Pardon the dust...

After (how many?) years of having the same blog template, and almost two years with the same banner and color scheme, the blog needed a makeover. I still have the same banner at the top as a placeholder, but I'll be saying goodbye to the life+balance reminder very soon. It's been a good reminder.

Did I ever tell you my word for 2009? I chose it in January or February, but forgot to share.
Margin: (dictionary definitions) an amount allowed beyond what is needed; a limit in a condition or process, beyond or below which something is no longer possible or acceptable; (my definition) giving myself extra time and space beyond what is necessary, so that I can rest, enjoy, and not run a back-to-back stressful life.

Is it working so far? That's yet to be determined.

Anyway, pardon the dust as I figure out where I want to place everything. Also, I'm open to ideas for my next banner. Muchas gracias.

A dash here, a dash there...

It's time for a quick and dirty weekend update. Most of these images are from my iPhone—just quick shots to document some things lately.

1. We bought used kayaks this summer! This shot was from our adventure in Brookville, Indiana. It was my first time on a river with rapids. I got stuck a few times and probably dropped a few choice words, but I got to know my kayak a little better and didn't flip. Seems like a successful trip to me.
2. I got a craving for sushi one day, but instead of going out I got the idea to make our own. These were our versions of California rolls and cream cheese rolls. They were okay, but I might leave it up to the professionals in the future.
3. I stopped into Staples tonight and noticed that they sell some kraft-covered notebooks. I picked up a couple handful since they were on sale.
4. Our eat-in table has been a packaging station and showcase for business stuff lately. We've been ordering kraft paper samples to see which weights and shades we like best, and what matches best with the stuff we already have. You wouldn't believe how many kinds of kraft paper there are!
   
5. We ordered a portable, postcard version of our gallery collections. We didn't order these from our print lab because that would have required ordering 25 of each card. Instead, we got these from moo.com and the glossy postcard paper is surprisingly like the UV coated paper in our [gallery collection] album, so they match well.
6. We also ordered some mini cards that serve multiple purposes. Mainly, it's fun to carry around the key chain, pop it open, and slide someone a card. Our contact information is on the reverse. The cards are matte and very smooth, and we're already thinking of other reasons to buy more.
   

I have other things, but I have to be up early tomorrow so I'll save them for another post.
Happy weekend!