Edit
So, I'm kind of thinking of quitting the blog. I'm not really enjoying it lately and I sort of feel like I'm out of stuff to say. Okay, maybe quitting it isn't the right term; it's more like a sabbatical. I don't know; I'm gonna think about it.
Vacuosity
Tuesday, January 14, 2003
Monday, January 13, 2003
Tug and yank
Ladies, menstruation is not a blank emotional cheque, by the way.
Quick update: Darryl, our last business partner, has arrived. Welcome to Winnipeg! Welcome to -25° weather today. Got yer touque?
I art directed my first photo shoot today. It was alright; we got the shot, even though it was impossible to make this kid smile naturally. You would have thought he was having his teeth examined, it was that phony. We finally gave him a giant toothbrush to hold. He would have been better off being in school today; he'll need those grades.
I have this habit of tweezing out my facial hairs. Julia hates when I do it. It is a bit gross, I guess, but it needs to be done. I get a lot of ingrown ones and they'll only become pimples if I leave them. I'm a bit manic about it though, obsessed. Yesterday was the first time, though, that I realized I could actually be a trichotillomaniac.
Nawww.
Ladies, menstruation is not a blank emotional cheque, by the way.
• • •
Quick update: Darryl, our last business partner, has arrived. Welcome to Winnipeg! Welcome to -25° weather today. Got yer touque?
I art directed my first photo shoot today. It was alright; we got the shot, even though it was impossible to make this kid smile naturally. You would have thought he was having his teeth examined, it was that phony. We finally gave him a giant toothbrush to hold. He would have been better off being in school today; he'll need those grades.
• • •
I have this habit of tweezing out my facial hairs. Julia hates when I do it. It is a bit gross, I guess, but it needs to be done. I get a lot of ingrown ones and they'll only become pimples if I leave them. I'm a bit manic about it though, obsessed. Yesterday was the first time, though, that I realized I could actually be a trichotillomaniac.
Nawww.
Thursday, January 09, 2003
Baby steps
Alright, today was a bit better. Getting something approaching a decent night's sleep helps.
And the work was pretty interesting. As I learn more about designing with variable data, the possibilities seem incredible. I even talked to Boyd today about the possibilities of developing it further. The designers are always frustrated by technical limitations. That's down the road, though. I don't even know what the limitations are yet.
I'm organizing a photo shoot for a one-page ad. It sounds so important: I'm arranging the shoot, I'm choosing models, I'm writing up the shot specs. But it doesn't seem so impressive when we're actually doing it. We're just trying to get it done on time.
All in all, though, it's still pretty cool. I just have to keep reminding myself that this isn't all going to be perfect and easy overnight. I've got to look at it long-term, that over the next few months we'll build slowly toward a better process and more controlled flow. It will get easier too.
I would also bet that after a paycheck or two, my outlook will be a whole lot brighter.
Alright, today was a bit better. Getting something approaching a decent night's sleep helps.
And the work was pretty interesting. As I learn more about designing with variable data, the possibilities seem incredible. I even talked to Boyd today about the possibilities of developing it further. The designers are always frustrated by technical limitations. That's down the road, though. I don't even know what the limitations are yet.
I'm organizing a photo shoot for a one-page ad. It sounds so important: I'm arranging the shoot, I'm choosing models, I'm writing up the shot specs. But it doesn't seem so impressive when we're actually doing it. We're just trying to get it done on time.
All in all, though, it's still pretty cool. I just have to keep reminding myself that this isn't all going to be perfect and easy overnight. I've got to look at it long-term, that over the next few months we'll build slowly toward a better process and more controlled flow. It will get easier too.
I would also bet that after a paycheck or two, my outlook will be a whole lot brighter.
Wednesday, January 08, 2003
Grind
Okay, maybe it's just the fact that I'm back at work after 5 months of doing nothing, or maybe it was the less than joyous response from my new team at my introductory meeting, maybe it was the fact that I had only about 5 hours of restless sleep, or maybe it was the 1.5 hour trip (each way) out to a client meeting in Altona, a town near the States border, but I would not say that I enjoyed my day today.
It's hard to be listening to every single word everyone says for 8 hours straight, and be sure to capture everything. It's not like normal where people talk to you a bit, and then you do your thing for a while, then you go talk to someone or make a phone call. First days are all about people pummeling you with information, they want to get it all out of them and into you. The sooner that happens, the sooner it becomes your responsibility.
What's tough is that, as a new position, there are no clearly defined boundaries of the role, so a big part of today was me wondering whether I am responsible for stuff. And no one knows.
Tomorrow is another day, and will have its own challenges to be sure, but I feel better already just being home for a bit and being able to recoup. So it's off to bed for an early start in the morning.
Thanks tonight go to Earl and Caleb Shyjak, who helped me put the last wall onto the sauna this evening and run wire to it. We (meaning Earl) also set up the wiring for our new, larger, hotter, hot water heater. Finally in sight is an end to the strict shower time/temperature regime. We'll be able to luxuriate to no end with our hot water surplus and a sweatbox to boot.
Okay, maybe it's just the fact that I'm back at work after 5 months of doing nothing, or maybe it was the less than joyous response from my new team at my introductory meeting, maybe it was the fact that I had only about 5 hours of restless sleep, or maybe it was the 1.5 hour trip (each way) out to a client meeting in Altona, a town near the States border, but I would not say that I enjoyed my day today.
It's hard to be listening to every single word everyone says for 8 hours straight, and be sure to capture everything. It's not like normal where people talk to you a bit, and then you do your thing for a while, then you go talk to someone or make a phone call. First days are all about people pummeling you with information, they want to get it all out of them and into you. The sooner that happens, the sooner it becomes your responsibility.
What's tough is that, as a new position, there are no clearly defined boundaries of the role, so a big part of today was me wondering whether I am responsible for stuff. And no one knows.
Tomorrow is another day, and will have its own challenges to be sure, but I feel better already just being home for a bit and being able to recoup. So it's off to bed for an early start in the morning.
• • •
Thanks tonight go to Earl and Caleb Shyjak, who helped me put the last wall onto the sauna this evening and run wire to it. We (meaning Earl) also set up the wiring for our new, larger, hotter, hot water heater. Finally in sight is an end to the strict shower time/temperature regime. We'll be able to luxuriate to no end with our hot water surplus and a sweatbox to boot.
Monday, January 06, 2003
Heigh-ho
So it's official; it's back to the grindstone.
I met with Boyd Liski at GB (soon to be) Integrated Media today and all but accepted the position there. The exact title is "Creative Concept Engineer" while the role is essentially Creative Director.
What's cool about it is that it's similar in may ways to what my role at Foresters was supposed to be, without all the corporate red tape and people management headaches. My job is pretty much to churn out ideas all day. That's just fine with me, that's my favorite part.
I was suprised by having to take a couple tests, one personality and one "I'm not a moron" test; basic math, language and problem solving skills. Fortunately my other personality didn't surface in these ones.
Boyd also asked whether I'm okay with travel. Am I okay with travel? I've got bags packed already, just in case.
I'm pretty happy. It's not Bay street, in Boyd's words, meaning they're not flashy, but they are interesting and poised to grow. Some key words that appealed to him from my resume were "we moved from being a production house to serving as Brand and creative consultants in a true advisory role." That's what they need. Right now, they're a production house, and they need to become the experts, advising on creative approaches; that's where I come in. They're big boots but I'm ready to fill them.
I'll be meeting with clients, doing briefs (I think), presenting creative, and helping to develop a process for the development of creative. It all seems like it should be overwhelming and scary except that I've been through it all already. I know I can do it, and do it well.
It's almost a little disappointing not to be frightened out of my wits.
So it's official; it's back to the grindstone.
I met with Boyd Liski at GB (soon to be) Integrated Media today and all but accepted the position there. The exact title is "Creative Concept Engineer" while the role is essentially Creative Director.
What's cool about it is that it's similar in may ways to what my role at Foresters was supposed to be, without all the corporate red tape and people management headaches. My job is pretty much to churn out ideas all day. That's just fine with me, that's my favorite part.
I was suprised by having to take a couple tests, one personality and one "I'm not a moron" test; basic math, language and problem solving skills. Fortunately my other personality didn't surface in these ones.
Boyd also asked whether I'm okay with travel. Am I okay with travel? I've got bags packed already, just in case.
I'm pretty happy. It's not Bay street, in Boyd's words, meaning they're not flashy, but they are interesting and poised to grow. Some key words that appealed to him from my resume were "we moved from being a production house to serving as Brand and creative consultants in a true advisory role." That's what they need. Right now, they're a production house, and they need to become the experts, advising on creative approaches; that's where I come in. They're big boots but I'm ready to fill them.
I'll be meeting with clients, doing briefs (I think), presenting creative, and helping to develop a process for the development of creative. It all seems like it should be overwhelming and scary except that I've been through it all already. I know I can do it, and do it well.
It's almost a little disappointing not to be frightened out of my wits.
Sunday, January 05, 2003
Alright already
I will cut the hair. If it's that much of an issue, I will cut it.
Jordan said to me today, "Maybe it's not really that they don't like your hair, but maybe just how you act." This was after I explained to him that some people in our hall don't like my hair. Trouble is, I think he's right.
As I explained to an elder from our old hall, this hair is more than just a cool cut. It's an expression of personal style, it's representative of who I am. It's a part of my personality. Without it, I'm not me. That's why I've been so resistant to changing it.
I've been thinking, though, that maybe that's the whole problem. The bible talks about stripping off the old personality and putting on the new one. Murderers, rapists and thieves have all left their former lives and become Christians, despite their pasts, and that is who they were.
So, the real question here is... Is it time to end this David?
I will cut the hair. If it's that much of an issue, I will cut it.
Jordan said to me today, "Maybe it's not really that they don't like your hair, but maybe just how you act." This was after I explained to him that some people in our hall don't like my hair. Trouble is, I think he's right.
As I explained to an elder from our old hall, this hair is more than just a cool cut. It's an expression of personal style, it's representative of who I am. It's a part of my personality. Without it, I'm not me. That's why I've been so resistant to changing it.
I've been thinking, though, that maybe that's the whole problem. The bible talks about stripping off the old personality and putting on the new one. Murderers, rapists and thieves have all left their former lives and become Christians, despite their pasts, and that is who they were.
So, the real question here is... Is it time to end this David?
Groan
You know things have gone way wrong when...
...your six-year-old son uses the word "fashionable" in casual conversation.
...there are more bags under your eyes than the kitchen sink.
...your one-year-old understands what "I love you" means but responds with a swat in the eye.
....someone in the house bought Oprah magazine.
...your baby has molars.
...you realize that you spend less than $20 a year on condoms, and you use one every time.
...a fine meal produces more rumbling from your innards than a 747.
...your video game-crazed boy asks to be grounded from games.
....you have more fun toboganning than your kids.
You know things have gone way wrong when...
...your six-year-old son uses the word "fashionable" in casual conversation.
...there are more bags under your eyes than the kitchen sink.
...your one-year-old understands what "I love you" means but responds with a swat in the eye.
....someone in the house bought Oprah magazine.
...your baby has molars.
...you realize that you spend less than $20 a year on condoms, and you use one every time.
...a fine meal produces more rumbling from your innards than a 747.
...your video game-crazed boy asks to be grounded from games.
....you have more fun toboganning than your kids.
Saturday, January 04, 2003
Missing link
We won't be taking any visitors, sorry. We have Myst III: Exile.
When the original Myst came out, almost seven years ago, Julia and I lived that game for about three weeks straight until we finished it. We were immersed, enraptured, obsessed. We could think of almost nothing else; we were compelled to play until it was over.
Julia wasn't working at the time. I don't think Jordan was even born yet. She would play all day, advancing us as much as she could, then I would take over at night when I got home from work. Sometimes she would call me at work asking for help when she was stuck. "Okay," I would say "describe everything you see." She would tell me all the details of the intricate environments. Sometimes we would hit upon a solution, other times it would have to wait until I could see it for myself.
The sequel to Myst, Riven, built upon the concept of the original, incorporated the technological advancements that had come along in the years separating the two, and elevated its whimsical creations into beautifully rich art, design and ambiance.
Unfortunately, with Jordan already three, the time I had for playing video games was significantly decreased. Julia refused to play it since we had it only on the PC rather than the gaming console (Panasonic's now-defunct system 3DO) where we had played Myst. I began it several times, but lost my saved games to a malevolent computer several times, and gaming gave way to responsibility.
We won't be taking any visitors, sorry. We have Myst III: Exile.
When the original Myst came out, almost seven years ago, Julia and I lived that game for about three weeks straight until we finished it. We were immersed, enraptured, obsessed. We could think of almost nothing else; we were compelled to play until it was over.
Julia wasn't working at the time. I don't think Jordan was even born yet. She would play all day, advancing us as much as she could, then I would take over at night when I got home from work. Sometimes she would call me at work asking for help when she was stuck. "Okay," I would say "describe everything you see." She would tell me all the details of the intricate environments. Sometimes we would hit upon a solution, other times it would have to wait until I could see it for myself.
The sequel to Myst, Riven, built upon the concept of the original, incorporated the technological advancements that had come along in the years separating the two, and elevated its whimsical creations into beautifully rich art, design and ambiance.
Unfortunately, with Jordan already three, the time I had for playing video games was significantly decreased. Julia refused to play it since we had it only on the PC rather than the gaming console (Panasonic's now-defunct system 3DO) where we had played Myst. I began it several times, but lost my saved games to a malevolent computer several times, and gaming gave way to responsibility.
More missing link
Since the server doesn't seem to appreciate my verbosity, this post will exist in two parts.
When I first heard about Myst III, I was excited. There was a bit of media hoopla building it up, but then it seemed to disappear. I wasn't even aware that it was out until a couple months ago when it quietly surfaced on the shelves. It seemed an undeservedly quiet arrival for such a significant event.
We have just started playing, Jordan included, and it is no disappointment so far. The scenery is as beautiful as ever, the gameplay seems complex, and the worlds might be the most imaginative yet. They even have new music, a significant part of the originals, supplied by a Philharmonic composer. It's incredible. Jordan is blown away, and we've only just begun to turn knobs, crank dials and shift gears.
It's a shame that such a work of art, a masterpiece of creative vision and imagination should suffer such an ignominious demise, especially when the competition are games like Blood Rayne and Mortal Kombat, shameful testaments to a degraded society. Brutality over beauty. This little gem, now available for PS2, was being sold (new, not even on sale) for only $30. It was the cheapest PS2 title available. Sad, especially when not even a decade ago, its predecessor was the best selling video game of all time.
To those of you who would rather slice and dice in a dark and fetid underworld than experience an astoundingly serene environment, you have my pity. You have lost your ability to appreciate beauty. I, for one, will happily hermit myself away with our new game and leave the bloodshed to you.
Since the server doesn't seem to appreciate my verbosity, this post will exist in two parts.
When I first heard about Myst III, I was excited. There was a bit of media hoopla building it up, but then it seemed to disappear. I wasn't even aware that it was out until a couple months ago when it quietly surfaced on the shelves. It seemed an undeservedly quiet arrival for such a significant event.
We have just started playing, Jordan included, and it is no disappointment so far. The scenery is as beautiful as ever, the gameplay seems complex, and the worlds might be the most imaginative yet. They even have new music, a significant part of the originals, supplied by a Philharmonic composer. It's incredible. Jordan is blown away, and we've only just begun to turn knobs, crank dials and shift gears.
It's a shame that such a work of art, a masterpiece of creative vision and imagination should suffer such an ignominious demise, especially when the competition are games like Blood Rayne and Mortal Kombat, shameful testaments to a degraded society. Brutality over beauty. This little gem, now available for PS2, was being sold (new, not even on sale) for only $30. It was the cheapest PS2 title available. Sad, especially when not even a decade ago, its predecessor was the best selling video game of all time.
To those of you who would rather slice and dice in a dark and fetid underworld than experience an astoundingly serene environment, you have my pity. You have lost your ability to appreciate beauty. I, for one, will happily hermit myself away with our new game and leave the bloodshed to you.
Thursday, January 02, 2003
Spin doctor
With another interview today, this time at Metrex things look promising workwise. I was there for almost two and a half hours.
These guys are a small web design company (only 7 people so far) but are poised to grow. They have the aggressive goal of doubling their staff every year for the next 3 years. And they need creative; it could be a very good opportunity for me. They build sites using their own content management software Momex. I've seen other systems like it (Blogger is a very rudimentary version), and I think approaches like theirs are the future of the web.
It struck me today that the web could be poised for another large shift in the way that information is structured and accessed. It might be the time where technology moves on a tangent and those who don't keep up, get lost. It's not just about HTML and funky rollovers anymore.
As I prepared myself for the interview this morning, I thought about design for electronic media. I find it odd that in a completely virtual context, disassociated from tangible reality, a lot of what we do still mimics print design and actual things from our environment: torn paper edges, drop shadows, textures. Even the various screens we view are called 'pages'.
But the possibilities in the virtual arena are endless. I think maybe we have to let go of the things we know. Genuinely create instead of just recreating. Envision instead of simply seeing. From there may come brilliance.
With another interview today, this time at Metrex things look promising workwise. I was there for almost two and a half hours.
These guys are a small web design company (only 7 people so far) but are poised to grow. They have the aggressive goal of doubling their staff every year for the next 3 years. And they need creative; it could be a very good opportunity for me. They build sites using their own content management software Momex. I've seen other systems like it (Blogger is a very rudimentary version), and I think approaches like theirs are the future of the web.
It struck me today that the web could be poised for another large shift in the way that information is structured and accessed. It might be the time where technology moves on a tangent and those who don't keep up, get lost. It's not just about HTML and funky rollovers anymore.
As I prepared myself for the interview this morning, I thought about design for electronic media. I find it odd that in a completely virtual context, disassociated from tangible reality, a lot of what we do still mimics print design and actual things from our environment: torn paper edges, drop shadows, textures. Even the various screens we view are called 'pages'.
But the possibilities in the virtual arena are endless. I think maybe we have to let go of the things we know. Genuinely create instead of just recreating. Envision instead of simply seeing. From there may come brilliance.
Wednesday, January 01, 2003
Could I eat that?
The money situation is becoming a bit desperate now. We're not going to starve or anything, but it's really time to find a little bit of income. There may not be a mortgage to worry about but there are creditors just the same.
And we need to do some grocery shopping, although Julia's cheque doesn't come until tomorrow. The food in the house is at that point where there's still lots to eat, but most of it takes work and it isn't really appealing anyway. I end up staring into the fridge, looking for what, I'm not sure. I'll give up and walk away only to return 5 minutes later, looking again, as if the fridge has miraculously been filled with delicious tidbits in the meantime.
It doesn't help that I've finally decided that I've got to take a strong stance against my ever-growing waistline. I've really packed it on lately, so we're going to be on a strict 'healthy food only' diet. It's at the point where far too great a percentage of my clothes don't fit at all, let alone properly. But we're not prepared for that yet, with good, low-fat, low-cal, snacking foods, so I continue to rummage, hoping to turn up something that I can eat with a clean conscience.
We're at a standstill lately with everything. I can't believe that we've been here three months already and I've accomplished virtually nothing on the house, with the exception of an almost-complete sauna in the basement. There's so much to do for the business and it doesn't seem like that's moving either. Even just keeping up with the household stuff, like dishes, laundry and cleaning, seems insurmountable. I'm not sure what the problem is, but if we can't shake this lethargy soon we'll be destitute. Or at least no better off than we are now.
This whole venture, adventure, or misadventure, whatever it is, is harder than I could have anticipated. It's been tough on all of us, in ways that are difficult to pinpoint specifically. We're all emotionally volatile. Two days ago Jordan was lying on our bed sobbing for the loss of his old friend Joshua Young, complete with incoherent babbling. On any given day you're just as likely to find one of us chipper and peppy as miserable and depressed. I can't even say why exactly.
It seems so trite so wrap it all up in the cozy blanket of "Well, there's a lot things to get used to. Moving is hard, new city, blah, blah." I want to define it. What is hard? Why is it hard? What takes getting used to? How can we deal with it? Not this ambiguous unproductive slump that can't be measured or explained. It's like fighting an invisible enemy. No fair, play nice.
I guess it's not much wonder we've all had our share of comfort foods.
The money situation is becoming a bit desperate now. We're not going to starve or anything, but it's really time to find a little bit of income. There may not be a mortgage to worry about but there are creditors just the same.
And we need to do some grocery shopping, although Julia's cheque doesn't come until tomorrow. The food in the house is at that point where there's still lots to eat, but most of it takes work and it isn't really appealing anyway. I end up staring into the fridge, looking for what, I'm not sure. I'll give up and walk away only to return 5 minutes later, looking again, as if the fridge has miraculously been filled with delicious tidbits in the meantime.
It doesn't help that I've finally decided that I've got to take a strong stance against my ever-growing waistline. I've really packed it on lately, so we're going to be on a strict 'healthy food only' diet. It's at the point where far too great a percentage of my clothes don't fit at all, let alone properly. But we're not prepared for that yet, with good, low-fat, low-cal, snacking foods, so I continue to rummage, hoping to turn up something that I can eat with a clean conscience.
We're at a standstill lately with everything. I can't believe that we've been here three months already and I've accomplished virtually nothing on the house, with the exception of an almost-complete sauna in the basement. There's so much to do for the business and it doesn't seem like that's moving either. Even just keeping up with the household stuff, like dishes, laundry and cleaning, seems insurmountable. I'm not sure what the problem is, but if we can't shake this lethargy soon we'll be destitute. Or at least no better off than we are now.
This whole venture, adventure, or misadventure, whatever it is, is harder than I could have anticipated. It's been tough on all of us, in ways that are difficult to pinpoint specifically. We're all emotionally volatile. Two days ago Jordan was lying on our bed sobbing for the loss of his old friend Joshua Young, complete with incoherent babbling. On any given day you're just as likely to find one of us chipper and peppy as miserable and depressed. I can't even say why exactly.
It seems so trite so wrap it all up in the cozy blanket of "Well, there's a lot things to get used to. Moving is hard, new city, blah, blah." I want to define it. What is hard? Why is it hard? What takes getting used to? How can we deal with it? Not this ambiguous unproductive slump that can't be measured or explained. It's like fighting an invisible enemy. No fair, play nice.
I guess it's not much wonder we've all had our share of comfort foods.
It's not word, but it's a state of mind.
Links
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