I looeked it up. It’s called a “closed-eye visual.” Basically, it’s phenomenon that causes us to see abstract colors and shapes when our eyes are closed or we’re in the dark. Apparently, everyone sees something different. I tried to make a visual representation of what I see:

OK so today is my birthday. I’m resolving to post on this blog more. If for no other reason but simply to get my thoughts out there… it’s healthy, you know?

Since my last post, I gave up the studio, started working for a photographer (Farrah Braniff) and for Ward & Ames. I’m finally starting to understand my strengths and what I love, as well as my weaknesses and the things I hate. I’m finding out what inspires me to create. In the past, there was one simple variable that was hindering me from achieving these personal epiphanies - rent. Eliminating the studio was the best single decision I ever made (regarding money). Now the equation is simple: work=money.

I’m finding that I can satisfy my need to create from pretty much anywhere. All I need is my trusty laptop. I’m so thankful for the opportunities that have presented themselves to me in the past couple months and I truly believe that I’m headed down the right path.

So here’s to being 25. This is going to be MY year.

Ha! Not really, but I do feel pretty awesome right now.

Last week I was hired to submit some concept drawings to my Special Events friends at Ward & Ames so that they could put together a package for this non-profit organization wanting to throw a fundraiser in the Fall. I slaved over a design concept, rendered a handful of drawings and submitted them. Yesterday, the package was presented, with my concept as one of the options. They went with mine! Awesome. That means I’ll get to develop my concept further and fine tune it to the event’s needs, and to the specific venue - which will most likely be the Hobby Center. So for my first *official* gig like this, I’m just ecstatic that it has gone well. I hope I get many more like it!

All this week, I’ll be training my stomach to live on one banana for breakfast and a *tiny* lunch. Next week, I’ll be in Vegas working all day with little opportunity to eat a substantial meal (at least that’s what I’ve been told.) I’m also trying to work out a lot and get used to being on my feet a lot. I’ll be on my feet from 9-5 every day next week. I’m SOOO excited to be a part of this but I gotta say I’m kinda nervous because it’s way different work than what I typically do day-in day-out.

So far, so good. Banana = good.

I officially landed a gig managing my next event. This time, it’s in Vegas, baby! I’ll be there for a week, starting on January 18th, working Monday through Friday at the IBS (International Business Systems) Trade Show at the Hilton. Specifically, I’ll be working with Kohler, Inc. managing their demos. Which means I’ll be directing people and audio technicians to make sure everyone’s in the right place at the right time with the right mic. I’m told it’s a keep-you-on-your-toes kind of gig, which will be wonderful for me. I’m going today to get some Dr. Scholl’s inserts.

I’m really lucky to be involved with this company and I can’t wait to continue my work with them. I’ve found the fast-paced, high-stress world of event management one that I could really make a home in.

The first Monday of the year!

I couldn’t sleep at all last night due to some unwanted noises coming from about 15 feet about me. Plus there was a bug flying around our room and I just knew it was going to crawl in my mouth if I fell asleep with my mouth open. So needless to say, the quiet calm of the studio is very lulling today. I don’t know how much I’ll get done but I hope I can stay awake.

I write this with bitterness and hurt feelings. Poor decision? Probably, but I resolve it to be my last.

It’s recently come to my attention that I am driven not by logic or reasoning, but by my emotions. They say that better business and life decisions are made when emotion isn’t allowed to color the reasoning. But to be honest, I can’t think of one decision I’ve made in my life that wasn’t a direct result of my then current mood. So where does that leave me? Emotionless.

I have a hard time with this because I do a lot of business with friends, and have lots of relationships built on networking. It’s kind of an all or nothing deal for me here - if I take emotion out of something somewhere, it’s going to affect all the aspects of my life. Maybe I’m ready for that! No, I won’t become a bitch, nor will I be cold-hearted. What I will (try to) be, however, is a strong, confident and effective decision maker who demands respect from my associates by my actions. I will make no apologies for my choices, nor will I excessively explain myself as I now tend to do.

2009 will make for an interesting year…

Now I’m hungry for a pop-tart.

Korey, Me and Clint

Korey is Clark Kent, and I’m Bruce Wayne and we’re in a committed relationship. Get it? Clint is Heath Ledger’s Joker. But we think he looks like Reba.

So halloween night was fun, even if it ended with me having had way too much beverage. Tequila + Apple Pucker + Champagne + Tanqueray = Carwash. Don’t ask.

I love house parties. Especially ones where I don’t seem to know anybody. I remember bits and pieces of Friday night… I remember telling someone I was an expert in Marine Biology, and how paisley was based on the same basic pentagonic cellular structure of sea urchins. Then I remember asking a black guy if his hair was real… then when it wasn’t, I believe I started wearing it. Yes, it was a night of debauchery and just-too-muchery. Well at least I didn’t end up in the emergency room like last year.

It’s my Birthday!

Turning 24 has been a little bittersweet…

Many years ago, I created an unofficial list of goals and set the accomplish date to today, July 21st 2008 - My 24th birthday. I realized last week as plans for my party were being made that I hadn’t accomplished but a rare few of these goals. I couldn’t get them done in a week, so I slipped into a state of despair and disappointment. Why wasn’t I more pursuant of these goals that seemed to matter so much to me? I still want to acheive them, and in fact the experience of letting myself down has motivated me even more to get them done. So, this year will be a great one. I will make damn sure of it.

I love the even years. They seem brighter somehow. Already, today seems cheerier and the sky bluer than yesterday. I’m sure it’s a matter of perception and outlook. Either way, I’m happy where I am.

I know it will be a good year because Korey did something for me that he’s never EVER done for me before - he wrote me a song! Here are the lyrics:

I kid you not - straight from his heart, that is. I love my Korey and he made sure that this Birthday was perfect. I can’t wait to spend this next year with him!