osborne gets it, why can't everyone?




ADDED: (From Liam)
Letterman


ADDED: (From Liam)
Sarah Silverman

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1272014141/bclid1815816413/bctid1815803115

Awww, why not...while we're at it:
Matt Damon

New Indy Pics...

I interrupt the regular programming to bring you this important message...

How cute are my new shoes?!?!

To jumpstart your new hairstyle...

Buy your own mullet seed at the Farmer's Market in Elkhart, IN.

Look at these happy customers!

Caution: Mullets may alter your sense of style...mainly fasion.  You may also find yourself smoking (or smoking more) and attending more tractor pulls.  Mullets also significantly increase your 'creepiness' factor.

Liam showed me his...(desk)...

I showed mine...

I'll show you mine if you show me yours...

Send me pics of your 'cube' or desk and I'll post them here!

My cube...it's a pretty open plan...
My chair is the Allsteel #19...LOVE it...

and all my toys and flair...

my beloved mini-sock monkey!

Arrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!

Need help?

http://www.talklikeapirateday.com/translate/

I'm no expert but...

This is "pretty"???  She looks so...awkward...

Check out my Portfolio!!!

Click here to see my photography portfolio!

It's a work in progress...I'm still deciding which photos I want to display (I'm only allowed 16) but I'd love your feedback!

Perfect Timing...

When different things or people are all pointing you in the same direction, when you coincidentally keep running across the same thing or idea, when all the stars align...

Well I was practically slapped in the face with a 'start your own business Stacy' sign.  It started when I went to an arts & crafts festival and saw people selling photography art and I thought..."I could do that, some of those actually remind me of pictures I've taken...some of those aren't even as good as some of the pictures I've taken".  Not being arrogant...just honest, and yes, it's only my opinion.
I don't exactly want to do the whole fair & festival circuit...so what could I do?  How about just a website?  I may tinker in a local fair or two but travelling around with a van is not what I want.  Ok...so a website...I'll stew on that for a while. 
Well all of a sudden I'm seeing 'signs' everywhere...other blogs I'm reading have topics like "how to make your hobby your business", "starting your own business"....I see books and articles with similar headings and topics...people came out of the woodwork just mentioning something similar.
One day I was emailing my dear friend Missa and mentioned what I was thinking of doing.  She mentioned she had toyed with the same idea herself (another 'sign') and had I read this book "Craft, Inc. Turn Your Creative Hobby into a Business" and even sent me the Amazon link for it.  She said that it was very informative and I should read it.  So I checked it out on Amazon...turns out...I already had it in my cart to buy!  By this time I figured...enough with the signs...I'll buy it!  So I did.
I noticed something when I was looking at it online...the prices...if you look on Amazon for it today, the cheapest you will find it is about $88 and the most expensive...$208. 
I got mine for $13.56 + s/h.  Could the timing have been more perfect for me?

Not to mention that the very next day I read another blogger's post about this very book and how brilliant and extensive it is...this from someone who has in fact turned her hobby into a business.

Seriously...more signs?

Then I get a flyer in our mail at work for an event where local artisans will be selling their wares (partial proceeds to charity) and it will be attended by the design community and some clients.  Uh...I knew about this before but just didn't think about it then...I email..."is it too late?"

Nope.

I'm in.

It's on October 2nd.

So now I'm in somewhat of a scramble to get something together for this thing.  It won't be anything like these fairs and if I don't have a LOT to sell it's fine.  I just don't want to be that booth that sells nothing.

I want to have business cards with at least minimal info on them, I'd love to have an up and running website but I don't think that will happen before then...considering I haven't had the time to do anything about it yet...they'll have to settle for my flickr page.

But...my company name, email, something pretty to look at...that will do.

And BLESS Missa....I asked her if she could come up with a logo for me and she far exceeded my hopes! It's perfect!  (To be unveiled later....oooooh the anticipation!)

I'm nervous but so excited at the same time.  It's a new venture and I'm out of my comfort zone...well, kinda.  At least this event is in the design community so I know these people...or would strangers be better?  Hmmmm....

Looking past this event....website...and all the business legal mumbo jumbo I have to do.  Randi T...you said you could help me with that?  Is that offer still on the table? 

Anyone do websites???  :)

Look for more in the future about SJL image art!

In the wake of Ike...

From The Big Picture...

One of my favorite SNL skits of all time...

Patrick Swayze - Chippendale
Uploaded by tressage

Give this guy a medal!!!

This just melts my heart...




http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080910/NEWS/809100334

http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2008/09/firefighter_sav.html

Amazing...

Photos from the 2008 Summer Paralympic Games, still taking place Beijing...

http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2008/09/2008_summer_paralympic_games.html

Some samples...

The Gratitude Campaign...

http://www.gratitudecampaign.org/



Ok, so the video is a bit corny but the message is good.  And you don't have to be a fan of the war to be supportive of the troops and grateful for their efforts and sacrifices.

9/11...7 years later...

I can't believe it's been seven years...

Here are some of the most moving photos of that day...

The story of Father Mychal Judge

above (and below) photo from The Big Picture

I think the proposed memorial footprints are beautiful...

Last year I posted in Brent's comments about my 9/11 experience...
I was getting ready to go to class at Purdue. I had just gotten out of the shower and they were covering the first tower being struck. I called my mom at work to tell her about it, to tell her to find a TV or radio or something...at this point they still didn't know it was an attack. As I was talking to her, the second plane hit. I was dumbfounded! All at once we all knew something VERY bad was happening and what would happen next? I think I was still in a daze because I actually finished getting ready and went to all of my classes. I had a huge project due in my last class, and I guess I thought that I really had to be there. I've never seen campus so empty other than summer. And it was so eerily quiet...it added to the 'unknown' of the environment. As I was sitting in my sign language class another student came in and said 'the Pentagon was just hit'. Our class was cut short because we all were distracted. I went next door to the building where I worked, I knew they had a TV in their breakroom. As I was watching in there someone commented on a plane crashing in Pennsylvania too. THAT freaked me out...I have family there AND I knew that my step-dad Bob was traveling and was in PA too. I asked where and they didn't know. I went to the office and asked if I could call long distance (I don't think I had a cell phone yet...I think that was the turning point to get one) and called my mom. She'd know if anyone was affected. I couldn't help it, tears were falling, mom said everyone was OK, she's talked to them all. Couldn't help it...tears kept falling. (Holy moly, I'm tearing up now writing about it!!!) I walked to PMO (the music office, etc.) and went to the office, Jayne saw me and just handed me a kleenex box. Didn't ask questions, just waited for me to say something. I told her everyone was OK, I just couldn't stop. I went outside to where a few PMO students were sitting on the steps and got hugs and nice things said. One them's sister was a flight attendant, but she was ok too. We just sat there with arms around each other in the silence...Purdue has the airport and usually planes are overhead ALL the time. That's what made it sort of spooky. Anyway, I went to my last class...they let us go early too and I just went home and watched the news. I know I took some small breaks from it because it was just too much to take in. PMO organized a tribute very quickly. The Friday before the concert we were to have rehearsal as usual, but a bomb threat had been called into the admin building which Elliott Hall of Music is connected to so we couldn't go in. Well, it wasn't going to stop us. We rehearsed outside and drew quite a crowd and also some applause. It really was a great feeling, all these students, teachers, workers, pausing to listen to the patriotic music and supporting us. That was one of our best singing days.

Liam's take on 9/11

What kind of music am I into?...

I like almost EVERY kind of music...seriously...
From rock to classical, jazz to techno, I like it all.  (Although I'm not rap or country's biggest fan, but there is some country I can tolerate)

My favorite (and always has been) is soundtracks...musical scores...

Why?  I don't know...I just like it?  Why does anyone like something they're into?  It makes them happy...it evokes something from them...but can you really give a reason? 
Me either.  I've just always liked it.

Anyway...my favorite album right now is actually by ES Posthumus, it's called Cartographer.  It's not really a soundtrack or score but much of their music from the previous album (Unearthed) has been used in movie trailers, commercials, or even TV theme songs).  And in the YouTube video below my favorite song from Cartographer is used.  Pay no attention to the pics...I pulled this strictly for the music.
Just thought I'd share...

"Lipstick"...

This is so ridiculous it's almost infuriating...

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/09/10/campaign.lipstick/index.html?iref=mpstoryview

"You can put lipstick on a pig, but it's still a pig"...had NOTHING to do with Sarah Palin...I think it's awfully arrogant of them to even think so.  (Referring to her "what's the difference between a hockey mom and a pitbull? Lipstick." comment)

It's called an analogy...here...http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/analogy

And does everyone agree that this is basically a race between Obama and Palin?

Need more help on a name...

Ok...seriously I need help & opinions...

After Googling name possibilities to eliminate duplicating an existing name or coming too close...and thinking about it until my brain hurt...I've narrowed down the possibilities...

SJL Image Art (SJLimageART?)
Image Art by Stacy
SJLarts (ADDED: or SJL arts)

AND I'm open to more suggestions. I'm SERIOUS here people! Help me!
Comment!
Hate it.
Love it.
Do this instead.
Have you thought about...?

I can't make too many 'next steps' without this one being resolved.

Subway Scrabble...

If anyone eats Subway and isn't playing the Subway Scrabble game and would like to bestow their game pieces upon me with no guarantee that I will share the prize if I win you are welcome to send them to me.
(What can I say...I need start up money for this little business venture)   :)

Butterfly Garden...

The butterfly garden is gone for the season and we caught it near the end so there weren't as many butterflies there as I've seen before but it was still beautiful...

45 'odd' things about me...

From over at 'Thoughts, Randomly'...

Learn 45 things about your friends and let them learn things about you!

1. Do you like blue cheese? Not in large quantities but yes
2. Have you ever smoked heroin? No
3. Do you own a gun? No
4. What flavor do you add to your drink at sonic? I've never been to Sonic and the only one I've seen is in Kokomo...looks good though
5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? No
6. What do you think of hot dogs? Mmmm...grilled please! I don't need to know what's in them...but for myself I usually get the all beef ones
7. Favorite Christmas movie? elf
8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Depends...diet Coke, my cleansing tea, or if I'm cold or it's cold out...coffee
9. Can you do push ups? Yes
10. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? My wedding rings...ok, that's too easy...a ring my grandmother gave me that my grandfather gave her in the 50's or so
11. What's your favorite hobby? Photography
12. Do you have A.D.D.? No
13. What's one trait you hate about yourself? that I can't seem to stay with my workout goals...and lack of will power for some foods
14. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment. I want to go outside and trim back some plants, I want to start my own business but don't know how yet, hmmm...my stomach kinda hurts
15. Name 3 things you bought yesterday: I bought lunch from McAllister's...so...a meatloaf sandwich and mac & cheese. That's all that I bought...Rob bought me breakfast (muffin & chocolate milk from Marsh) and dinner (slice of pizza from Mark Anthony's pizza...the stuffed is soooo good!)
16. Name 4 drinks you drink regularly? diet Coke, La Croix water, filtered water, wine
17. Current worry? I need to lose some weight
18. What do you hate right now? see above...
19. Favorite place to be? don't we all have lots of favorite places? home...hometown...vacation spots...favorite little towns to visit
20. How did you bring in the New Year? I really don't remember
21.Where would you like to go? England!!!
22. Name two people who will complete this? perhaps Liam, Derek, or some other 'regular'
23. Do you own slippers? yes and I love them! They're furry inside!
24. What shirt are you wearing? Heather grey T-shirt
25. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? Not really
26. Can you whistle? Yes
27. Favorite color? Green
28. Would you be a pirate? maybe
29. What songs do you sing in the shower? I don't
30. Favorite girl's name? I like unusual names...but nothing's coming to me at the moment
31. Favorite boy's name? see above. And...it changes all the time
32. What's in your pocket right now? Nothing
33. Last thing that made you laugh? An SNL skit...I was watching a countdown of SNL skits...'more cowbell!'
34. Best bed sheets as a child? I don't remember but I know I had a Holly Hobby blanket
35. Worst injury you've ever had? I about cut the tip of my thumb off with a box cutter, if it weren't for the nail I would have. 3 stitches on that one.
36. Do you love where you live? Yes...but I wish there were more tall trees in my new neighborhood
37. How many TV's do you have in your house? Three...living room, bedroom, and den...and they're all off at the moment!
38. Who is your loudest friend? ETTER
39.How many dogs do you have? None, but I have 2 cats...oooh me too 'Thoughts'!
40. Does someone have a crush on you? not that I'm aware of
41. What is your favorite book? The Harry Potter books
42. What is your favorite candy? I love gummy grapefruit
43. What song do you want played at your funeral? I've never thought about it...has anyone? uh...perhaps something by ES Posthumus...Isfahan, Raptamei Pi, Isunova Pi, or Nara would be good
44. What were you doing at 12 am last night? sleeping
45. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up? Uh oh...we missed the garbage truck

SNL skit of the week...

The funniest thing about this is Justin Timberlake...who has been slowly gaining more of my respect as a multi-talented artist...he's actually a very funny guy!

Oh and...yay for me...I went to the gym after work yesterday!!!

Up, Up and Away...

My in-laws hot air balloon.  Did I ever mention that?

Well, last weekend we caught up with them at the Blueberry Festival in Plymouth, IN.  I've never been to Blueberry Fest but heard it was huge.  It's like the State Fair and an Arts & Crafts Fest all in one.  It IS huge and it's FREE.  But we paid to park right across the street from one of the gates...$5...no biggie.

Here are some photos I snapped of the hot air balloon launch...

Check your dog toys...

I do not have a dog but am an animal lover. I love nature shows, I love watching Animal Cops on Animal Planet to see the idiots get what they deserve when they don't take care of their animals and also to see the animal find a better home, I hate seeing animals mistreated or in danger. (When hurricane Katrina ravaged the south I donated not to the Red Cross but to the Humane Society of the United States because they were going in and rescuing the pets people were forced to leave behind or forced to stay behind with because they wouldn't leave them...neither would I)
Anyway...I heard about this and just had to pass it along...

Do you or someone you know have this dog toy?

http://www.thechaistory.blogspot.com/

If you go to the blog above, you'll read the story about the dog Chai. He is a total cutie pie. His tongue had to be removed because of this toy. As you can imagine, it was a painful process and Chai has to relearn how to eat and drink.

Look at this face...

The company that makes this toy is aware that there is a problem (and has since 2005) and has not yet done a single thing about it. This toy should be taken off the market. They say that it is a 'freak accident' and in their line of thinking, one dog is not enough to do anything about. If you read the story fully there are at least 4 accounts...just in this story and contacts. How many are there that we don't know about? How many dogs had problems but were 'saved' quickly so that they were not as severely affected?

The owner of Chai is "CALLING FOR AN INTERNATIONAL BOYCOTT OF ALL FOUR PAWS PRODUCTS UNTIL THIS PRODUCT IS RECALLED" and I highly agree.