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!