It Was Almost the Death of Me

It was almost the death of me...but I somehow survived.


What started out as a simple request from one of my Sr. TDs (Sr. Technical Director), turned into a 25+ hour editing job (on my personal time, ugh) ...and that doesn't even count the time used to take the videos.  So my absence the last few days?  You're looking at the cause.

Me filming one of the scenes

This is a glimpse into my work life...something I don't normally post about, but since my parents always like to see the things I "accomplish" at work, I thought it was worth posting for their sake.


The main purpose of this video was to recognize all the teams and individuals in my org (within my location) that accomplished something "above and beyond."  I won't bother trying to explain these accomplishments to you, because really, it's all nerdy techy-speak and no one really cares.


I had a lot of help taking videos from 2 of my work friends that are my DSLR camera buddies (hollah, Emily and BK!), and this video is a result of their hard work and creative ideas, too.  BK alone spent countless hours helping me convert the file format into a Windows-friendly format so that we could distribute it at work, and Emily is the main force behind getting IT people to form human pyramids and choreograph a flash-mob dance.  Saying no to Emily is like saying no to sunshine.

BK and Emily reviewing some footage

The result?  It's by no means professional, but I learned more about video editing and production in the past week than I have, well, ever.  It received quite the reception at work, and I had tons of people coming up to me saying how much they enjoyed it.  My Executive Director even said I have a new line of work ahead of me.  Sounds like a plan to me!

To view, enter the password "Winter" into the box below, and press the play button.  Make sure your speakers are up - the video contains music and sound.

Winter Celebration 2010 - iPhone Optimized from Amanda Jayne on Vimeo.

Oh Christmas Tree!

Yes, I won the battle.  We have a REAL Christmas tree this year.

Isn't she lovely?

And, contrary to popular belief (popular belief = Hubs' belief), they are not illegal to have in our condo.  Trust me.  I read all 24 pages of the bylaws.


THAT is how serious I am about Christmas trees.

Cora Turns 1

Tonight was a first for me - I went to my very first doggie birthday party.  Little Cora (Laura's puppy) turned 1 today!

There was an actual cake - just for dogs - picked up from the Happy Dog Barkery in the DG!

There were even presents (this one was from me)

...and even a dog-themed viewing of 'Up'

Followed by a family portrait...

...minus Mufasa, who was clearly not to be bothered.

Happy birthday, Cora!

It's a Wonderful Life

I may sound like a broken record about this, but living in DG is flipping great.


Take Saturday, for instance.  


On Saturday, the historic Tivoli theatre held a benefit for some organization (you can tell how much I paid attention...), and they showed the movie 'It's a Wonderful Life' for a mere $5 donation (most movies at the Tivoli are only $4).

It was the perfect day to see it...the first real snow was falling, and everything seemed to take on the peacefulness that can only come with a blanket of snow.

Um, yeah.  Soooo...I haven't seen that movie since I was young, and I'll admit it - I cried my eyes out.  Luckily, Laura cried just as much as I did, so I didn't feel like such a sap.  But, seriously, I highly recommend watching that movie if you haven't done so recently.  It'll make you remember the important things in life.


P.S. - I just noticed that they're playing 'National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation' on Thursday, December 16 at 7PM and 9:30PM!  Anyone up for seeing it with me?!  

Under Construction

Whatever loyal blog readers I may have left (xoxo for sticking with me!) may have noticed that I never gave an update to my farewell old stove post.

RIP, Bessie. (Yes, I named it.)

There's an actual reason, I promise.  It may involve 25 extra trips to Home Depot, and the purchase of a tile saw (I know, I know.  Let's play our favorite game of, 'Where do we store THIS machine, now?'), but I'll give you a sneak peek:

We're gettin' fancy now, y'all!

Also, you can thank me now for cropping out Hubs' plumber's crack.

Well, That Explains It

For the longest time, I was obsessed with buying a pair of authentic cowboy boots.  I just had to have some.


So I put it off for a long, long time.  But the boots that were made for walkin' came a callin', and I couldn't say no.


I brought these beauties home awhile ago.

And then, while going through some boxes of childhood keepsakes, I came across these.

And then I noticed something else.


They stitching looks pretty darn similar, don't you think?

Maybe that explains why I was so obsessed with them.

I'm Ready

My USB Christmas tree is plugged in and shining brightly.


I'm ready for the Christmas season!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone