so, apparently i haven't been on LJ in, like, nearly exactly 4 years.
(and I really need to update my profile pic.)

hello.
:)

Ewww! Brains gross!

Does anyone know anything about making sure their Adobe InDesign CS3 documents are set up to be Section 508 Compliant? Or anyone who can give any tips on what I can do to my InDesign documents while creating, or just before finally PDFing, them in order to help our web team post Section 508 Compliant PDFs?

Being a Mac user is like being a woman: you always have to explain yourself, even though you are smarter than the alternative.

Five Ways to Age Gracefully

1. Eat healthy foods to help prevent diseases such as heart disease, cancer and stroke. In addition, maintain a healthy weight. To maintain a healthy weight, maintain strength and help prevent disease, eat a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and foods low in fat and cholesterol.

2. Exercise regularly to achieve better physical and mental health. There are numerous benefits of exercise. Regular, vigorous exercise -- at least 30 minutes, three to five times a week -- improves mood and reduces depression; aids weight loss; increases strength, flexibility and balance; strengthens bones; and improves aerobic capacity (the ability of the heart, lungs and blood vessels to deliver adequate oxygen to muscles). Some studies suggest that exercise helps circulation to the brain, improving mental acuity.

3. Perform mentally stimulating activities to help preserve memory. An ongoing study by the Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center in Chicago among others has provided evidence that continuing mentally stimulating activities throughout life may help maintain memory. These activities include reading, playing cards, doing crossword puzzles and going to museums. Other mentally challenging activities include learning to play an instrument, changing careers or starting one, trying a new hobby and volunteering.

4. Get preventive health care tests and screenings to catch disease early. Have screenings and other preventive health care tests that are recommended for your age group or disease risk category. Be proactive with doctors and pharmacists by bringing a list of questions or concerns to every visit and not hesitating to speak up or ask questions.

5. Maintain a positive attitude and cultivate relationships to be happier and live longer. Write down all the good things in life. Focus on being satisfied with life as it is. A Finnish study showed that men who were satisfied with their lives tended to live longer. Another study showed that people with high "pessimism scores" had a 19 percent higher risk for premature death than those who were rated as more optimistic. A positive attitude, adaptability, strong social contacts, and religious and cultural convictions all contribute to happiness as people age.



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I think I'm on track! :)

LOVE number 5. Some people need to pay special attention to that one.

So, on my way home tonight, I heard on NPR that Tim Russert suddenly collapsed and then died at the hospital today. That was just a few hours earlier than the time I was driving home. He was only 58. I have to admit, I was taken aback. A little lump formed in my throat and I got a little teary. I have a lot of respect for Tim Russert. He was one of the only news commentators I looked forward to listening to during events, notably his wham-bam-get-outta-my-way-ma'am mediation of one of the Clinton / Obama debates earlier in the campaign. In fact, it was after that very interview, when I was unimpressed by ANY of the candidates, when I got the funny idea to start printing "Tim Russert for President" bumper stickers.

I especially enjoyed watching 'Meet the Press' on those Sundays I got up early enough. Knowing Tim Russert would strip his guests down to their essence, and explain it all in a very real way, reassured me that someone was on the people's side.

At least he got to go on his vacation with his wife and son.

So I tip a glass to Tim Russert. May he rest in peace.

I started my morning of great because I spilled an entire travel mug of coffee all over my countertop and it's windy outside. (Snow, rain, sunshine - bring it on - but wind? No.)

And for balance...

My day will get better because I have a yummy lunch and I get to go to the gym tonight.

Awww...boo-fucking-hoo...you can't smoke in the bars and clubs anymore.

Thank you, Maryland, for making this possible.
Thank you for helping me have less sinus problems, itchy eyes and healthier lungs when I go out to have fun.
Thank you for helping me actually be a non-smoker. For real.

I really hope this gives some people the nudge they need to make a healthy lifestyle choice.
And for those who don't make that choice, I look forward to seeing you huddle outside in the freezing cold to smoke your death sticks. And I will probably join you a few times (not to smoke) outside on the warm spring days.

M'kay. That was bitchy, but I couldn't resist.
Nothing personal. I mean that.

I will be staying home (pretty much) all weekend for two reasons:
• To continue fighting this cold, and
• To save money.

Seriously, I have $40 "spending money" for the next two weeks so I will be lying low. I will spend a chunk of it for next Thursday which will be my only planned event: Frosty is having a 'Lost' premiere party (per usual) and I will be happy drinking my Small Craft Warning beer and munching on *scHLOPpy* wings! Oh, yeah, and I am a total dork because I had Frosty buy me a Dharma Initiative patch - need to get a cheap dickie to sew it on for the event.

Tonight we may be going to a little party at the Mills behind my house. Joe and his friend Joe...

(*tee-hee*, that always sounds silly to me..."This is my brother Darryl, and my other brother Darryl" for those of us old enough to understand that reference.)

...did some painting/rehab for a Graphic Design company back there and they invited us to the grand opening celebration. But I left that decision up to Joe, so we'll see. Although to attend may be a good networking opportunity, too.

Joe and I have designated this weekend, "Clean the Basement Project". Last year about this time I had completely cleaned up our crazy basement. I threw out a bunch of stuff, organized, and basically made it as much a "liveable" space as a basement with a rock in it can be. Things are still organized, but we've added stuff to the contents (see "Closet Project from a few months back) and need to do another sweep. Also, that darn rock constantly dusts all the surfaces and our shop vac has been getting hungry.

Oh yeah! My 'Lost' season two came in! I will be running a few errands tomorrow afternoon and that's when I'll pick it up. Woo-hoo!

M'kay.

I am really craving a Diet Pepsi® right now...