Saturday, March 28, 2009

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

Friday, March 27, 2009

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.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

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.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

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.

Monday, March 23, 2009

Little Seedlings!

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





Sunday, March 22, 2009

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.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Some thoughts

I just read the headline "Unmarried Childbirths in US reach record highs." My immediate response, "Well, maybe it's just that less people are getting married. Point of the article is, there are more teen births or women sleeping around and screwing up their lives. But seriously, terrible headline. As one of those unmarried, I am unconcerned.

I am not touching my book again until Friday. I just can't do anything helpful to it right now. And I need to just read a book, as I am on "Spring Break" and deserve it. Then everything will magically become beautiful over the weekend.

Panic attack last night. Book has to be ready to go to the printer in 2-3 weeks. Not cool!

Another headline "Flying car takes off..." This is just scary. I don't want to fly.

I am tired of going to the doctor. I need to get back to the days where I just didn't go to the doctor ever. It's better that way.

This is my new excuse for not being married. If I get married, I'm likely to get pregnant (in the eyes of the questioner, I am just as likely now...but they don't think like that) and if that happens, I'll be going to the doctor way way too often. And we just can't have that.

Rita's will be giving away free Italian Ice on Friday, for the first day of Spring. Apparently they've done this for years. I can plead ignorance because I never lived near a Rita's. Or if I did, I didn't realize I did. I am oh so excited for the greatness to come!

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Aka, Melissa wants to be back in Ireland day.

It being Tuesday I had work and now get to do school work. Not drink beer. But I can dream about the Irish hills! And thank St. Patty for getting rid of the snakes.



Friday, March 13, 2009

One of those moods

I have been in a terrible mood recently. I don't know if it's stress, not getting out enough, or the changes in the moon. Today it could be the gloomyness outside. Whatever it is, it needs to go away. Cause I need to get things done now, and the mood is not making productivity easy. Here's a short recap of things on my mind:

I cannot turn 39 pages into 10 pages without magic (work problem).

People who are 24 should not have a pain management doctor. I felt out of place in the waiting room.

What do you get a brother when he graduates college? Or 8th grade? Why am I worried about this already?

I think nothing could make me happier right now than being at Busch Stadium with my family (and John).

I think my strawberries will survive! They didn't look so good at first, but they are doing better.

I am so very happy with my manuscript now. (and so is Kendra!) If only design came as easy as editing.

You should probably not try talking into my left ear. It's kind of fuzzy. Thanks Bouncing Souls. Good show, but I do like to hear!

I need to explore rivers. But I don't know which ones to go to/which ones are nearby/which ones have convenient parks to explore in so I don't have to be wandering around the road like some crazy lady. Aside from Patapsco, which I have explored greatly already.

I have no idea how to design a book cover. I pulled a large pile of books off my shelf for inspiration and just got discouraged.

John is going to San Fransisco for a week in June. It's a work thing. (why don't I get to go to CA for work?!) I am freaking out about being alone for a week. Completely freaking out.

I don't think my grandparents are coming to my reading in May. I could be overreacting to this, as I have not been told they aren't coming. This just comes from adding things up. I am so hurt by this that I can't see how I could forgive them.

This thing with the grandparents has made me think that a lot of people don't really understand what this means to me. Nor do they know how to communicate. A simple email saying "congrats on the book, send me one, sorry I can't be in bmore" is really not that hard.

Mother's Day is the Sunday after my book reading. Which means mom will probably still be here! Will we perhaps be having a Melissa's Mom meet John's Mom (and dad) lunch? Stay tuned.

Friday, March 6, 2009

Plant Mother

Well, before I get to plants, can I just say I hate doctors? I knew what I was getting into today, but still, I'm frustrated. I had to go to my orthopedic doc for a referral to a spine specialist. I couldn't just come in and get a referral, I actually had to see my doc. So I waited an hour, yes a full 60 minutes, before the man made it to my room. Then he basically reviewed my chart, made me touch my toes, and asked me two questions. Then he signed my referral and sent me on my way. I think the visit itself took 5 minutes. But I had to wait that stupid hour. grr.

Anyway, on a happier note, I have plants! And I'm feeling very motherly towards them. This in a way is freaky, because I have some edible things growing. And will be eating my "babies" eventually. But anyway. I got strawberry, blueberry, and blackberry plants. Lily bulbs, and various other seeds (herbs and some flower). I think I may have to bring them back inside if it gets cold again next week (which, with my luck it will) but for now they are happily starting their new life on my deck. Will have to figure out where to put them all when they outgrow their pots. I'm so excited to have plants again!

Oh and we just bottled John's first batch of bees. So we'll be having cilantro and beer soon!