PGii Randomness

A Corporate Giig

2011-02-05T12:21:00.000-07:00

I'm going to start posting about events, or "Giigs" as I like to call them, that I am involved in from a design or planning perspective. This is a new service I am offering in my design business that covers things from presentation file management, custom graphics or slide shows on the fly, and photography.

The latest was a corporate Giig with my friend Carl Ulbrich of JIREH Communications, Inc.. He put together a team of lighting, video, audio and graphics specialists (me) for a week-long conference at The Phoenician, Scottsdale held by a global medical sales company. Carl oversees and plans the entire presentation operation from concept to implementation. He takes an empty space and transforms it into a wonderland of visual eye-candy appropriate to the audience.

Here are some before & after shots of the ballroom and foyer spaces:

Ballroom Before:

Ballroom After:

In the foyer or hallway leading to the conference rooms, an archway was constructed containing a "waterfall" that served as a screen for a gobo that projected a couple of themes or signage for the conference. The waterfall was really a very fine mist that fell in a powdery effect (like a cloud) and on contact had virtually no moisture to it. In the first 'After' picture you can see where it moved when someone walked through.

Foyer Before:

Foyer After:

"Waterfall" screen for their lighted signage. So COOL!

OK This is Ridiculous!

2011-02-04T12:02:00.000-07:00

Really? I had to put on my tipless mittens in order keep my hands warm while I'm working! It's c-c-c-COLD in Phoenix right now. It's finally inched up to about 42 degrees currently (got down to about 27 last night), and we have the heat and fireplace kickin here in the house but my mouse hand turns to ice. So = mitten time!

Anyone else have this problem with their mouse hand?

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Young MC

2011-02-02T17:12:00.000-07:00

Still young after all these years, Marvin Young kicks it at a local party in Scottsdale this past weekend. I managed to steal a smooch AND a pic!

No worries, Keith got a smooch in too.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.6

Flambé Baby!

2011-01-28T10:20:00.000-07:00

Had a great night out with a fabulous lady, Connie Shure. She and I entertained each other while our husbands were at a business dinner making big things happen.

Connie Shure

We had a lovely dinner at Perry's Grill & Steakhouse. And Connie commented from the beginning that she wanted some sort of Flambé dessert. We ordered the Nutty d’Angelo:
Crushed pecans flambéed with brown sugar and brandy, served over vanilla ice cream, dipped in white chocolate and toasted almonds.

Since we're watching our figures, we opted to skip the white chocolate dip. *Ha!*

To My Friends

2011-01-24T17:08:00.000-07:00

I get frustrated (big surprise I know) just like everyone else. During these tense moments I either want to cry or lash out physically or verbally. I want to do better; be better; be an example and inspiration to others. If I give love unconditionally I know it will be returned 10-fold (as if it - love - can be measured). I wish this same love for YOU. May you experience peace, joy, hope, faith and love - this day and everyday - for the rest of your life!

Great prayer I got today:

I fall short, but You are my help.
I am no angel, but I look to You.
I am not strong, but You are unshakable.
I may not be perfect, but I am willing.
For in my weakness, I have Your grace.
For tough decisions, I have Your Spirit.
For every need, I have You.
- Ngozi Nwabineli [Prayables.com]

The Good `Ol Stuff

2011-01-12T11:33:00.000-07:00

Keith and I were perusing the channels one night recently and stopped on a show promoting a CD collection of rock ballads. Isn't it funny how sometimes an old tune will bring back a good feeling? It wasn't about feeling old because the songs are now considered "classic", but about how young songs can make you feel.

I ended up downloading around 130 of those songs as we reminisced about the albums we collected and concerts we attended "back in the day". I feel a little bit of that energy when they're playing and then the imaginary microphone comes out. That's good ol stuff!

Sometimes you get these messages just when you need them

2010-11-30T23:36:00.000-07:00

Providence

Call it kismet or divine intervention--
I am where I need to be.
Let me never forget
that I did not wander here
unplanned by chance.
You led me to this place.
I am on stage awaiting my cue.
What can I do for You here?
With whom can I connect?
Let me do Your work and will,
and we shall move together
to the next destination.
Only You know my destiny,
though I know this:
In providence, I am never lost.

- Lori Strawn

The Travel Rigmarole

2010-11-21T22:37:00.000-07:00

When you start traveling on a regular basis it’s easy to gain a cynicism for the crap the wayfarer has to deal with. From the fondling at security to the shake-down of liquids, the whole experience can be quite vexing. I sense at some point nursing mothers will have to empty their “jugs” if sporting anything larger than a C-cup.

When Keith and I travel together it’s typically on Southwest because I have a “Companion Pass” and fly for free. There’s a simplistic approach to SW Airlines that I can appreciate. No fluff that the passenger pays extra for (e.g., food that I won’t and no one should eat; movies that didn’t make it past the first week at the box-office), and no extra fees either (e.g., “Bags fly free” for those of you that have been living under a rock). And the crew is generally hopped up on some sort of happy pills that drive them to want to try stand-up or be the next contestant on American Idol.

To the crew of Southwest:

Let’s get one thing straight. I’m not flying to be entertained. I just want to get from point A to point B with as little annoyances as possible. We’ve all have to deal with the screaming, whiny kids whose parents felt it was ok to feed mystery meat and sugar pop to, 10 minutes before boarding. Let's not make matters worse by jumping up on an imaginary stage. Unless you’re serving a 2-drink min. to all passengers during your performance, let’s pipe down, fly right and with peace & quiet. OK? I’ve heard your airline jokes at least 3 times already, and I’ve probably had the pleasure of your company on the way to/from by now. Come up with new anecdotes or just sit next to the little ol lady who’s on her maiden voyage or the kid watching his “Thomas the Train” DVD without headphones and share it with them. Your little folk songs of life of Southwest and the passengers you would rather sit out on the wing, don’t enthrall me to the slightest. If you must indulge yourself, video your “skit” and put it on You-Tube for the people who can appreciate C-rated entertainment and wish to share it with their friends & family that never go anywhere.

However, I thank you for your efforts and attention to my adult beverage needs. You excel in this area and I highly commend you for this. To those that DO keep the comments and rhetoric to a minimum – KUDOS! You are what keep me (and especially Keith) sane during travel.

And as TSA would prefer:

“Own only what you can carry with you; know language, know countries, know people. Let your memory be your travel bag.” ~ Alexander Solzhenitsyn

To those traveling during the holidays I bid you this,

“Travel light and liquid-free lest the security fondling is for thee.”

Paix, Frieden, Pace, 평화, Paz, PEACE!

“There are the can- and can’t-do people. Be the can-do person.”

2010-11-11T09:56:00.000-07:00

While there are many can-do people in the world (e.g., the Donald Trumps, Bill Gates and Oprah’s) I find the most respected of the can-doers combine a selfless generosity and passion for humanity. My husband Keith is one such can-do person. Like the many people having served or are still serving in our United States Military, he is not only a blessing to me but to our nation.

For much of 15 years he gave up the comforts of a warm cushy bed, home-cooked meals and the warm embrace of family and friends to guard and protect our nation’s security and freedoms. And he did all this without asking for anything in return or expecting anything more than a smile and a thank you when all was done. If everyone approached life with this kind of can-do attitude, just think what our world would be like.... stop and imagine it ....

...Now go out there and be a can-do person.

Keith,

My love, my friend, my selfless companion in this life – Thank you! God Bless!

XOXOXO

One of the only pictures I could find of Keith in uniform. I love his smile!! :)

Mom just sent a few more! - Thanks Anne!!

The Can-Do Man

Randomness is Bliss

2010-11-10T16:49:00.000-07:00

Check out this awesome display of random design and a beautiful accompaniment.
(Scroll down to bottom of page)

Don't Give in to the Pricks

2010-11-09T14:32:00.000-07:00

With everyone in an upheaval around the latest and upcoming elections we need to remember some key things. I've collected some words to live by and believe I will post these little reminders around the house where they will be seen and not forgotten. A friend posted one in particular that our politicians should be mindful of.

"When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the WORLD will know Peace!" (thanks Jonda!)

In relation to remembering to love, another friend sent a lovely little story, "Fable of the Porcupine"

It was the coldest winter ever. Many animals died because of the cold. The porcupines, realizing the situation, decided to group together to keep warm. This way they covered and protected themselves; but the quills of each one wounded their closest companions. After awhile, they decided to distance themselves one from the other and they began to die, alone and frozen. So they had to make a choice: either accept the quills of their companions or disappear from the Earth. Wisely, they decided to go back to being together. They learned to live with the little wounds caused by the close relationship with their companions in order to receive the heat that came from the others. This way they were able to survive.

Moral of the story: The best relationship is not the one that brings together perfect people, but when each individual learns to live with the imperfections of others and can admire the other person's good qualities.

The real moral of the story is: Just learn to live with the Pricks in your life!

So in summary, when you come across some prick that is trying to take your joy or that of people around you, assume that maybe some other prick took their joy recently. Don't add to the tumbling cycle of prick-making. Spread some joy instead and just SMILE.

Peace People!

How long does it take you to pack a suitcase?

2010-11-07T10:40:00.000-07:00

I ask the ladies this question in particular because no matter how quickly I try, it always takes me hours. My husband can get his done in what seems like 15 minutes. Now, he does travel often if not incessantly (for business) so he's well versed. Although, he does forget things from time to time. Heck! He's on the go so much I wonder if he forgets if he's coming or going. We do laundry and many of his clothes rarely make it back onto hangers or into drawers.

It's a bittersweet thing having a spouse that travels as much as Keith does. When he's gone, he is missed! But there are opportunities when I get to travel with him. This takes me to places I wouldn't regularly visit such as, Baltimore (MD), Hartford (CT), Saratoga Springs (NY), and then some places I love to get back to like New Orleans and Ft. Lauderdale. It also allows us to see our friends and families more often in Dallas and Florida. Of course all those miles do add up and can make for a nice vacation!

However, the grueling task of packing always takes a little fun out of the whole thing for me. Planning what to wear for a week (day and night), accessories for each (belts, jewelry, purses), only bringing minimal shoes (horrors!), and filling up all my little 3 oz bottles of toiletries, packing my vitamins... AAAAHHHH!!! I get suggestions to just pack simple, interchangeable items that go with a couple pairs of black shoes. BORING. I like black and white - don't get me wrong. Most of my closet is black and white, so it should be easy right? But as a designer, I like to change things up and add an interesting twist once in while - especially if I'm out in a new/different city.

I'm getting better with the wardrobe but I don't think I'll ever win a packing race with Keith. His suits, shirts & ties and traveling outfit are far less fastidious than my entourage of dress pants, jeans, t-shirts, blouses, sweaters, wraps, accessories, and oooooh the shoe selection!!!

Gotta run and pack! Was just reminded, "we only have 5 hrs before we leave! And YOU TAKE FOREVER!"

*Geeesh*

Prop 203 Voted Down: What Does the Future Hold for our 'Friendly' Herb?

2010-11-03T11:06:00.000-07:00

OK, so those of you that know me are familiar with my “health-nut” background. I practically have a vitamin store in our cabinet, I read nutrition labels and will tell you how I feel about HFCS. I will also not hesitate to voice my disgust for cigarette smoke. It’s a nasty, stinky, dirty, putrid, despicable habit that ultimately results in poor health. Although, to be fair, they reportedly deliver a buzz – thus the addiction.

So when proposition 203 (ballot measure in Arizona to make medical marijuana legal) was presented I thought long and hard on this, weighing the pros and cons of living with “freed” weed. I might add I’ve recently been enthralled by the series "Weeds", entertained with their depiction of the cannabis culture. Although, I’ve tried it before and discovered I experience more discomfort than pleasure, I choose not to partake. However, from what I’ve heard and read, marijuana does have medicinal benefits for many people, namely those inflicted with cancer. I also ask, “How can something that makes so many people so happy, be so bad?” Well, for starters the smoking bit – lighting up one joint is the equivalent of 100 cigarettes (that are still legal BTW) to your lungs, or something like that. So, why not bake it, whip it up in a smoothie, add it your Cobb salad, or figure out some other culinary delight in which to partake it’s happy goodness? Apparently, there’s a lazy bug in the green bud. ???

My concern about regulating this “natural” substance, stems from my passion and practice with using herbal medicine. About 15 years ago (?) an anti-stress, anti-anxiety herb called Kava Kava was introduced. It perked up the FDA with its claims and news of people receiving an euphoric "high" from Kava. It was under tremendous scrutiny and was almost pulled from the shelves, but here we are years later and here it remains. Similar stories still reign around Ephedra sinica [species: Cao Ma Huang, Chinese ephedra] and OTC medicines containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine which is derived from the Ephedra plant. I used to use the raw form, Ephedra, when it was still available to control my asthma years ago. My point: there are natural substances with many health benefits with which Mother Earth has blessed us. Authorities and regulators hold many very valuable natural herbs and nutrients over the heads of the masses like candy away from children, touting they know better than we do what we can and should put in our bodies. To a point, some people should be restricted – just like people who break the law. But to keep these natural gifts away from those whose lives would be improved or even prolonged seems tragic. It’s a tough one to solve and we may spend years sorting it out. I just hope when I have a cold I’ll continue to have the freedom of buying my vitamin C and marshmallow root at the local health-food store and not have to get a court order or prescription for them.

Peace!

High Dose IV Vitamin C Found Useful for Terminal Swine Flu

They had to hire a lawyer to get their way -- but their actions saved the man's life. … intravenous vitamin C! … right to have vitamin C administered.

There's Still Time

2010-11-02T17:17:00.000-07:00

If you haven't yet, GET OUT AND VOTE! This country needs your voice to make things better. I did my homework on the issues and candidates and voiced my opinion. Now voice yours!

God bless the USA!

New Beginning

2010-11-02T08:22:00.000-07:00

The idea of my very own blog feels like such an adventure and something I’ve been yakking about doing for some time. It’s been a roller coaster of a year with many highs and very few lows, but with lows so low it’s easy to lose sight of the great highs. The year started off with matrimony and fan-fare, a long-awaited graduation by June, some fabulous trips to New York, Texas, the Caribbean and alas the honeymoon to Italy. You’ll see many background shots of our excursions to Rome, Florence and Venice.

However, as life is always evolving and we continue to learn and grow there will undoubtedly be those challenging moments that knock us off our cloud of euphoria. The optimist says, “When life hands you lemons....” However, I’ve always felt that to be a knock on a wonderful and beneficial fruit once thought to be a rare and treasured gift. Appropriately timed, this saying got me to thinking about the Charlie Brown Halloween special where instead of candy ol’ Chuck keeps getting rocks in his trick-or-treat bag. So I would officially like to offer a change from lemons to rocks. I’ll leave you to ponder this new phrase and find the ending that best suits you.

"When life hands you a bag of rocks ...

... throw them back at the glass house they came from!"

... line your Zen garden with them. Oooommmmmmm"

... stomp, grind and crush them back into dirt where you can bury the bodies."

... tie your troubles to the bag and toss it into the ocean."

I’m sure you can think of some better ones, so please feel free to share here.

Thanks for being YOU!