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Sweet Girl

Liv must have gotten a good night's sleep last night. She was pretty sweet, and not very whiney all day. But tonight she was especially sweet and fun. She sat with Jen and me on the sofa and watched Dancing with the Stars and goofed around. The best part was when she said to Jen something like "I wish all the kids in the whole wide world could have you for a mom." That's coming from a 3 year old. Pretty awesome if you ask me.

Liv's Teeth

Liv is 3. She used to be pretty good about brushing her teeth...and didn't make much of a fuss. She actually got pretty good at it. But lately...for the past few weeks...it's been a chore (kind of like getting her to eat). We have to threaten time-out and everything...and that doesn't always work, so we end up adding 3 minutes of time-out to the bedtime routine.

Today, she and Jen bought an new toothbrush that plays "You Are My Sunshine", new Barbie toothpaste and new floride rinse. The rinse is bubblegum flavored and Jen says that it doesn't taste very good. Liv seems to like it though. So, let's hope this is the beginning of frustration-free toothbrushing. A guy can hope.

Has It Really Been That Long?

It has been over 2 years since I posted anything here. I just happened to read thru some of my old posts and found myself so happy to have those memories documented. That's something I've always wanted to be better at...just keeping track of and writing down things that happen each day, even if it's just quick notes and the date. Stuff that seems mundane today could be a little treasure several years from now. Life is moving way too fast and I tend to forget so many details.

So maybe I'll start typing here again. I know I'll thank myself later.

Still Alive

I've been juggling a lot of stuff lately at work and home. As Liv gets more mobile (she actually took her first steps last night!), keeping up with her becomes a bigger challenge. In addition to all the stuff I'm doing at work, I'm also re-editing my demo reel...in hopes of getting MORE work. I have such a great job...and I know I'm EXTREMELY fortunate to be able to say that.

I'm planning on starting to work out soon. I can't afford a gym memebership...and probably wouldn't be able to find the time to go. So, I'm getting weights and a bench and I'm going to lift at home...and start running too. I hate running. I need to change the way I eat and plan meals too. I've talked about this kind of thing over and over throughout the years but never stuck to it...or even started. This time it feels different. I really want to change the way I look and feel. So, I'm going to come up with a plan over the weekend and start on monday...with the running anyway...I still need to get the weights and bench.

OK...that's it for now. Just trying to get the ball rolling on this blog thing again.

Getting It Together

This is just a quick update. I've let the bloggin' go for a while, but according to Styro, I'm not the only one. I'm finally getting on top of some other aspects of my life. The main one is finances. Although Quicken for Mac supposedly sucks these days, I've found it really helpful in keeping me addicted to the "magic number"...the actual balance of our checking account. It's like a sick hobby now. Almost daily, I collect Jen's recipts, add them to my mine, run up to the office (which I'd eventually like to call "the studio"...I just need to start doing something more creative than banking up there), launch Quicken and type in a bunch of dates and dollar amounts. Then I compare the final number with the balance showing on the bank's website, less the items that have yet to clear. So far, I'm down to the penny every time. This is far from exciting for most. But it's been YEARS since we've had a clue about what's going on with our account. So, my new little hobby is way productive and is keeping us from overdrawing our account every few weeks.

Jen and Liv have been out of town since Thursday. They went to Jen's parents' house in New York for Easter. I couldn't go because of a big project I'm in the middle of at work. The weekend wasn't too lonely. I got to spend a lot of time with our friends, the Cassidys...they had me over for Easter dinner and everything. I also got to catch Pent-Up House at Mojo's on Saturday night. It's been a LONG time since I've seen Lewis play. They sounded great and beer was delicious.

I'm cleaning the house tonight so it'll be nice for Jen and Liv to come home to. I can't wait to have them back. Sometimes I just don't realize how nice the usual daily patterns can be. Being a bachelor is cool for a day or two...but it's not long before I want things back to normal. I'm gonna hold that sweet baby for hours and hours when they get back. Did I mention that Liv may be the next Lita Ford? More on that later.

Lyric of the Day

Acoustic guitar, if you think I play hard
Well you could of belonged to Steve Earle
Or Charo or GUAR, I could sell you tomorrow

"Acoustic Guitar"
Magnetic Fields

Dining Out with the Bambina

Liv and I had dinner with Ward, Amy, Alan and Sarah tonight. Jen was working. Mexico is delicious! Liv was really good at first but got tired and fussy. She made friends at the next table. She loves people. She sat in a high chair in a restaurant for the first time...i think. She's been in a high chair at home already but in restaurants we usually keep her in her car seat. She liked to eat (or try to eat) the napkins. She also liked putting a spoon in her mouth. She may be teething. I kind of felt like I was tending to her more than talking to my friends...which is fine...I love tending to her, but being the only parent there felt a little weird...not much, but a little. I guess if she hadn't gotten fussy, it would have been different. But she's the best, nomatter what. I'm still learning to find the balance...to make it all work and seem normal and effortless. I guess that's a tall order.

She's sleeping now...and it's almost time for her to eat. I think I'll feed her and watch scrubs. That sounds perfect. Well, I may have to throw a beer in the mix.

Happy

That's all. I'm just happy. It's been a good day.

Google Video?

Just found out that Google has added a feature that searches content of recent TV broadcasts. The search returns transcrips and stills from the show. I searched iPod and got a transcript and frames from last night's episode of Committed on NBC.

Try it.

In Brief

I'm getting excited about a party we're having on my birthday. Maybe I'm out to prove that you can be parents and still rock. Therefore I've hired Delegate to provide said rock. Should be a lot of fun. I'm going to work on the email invitation today.

Liv is getting cuter and nuttier every day. She dances (rocks back and forth and smiles) when she hears music. Thank god she loves music. She's eating faces, staying up late, smiling at herself in the mirror, slidin' around in the bathtub, wounding my face with her sharp nails, giving GREAT hugs around my neck...just being my perfect daughter. I love her with all my heart.

I've been doing some freelance work for a client of my brother's. The extra money is going to be great! That new G5 is almost within reach. The cool thing is that I have complete creative freedom with the animations I've been making. I'll post those soon.

I'm sure there's more, but that's it for now. Just trying to get back into the swing...

New Work (kind of)

I just finished two short test animations for a proposal we're submitting to Discovery Communications to get the graphics/effects work for a video they're producing for the National Archives in DC. The Discovery producer sent examples of techniques they've seen that they'd like to incorporate into the video. I made two samples to send with the proposal. The first is similar to (but not nearly as cool as) a technique used in the open of HBO's "Carnivale." The second is a complete rip of the promo for "Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry" on HBO (still not as cool though).

Here's the QuickTime.

Big Night

My house is a mess. And I can only take the Christmas decorations for so long before I want everything back to normal (messy without Christmas decorations). So tonight, we'll start packing up the holiday stuff and work on getting the office/studio back in order. Maybe we'll venture out to Target to find a rug to put up there too. It's way too echo-y and cold feeling. I'll do some laundry...and maybe even put some away. I also have to run to Blockbuster to rent some historical documentaries so that I can rip some footage for a project I'm doing a test animation for. More on that later.

Dear Diary,

Since I usually don't add posts to my blog unless I have something relatively important to say...or at least something that I think may be a little interesting to the few people who read "Life of Swain", I've decided to post more frequently...hopefully daily...with some of the more mundane stuff that's going on with me (and I'll try to not let my sentences run on like that). So, you'll be seeing more stuff like "I had the Cheese Columbo for lunch today. Why don't I ever remember how sick that thing makes me feel?!" and less stuff like "I just can't stop thinking about the Human Genome Project and how it will reap fantastic benefits for humankind...but at what costs?"

But I'm thinkin' I need to change "Dear Diary" to something more like "Captain's Log, Star Date..." (but less geeky)...

And So This is Christmas

I shouldn't be glad that Christmas is over, should I? I've been down on the Holidays for a while now. It's just too much of a logistical pain in the ass...which tends to completely get in the way of "getting in the spirit". I'm not really a religious person, so I don't even have that aspect of it working in my favor. Although, my favorite part of Christmas this year was going to a Christmas eve service with Jen's family in New York. I think it was the only calm moment during the break...even though Liv got fussy and I had to take her out to the lobby. I also loved watching Liv tugging on wrapping paper and smiling BIG at her relatives. Anything that makes her happy, makes me happy. She's such a perfect baby.

I really want to work toward simplifying the holiday season...figuring out what it means to me and why it's important to embrace it. I don't want it to be because Hecht's, JC Penny and Best Buy are telling me it's time to fill their pockets with my cash. And I don't want it to be about "we spent X dollars on so-and-so and they only spent half of that on us". I don't give a shit about that. I do, however, think that it's important to be THOUGHTFUL toward family and friends when considering gifts. I'd honestly rather receive something that you found in the alley...if you truly think that it's something that I'd love...because you know me and my interests. I don't have a great track record with gift selection, but it's something that I'm going to work on. I want to break the habit of making a list just so I can cross off names as quickly as possible.

And I've found that it's really easy to overdo visiting. The more people you try to cram into the holiday schedule, the fewer you actually get to catch up with...beyond small talk. I love to visit and hang out with family and friends, but it seems like when we try to see everyone, none of it really sticks. It's just spread way too thin. I'd love to stay home one year and just have a few people over...and really take the time to enjoy each others' company.

Having said all that, I still think the one thing that's going to allow me to really enjoy Christmas is watching Liv as she becomes more and more excited about it every year. I got a little taste of that this year, but I know it's only going to get better and more fun. With or without the Christianity element...and with or without the Santa element...there is an undeniable magic that accompanies the last 2 months of every year. But that magic becomes less and less apparent and enjoyable as we stack up the stress, and the feeling of obligation. The things that are going to make you feel like a true part of the holiday season...and not a slave to it...are the things that come from your heart. Your time, your generosity, your thoughtfulness...and most importantly, your sincerity.

Finally!

I worked on this spot way too long. It's the one mentioned 2 entries down. But now it's finished and I can move on to overthinking another project.

I Suck

We were supposed to meet friends out tonight for some Karaoke fun...but ended up being entirely too lame to see that plan through. I had a couple drinks at work...and another one at Mexico with dinner...went home and fell asleep on the couch with an infant on me. Kinda hard to beat that. Although I wish I could have found the energy and motivation to drive one measly mile down Forest Hill to wow the "crowd" with my vocal chops and Timberlake-esque dance moves. I had a song picked out and everything. Oh well, next time. Hopefully someone snagged some video of that older bearded man rocking "Wild Thing". That shit is amazing!

Work in Progress

Work in Progress, originally uploaded by swainorama.

I've been working on a really cool spot for The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts with Siddall. It's a 30 second spot promoting the Albrecht Durer show that's currently on exhibit. It's a pro bono job, so I've been able to take my time on it and really get into the details.

I've been scanning the prints, cutting them into pieces and putting those elements in 3D space in After Effects...where I then add lighting, camera movement, rack focus, movement to the characters etc.

Paul was under the impression that After Effects was just used to make car commercials. Although we've cleared that up, this may be another example of a better use of such a strong program.

I'll figure out how to link to a QuickTime once I finish the project. We're recording voiceover today, so it shouldn't be long.

Love That Girl!

Me & Sleepy Liv, originally uploaded by swainorama.

This is Liv and me at Julia Cassidy's birthday party last month. There's nothing better than holding a sleeping baby!

Christmas is Coming Early This Year

I can hardly believe it! Austin City Limits may be my new favorite show! On December 18, The Flaming Lips and The Shins are going to be on the same episode! I'm completely addicted to The Shins...and really do love everything I've heard from The Flaming Lips (mostly just the Yoshimi stuff). I'm not gonna screw this one up. I'll have my blank tape in the VCR and my finger on the record button...shit, for this, I may even learn how to program that jank.
----------------
I was just checking for air dates and times for Richmond and stumbled across this nugget. OK, ACL is officially my favorite show. On Dec 11, Spoon and Ben Kweller will be on the same episode (the web page has 01/11/2003 as the air date...this is a re-broadcast). Santa's gonna have a hard time topping this one!

Hidden Place

If you're feeling low key, this is your perfect musical companion...

Bjork: Vespertine

It's so beautiful, it keeps the key from getting too low.

Iris

Iris, originally uploaded by swainorama.

This is a beautiful picture of a beautiful little girl. She's the youngest daughter of our friends Greg and Helen.

Well, hell.

I've obviously decided to swear (or curse...or cuss, if you're from the south) every chance I get when it comes to this blog. I swear too much in the real life as well...but I am trying to curb that a bit in anticipation of Liv one day repeating every cool-sounding word that comes out of my mouth.

The actual reason I'm posting is because I noticed a link to my blog on 2 other blogs...and if that ends up driving a bunch of traffic to Life of Swain, then I'm gonna feel like a lazy ass who can't take 5 minutes every couple of days to jot down some of the junk that's been going on in my life. And of course one of the links HAS to be on the site of a creative, productive, intelligent and publically involved blog king...making me look even more idle. It's cool though, because the other link is on a site that has huge promise but far fewer entries than mine (I mean, seriously, check the date of the last post). And, by the way, that "quality not quantity" thing that people love to say all the time is complete bullshit. More posts equal more wasted time in front of your computer...and we all know what a great thing that is.

I've lost focus. But I think I've made my point.

iPod Battery Trick

Wired's Leander Kehney describes iPod battery tricks, along with discussion of replacement batteries:

Acquired in October 2001, and in almost daily use, my iPod was down to two or three hours of continuous play from a battery originally rated for eight to 10 hours. Before breaking it open, I updated the iPod's firmware, choosing to wipe the drive while doing so. Oddly, this operation restored the battery to its former glory. After loading up a selection of songs and hitting "shuffle," the iPod played for 8.5 hours continuously, almost to the minute.

When asked about this on an earlier occasion, Apple Computer's iPod product manager, Danika Cleary, said she'd heard lots of reports, but she didn't know why it worked.

Goddamnit!

I have 2 posts regarding Damien Rice on Austin City Limits. I took the time to painstakingly link to the PBS website and everything (it's not that difficult, actually). Absolutely no chance I was going to miss it. Well, I like beer...and I like hanging out with friends...especially on a Friday. So, I went to Europa with people from work and completely forgot about the show. I wasn't out late...maybe until about 9 or 9:30. Luckily, my buddy Greg had left a message reminding me that Austin City Limits was on tonight at 11. I was in the clear. Well, beer and long work weeks tend to make me sleepy and I took a nap...until 11:04...at which time I sprung to my feet like a 9 year old on Christmas morning and dashed to the VCR. Trusting that the tape in the machine was safely cued to a blank spot, I began to record the show. Damien had already begun performing "Volcano". I hadn't missed much. But, some time during the 3rd or 4th song, the tape ran out. I rewound to an arbitrary spot...somewhere around the halfway point and continued recording...possibly over an old episode of Six Feet Under. Oh, well.

So, I'm a little pissed that I hadn't planned ahead and had a tape ready to go...and also a little annoyed that I couldn't just WATCH the show. For some reason, I HAD to tape it...even if it meant that I couldn't just sit and enjoy it. But I did enjoy it...and once it was over, I turned the TV down and played through the 2 Damien Rice songs I know. I don't sing enough anymore, and now I feel like someone took some sandpaper to my throat. It's cool though.

I have a friend at the local PBS station...and I sent him an email begging for a copy of the episode. Let's see if Dave Vinson hooks a brother up (and when I say "brother", I mean me...not Doug Vinson).

One last thing about Damien Rice: I bought "B-Sides" from the iTunes Music Store. Holy shit. Especially this song...

Hip-no-tyzing!

This work is drake as shit!

http://graffodisiak.com/

Smiley Liv

Smiley Liv
Originally uploaded by swainorama.

Taken today after she ate. She's smiling and "talking" a lot lately...I can't get enough of it! Sweet girl.

Goodbye Beth!

Beth and Liv
Originally uploaded by swainorama.

Our very good friend Beth Ranson is moving to Austin. We worked together at NBC 12 in Richmond in the early 90's...and by "worked" I mean "partied." We have a lot of great memories of hanging out at Shannon's house after the 11pm show, watching movies on his large format laser disc player...and drinking...a lot. Beth moved several times over the past 8 or 9 years but ended up back in Richmond to work for Martin/Slay Public Relations for a while. But there were too many signs (seriously...real signs) telling her that she needed to give Austin a shot. So that's what she's doing. It sucks that she's leaving...we have a lot of fun hanging out...and she loves Liv to death. But Austin sounds awesome...and I can't blame her for making the move...but that fancy-ass apartment better have a phat guest room!

My Work

This is what I do for a living.

Damien Rice Air Date

I checked local listings, and it looks like Richmonders will have to wait until Oct 22 at 11pm to see Damien Rice on Austin City Limits. Waiting sucks.

Firefox for Mac OS X

This is just a test to see if Firefox makes it easier to post.

My Favorite Picture of Liv

Dave & Liv
Originally uploaded by swainorama.

This was taken about a week ago. She looks so old! Damn, I love that girl!

Me in the 8th Grade

Me in the 8th Grade
Originally uploaded by swainorama.

This is the first photo blog I've attempted. Thanks to Paul for the flickr tip. I'm a little photo crazy, so if uploading ends up not being a complete pain in the ass, my blog may get photo-heavy. And that's cool, since a picture is worth a thousand of these antiquated things I'm using to tell you about my first photo post.

Contributing to the Delinquency of Babies

Last night was my first night out by myself with Liv. We've gone to the store and stuff like that, but it was my first "dad and baby girl...doin' dad's stuff" outing. Our mission was to visit a friend in the Fan (who will remain nameless...or at least I'll spell his name backwards to protect his anonymity) and acquire much music. Mission accomplished. I have so much stuff to listen to and discover that it'll keep me busy for weeks. I've never written a music review...or any kind of review for that matter...so maybe I'll blog my thoughts on one of the records that Lihp let me copy. We talked about being more motivated and inspired to actually do creative stuff, rather than piddling around not really getting much of anything done. I suggested a "down and dirty, do a project in a weekend" approach. Give ourselves deadlines so that projects get done and don't become an endless chore. Enough for now...I have to get some work done. Tonight I'm taking Liv out drinking.