Branding

So, in case you haven't figured it out yet, I'm kind of a big dork that often finds everyday things fascinating or humorous. 

I think signs can be both fascinating and humorous.  If you think about it, signs are a very concise way for someone to tell the public the things that they think are of the utmost importance.  Some are very simple.  For example, "STOP."  No confusion there.  Then, there are other times where you just have to step back and say, "What the heck was the conversation that lead to deciding on THAT?" 

Here's what I think those conversations looked like for a few of the signs I saw on a recent trip to Bull Shoals, Arkansas ...

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A: "So, we have these condos and I'm not sure what to call them."

B: "Are they on the water?  Are there boats?"

A: "Nope."

B: "Are they fancy?  Do you need a membership?"

A: "Nope."

B: "Definitely call it 'Yacht Club' then."

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A: "I don't want people to think that we just rent accommodations.  All kinds of people rent accommodations ..."

B: "What else could we rent?"

A&B: "FUN!"

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A: "I really want something that will make college kids and dirty-minded adults laugh.  But, I also have to let people know that we carry lottery tickets."

B: "I've got it!"

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A: "I really like to cremate people."

B: "Me too.  I wonder if there are a lot of people out there like us."

A: "I'd bet there are.  Let's start a society!"

B: "Hurrah!"

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A: "I want to sell used things."

B: "Like a pawn shop?"

A: "Kind of.  But, I don't want things that are worn out."

B: "So, kind of like a resale store?"

A: "Kind of.  But, I want to make sure that people know the stuff is used."

B: "Got it."

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A: "I don't really know what I want to sell."

B: "How do you feel about rhyming?"

A: "I LOVE RHYMING!"

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A: "I've always wanted to be a mermaid or a goddess, but I got stuck being a hairdresser instead."

B: "Why are those mutually exclusive?"

A: "You're SO right!"

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A: "So, I'm going to open a restaurant!"

B: "Awesome!  What will you serve?"

A: "Only soup or subs.  That's it.  Nothing else."

B: "What if you change your mind and decide to start serving other things?"

A: "My friend, I can promise you THAT will never happen."

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A: "Signs are expensive.  I heard they charge by the word."

B: "No way!  How are you going to let people know that you run an establishment where overweight white males with no fashion sense can catch fish?"

A: "Hmm ... Son!  Grab a camera and get in here!"

Ahhhhhh...

Yes, this is an actual photo of the fog rising off the White River at my friends' cabin. 

Beautiful.  Peaceful.  Calm.  I love it.  I'm leaving tonight to go be there through Sunday.  There will be much sleeping, drinking, reading, eating and card playing.  Perfection. 

There really is something about getting away from everything stressful and hectic about your life.  Just retreat to somewhere simpler and more quiet. 

Namaste, my friends.  Namaste.

They're Not Just About Cheese

I blame it on the Swiss.  Some Swiss general said, "You know, I have a lot of stuff to carry around.  I need my knife for cutting my knotted shoelaces.  I need an incredibly small saw for cutting down incredibly small trees.  I need a screwdriver for putting together my cot from IKEA.  I need a nail file so I don't look all disheveled.  And I need a corkscrew for obvious reasons.  I have no intention of carrying all these things in my fanny pack!"  So, he ordered someone to develop a solution.  And now we have this fabulous invention.

As the years have gone by, we've all decided, "If the Swiss can do it, so can we!"

Our cars are not just modes of transportation.  They are concert halls, phones, purses, and (to some) a small apartment.

Our televisions are not just for watching sitcoms.  They have movies to rent, the internet, and music.

Our phones are not just for calling people.  They send texts, connect to the internet, carry our music, take pictures, and hold our games.

I realized that one of my favorite things about a coat I just bought is that it can also hold my iPod and has a hole for my earbuds to come through!

Why is the iPad so much more desirable than the Kindle?  Who wants to just read?!  If it can't hold my books, music, games, newspapers, and shopping list, then I don't want it!

How would you react if your best friend told you they had just purchased a word processor?  I know.  Me too.

So, let us raise a glass to the Swiss.  They were the first content aggregators.  Thanks for the iPad, general.

Power Shoes

Some people have power ties, I have power shoes.  I'm not a short gal, I'm around 5'8" or so.  So, when I pull out my super tall wood platform wedge sandals, I'm getting close to 6'.  People have to look up at me.  My friend, Teresa, could rest her head on my chest.  I notice that women stand farther away, intimidated by my sheer height.  Men stand closer, as they can look me straight in the eye.  Power.  I am an Amazon.  Wonder Woman would be proud.

Solo

Iyaz has a song out called "Solo."  The lyrics are as follows in the chorus:

And I dont wanna go, go
I dont wanna go, girl
I don't want it, no no
I don't want it, down low
I don't want to walk this earth
If I gotta do it solo (solo)

To sum up the song, Iyaz tells us, if you're single, you should probably just go ahead and kill yourself.  Awesome. 
 
I would like all of the single people out there to join me in flipping Iyaz the bird.  Suck it, Iyaz.

Finally

I finally did it.  I'm 31 years old, I've always wanted a cute little nose ring, so I went to Knight Times Tattoo on my lunch break and got it done! 

People have asked me if they're too old to do it, or if they could "pull it off," or if that trend is "out." 

Who cares. Do you want one?  Will you like it?  Then do it! 

And the Dane has spoken.

Friday Funny

This t-shirt design made me laugh today.  Enjoy.