Today we debuted Brian's ninth licensed print!
Congrats, Brian! And GO BUCKS!
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
USPS versus The World
As I drove into work this morning, I was disheartened to learn that the average US household receives a letter once every seven weeks. Compare that to 24 years ago in 1987 where the average US household received a letter once every two weeks. In today's mail, junk and catalogs comprise more 'mail' than the actual mail that we look forward to receiving. As a society, we are so focused on the "now" that snail mail has fallen to the wayside...way to the wayside. News travels faster than it every has before, and each day there are advances in our system to get information to us even faster than the day before. We are technology and information driven, and, in our world, the faster the better.
The thought of the demise of the United States Postal Service is very real. For years, news broadcasts, radio broadcasts, papers, internet articles have mentioned the possibility of removing the Saturday mail delivery. Jobs have been cut, stamp costs have risen, the internet has created a cheaper and faster way to communicate and pay bills, and debt in the postal service continues to rise. What was once an iconic emblem of our every freedom is becoming null and void. And it is very depressing.
I can't imagine life without the ability to send or receive snail mail. It is one of my favorite things. I've grown up with the mail. I received letters from Grandparents in the mail. I received college offer letters in the mail, and I won't even begin to tell you how many times I've been to the post office in the last week mailing something else out. (FYI, I've been four times, but, for the record, that is above average.) After hearing the stats this morning, I'm beginning to wonder if my mail habits are keeping the USPS afloat.
What are we going to do at Christmas when everyone sends Christmas cards? What are we going to do when we want to put a little extra effort in and actually hand write a letter? How will we send our secret admirer or pen pal or family member or best friend a special little something? What about postcards and invitations and birthday cards? How will we explain the foreign concept of "snail mail" to future generations? It is something that won't be around forever, but it certainly is one of those small things in life that really make it special.
Now, before you go and get me all wrong, I am all for conservation of paper and protecting the world and what not. I could use 97% less fluff (junk mail and catalogs) and 150% more meat and potatoes (real mail) to save the trees and the backs of our postal service workers, but it's not up to me. All I can do is write when I can, when I feel like it, and know that the unexpecting person on the other end is going to get a very special treat in a few days.
It's hard fighting a losing battle, but I'm comforted knowing that the USPS will not just close tomorrow. We've got at least a few more years where I can find pretty stamps at the post office and send hand written letters to special someones. (I know, soooo 1990's.) And I look forward to those moments of sending and receiving a dying art - our old school form of communication! I'm happy that I have been able to partake in snail mail firsthand!
The thought of the demise of the United States Postal Service is very real. For years, news broadcasts, radio broadcasts, papers, internet articles have mentioned the possibility of removing the Saturday mail delivery. Jobs have been cut, stamp costs have risen, the internet has created a cheaper and faster way to communicate and pay bills, and debt in the postal service continues to rise. What was once an iconic emblem of our every freedom is becoming null and void. And it is very depressing.
I can't imagine life without the ability to send or receive snail mail. It is one of my favorite things. I've grown up with the mail. I received letters from Grandparents in the mail. I received college offer letters in the mail, and I won't even begin to tell you how many times I've been to the post office in the last week mailing something else out. (FYI, I've been four times, but, for the record, that is above average.) After hearing the stats this morning, I'm beginning to wonder if my mail habits are keeping the USPS afloat.
What are we going to do at Christmas when everyone sends Christmas cards? What are we going to do when we want to put a little extra effort in and actually hand write a letter? How will we send our secret admirer or pen pal or family member or best friend a special little something? What about postcards and invitations and birthday cards? How will we explain the foreign concept of "snail mail" to future generations? It is something that won't be around forever, but it certainly is one of those small things in life that really make it special.
Now, before you go and get me all wrong, I am all for conservation of paper and protecting the world and what not. I could use 97% less fluff (junk mail and catalogs) and 150% more meat and potatoes (real mail) to save the trees and the backs of our postal service workers, but it's not up to me. All I can do is write when I can, when I feel like it, and know that the unexpecting person on the other end is going to get a very special treat in a few days.
It's hard fighting a losing battle, but I'm comforted knowing that the USPS will not just close tomorrow. We've got at least a few more years where I can find pretty stamps at the post office and send hand written letters to special someones. (I know, soooo 1990's.) And I look forward to those moments of sending and receiving a dying art - our old school form of communication! I'm happy that I have been able to partake in snail mail firsthand!
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Wonder Fall!
Today was the most perfect fall day! The air was crisp, the sun was warm, our puppy played ball until he was tired, and the leaves fell gently to the ground. It was a nice transition from the high of 50 degrees that we had experienced the day before! My body typically needs a transition into the cold weather, and the sudden turn in temperatures threw me for a complete loop and had me wondering how I was going to survive the winter. Fortunately, I was reminded today that while we have bid farewell to summer and our days are growing shorter, we do still have one of the best times of the year to experience! Ladies and Gents, fall is upon us!
In addition to the most perfect fall day yet, we also updated our centerpiece to get a bit more into the fall spirit:
(I would just like to state for the record that while I have been accused of being akin to Martha Stewart this does not represent my interior decorating skills as well as it could have. I could definitely use some centerpiece lessons... And, while we are on the topic (kind of) of who I have been accused of being, Monk is also on that list. Both accusations were from my very best friend, Tamara, who sometimes knows me better than I do, so there probably is some truth in both.)
The forecast for the remainder of the week is for temperatures to gradually increase into the upper 70's, lower 80's. Perhaps we've got a little Indian summer on it's way, but if not, we welcome fall with open arms!
In addition to the most perfect fall day yet, we also updated our centerpiece to get a bit more into the fall spirit:
(I would just like to state for the record that while I have been accused of being akin to Martha Stewart this does not represent my interior decorating skills as well as it could have. I could definitely use some centerpiece lessons... And, while we are on the topic (kind of) of who I have been accused of being, Monk is also on that list. Both accusations were from my very best friend, Tamara, who sometimes knows me better than I do, so there probably is some truth in both.)
The forecast for the remainder of the week is for temperatures to gradually increase into the upper 70's, lower 80's. Perhaps we've got a little Indian summer on it's way, but if not, we welcome fall with open arms!
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Fortunes, Glorious Fortunes
The major value in life is not in what you get, but in what you become.
(I love how simple Chinese take-away can be so philosophical.)
(I love how simple Chinese take-away can be so philosophical.)
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
The Motherclucker
Buttermilk fried Gerber chicken breast.
House cured bacon.
Roasted poblano chiles.
Greens.
House made aioli.
Amish jack cheese.
And a kiss of honey.
Served on a brioche sesame bun.
That's all you Knead to know!
House cured bacon.
Roasted poblano chiles.
Greens.
House made aioli.
Amish jack cheese.
And a kiss of honey.
Served on a brioche sesame bun.
That's all you Knead to know!
Monday, September 19, 2011
Friday, September 16, 2011
Balancing Act
Now, I'm no trapeze artist, but I would consider my ability to balance things, especially things that are not easily balanced, pretty good. Well, until this morning.
Picture this: It's 6:00 in the morning. I've already been awaken by my alarm, unwillingly, and I've already showered, also unwillingly, and I'm preparing to venture downstairs to prepare for my journey to work, unwillingly.
We have a 90 degree corner in our banister that is perfect for setting things while you are either a.) picking something else up, b.) putting something in your pocket, or c.) eager to practice your balancing skills. Unfortunately, while balancing (pun intended) a., b., and c.,I learned the hard way that my balancing skills are not up to par in the morning. Not at all.
I set my make-up bag oh so perfectly on said 90 degree angle with no trouble. I then set my phone on my make-up bag, also with no trouble, until I accidentally bumped my make-up bag. Then the whole thing went awry.
My make-up bag fell toward me, a 3' fall. Nothing was damaged. My phone, on the other hand, took the one story plunge and landed on the hardwood steps. This, I thought matter of factly, would have been much better if my phone had fallen the 3' and my make-up bag had fallen down the steps, but what was done was done, and time was a tickin' - I still had to get ready.
I went downstairs, passed my phone on the steps (we've been through a few pretty rough falls), put my make-up on, ran through my morning routine, and went to grab my phone. However, my phone had a blank screen. A plain, black, blank screen, and nothing else would appear. I took the battery out. I shook it. I let it sit in perfect stillness, and still no screen. I must've knocked every pixel in the screen out of phone because I got nothing, nada, zilch, zero.
12 hours and two stops at the Verizon store later, I had learned that the only thing that could remedy this situation was the purchase of a brand new phone. [Sigh.] I had no choice but to bid adieu to my old phone and welcome my new phone. Which I did.
This was an expensive lesson, but in that lesson I learned the following:
1. No matter how sturdy the foundation is, never balance your cell phone. Even if it is balanced over the comfiest, cushioniest pillows in the world. Just don't do it.
2. 1.5" 90 degree angles in banisters are not the greatest place to put things. Especially when one side of the banister comes with a one story drop. (I must remember this for when we have kids.)
3. Noises echo exponentially through the house at 6:00 am, and I swore I woke up Brian, Bun, Jack, and the neighbors with this failure.
4. My balancing skills are not what they used to be, and I'm only 29...
Picture this: It's 6:00 in the morning. I've already been awaken by my alarm, unwillingly, and I've already showered, also unwillingly, and I'm preparing to venture downstairs to prepare for my journey to work, unwillingly.
We have a 90 degree corner in our banister that is perfect for setting things while you are either a.) picking something else up, b.) putting something in your pocket, or c.) eager to practice your balancing skills. Unfortunately, while balancing (pun intended) a., b., and c.,I learned the hard way that my balancing skills are not up to par in the morning. Not at all.
I set my make-up bag oh so perfectly on said 90 degree angle with no trouble. I then set my phone on my make-up bag, also with no trouble, until I accidentally bumped my make-up bag. Then the whole thing went awry.
My make-up bag fell toward me, a 3' fall. Nothing was damaged. My phone, on the other hand, took the one story plunge and landed on the hardwood steps. This, I thought matter of factly, would have been much better if my phone had fallen the 3' and my make-up bag had fallen down the steps, but what was done was done, and time was a tickin' - I still had to get ready.
I went downstairs, passed my phone on the steps (we've been through a few pretty rough falls), put my make-up on, ran through my morning routine, and went to grab my phone. However, my phone had a blank screen. A plain, black, blank screen, and nothing else would appear. I took the battery out. I shook it. I let it sit in perfect stillness, and still no screen. I must've knocked every pixel in the screen out of phone because I got nothing, nada, zilch, zero.
12 hours and two stops at the Verizon store later, I had learned that the only thing that could remedy this situation was the purchase of a brand new phone. [Sigh.] I had no choice but to bid adieu to my old phone and welcome my new phone. Which I did.
This was an expensive lesson, but in that lesson I learned the following:
1. No matter how sturdy the foundation is, never balance your cell phone. Even if it is balanced over the comfiest, cushioniest pillows in the world. Just don't do it.
2. 1.5" 90 degree angles in banisters are not the greatest place to put things. Especially when one side of the banister comes with a one story drop. (I must remember this for when we have kids.)
3. Noises echo exponentially through the house at 6:00 am, and I swore I woke up Brian, Bun, Jack, and the neighbors with this failure.
4. My balancing skills are not what they used to be, and I'm only 29...
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Scotland is Free!
Remember this guy:
He visited us and Columbus, OH and the Ohio State Buckeyes nearly one year ago, AND we went to visit him in Zurich, Switzerland?
Yes, that guy!
Our dear Scottish Peach (currently Swiss Peach), Matt, flew into town on Thursday and stayed with us until yesterday morning! It was, as usual, an awesome visit! Since I had Friday off, Matt and I headed over to Easton and spent the day shopping. We had so much fun! And I nicknamed him my gusband! For the rest of the weekend, my gusband and my rusband (that is my "gay" husband and "real" husband, respectively) spent their time carrying on, cracking jokes, laughing, making me laugh, going to the Ohio State game, drinking, chowing down on tons of American foods, and having a good ol' time! (Note: Matt is not gay. Not at all. But since he was shopping with me, I figured the nickname fit him perfectly! Plus, I've always wanted a good shopping buddy!)
We all had a fantastic weekend with Matt in town, and we cannot wait until our next rendezvous! Loves to you, Peach! Thanks for making the trip over to the States to visit! It was wonderful to see you!
Thursday, September 8, 2011
The Wall
One day it was decided.
The room looked a little lopsided.
There was one painted wall.
It was bare. It was tall.
And we were determined to hide it.
With what our thoughts ran amok.
Until we happened upon sheer luck.
Three frames found in an upstairs closet.
Made of some sort of silver composite.
This wall is where they'd be stuck.
We picked out our favorite three.
They were images of our family.
Up went the frames.
While Jack played his games.
And we danced around our wall yelling, 'Whoopee!'
The room looked a little lopsided.
There was one painted wall.
It was bare. It was tall.
And we were determined to hide it.
With what our thoughts ran amok.
Until we happened upon sheer luck.
Three frames found in an upstairs closet.
Made of some sort of silver composite.
This wall is where they'd be stuck.
We picked out our favorite three.
They were images of our family.
Up went the frames.
While Jack played his games.
And we danced around our wall yelling, 'Whoopee!'
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
House Hopping
Life has a really funny way of working itself out. As many of you know, I quit my "less than ideal" job a couple of weeks ago. On my last day of work, a Friday, at 4:45 pm, I received a missed call and a brand spankin' new voicemail. Much to my surprise, it was a job offer! A job offer! I took the weekend to review the offer, talk it over with Brian, and on Monday I officially accepted a new position! Ladies and Gentlemen, I am not unemployed! To make things even better, I am super excited about the new position and am really looking forward to working with what seems to be an extremely reputable company. Ahhh!! (That is my sigh of relief!)
Because this happened on my last day of work, and the start date for the new position isn't for two weeks, I have had a wonderful two week break from life. For the past seven days I have been traveling up and down the east coast visiting many of my family and friends that are near and certainly dear to my heart. I've gotten a much needed dose of some TLC and feel rejuvenated and strengthened to begin this new career! There is something so special about going home!
Here is how the last week went:
-Wednesday - drove to Maryland from Ohio to visit Brandi and the fam.
-Thursday - spent the day with Brandi, Phil, Crystal, Brandon and Shalu. Then headed to stay with my sister, Amy.
-Friday - spent the morning with Amy, did lunch with Shalu in Bethesda, then drove to Baltimore to catch my bus up to NYC!
-Saturday - spent the day in Brooklyn with Shanna.
-Sunday - took the bus back to Baltimore from NYC and drove down to my Grandparent's house where we had a lovely dinner with their neighbors. After dinner I took the metro into DC to spend the night with my brother, Travis, and sister-in-law, Shanel.
-Monday - drove to my Grandparents to stay the night there and enjoyed the afternoon with family.
-Tuesday - drove back to Ohio from Maryland (after I made sure that my car could make it! At 221,000 miles you have to take extra precautions!)
It was incredible, and it was so nice to see so many people! Now, it's back to real life!
Acknowledgements: First and foremost, I would like to thank my husband, for if it weren't for him and his support, I would not have been able to even do this. I would also like to thank my family and friends for being so flexible with their schedules, accommodating me, providing me sleeping arrangements, feeding me (all with little notice), and, more than anything, for allowing me to 'fly by the seat of my pants'. It is for these reasons and many, many more why I love you all so, so much!
Because this happened on my last day of work, and the start date for the new position isn't for two weeks, I have had a wonderful two week break from life. For the past seven days I have been traveling up and down the east coast visiting many of my family and friends that are near and certainly dear to my heart. I've gotten a much needed dose of some TLC and feel rejuvenated and strengthened to begin this new career! There is something so special about going home!
Here is how the last week went:
-Wednesday - drove to Maryland from Ohio to visit Brandi and the fam.
-Thursday - spent the day with Brandi, Phil, Crystal, Brandon and Shalu. Then headed to stay with my sister, Amy.
-Friday - spent the morning with Amy, did lunch with Shalu in Bethesda, then drove to Baltimore to catch my bus up to NYC!
-Saturday - spent the day in Brooklyn with Shanna.
-Sunday - took the bus back to Baltimore from NYC and drove down to my Grandparent's house where we had a lovely dinner with their neighbors. After dinner I took the metro into DC to spend the night with my brother, Travis, and sister-in-law, Shanel.
-Monday - drove to my Grandparents to stay the night there and enjoyed the afternoon with family.
-Tuesday - drove back to Ohio from Maryland (after I made sure that my car could make it! At 221,000 miles you have to take extra precautions!)
It was incredible, and it was so nice to see so many people! Now, it's back to real life!
Acknowledgements: First and foremost, I would like to thank my husband, for if it weren't for him and his support, I would not have been able to even do this. I would also like to thank my family and friends for being so flexible with their schedules, accommodating me, providing me sleeping arrangements, feeding me (all with little notice), and, more than anything, for allowing me to 'fly by the seat of my pants'. It is for these reasons and many, many more why I love you all so, so much!
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