Twittastic

I know it's no replacement, but Twitter has sort-of taken the place of blogging for me these days. I'm so sad that I don't have enough time to maintain this site, and in all honesty, I'm seriously thinking about shutting it down altogether.

So much is going on in my world that I can't really blog about at the moment. Maybe not ever. I'm truly excited and happy and hopeful, so it's nothing to be concerned about. I just wish I could write more.

So, with that I'll direct you to my Twitter site. You can search for me under the name Tropicalwonder. Or, scroll down and click on the link at the bottom right of this page. Hope to see you there!

Francis and the Lights

I can't really pinpoint why I'm so in love with this song, but I am.

The Top (Music Video) from Francis and the Lights on Vimeo.

More of the same

I'm hoping my life will eventually settle down and I'll have more time to commit to this little space on the internet that I used to love so much.

Lately I've been filling every spare moment with design tutorials and literature. I simply must soak up as much knowledge as possible. I don't generally discuss my professional life here, but most of you know what industry I'm in. And unless you've been hiding under a rock lately, you are well-aware that said industry is not doing exceptionally well. Alhough my particular company seems to be beating the odds, I'm still a wee bit concerned. If worst comes to worst, I'd like to have something to fall back on. So this is where I'm at, plus it's actually helped me in my current position. Hooray!

In the mean time, check out a poster I did for my typography class. I kind of like it.

I'm alive ... and well!

Holy goodness, it's been a while. Although I've had so much to blog about, I just have not made the time to sit down and write about all the fun/crazy/amazing things I've done over the past few weeks. So, I'm going to attempt to condence a few down, and with the help of some photos, maybe give you the gist of what I've been up to!

First up, I had the distinct pleasure of seeing Pandit Shivkumar Sharma and Zakir Hussain perform at the University of the South in Sewanee, Tenn., last weekend. You've never heard of them? It's OK, because now you have, and you'll be a better person for it. But seriously — check these amazing musicians out. I promise you will be glad you did.

I have had a CD of Zakir Hussain (left, playing the tabla drums) for years, thanks to my friend Mike. I've loved this CD. Listening to the him play the tablas is just spellbinding. But add to it Pandit Shivkumar Sharma playing the santoor, and you've got the most beautiful music I've ever heard. I was floored. I truly hope to have the opportunity to see these masters again. Wow.

On Sunday several of my friends in Atlanta ran in the ING half marathon. I give these awesome guys and girls mad props for their efforts. I, for one, am NOT a runner. I've always hated it, but they're trying their best to get me in some running shoes so I will pound the pavement next time with them. We shall see ...

Mike, John, Anna and Stacey rocked it. First across the finish line was Stacey, followed closely by Anna and John. Mike had a bit of an issue on mile 6. His knee pretty much gave out on him, so walking was the only way to go from there. But, he's training for the Peactree Road Race on July 4, so I'm sure redemption will come soon enough!

There were about 15,000 runners who participated in the marathon and half marathon this year. It was pretty cool to watch them all start the race at 7 a.m. in downtown Atlanta. Boy, was it cold, though!

One last picture — Here's the guy who won the half-marathon. 13.1 miles in just a few minutes over an hour. Amazing.

Hello. I am a bad blogger.

Motivation just isn't here at the moment. Hopefully it will return soon. Maybe it's because I'm now 32 and no longer feel cool enough to blog.

... Nah, I'm totally cool. That's why I'm guessing I'll be back soon. I think.

Super-amazing-perfect weekend

I've officially fallen in love with Atlanta.

Years of resistance have proved futile, as much as it pains me to admit. Spending too many hours in the burbs helped create a disdain for most things Atlanta, while loathing the notion of ever transplanting myself from Chattanooga to the city where many friends are found.

But, I have to say that in the last few months a fresh prospective — gleaned from time spent actually in the city — has taken hold. Shame on me for not taking the time to leave the suburbs sooner.

This past weekend was truly fantastic. It all began with lunch at La Fonda (chicken tacos = YUM!), then a stroll through Oakland Cemetery ... a truly beautiful historic site that is practically in downtown Atlanta. Margaret Mitchell is buried there, along with six Georgia governors and golf great Robert T. Jones. Next up was a quick stop into Young Blood Gallery & Boutique. An eclectic shop that features local emerging artists, I loved the idea when I noticed the sign as we drove past. I had to stop, turn around and go in. Lots of cool stuff; too bad I'm on a budget because I could go nuts there.

Next up was a quick rest at Mike's condo and then off to Loca Luna, a tapas restaurant. Every single thing we ordered was fantastic. Add a spectacular Salsa band to the de-lish food and powerful caipirinhas, and you've got a slice a heaven for this girl.

After crashing hard last night, we got up this morning and headed over to Babs, which is quickly becoming my favorite place for Sunday brunch. Besides the you've-died-and-gone-to-heaven menu, the service is better than excellent. They make you feel like you're an old friend coming by for a morning chat. Seriously, these guys know how to treat their customers. Love 'em.

Next up was a little Frisbee-throwing in the park. I haven't even mentioned how PERFECT the weather was. Holy goodness, it was like spring landed in our laps. A t-shirt and blue jeans was too hot, and I couldn't have been happier to break a sweat while running around chasing a Frisbee among lots of other folks who were enjoying the beautiful weather as much as we were.

The weekend was pretty much perfect. These are the times I will always remember, and that makes me happy.

* The photo was taken at Oakland Cemetery.

Well worth a vacation day

No, this isn't a crime scene. Not a real one, at least. Poor Jerry Garcia's head kind of exploded, but luckily it was just filled with stuffing that resembled his hair and beard. No one was harmed in the explosion, either.

Friday night was spent watching a few crazy folks (attempting to) zoom through a course (pictured above) on tricycles. I had hoped to participate, but finding a used tricycle isn't as easy as one might think ... at the last minute, of course. So the Cockeyed Yak Gang resigned ourselves to being mere spectators. A bummer, indeed, but fun nonetheless!

I don't know this guy, but he wasn't playing. Check out that tongue ... that's concentration!

Mike, rather excited to be there, wanted his picture taken. So, Internets, meet Mike.

I, on the other hand, wasn't as happy about having my picture taken, but was having such a great time that I relinquished my camera for a more recent picture of me. I don't look like I'm about to turn 32, right? ... RIGHT?!?!?


And finally, here's a video ... I'm no professional, so I bear no responsibility for any medical conditions you may acquire due to the intense jostling of the camera. And this was by far the least exciting round, but that's just the way it works when I turn the camera on ... nothing terribly exciting happens.

On a quest

I need a new eyeliner. Sounds easy enough, but no. I'm picky. I don't like to look like I've got raccoon eyes. But I want to be able to notice an eyeliner's effects without looking as though I'm all painted up. Got it?

So, in the past month I've tried four eyeliners. Each make me mad in their own little way.

Here's a rundown:

1. Almay Intense I-Color: This one was my tried-and-true, never-fail liner. But the past three times I've purchased this product it has crumbled each time I apply it. I don't know if it's a new formula, or if my local stores are stocking out-of-date eyeliner. Regardless, this is what led me to the quest for a new product.

2. Maybelline Line Stylist: One word — OUCH! You have to press so hard to get the eyeliner to apply that it isn't comfortable. No thanks.

3. L'Oreal Pencil Perfect: Too thick. Even when sharpened.

4. L'Oreal 16-hour Infallible: Again, too thick. I looked like I'd used a Crayola as eyeliner.

So, tell me what you use. Or tell me what I'm doing wrong. It could totally be operator-error. At any rate, I need help!

Bump

Argh! I had to bump that still shot down. Horrible ... HORRIBLE!

I promise the next video blog I post will be more eventful — as in maybe out somewhere showing something other than my mug.

But for now I've got to go to sleep. Lots to do and see tomorrow!

Oooo ... a vlog!

The most difficult thing ever

I've touched on it here before. It's silly to most people who know, but very real to me. I want to get over it, but can't seem to make myself just do it.

Flying.

For someone who loves to visit new places as much as I do, you'd think I'd have been on an airplane in the past 25 years.

You'd think ...

But it's been exactly that long: 1984. The year I returned from Japan with my mother after living in Okinawa for nearly two years. It wasn't a memorable flight. Leaving my doll at the Honolulu airport is really the only thing that sticks out at me about that long trip back to the States. I was pretty much devastated.

But I digress ...

The thing is, I've made a commitment of sorts. A good friend of mine moved to Portland, Oregon, a year or so ago. And I've promised to visit. I truly want to. I miss my friend and Portland looks like my kind of city.

The only problem is it's clear I'll need to fly to see her. Now is the time to book, considering flights are being slashed left and right. But I cannot seem to make myself do it. Flying across the country is petrifying to me. And flying across the country ALONE is just downright terrifying.

Besides the fear of crashing (my No. 1 fright) is the fact that I am completely clueless when it comes to check-ins, baggage requirements, security and the host of procedures that come as second nature to seasoned travelers. My fear is that I'd be THAT GIRL who holds up the line because I didn't know the secret handshake at the gate. Never mind the fact that I'd probably take my shoes off at the wrong moment.

Layovers are another thing. Waiting in airports is far worse than waiting in a doctor's office. Panic sets in and the hives pop up ... and that's just when I'm waiting for someone else to land. I can't imagine what I'd be like waiting for my own plane to get there.

(Legal) Drugs clearly are an option. But, flying alone while mildly sedated could only lead to bad things. Wandering around the airport talking mindlessly to complete strangers would make me look like a freak. Maybe. But I'm sure stranger things have happened.

I mentioned this to a few co-workers today only to hear about four or five horror stories involving faulty landing gear, the infamous Hudson River story and turbulence woes.

I'm scared to death, but I've got to face this. I just don't know if I'm ready — as much as I want to be.

Highlight of my day

Setting: The kitchen at my office
Me: Heating up a Lean Cuisine for dinner
R (male co-worker): Getting ice for his water

Idle chit-chat about the glories of frozen dinners — making note of which ones are the most flavorful and those that taste like cardboard.

Then, the good stuff:

R: You've lost about 10 or 15 pounds, haven't you?
Me (stunned): Um ... Yes, I have!
R: My wife has lost about 15 pounds, so I kind of know how to judge these things lately.
Me: Well, thanks for noticing!

- Scene -

It's the little things that keep me smiling. This was definitely one of 'em.

I have weird friends ...

... but it's for a good cause.



If you feel compelled to donate, there's a web address at the bottom of the video.

Or, if you want even more entertainment in return for your hard-earned moolah (and are in the Atlanta area at the end of the month) come see me and all the other cool kids race tricycles. It's sure to wow you!

Today's post brought to you by the letter 'e'

I'm a font freak. I admit it. I have fonts that I loathe ... absolutely despise, shudder at their site and just generally wish would never have been introduced. At the top of that list would probably be Hobo. Ever seen it? It's vile. So vile, in fact, I'll make you google it because it will never show its wretched face on my blog.

A bit extreme? Maybe. But it turns out I'm not alone — not in the least bit. I would totally recommend watching Helvetica, an independent film about, you guessed it: Helvetica, the font.

Why all this talk of fonts? Well, my class this semester is Typography, so I've got typeface on the brain — especially today.

Due tomorrow are six letters. Three in New Century Schoolbook (one of my go-to fonts) and Helvetica (the font [mostly] loved 'round the world). I've got two done, and I must admit I'm over it.

Fontmakers are insane. They have to be. Getting the curves right and ensuring complete symmetry is difficult, and sanity-snatchingly irritating. Add on top of that the fact that it's got to be done in INK, and you've got one nuts-o-rama Stacey on your hands.

I need a strong coffee and a super steady hand. Too bad the two don't mix.

School is back in session ...

... could you tell?

The course load is going to be a little lighter for me this semester, I believe. But maybe that's just wishful thinking, so I've got my fingers crossed just to be safe.

In between working on my first project for class and work in general, I've been out having fun ... real, live FUN! It's amazing, really.

Said fun includes this past Saturday. I was in Atlanta with my girlfriends Allison, Mary and Monica for a day at The High museum of art. On exhibit is a portion of the terracotta army that was excavated from the underground palace of the first emperor of China. It was truly stunning — a must-see if you live in this area, for sure. We also had dinner at the Cheesecake Factory — and yes, I enjoyed a yummy slice of Snickers cheesecake, splitting it with Monica, so as not to be a big, fat pig alone.

Afterward, Monica and I met up with my friend Mike, who lives in Atlanta, and several of his friends. We went to see live band karaoke, which was surprisingly awesome. I honestly wasn't at all excited about going, but Mike assured me more times that he probably wanted to that it would be so. much. fun. And, he was right. The band was amazing and those brave souls who ventured up on stage in front of the packed crowd were hilarious. They were either really great singers or so incredibly bad that you just had to cheer them on.

So, that's what's up with me lately. Look for another video blog soon. This time, however, I'll be sure to turn my camera the correct way, I promise.