Post-a-rama

I have three posts scheduled to go up today - that's right, THREE.

You should check back often.

So, there was that thing.

We live approximately 3 miles from where the plane hit the Echelon building yesterday and aside from a little more traffic getting to Target, we are completely fine.

I drove by the building today as I was out running errands and it made me feel

A) really creeped out. Noticing that, while it was a small plane, it looked awfully large melted into the side of the building. And it IS melted into the building - like a trash compactor smushed it in there. I also noticed things that you couldn't see on the television. The trees around the building are all blackened and strewn with venetian blinds and pink insulation. There is debris everywhere. It truly is a miracle that most everyone got out alive and with minimal injuries.

And B) I felt so mad that extreme ferver for a belief, whether that belief is political or religious or whatever can drive some people to feel entitled enough to do something like this. How could you ever see this as a solution to a problem? It's just so wrong. My heart is breaking for that poor IRS worker's family.

Weird day.

Oh Wow

THIS is what I want my hearth to look like for the holidays next year! SO cute. Lovidy LOVE the canvas over the fireplace opening. Totally doing that. As you were.

via designspongeonline.com

My New Chair

While cruising around on Etsy.com several months ago, I found the cutest store that recovered chairs and sofas. All of the pieces were traditional in shape, but the fabric was really modern and fun.

To my surprise and delight, that store also happened to be in Austin, about 3 miles from my house. When I found a cool shaped chair on Craigslist for a steal, I knew where I wanted to have it recovered.

The chair was delivered last week and I LOVE IT!!!!!

Thank You Spruce Austin! (http://www.spruceaustin.com/)

Here are the before photos (pardon the crappy photos - these are from the original listing)

And here it is now!!! I love you chair.

I'd take the stairs

My friend Sherry sent me this link this morning and it made me so happy! I hope it does the same for you.

Only Two Weeks to Go!

So my Banana Run seems to have struck a happy nerve here in Austin. I suppose that shouldn't really surprise me. Austinites love a weirdo, especially one running a 5K in a banana costume.


First, I got a lovely email from the Austin fundraising chair of the Livestrong Foundation thanking me for the fundraising work and also mentioning her excitement about the banana costume. That was pretty exciting.


Then, I was getting all these hits to my work blog from a local running site, and when I went to it, this is what I found

I love that the title of the article is "Livestrong Welcomes Running Banana" Yes, that would be me. I am the Running Banana.

I know that pretty much everyone that reads this blog has donated, but if not you can donate HERE.

Also, a HUGE thanks to everyone that is supporting me! I wouldn't be embarrassing myself without you!

Poor Poor Lonely Blog

I promise I will get back to you soon.

The crazy season will end - I know it. Then we will have more regularly scheduled posting.

See you all soon.

The French are serious about chocolate

From a chocolate maker's website in France:

"Like a magic potion, chocolate is a source of intense, unique pleasures. In order to fully savor the desirable characteristics of a good chocolate, it should be consumed in a quiet environment. Chocolate unfolds all of its aromas and its ideal texture at a room temperature of about 21°C. Brilliance, roundness, intense flavors, the crunch of the brittle coating that gives way as you bite into it... these are the first forms of expression challenging the senses."

Wow - I have not been appropriately savoring my chocolate's desirable characteristics. I just eat it.

A good question might be "Shannon, why were you on a French chocolate website?"

Well, why not?

Designers, gather round.

I have missed you Project Runway!!!

OK, so I don't have a lot of places to be random Shannon. Twitter and Facebook, while I love them, have become a little business-y. I don't want to terrify my clients. So here's my Project Runway squealing.

If you know me, you know how much I love Tim Gunn. It's near stalker level. I mean, he says things like "I have a very positive response to what you are doing." and "Carry on." LOVE.

If you watched the premiere, follow me here...Didn't YOU want to be a recovering meth addict and have a little breakdown so that Tim Gunn would hug you, get teary and tell you that he wanted you to succeed? I was a little jealous of a recovering meth addict.

My mom and I have this little joke that we do where I talk about how I want to wear something awful in front of him so that he could constructively critique me - because he is the best in the business at that. It would go something like this:

"Shannon, you are a beautiful woman inside and out, but that outfit is no good for you. I want to help you" And then he would hug me and take me to Barney's and dress me in Prada or Philip Lim or Marc Jacobs.

Also, I watched the premiere before the All-Stars show and afterwards I couldn't believe I was watching all those fools when I could have been enjoying Santino Rice. So enjoyable.

Also loved the judging "One dress can make you famous". Yea Daniel!

Maybe not the best show on TV, but I really think it's my favorite to watch.

Babbling over!

Nightswimming

I have had a pretty crappy day by all respects.

I am now currently listening to what is possibly my favorite all time song: Nightswimming By R.E.M. and I feel better. If you haven't heard this song, go download now or let me know and I'll burn you a copy. Such a good song.

That is all.

The Great Banana Tribute to Gaga B

I don't know if you've seen this little piece of whimsy - but check it out and hand over your cash {please}

XOXO

Shannon

Not Savannah related, but cool

Frozen Grand Central from ImprovEverywhere on Vimeo.

Oh really?

From the TSA website about travelling with children (I am trying to find out if I need to bring S's birth certificate)

"NEVER leave babies in an infant carrier while it goes through the X-ray machine."

Headline of the Day

From MSN News

"Good News in a Bad Economy; Shark Attacks on the Decline"

So, you know, there's always that.

Quote for the Day

“In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert's mind there are few.” - Shunryu Suzuki

Something to think about.

Inaguration from Space

I am stealing this from a friend's blog, but check out this cool satellite photo of the festivities yesterday.

http://www.popsci.com/content/inauguration-day

My Christmas Bonus

So Tweeters already know about this little bit of decadance, but for those of you who are not down with Web 2.0, here is my Christmas Bonus to myself.

I bought a ridiculously expensive pair of French shoes.

I have worked really, really hard this year (as I'm sure you all have too) and one of the perks of working for yourself is that the Boss knows you've worked hard. I am rarely completely satisfied with my business ("I should've booked one more wedding! I wish I had done more portrait sessions!") but in general I am really proud of myself and what I have accomplished in 2008. I have a lot of confidence going into 2009. Hence this bit of whimsy just for Me.

Rocktographer

If you'd like to see an amazing amount of bling in one place (including some images from yours truly), go HERE right now.

Big Day Today!

Totally inappropriate for this blog, but who cares - it's funny

From the geniuses at MIT

VP Debate Drinking Game

Thursday! A debate for the ages! Two contestants, one vice presidency! Who will earn the honor of succeeding Dick Cheney?

In the blue corner Joe “I take the train home” Biden. In the red corner Sarah “I can see Russia from my house” Palin.

Blue Team Rules

For every mention of Scranton, Pennsylvania: Take a sip.

When Biden begins the “I take the train home everyday story” being drinking. Don’t stop ’till he finishes.

When Biden questions Palin’s inexperience: Drink something you’ve never had before

When Biden makes an obvious gaffe: Spill your neighbor’s drink

When Biden uses X words when Y will do: Drink X-Y seconds

When Biden patronizes or self identifies with the working class: Down some brew (Bonus points if you use Miller Highlife)

When Biden lambastes Washington Insiders: Make a toast to his 35 years of experience in the United States Senate

The Joe Biden checklist. If he mentions all of the following, finish your drinks: Blue Collar, Golden Parachute, Little Guy, Washington Insider, Working Class, Clean


Red Team Rules

Every time Palin cites Alaska’s proximity to Russia as “foreign policy experience”: Take a shot of vodka

When Palin claims she said “Thanks but no thanks” to the Bridge to Nowhere: Demand a new drink from your hosts, say “thanks but no thanks,” and then when no one’s looking, take it anyway, then claim you never wanted it.

When Palin recounts putting the governor’s jet on eBay: Auction off a beer to your friends

When Palin insists that governing a small town in Alaska is in fact experience: Give your friend a shot glass of beer when he/she asks for a pint and insist it’s the same thing.

When Palin points out that Biden thought Obama was too inexperienced for the job: Finish your drink and say, “Oh Snap!” If you’re a democrat, follow this by crying.

When Palin claims that Washington’s problems can be solved by small town know how and common sense: Drink a Labatt Blue as you read up on how to become a Canadian citizen.

When Palin talks about being the most popular governor in the country: Go to a room by yourself, realize you’re the most popular person in the room, then finish your drink.

The Sarah Palin checklist. If she mentions all of the following, finish your drinks: Bush Doctrine, Snow Machine, Moose, Lipstick, Hockey Mom, Family Values