Dear Self,

Next time you create a page design for a book of poems, try harder (and I mean, really try, ok?) to remember that some of your poems have really long titles. Thus, a design that leaves only one line for the poem title will not be adequate and when you go to put your book together there will be overset and the only option will be to start crying.

Yes, the pages with short titles look really great. Lovely, lovely designing. But those longer titles are causing problems. And you now have to redesign the page. And you have no idea what to do because either your margins are smaller or the amount of space the poem itself occupies on the page is smaller. Either way, it's not pretty. But, you wrote the long titles so you really can't blame anyone but yourself.

Also, the blue book cover isn't so bad now that it's revised. Try not to hate it just because it is the color of water. You like water, remember?

And one other thing, you will somehow make it all work, and it will be beautiful.

Love,
Yourself

Creating

This is NOT going on my cover as it's just not right. But I love the image. (Yay for Photoshop!) This is Ireland. In the middle of nowhere. Really. We saw nothing but rain and sheep all that day.

Insanity

This week has been insane. Work magazine is in production, which causes chaos at every corner. I think I only did 2.5 hours of actual work today. The rest was consulting, managing, fact checking, emails of various kinds. And we have major design issues, to be solved next week. If I know how to do text wrap, so should professionals!

And of course, there's my second production, my books. I think the pages are coming together and I'll be able to put them all together this weekend. And the cover... oh the cover. Should be easily revisable. But I got frustrated by certain comments last night.
1) The cover reminds someone of Christmas. No comment from Melissa. I'll just leave it there. Or, shall I say silver and pink are not Christmas colors. Silver and red, maybe. Red and green, yes. But that's not what I did!
2) Change to blue or green. Um. hello. It's trees and a river. Blue and green are the most obvious color choices ever. It should be different than the natural colors. That's the entire point of the design.

These people just didn't get it. I think, in general, the design is on it's way. Yes, the typography is off. But that's ok.

Tomorrow I get to have my first injection for my back. John has to take me because I can't drive afterwards. I do not like this one bit. But if it works, then it'll be good.

Off to a hot bubble bath. It's a night of relaxing from this point on. Because I may not breathe again for 2 weeks.

I'm a Negotiator

Well, Julie did this and I was intrigued. (Thanks Julie!) So I had to do it too. It's a fun new personality test. I tend to dislike these things because I never really know how to answer. I always want to say "well sometimes..." but that's not ever an option. Still, this one was not too painful. Take the test yourself here.

My results:
30 as Negotiator
26 as Builder
23 as Explorer
18 as Director

I am obviously a Negotiator. There was no doubt.

Also, I made John take this because supposedly Negotiator woman work best with Director men. And he's a Director! Big time.

Here's more on each type:

Negotiators seek the ideal partner: someone with whom they can make an intensely intimate, deeply meaningful, inspiring and spiritual connection. They are popular with all types because they are flexible, appreciative, affectionate, good at reading other's thoughts and feelings, empathetic and superb at expressing their own ideas and emotions. Prefer to go out with one person at a time, and to avoid social events when getting to know someone. Can be deeply hurt by rejection. They are the most romantic of the four types. They are more complex than they often seem. Their ring fingers are usually shorter than their index fingers! Sex is an essential part of a partnership but must be mixed with romance, communication and emotional intimacy: sex and love are intertwined. They have a rich fantasy life, which can be tarnished if become disillusioned with their partner's imperfections. Negotiators trust their intuition.

Explorers tend to regard courting as entertainment. They are highly sensitive to the world around them and like the pleasures of the senses. They want someone to go adventuring with them--a playmate. It is easy for them to laugh at themselves. They entertain, even perform. They like music that is intense and complicated. Most have a good deal of experience at dating. They are good at listening and talking. They find self-disclosure difficult. Their attitude toward sex is relaxed. Explorers trust their impulses.

Directors consider dating an expenditure of time and energy. They seek a "mind mate". Are forthright and tend to make decisions quickly. They seek mates who are emotionally expressive, flexible, and have difficulty dealing with "controlling" people. Many have had little dating experience in their youth. They have a take-charge style. Generally have only a few serious relationships before they marry, don't defect easily once they have decided to build a partnership. Their ring fingers are usually at least as long, or longer than their index fingers! They have a high sex drive. Directors trust their logic.

Builders take courtship seriously and believe in good manners, courtesy, etc. Dating is a social activity. They tend to think concretely; like and trust facts. They are cautious and don't choose a partner impulsively. Often uncomfortable with "drama" and can appear unromantic but are dependable and have clear-cut values. They enjoy doing things as a couple within a larger group of friends...they want to belong. Are likely to be the least sexual of the four types. Builders trust their values.

Little Seedlings!

All possible because of liquefied worm poop. In a eco-friendly bottle (they use recycled soda bottles!)

Weekend

Friday: Did a massive amount of work during the day. I was truly surprised that I got so much accomplished. As long as all the designs are approved by the profs, I should be ready to start putting the book together into one document.

That night was lazy. Cooked a nice meal and just lounged around watching bad television.

Saturday. Put the finishing touches on my cover designs. Well, they will still need work, but the rough drafts are ready for class. I think. I may take another look at them tomorrow night.

Watched Maryland (basketball) get their butts kicked. It was a sad time for John. But there was beer, so we all survived. Though some of the players may not make it back. They played really poorly, so I imagine they got a talking to afterward. Ahh well.

Sunday: Went to see John's family. Which means happy niece time! John helped his dad work on the deck some. I played with the baby. Two dogs got loose throughout the day and had to be chased. That's how I ended up with a cranky baby and a bottle. Which, was of coarse, great once she realized I had food. I got her to sleep and all was well. When I wasn't with Caroline I was outside, so it was a perfect day. Just sitting out in the sun chatting with the family.

And Mizzou won! Which helped both Cooksey men in the brackets, so everyone was cheering.