catching up

I have been very bad about blogging, this has probably only been noticed by about five people, but it is for you that I write this.

Yesterday at work, we had a presentation by one of my co-workers about social networking, and she told us that in order to be successful with social networking, you must be consistent, this would include blogging, facebooking, twittering...all of which I do, but on a very sporadic basis. I don't know why I am not better about it, I think I lack enthusiasm for it and not too many people I know are super into any of it. I sometimes think it is an age thing, people my age are right between the super social networkers and those that maybe only have an email account. That said, I do enjoy the social networking and maybe I will try to be more active.

Anyway, here is all that's been happening as of late:

1. Went to Cincinnati: for a weekend trip to visit one of B's old friends. It was nice to get out of the city and Cincinnati was surprisingly pretty. Both of us liked how lush and hilly it was. The highlights of the trip include Skyline Chili, where everything on the menu includes chili and cheese and the other was visiting the pastry chef girlfriend and getting a crapload of free and delicious desserts.

2. Ethan got into the Montessori here in the city, which is exciting and but also a little daunting. I don't know how well Ethan's rambuctious personality is going to fit in, they ask that children be quiet when entering a classroom and not interrupt the play of others...it really said this. But we will give the ole preschool try, he starts next Tuesday, and part of me cannot believe he is already starting pre-school.

3. B's band has been playing a lot of shows around town. They are only getting better and they even play tomorrow night at the U.S. Beer Co., not the greatest venue but at least they finally got a Saturday show. (Check them out at myspace.com/thevangoghs)

4. Work is continuing to go well, if you happen to have a lot of time on your hands, I write for the blog there as well, on all things design related. Read it: blog.bluedaring.com

That's it for now. Have a super weekend.

the thing about art

This past weekend we took a little field trip to the new Modern Wing at the Art Institute. Originally, it was going to be just me and another friend, but then I cajoled B into going because my thought was, who doesn't love art? And the resounding answer was, not my boyfriend. Which I will admit was disappointing and a little puzzling.

A long discussion and minor argument ensued. B complained that he didn't really like the work that much and said the classic line "anyone could do that." This statement angers me beyond words because, yes, anyone could go out and buy paint, but the chances of it looking even remotely good is slim to none. It is harder then it looks, trust me. Artists are talented and creative people who concept an idea, have a point of view and if all goes well, execute it well. Being innovative and thoughtful with conceptual ideas and becoming technically good at your work, takes a crapload of time and energy.

This said, I know that different types of art moves people differently. I am a huge fan of modern art, especially painting and portraits. I know that others are less keen on the modern art flavor, and to this, to each their own. Sometimes art museum don't ring true to some, which is understandable when there is a certain expectation that because the pieces are priceless, the experience of looking at them should be nothing less then mind blowing. It would be impossible with the size of the Art Institute to be dazzled by ever piece.

Another point of argument that we had was that he didn't care what the artist was expressing. Which lead to a discussion about visual art being similar to music, which he got all huffy about. I think it was one of those things, when you are arguing about a word that has different connotations, but still continue to argue even though you are sort of agreeing. We do this a lot. And at the end of the day, I think we both agree that both art and music are similar in that we like what we like and we agree to disagree on what we don't like. I mean, if a Protest the Hero song pops up on B's ipod in the car, I have what I can only imagine him to feel at an art museum, a feeling that I kind of want to gouge my eyes out.

kiddieland

Nothing screams fun quite like this sign does. I am sure that most people have heard by now, that this is Kiddielands' last season, so I felt obliged to go, as any parent in a 20 mile radius does. Only so that we can say "Oh look, we took you there and now it's gone, aren't you lucky you got to go?"

Kiddieland was pretty much all that I expected but with longer lines and way more people. Ethan seemed to have a good time, though I think he is still a bit on the small end of things. He announced that the pirate ship was too scary and his favorite was the flying elephant, which was ride #2, we peaked early.

If that wasn't enough fun for a weekend, we went to the Brookfield zoo the next day. My dad was brave enough to meet us up for both of these adventures. The zoo is probably Ethan's most favorite place in the world. And he was a excited and chatty the whole time. Unfortunately, the weather was less the favorable and we ended the day early.