by christindall | Mar 10, 2006 | Uncategorized
It’s a beautiful, sunny day out. It’s also freakin’ freezing. But that’s ok, as the customers don’t seem to mind.
It’s funny how life views change as life circumstances evolve. For example, it wasn’t that long ago that my love of the rain didn’t interfere with my income stream. Now that it does, I still love the rain, but it sucks when it DOES rain. Funny thing, that.
So we’re still waiting to hear back on our offer for the new home to rent. I’m hoping to hear today, as if it’s a go I will be meeting with one of the landlords tomorrow here at
the store. I suppose that would be a prayer request – that whatever is going to happen will happen, so that Janene and I can plan and be ready for it all.
So I’m thinking about going on this cleansing diet. It’s like a 2 week deal where you eat only specific things, and it’s supposed to clean your system of “free radicals” (
ode to Mr. Bond) and other harmful crap that gets built up by daily life, stress, and poor eating habits. All of which I have, in abundance. Especially the daily life.
Anyway, given how many problems my stomach has been giving me recently, I’m thinking this might be a good way to kick off Spring. The question I really must answer is whether or not I’m willing to change my eating habits on a more permanent basis – because if not, there’s no point in putting myself through that. I think this may need a little more thought.
Have you ever had
Amante’s Pizza? It’s good. REALLY good. We had it a few weeks ago for the first time, on a recommendation from Barb Kelly, our manager here at the store. We had it again with the Moe’s one evening – Super Bowl Sunday late at night, if I remember correctly. And then again last night we had some delivered for the staff meeting here at the store. MMMMMmmmmmmm….. yummy.
Don’t think it helped my stomach, though. huh.
I’m really looking forward to
the store expansion. It’ll be awesome to have a real live office, with an actual window, nice walls, etc. Not that my space here is bad, mind you – but it is a little…makeshift. Of course, it will also be wonderful to have the cathedral ceilings, the extra floorspace, the garden out back, all the windows … all in all, it’s gonna be a ton of work and cash, but a very cool thing.
Time to work. Work work, back to work. Everybody work. (
ode to KIXI).
by christindall | Mar 9, 2006 | Uncategorized
Well, that sucks.
So it looks like we may not end up with that house we were looking at renting, when all is said and done. Which is very sad, and VERY frustrating. It would fit so well for us, and we were (and still ARE) so excited about it. We have an offer on the table with the landlords, so we’re just waiting to hear back. I really do hope we get it.
Moving on and not dwelling on bummerness, it’s a wonderful day out! Rainy, windy, a little cold… I just wish that days like today didn’t affect our sales here at the store so much. It’s actually pretty amazing how the weather affects people. Somebody should do a study. Or something.
So I stumbled across a couple of fun links yesterday, and have to admit to spending probably 15 minutes playing with them. They’re movie trivia (identify the movie from the screenshot) quizzes, and are actually quite fun.
So I know that Holly Moe “regularly” checks to see if I’ve finally updated my site. I think Andy does, too. I’m not sure that anyone else pays attention at all. It’s been quite fun the last day or two to call Holly a slacker, since she hasn’t noticed that I updated the site finally. I just wonder how long it’ll take her to figure out what I mean.
On the radio (KIXI – AM 880) this morning they were talking about how the Bird Flu could make US shores within 6 months. Which is just peachy. We also got a letter from the Health Department telling us (at the store) that we should prepare for the inevitable upcoming pandemic and health crisis. So if they know this is coming, what are they doing to prepare for it? Why have I not heard on the news that all the major labs are cranking out appropriate drugs, at least for the Bird Flu? Why, if we KNOW there’s going to be a pandemic, are we not doing more than we are? Maybe this is the government’s way of controlling overpopulation. Probably not, but hey – who knows.
I’ve never been really good at leading an extremely organized life. For one, I have way to much crap sitting around. For two, I just never picked those habits up. But there’s certainly something to be said for it. We finished putting the shelves up above the stairs (we built a huge platform above the stairs at the store) to hold all the Seasonal Essentials stuff. It’s really nice. And I’ve finally got the filing mostly organized – I really need to finish that. The upstairs (which is all storage) is finally coming along, too. We need to finish organizing all the product up here, but even that’s coming along. It REALLY makes a difference. Duh, you say. Oh well. It also really makes me want to organize my home life more. I’d better sit down and rest, or I’m going to pass out from all the excitement.
Oh well. Back to work.
by christindall | Mar 9, 2006 | Uncategorized
Have you ever had so much to do that you couldn’t even figure out what you needed to do? I really hate that. Best thing, at that point, is to pick one thing you KNOW you have to do and do it – get it done. Then move on to the next, and so on and so forth. Problem is, that’s so much easier said than done….
It’s amazing how many things you juggle when you own a business. I think it’s something that nobody can understand, unless they too own a business. All the little things that fall through the cracks, or get ignored in favor of dealing with bigger “more important” things.
So what do you do when there’s 3.5 businesses you’re responsible for, plus a project or two? And ONE of those businesses is growing by leaps and bounds? You go stinkin’ crazy, that’s what. And then you make a list, and you work on that list for a while. And then you lose that list, and “remake” it – in reality the lists aren’t even remotely the same.
Insanity is a part of life.
On the plus side, I now have full copies (having moved on from the academic realm, it was high time to get full copies of my programs) of Photoshop CS, InDesign CS, Abrobat, After Effects Pro, Premier Pro 2.0, Audition, Dreamweaver, Flash 8, Freehand, Contribute . . . I can’t even remember them all. It’s been a busy (and expensive!) month. But it’s really quite exciting. I have all this motivation now to do layout and design work, web stuff, video stuff… how fun! Just what I need. Another diversion. 🙂
But, combined with my Rebel XT (and my “soon” to be purchased video camera) I should have plenty of fun.
As soon as I can get the rest of my life organized, that is. But that’s ok – organization is in process (and things are getting more manageable), and we’re on the right track.
Wow. Talk about a totally pointless rambling. I think I’m gonna go make Mac and Cheese.
by christindall | Mar 7, 2006 | Uncategorized
It’s amazing how fast time goes, isn’t it? I know this is a bit of a common theme in my blogs, but hey – it astounds me every time I look at it. I mean, we live – day in and day out – doing those routines we’ve established for ourselves, walking through our daily lives just trying to get done those things we must; trying to make ends meet, or to finish up that painting, or that website, or that advertising campaign, or that volunteer session, or dance lessons, or [fill in the blank]. And each and every day flies by faster than the previous day, doing the same things. Why is that? If we’re doing the same things, why does the day go by so much faster?
While I would be seriously bored enough to murder someone if I never had projects to work on or things to do, I DO think that there’s great value in slowing down. Certainly there will be times where life is insane, but I think the worthy goal is to organize life and slow down so that those times are the exception, and not the rule.
I want time to play around with woodworking, and photography. To sit and read a book without rushing through it or worrying that I’m not getting things done. And most importantly to spend quality time every day with my wife (and family, when the time comes…). The tyranny of the urgent; it’s a killer!
I’m so excited to be moving our residence closer to the store! We’ll be moving at the end of April or the 3rd week of May, depending on when the current tenant moves out (we’re assuming her lease). It’s a beautiful, relaxing home – very light and airy. One of the things I’m so excited about is to be going through all our things and getting rid of those items that aren’t necessary. We WILL be having a garage sale… 😉 As they say, one man’s junk… Anyway, we’ll have something like 1800 sq. feet in the new place. It should be absolutely wonderful. Janene will have her own art studio space and most of my work and office will be at the store, so once I come home (for the most part) I won’t be working anymore. We’ll have ample storage for those things that we ARE keeping, but this space is really going to force us to re-examine all the possessions that we have accumulated over time.
I know that the new location isn’t going to solve my problems, at least not in and of itself (other than being close to the store, anyway). However, it IS proving to be a catalyst for change – it’s forcing me to examine myself, and those things that I’ve held on to for so long that just make no sense. It will force a purge, of sorts, that I’ve begun to crave. So yeah, I’m excited.
Of course, our personal move may very well come at the same time that The Weed Patch is expanding….
by christindall | Mar 6, 2006 | Uncategorized
What a wonderful, beautiful day. It’s sunny and WINDY, and it looks like clouds are coming in. Weather says possible thunderstorms, which are always fun! The weather is such an interesting thing – it’s so wild and unpredictable for the most part, and yet we have just enough of a grasp on how it works to be dangerous. We sometimes plan entire days, or vacations, based on what the guy on TV or radio says. Sure, he’s got sophisticated equipment that helps him see patterns, and training and experience that helps him identify those patterns.
But really. They’re just guessing, based on past behaviours and things that look similar. It’s amazing to me that in this day and age, with computers having evolved and permeated our lives, that we still must guess at what nature intends. I’ll bet God gets a chuckle about that one!
Speaking of computers, here’s an interesting question given all the negative media coverage about computers (from virus scares to hackers to identity theft to stupidity…) – are computers on the rise or decline in useage? Are we better off with or without them? How often do you use a computer in your daily life? How about at work? How often do you have to do something other than basic email or Office tasks? What about computers in education? Many people I know went through either Computer Science (CSC) or Engineering – what’s your guy’s opinions about computers and CS? Is it worthwhile to have those formally taught, or is it more practical to learn on the job? How much more difficult would it make it if there WAS no formal training at the college level (with the exception of tech colleges…) to land and hold a position? What did you learn in college that made those classes and programs worth while? Do you think employers are more likely to respect either individuals or institutions that have or provide that training?
Seriously, leave some feedback on this, would you? I’m curious now.
Anyway, what a tangent!
by christindall | Mar 6, 2006 | Uncategorized
Well. What a record, huh? Here I was going to blog and update my site a bunch, and I haven’t hardly touched it – really at all – in what must be close to a year. And then today, while home with stomach gross-ness, I release an update. So I figure I should blog a new entry here too. Just to see how long it takes people to notice, I suppose.
So yeah, I’ve updated the site. Added some photos – there WILL be many, many more to come as I’m a “bit” of a shutterbug and have hundreds of photos. I’ve GOT to get something else productive done today, however (even though this DID flush out several useability bugs that I’ve needed to get to for quite some time….).
For those of you who haven’t been in on the latest news, here’s some of the last year in a nutshell (I’ll probably blog more on these here soon in the future…plus, you can always join the mailing list to receive “Tindall Updates” as they get sent out, which really isn’t all that often…).
To start with, the big news – Janene and I …. bought a store. Along with Janene’s parents, Don and Esther Cunningham. We purchased The Weed Patch in Country Village, which is located in Bothell, Washington. We closed the deal on September 9th, and were honored to have the Moe’s bring us dinner and be our first purchase. Actually, if memory serves, Andy bought us a congratulations card. 🙂
Secondly, Janene is starting to push herself more as an artist (check out her website!), and is also starting to sell art supplies online, along with her finished art. This is a very exciting thing for us both! At the end of March we’re attending a class and then an art conference called ArtFest. While Janene is in classes, I will be working on various projects, sleeping, and exploring with his new camera.
Oh yeah, I got a new camera. It’s a Canon Digital Rebel XT – it’s VERY cool, and I have lots and LOTS of new pictures… Keep an eye on the gallery for updates, whenever they happen.
Seasonal Essentials is kind of rolling into the store now, so if you’re looking for SE products come up to the shop. We’re still getting new labels done, and working on display and stuff for the SE products, so they’re not all out – if there’s something you REALLY want, call Chris to make sure it’s up at the store.
That’s it, for now. Well, there’s more, but I’ll save those for a later post.
by christindall | Apr 12, 2005 | Uncategorized
It is absolutely amazing to me, the passage of time. One moment I’m in high school, playing basketball. The next, I’m married – for two and a half years! I have two businesses and a passionate hobby, which I sure wish would make some money somewhere along the way.
I have a wife who loves me, despite my flaky brain, despite my confusion about life, despite my lack of direction.
I have a brother who is getting married in a week and a half, to a wonderful woman who will hopefully love him as my wife loves me.
I open my eyes and look around me, and I see confused and unhappy people. I see people locked into a life unaware of how the heck they got there. I see people beaten down by the “realities” of this world.
I put on my glasses, and I see people who LOVE their life. Who have a solid marriage, and wonderful families. Who have friends that have passed the tests of fire that are the proving grounds of all REAL friendships. I see people who actually like their jobs, and know that they are making a difference. I see people who make the world a better place, every single day, simply by being alive.
I look around, and I realize that whatever limitations society drills into us, what REALLY matters is how we LET ourselves be limited. We all fit into a box, regardless of our walk in life, our faith, our relationships, our upbringing, our culture – and that box is the box that we believe we are in.
What if we could just decide not to live in those boxes any more? What possibilities would open up before our eyes? Where would our HEARTS take us, if our brains didn’t limit our accomplishments, our courage, and our soul? What if we could say “THIS is who I am, and THIS is how I want to live, and nothing is going to stand in my way” – and then to have things come together that way?
I’m not saying this is possible. There are very real limitations to life, like the requirements of eating, and sleeping, and surviving. But perhaps it’s time to look at our options differently. Would we be happier living with less money, and less material wealth? Could we have a job doing something we really wanted to do if we would be willing to step out and take a risk and make it happen? What if we were able to say “$%(*$%(*#$%(* THIS!” – and move on?
I read an article a while back about a couple that gave up everything they had to live in the country and make soap. If you know me personally, this might be a note of humor for you, seeing as how I (along with my wife Janene and mom-in-law Esther) have a business making soap, and I’d give my left … nevermind … to move out into the country and away from the insane life of the city. Anyway, this couple was doing quite well, and were on their way “up” – according to the standards that seem to be pretty much universally accepted in America for success. The problem? They weren’t happy. Their heart chords were not being played; their souls were restless and out of touch with their lives. They gave up their careers, their security, and everything they knew – to live a life of close to paycheck-to-paycheck existence – doing something they loved.
How refreshing! How inspiring! What they found, I believe, is what so many search for their entire lives without finding – and that is true freedom. Freedom from material lusts. Freedom from the stress of a pace of life that I believe will lead to earlier and earlier deaths in our society. Freedom from the unhappy grind they found themselves in. What did they REALLY give up, in contrast to what they gained? I may never know, in their case, since I just read about them.
But having examined myself, I have finally figured out a few things about life, I think.
I know that my happiest moments are when friends and family are around, and having fun or working together. I know that I am happy dreaming things into existance, and working to make them a reality. I know that I dream of living a life in the country, and working from my home, with my family. I know that have yet to find a “traditional” job that fulfilled my need to be a part of something important, and that I have yet to be happy in any “traditional” job that I have held. I know that I have friends who will always be there for me. I know that I have family that will always love me. I know that I am a total screw up, but that God still accepts me and tells me that it’s ok – again. I know that I am going to Heaven when I die. I know that I need to leave this earth in a better place then when I found it. I know that I take risks – and I am ok with that. I know that I look at life differently, but I believe that makes me a stronger person. I know that I am creative, and technical, and people oriented, and that I can do anything I believe I can do.
What do you believe? Who are you? Are you happy? What have you sacrificed for your job, your life, your toys? Was it worth it? Was your marriage, or your self respect, or your health, or your inner child, or you sense of wonder, or your sense of worth, or you faith – was it worth it, the path that you chose? Do you even KNOW what the cost has been?
I would encourage everyone to think outside the box. Ask yourself the question “If I could do anything, be anybody, build anything, go anywhere – what would my choices be?” – and then ask yourself what’s holding you back.
Is it money? If it is, how are you spending your money? Is your house too big? Do you eat out too much? Do you have a ridiculously expensive car? Stop making excuses! There are excuses for EVERYTHING. You will only free yourself if you STOP making excuses and take some responsibility for your life. Take OWNERSHIP of your decisions. Sell your house, buy something smaller that will allow you to save your money. You don’t REALLY need that new TV / Computer / Car / Camera / Boat / Bike …. Every time you see something that you just “have to have” – remember your answer to that question – and weigh the options. If you HAVE to spend money, set up a bank account – in a totally different bank from your regular account – and every time you feel the urge to spend money, put that amount (don’t forget taxes!) into your seperate account.
Is it time? If it is, how are you spending it? Are you discouraged, as I often get, over the amount of time that you work? Look at your choices! I work now because what I am doing I firmly believe will allow me to live the kind of life I want to live – in the country, with my family. And I know that this is temporary, and it will pass. But it may be different for you – if it is, think about taking a risk and doing what you’ve always wanted to do! Research it – what will it take? Work towards that goal, and realize that for every problem there are infinite solutions – if one doesn’t work (to quote a GREAT book called “The Art of Possibility”) – well then, “How Fascinating!” – try another!
Is it kids? If it is, ask yourself how you can serve THEIR interests best, before your own. Is there still room to make changes to your life so that you can be happy, and so that you can pursue your dreams? Kids are an AWESOME responsibility, and once you have accepted that responsibility it is imparitive that you live up to it – everything that you do, you should do that they might have a chance at living the life that they dream of. Encourage them, teach them, and love them.
Is it where you live? Where you work? All these things can be changed! The greatest adversary to change is fear. The greatest cause of failure for change is lack of flexibility – if you want it bad enough, if you can look at what will be sacrificed and determine that it’s worth it, you can find a way.
by christindall | Mar 21, 2005 | Uncategorized
Wow. What a month March has been already!
Let’s see – today is the 19th, and so far we’ve had a baby born to some of our best friends and a killer bachelor party for my brother, Jon. Those two events alone are just incredible – but the month isn’t over yet!
I had the opportunity to head to Camp Casey on Whidbey Island with Janene and some of our other best friends a week or two ago – I desperately needed the away time, and it was absolutely wonderful. The weather was sunny but cool with the breeze; we just hung out and relaxed. It was great – I look forward to doing that again sometime soon.
On the 30th Janene and I leave for ArtFest, a conference / workshop for artists. It’s at Fort Warden in Port Townsend. Should be fun. While Janene’s off doing artsy things, I’m hoping to have super productive work time – I’m so far behind on things it’s literally making me physically ill (the stress), so having some good, uninterrupted time in a nice (and new) environment should help me to finish some things up.
It’s funny. I finally have a moment to blog (since I’m too tired after the all night gaming party that was the bachelor party for Jon) and I’m just not in the mood. Oh well. Maybe I’ll go do brainless things online. That’s sounding like a good plan.
by christindall | Feb 28, 2005 | Uncategorized
Well. I suppose this year isn’t going quite the way I anticipated it would. Things have been…busy. Busier than they were for most of last year, actually.
All that to say, I guess I’m not updating this stuff nearly as often as I’d like. All my thoughts are going unrecorded, and lost forever. Oh well.
Read an interesting article, oh, several weeks ago. It’s still up, I just checked. It’s all about cars and computer chips, and how cars’ll be driving themselves by 2040.
In other general thoughts…hm. I don’t have any other general thoughts. All I’ve done is freakin’ work.
The new content management system and it’s partner, the resource management system are almost finished and ready to deploy on several sites. They’ll also get packaged up and sold to new customers, too. They really are quite cool, but I think it’s a sad thing when the coolest thing you have to talk about is a way for people to update their website.
It’s raining though – finally. Oh Boy, have I MISSED the rain. Geez. I’m nervous about this summer – I don’t like the heat, and it’s supposed to be the hottest in history. I mean, it’s still February and easily short weather. In Seattle, that’s BAD.
Noticed my bandwidth is being used faster. Hopefully that means that people are enjoying the humor stuff. Which is pretty much the only stuff that’s up right now. Although the new photo gallery module is basically done (minus some little tweaks) so I’ll be releasing that soon on here and uploading tons and tons of photos. Like 10 years worth. 🙂 Thanks to Mr. Moe (www.moedaddy.com) for his .php help on the upload utility.
The new version of NWChurches.com (v4.0) is coming along well, although I probably won’t get to finish it up this week, again. Working on several client sites, trying to finish three or four MAJOR modules and technology pieces, and then having to go in for Jury Duty starting tomorrow means that a) LATE nights this next week, and b) no time for NWChurches.com… Which sucks, as there’s several people – from radio stations to churches to individuals – who are waiting for the new version. Of course, if I had any FUNDING, then I could work on that full time and stop trying to get more web clients.
Speaking of, I’m getting much, MUCH closer to releasing several web package deals that really are pretty amazing. Way beyond most of what I’ve seen out there thus far, with a couple of exceptions. So if you’re looking for a website for pretty much anything, definitely drop me a note and let’s chat.
Dangit. Stopped raining. *sigh*
The new Seasonal Essentials site will be going live in the next couple of weeks. Be sure to keep an eye either here or on it, and I’ll keep you updated. It will have a brand new resource section, several new features and a ton of new backend stuff. Which won’t matter to you all that much, but boy – it’s nice for those of us administrating a site.
Before SE goes live, though, there’s several big pieces to rework (product ingredients, for example) because I had to change the database and that changed the way it all fit together. I’m hoping that Janene will have some time in the evenings to work through those issues, ’cause I’ve got a couple of clients I just HAVE to get going. Dawn, if you’re reading this (which would be very strange…) – I’m working with the server people and your site should be up momentarily. Bobby, you’re new site is gonna kick some serious … cheek. Hope you’re having a great trip and getting a lot of new content ready!
Signing off now; time to get back to work.
by christindall | Feb 6, 2005 | Uncategorized
It’s now early February, and time to look back over January to assess how the month went.
Life & Love:
We managed to see friends a time or two, which of course is always fun.
Janene is still enjoying ballet, although it’s getting tougher for her to keep up since she’s only in class once a week, compared to some of the other gals that are in two or more times a week.
We had an absolutetly AMAZING time up at Camp Casey, on Whidbey Island during a spontaneous Sunday outing. In addition to perfect soup and bread at Knead and Feed, a beautiful drive, stunning weather (both rain and shine), a car nap by the ocean, and a spectacular sunset, we had the opportunity to watch and photograph an entire herd of deer. Out on Camp Casey’s parade grounds were 13 deer, including a 2-point buck and a second buck just sprouting (they gave us the added pleasure of play fighting – we could hear their antlers connect – it was awesome!). That was the first time either of us had seen that many deer all together, and it was really neat.It was a perfect day together, and one that I will cherish for some time to come.
We also got to spend a weekend at my parent’s place, playing games and watching movies and eating far too much. It was a wonderful, relaxing time – and I even managed to cram some work in during movies and get the new Seattle Pacific University Computer Science website developed and up for testing. Keep your eyes on http://www.spucsc.com/ in the next several weeks for the official release.
Janene and I spent several enjoyable evenings & date nights relaxing at Starbucks or cruising around Snohomish / Monroe.
Overall, life has really improved this last January.
We’ve managed to clean and organize a bunch, so life is more structured which really helps me, and I know it helps Janene even more. We even got her “Art Studio” organized and cleaned, and she’s been spending a few hours a week there creating art. I’m hoping that she can really start to turn out some creative pieces that she can sell – she’s so amazingly talented and passionate about her art that I think she could do quite well as a full time artist.
Work:
Work has continued to be all consuming, but this time with a purpose.
I am working with Jon Haarstad, a friend in Portland whom I have worked on A Higher Standard with (the Christian Technology stuff, such as NWChurches.com), on a joint web design project. Essentially, we are combining forces to offer superior design, technology, and service, in an attempt to share the load and accept more clients and bigger clients. In order to launch our strategy, I must finish several significant technology pieces on the database and administrative side of things. It’s quite strange to me, a former designer who loathed coding, to be in the position of providing all the application logic and management, and have my partner provide all the design work and UI stuff. But I am extremely excited about both the possibilities that abound as well as the prospect of getting my hands dirty with Jon again. You can check out Jon’s Design House site at http://www.jhaasdesign.com/ – although he IS in the process of a total revamp of the site and I’m not certain of the timeline.
We had an investor presentation scheduled for February 22nd to present AHS to a group of investors. We’re looking for up to $8 million in startup capital, so we were extremely excited about giving this presentation. It has sense fallen through, which was a mixed blessing, as I got summoned for Jury duty and they refused to excuse me because apparantly giving a presentation that was a year in the making and could make or break your intended livelihood isn’t a valid excuse for missing jury duty. I tell ya – I don’t care who the sucker is or what they did, I’m voting for the freakin’ chair.
Seasonal Essentials had it’s first online order, and from a complete stranger, no less! It was very exciting, especially since I didn’t think that the technology would allow someone to actually complete the order process. Our goal within the next few months is to really get the web sales going, to the point that we’re bringing in an average of 5 sales a day. Additionally, we’re starting a couple of new programs up. One is our Business Advertising Program, which allows businesses to purchase our product with a custom label and turn around and mail them off as advertising for their company. The second is a “party” favor program, targeted specifically at weddings and wedding showers, but also at baby showers, anniversary parties, corporate functions, etc. We’ll be offering several of our products as potential favors, complete with custom labels. Keep your eyes on http://www.seasonalessentials.com/ for more information and an official release date for that program. If you’re interested in more details now, email me at chris @ seasonal essentials.com – [broken up to prevent harvesting…]
Speaking of seasonalessentials.com, we’ve got a new look at the moment (and it will be changing again for early spring in the next few weeks – which is funny because as I sit here and write this everything is covered with a thick snow…). I’m working “feverishly” to finish up several significant bug fixes, streamline the ordering process, and release some new technology. We’re looking for people who are interested to start writing some content for our resources database. If this intrigues you, you can email me at that same address for more information. We’re also looking for people to test our site by using it and noting all the problem areas, as well as what you like – if you’re interested….
Other “work” things that have happened this last month include the start of a new freshrainstudios.com site, with an updated look and current information and pricing, as well as full demos of all our packages.
Janene’s site was “released” this last month as well, although she’s still writing content and all that so there’s very little there. If you want to check it out anyway, the url is: http://www.janenerenee.com
Around Us:
So if you haven’t heard, both Ryan-Bob and Grahame McMaster and Andy and Holly Moe have given in and are pregnant. Grahame is due first, and Holly second. And no, we’re not giving in to the pressure, yet. I assure you, dear readers, you won’t be the first to know. But you will be up there, as I’m sure I won’t be able to contain my excitement… 🙂
We attempted to start playing Friday Night Basketball again this past friday night. Good thing that only two of us showed, though – the gym we were intending to use is closed for open gym until early April due to little league basketball. I tell ya – it’s embarassing when those little dudes play better than you do.
Moving right along.
Resolution Examination:
Given how many things I DIDN’T work on even a little this last month (sleeping regularly, eating better, no fast food, exercising, etc) I think perhaps I’ll only mention those things I DID work on, as the list is going to be MUCH shorter…
- Take a Sabbath every week. It hasn’t always been Sunday, and it hasn’t always been an entire day, but thus far I have most definitely relaxed much more this year than I did the last two years combined. That’s a good thing.
- Pay bills on time. Ok, I can’t take much credit for this, since Janene takes care of remembering the bills (she actually enjoys that stuff!), but I think we’re doing really well on this note.
- Focus on one business… Well, it’s actually two, but eventually one will be a secondary income and one will be full time; at least I’m not focusing on 20 different ideas and things. What a freakin’ relief.
- Develop a “Life Plan” – Janene and I talked some about this and what it entails, and go the ball rolling on figuring some stuff out. A good start, I must say.
- Improve Communication Skills: It sure SEEMS like things have been better; I know I have much to learn and develop, but I do think that at least some level of progress was made here.
- Set boundaries: I’m definitely doing this more. I’m saying no to things that I just can’t afford to do, whether it be work or favors or whatever. There’s a fine line that I’m learning to see between being secluded from life and friends, and being your own person within life and friends. Good lessons.
- Keep apt. Clean and Organized. Ok, so you couldn’t tell it if you walked in our front door right now, but overall this actually has mostly happened. We’ve still got several things to finish cleaning and organizing, such as the bedroom and office, but for the most part things have REALLY improved, and it’s definitely less stressful. Feng Shui? I donno, but I’ve certainly been more productive.
- Manage my time better. I’m improving, I’ll say that. I’m also learning what I need to do to be more effective with my time, to make better use of it. Like writing this blog instead of working on what I need to be working on. A perfect example.
Other things that have at least been addressed this last month:Watching our money, helping Jon and Alia with wedding stuff, keep calendar and schedule up to date, write Tindall Update (we wrote it, we just never go around to sending it.. I guess that’s the next step for February…)…
Ok. I don’t feel like going through this whole list right now. Maybe I’ll update this later.
I think I’m going to work now. Keep your eyes on things! 🙂
by christindall | Jan 25, 2005 | Uncategorized
So I sit here at Starbucks, working away (which I truly enjoy; I go to the Starbucks in Kenmore, sit facing the fireplace, drink a hot chocolate and work the morning away. Very productive.), and doing my best trying not to be disgusted at the group of Christian women sitting next to me.
Why? It’s simple. As they sit here, quoting and reading from the Bible, they are talking HORRIBLY about another gal whom they are apparently having problems with. Mind you, this gal isn’t here to defend herself. And what would appear to be a friently gathering of women around the Bible is in reality a gossip session with what appears (based on their conversation and conclusions / plan of action) to be malicious intent.
Now, I understand perfectly that there are usually political and personal issues in any group, even a group of Christians. I understand that there are people who don’t fit in, or who create “rifts” within the group. And I understand that upon rare occassions, these issues grow to a point where they need to be addressed and dealt with.
But good grief, do it appropriately. Don’t take everyone in the group but the problem person to Starbucks and then bash, trash, and condemn them. Don’t be loud and obnoxious about it. And sure as hell don’t quote and read from the Bible to justify yourselves. I’m pretty sure . . . about 100% . . . that Jesus never intended the Bible to be used that way. Of course, I’m also sure that He would be disgusted over the basic behavior that just went on. And He’d be broken hearted to see the reactions of the other patrons of Starbucks.
No wonder Christianity has a bad name. No wonder some of the things that are happening are actually happening. No wonder people are sick of the “self righteousness” of Christians.
I’M a Christian, and it made ME want to crawl into a hole and hide. Satan couldn’t have done a better job himself of making us look hateful and spiteful and unforgiving.
By all means, grow and deal with the issues that need to be dealt with. But perhaps, if your intent is not to truly deal with the issue but to castrate someone, it would be better for the rest of the world if you did it in the privacy of your own toilet.
by christindall | Jan 19, 2005 | Uncategorized
i LOVE the rain. I love it, and just about everything about it. Actually, the only thing I really DON’T like about the rain is the way people drive in it. But honestly, I just hate the way people drive, period. That’s another subject.
I love the way rain sounds, and smells. I love the feel of the air, and of being outside, especially immediately before and immediately after it rains. I love the comfort of being inside when it’s pouring – exceptionally cool is to be inside with friends and loved ones. I love the fresh feeling that rain lends to everything.
I know that many find grey skies and rain clouds depressing and ugh, but I truly look forward to the rainy season. Yes, even Seattle has a rainy season. It doesn’t rain NEARLY enough during the summers here. Indeed, summer is my least favorite time of the year – and even then I definitely enjoy it.
Give me rain any day of the year, and make me happy!
