Greeblemonkey

The Fray - Live At Red Rocks

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee Giese) — Tue, 15 May 2012 05:29:00 +0000

I swear I am not becoming entirely a music blogger. Really, I am not. I know my last post was about James Morrison, and maybe the last few before that were about music too - but how can I not post photos when I get to shoot The Fray? At Red Rocks. In the sleeting rain.

OK, that last part wasn't as thrilling, but it makes for a good story... seeing as it was also Declan's first concert at the world's best place the see a show.

I honestly think I am a jinx for The Fray, because last time I saw them at Red Rocks, it rained so hard, I was able to ring out my hair as I walked back to my car. And then, there was that warm-up show at the Fox - a night that showed how cold Colorado can get when the sun drops - so we threw ourselves into the pit just to get warm.

Not that I am complaining.

Colorado weather is fun, and so is The Fray.

The guys went all out this weekend, weather be damned.

And I was damned glad to be there.

Blogger Disclosure: The band provided me a photo pass for the show, but I had already purchased tickets a long, long time ago. Because the truth is, any time you put The Fray at Red Rocks, I am gonna go.

James Morrison - Live in Boulder

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee Giese) — Thu, 10 May 2012 01:20:00 +0000

Apparently I have a thing for British singers. It has become a joke among my friends that I won't like it if I can't find it on the UK iTunes store ... and I also have been known to plan trips solely based on concert schedules (cough cough, Deacon Blue.)

But last night I got to not only see one of my absolute favorites, I got to attend his sound check and hang out with him for about 10 minutes afterwards, one-on-one. Not joking.

I forgot to pull up and show James the photo from the first time we met, that time in 2007 when I saw him with about 50 other people at Denver's Walnut Room.

Below is a little then-and-now: his hair has gotten shorter and mine longer.

Here's the good news. The man is still fucking awesome. And I can say that, because he curses like a sailor.

And had an absent, alcoholic father.

Yeah, me too. Except kinda worse, but we won't go there.

And James was premature as a child. So premature that he nearly didn't make it, and that's what makes his voice so raspy.

Declan, my 32 weeker, gets croup all the time.

When I mentioned this to James, he laughed and said, "So, it's like looking at your own life, eh?"

Except I haven't sold millions of records all over the world, but whatever.

The new album, The Awakening, is about coming away from his father's life death with a new perspective - something I have been trying to do for a long, long time. Everyone says things like this, but those songs really mean something to me.

Although, my favorite song on the album, "Slave to the Music," was apparently written during a drunk conversation with the ghost of Michael Jackson. So, that's cool too.

Clearly I love music, and I love photographing concerts. This one was no exception. I was thrilled when they asked me to come in and shoot the show. Even though, in some ways, it's hard to photograph your favorite artists, because you are "working" when you just want to listen and dance.

Ha ha. Just kidding.

Taking photos of James Morrison is fucking rad.

_____________________________________________________________________
Blogger Disclosure: Tickets for the show were provided by James' record label.
All words and thoughts (especially the cursing) are mine.

The Next Stage

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee Giese) — Mon, 07 May 2012 16:59:00 +0000

It is happening. My son is growing up.

I realize this has been happening for almost 10 years now, but never have I felt it like I did this weekend.

Our big rock concert fundraiser was on Saturday: Tellerpalooza. The one that Bryan and I work on all year long, and the one that Declan has actually started contributing, real, valuable ideas to.

He saw that the logo was very graphic this year, so he suggested I make a coloring page out of it for the younger grades at his school to get excited about. Totally, 100% his idea.

Then, on Saturday - our big day - I was feeling the stress. Bryan was already at the venue, making sure everything was set up and running smoothing. I was home, dodging last minute emergencies. I almost decided to run away the circus, because let me tell you - getting five bands to play - six when you include the school band - plus a magician, plus sponsors, plus donations, and then have 800 people coming to see it all? Stressful.

My kid says to me, "Mama, we should do something to relax."

A lightbulb went off inside my head. I had been trying to go get a pedicure all week. There is a little place up the street that takes walk-ins. I could have Declan go with me. Right?

We have never gone for gender stereotypes and Declan paints his nails here and there as he feels like it. I was more worried that all the clipping and pulling and super hot water would freak him out.

He flip-flopped about 10 times on the way there, but in the end, he agreed.

As the ladies massaged our feet, and we sat side by side, chatting, relaxing, having a new experience that was just for us - it hit me.

We're in a new place, him and me.

He's old enough to not only tolerate something like a pedicure, he is actually enjoying it.

I got a little melancholy. He is our one and only. There are so many things I will never experience again.

But think of all the things I will.

If You Ever Wondered Why Our Son Is Demented...

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee Giese) — Wed, 02 May 2012 03:57:00 +0000

Check out the questions that Bryan wrote down to ask final candidates for the principal position at Declan's school during a public interview with parents last night.

A Hypothetical Question That Really Isn't

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee Giese) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 16:17:00 +0000

Because this is about people I know, but can't tell you who they are.

It's just - I am wondering - how off kilter am I in my thinking?

Say a child grows up, but really doesn't - and still lives at home. With her own child and sometimes the father of her baby. It doesn't really matter all the reasons she is there, some are valid, some are not.

My main questions are these:

What should this person be doing around the house, given that they do not pay (nor have they ever paid) rent?

What kind of communication should be happening when she leaves the house, or goes on vacation?

What expectations should there be about babysitting the child?

Specifically - not to get too "scientific" about it - what percent of her time should be spent "paying back" for the living situation, if any?

Just wondering.

They Say It's My Birthday

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee Giese) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 15:04:00 +0000

42. The meaning of life. The age I turned today.

The number itself seems much older than I feel - so I just have been telling everyone I am turning 21 for the second time.

For my big day, Bryan surprised me with the news that he has taken the day off. He plans to provide a "Day of Service," which is much more mundane than what perverted minds may be thinking right now - he is cleaning the house and do laundry. Things that have been sorely lacking as we both are crazy at work and gearing up for our big annual fundraiser, Tellerpalooza.

Maybe the best present ever.

Besides the new Canon 7D that is en route.

I have been wanting to do more with video for years, as you may have noticed by my starts and fits in that area. But nothing ever felt right. Until I borrowed a 7D last weekend from my awesome friends at Pro Photo Rental - and realized I really liked the video inside my DSLR.

I seriously considered going full guns with the 5D, but I would have been required to upgrade many of my lenses - and dudes. I could not handle that right now financially, but more importantly, emotionally. I really have been working my ass off at Giese Media - a wonderful thing - but also draining when you like to spend time with your family and friends too. Oh, and sleep. Sleep would be nice too.

So, we decided the 7D would be perfect for the next few years and maybe eventually I will get a "pro" camera like all the people who wear the big panties in photography. For now, I am thrilled I will get a bump up from my current body, add video, and be able to start shooting right out of the box.

Speaking of shooting - my present from Declan was an Easter egg hunt. He seems to have grasped the fun you can have on the other side, so I went searching for hidden eggs all over the living room this morning. After I found them, I picked a ticket with a number. Which he counted off on the eggs cootie-catcher style to get to my "final" prize egg. Which had marbles inside. Which I could then multiply by 5.

To get to the number of photos I am allowed to take of him with my new camera.

Which would be 90, by the way.

Definitely the best present ever.

So, until I have more time to play with my new camera, check out the video we made last weekend with the borrowed 7D. I say we, because this is the video that Bryan and Declan helped make where Bop Skizzum was worried about their [bleeping] cursing.

I am ready for a [bleeping] awesome birthday.

Watch Your Language

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee Giese) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 15:55:00 +0000

Over the weekend, we did some video work with my clients (and friends), local band Bop Skizzum. It turned into a family affair - because Bryan and Declan came along to shoot B-roll for me. Declan thought it was the most. fun. thing. ever.

Bop Skizzum has seven members. You get that many people in a small space, trying to film them, and words of a certain style are gonna fly around the room, right?

Trust me, Declan has heard these words many times before, especially from my mouth. I have tried [hard] to curb my cursing since Declan entered our life - mainly because there is nothing as unattractive as a five year old popping off like a sailor.

But truly, what is the core of the issue? ... Respect.

So, as he learned the big words, one by one, we explained to him - if he were to use those words, people might get their feelings hurt. There might be consequences - especially at school. We respect other people by not using those words around them.

But really? Do we have the right to go into someone else's house and ask them to stop cursing? After our video shoot, Andy Rok texted and apologized for all the language. He didn't need to. Declan can handle it.

Besides, it gave us a chance to talk to the kid about the difference of intention behind the words. The guys were just saying them when they messed up their lines, not AT us. Had they been being mean to us, Andy might have something to apologize for.

In the end, what we got was some great outtakes for the video we were making.

Eric Hutchinson - Live in Denver

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee Giese) — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 23:00:00 +0000

Sometimes I forget that people can't read my mind. When I said I was seeing Eric Hutchinson - whose debut album I have loved for years - several friends had no idea who I meant. But clearly, the crowd at the Bluebird the other night *DID* know Eric, and already memorized Eric's NEW album - because it was basically a big-ole sing-a-long the whole night.

I think of him as if Jason Mraz and Jamie Lidell had a baby who is the same age roughly as his parents, but you can check out my iPhone video below and make up your own mind.

"OK, It's Alright With Me" by Eric Hutchinson

"Oh" by Eric Hutchinson

Sidenote: I was able to meet Eric after the show and he was incredibly nice. He is very active on twitter and we had tried to work out a photo pass, but his record label ignored us. Tsk tsk, record company. Just think of all the awesome photos I might have included in this post had I had my big lens? Amiright?

The Day I Killed Both The Easter Bunny and Santa Claus

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee Giese) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 17:16:00 +0000

Declan is nine. He will be 10 in September, and I am certain he has been on this earth at least a few times before. I just gets things without me having to tell him, and I am not the only one who notices.

So, I was surprised that Santa was still big last Christmas. There had been questions since around age six, and I started turning them around - like we were in a court of law and I was avoiding a death sentence.

"Is Santa real?"

"Um, what do you think?"

He would always be steadfast in his belief. Yes. Totally. Santa is real. Well, okay, then. Santa stays, he gets cookies - and Guinness. Because Santa loves Guinness, right? He always has in our house, at least.

I felt uncomfortable with the deception, because we are so straight-forward with Declan about everything. On the other hand, who am I to deprive him of the magic of Santa?

So I let it slide. I dodged his questions. I never directly lied to him over the past few years, but I also never really answered with the truth either.

Then came Easter 2012.

Bryan had purchased a bunch of candy, and toys, and office supplies for the holiday. Bryan loves toys and Declan loves office supplies. They were hidden in his car, ready to spring out with the Easter Bunny on Sunday morning.

The only problem was... well, Easter Bunny's "helper" went to a big party the night before, had one too many drinks and took a cab home, so early Sunday morning the Easter Bunny's "wife" had nothing to put out.

I could see Declan prancing around the kitchen from our bed, peeking in to see if we are awake, following all those rules about not going out and looking at his loot without us.

Before you are too hard on Bryan, I was actually relieved.

Here we go.

Let's end this pretense.

I grabbed Declan by the hand and led him out to the couch and we plopped down together.

"Declan, tell me what you think about the Easter Bunny."

After a long pause, and a sly smile, he answered, "I think he is you guys."

The huge rush of relief that washed over me was better than if we actually had the candy there for him, rather than melting in the hot sun of a parking lot several miles away.

I smiled, he smiled, we exchanged the discerning looks of people who were knowledgeable about the world.

"Then, you know that Santa Claus is not real either, right?"

The look I got. THE LOOK. He gave me a look of such desperate magnitude... you would think I just shot our dog. In front of him. And laughed.

His eyes filled with tears, and a very wobbly voice whispered, "What do you mean, Santa is not real?"

He's kidding, right? He has GOT to be kidding me.

I did NOT just kill Santa.

If there was any time in my entire life that I could use one of those ridiculous reverse 30-seconds of time contraptions they use in the movies, THIS WOULD BE IT.

"Didn't you ever wonder why Santa likes Guinness?"

Those little eyes widened, and then his brow scrunched, then his eyes widened again - like everything came tumbling into place, one by one.

And he started crying in earnest.

"Do you wish I hadn't told you?"

There was a mumbled yes through all the crying and burying of his head in the couch.

I let out a deep sigh and dug in. We talked about a lot of things for almost an hour. About faith, and magic, and even Jesus, although we are agnostic. I told him that he has the choice to learn about the world and decide what he wants to believe in. I explained that his dad and I have great faith even though we are not religious. That he can now continue the tradition of telling Santa's story for the younger children in our lives, and to help protect that magic for them. That magic is very important, and many things in this world cannot be explained.

By this time, Bryan had joined us and lent a second voice to what I was telling Declan.

Our darling, sensitive boy finally turned to my magical husband and said, "Daddy - do you believe in Santa Claus?"

"Yes, Dex. I absolutely do."

"Me, too."

------

Now the big question is this: What do I do the next time he loses a tooth?

And Let The Tween Drama Begin

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee Giese) — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 22:20:00 +0000

Hi. I am ticked. What's new.

There is this thing that Declan wanted to join. It is a school thing, but not really. It's before and after school and the kids involved are supposed to get in groups of two or three kids.

We were a little late on the ball, and everyone is paired up. Everyone is turning Declan away.

Finally we got on the phone and started calling parents. There was a ray of hope with a long time friend of Declan's - but her partner, a boy that Declan doesn't know very well, and we don't know at all, "doesn't work well in groups."

According to his parents.

His parents said that their child "doesn't work well in groups," - one of the main goals of this activity, I would presume - when another parent was asking if ONE child could be added to their TWO person group, because that child didn't have a group of his own.

If this is a glimpse of the politics and bullshit ahead, I am raising the white flag now.

Caine's Arcade - Short Film About 9yo's Cardboard Creations

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee Giese) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 23:36:00 +0000

Watch this. Immediately.

I was so taken by Caine, and everyone in the film. Not just because my son is *also* nine years old and *also* makes crazy things from cardboard - but that here is yet another example of how the internet can do wonderful things for people.

The filmmaker Nirvan is raising money for Caine's college fund here.

Amazing.

March of Dimes National Ambassador Shalini Wittstruck

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee Giese) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 00:28:00 +0000

I don't talk about it much anymore since Declan is quickly creeping towards ten years old, but he was a preemie. A 32-weeker, who came into this world screaming and fighting, like so many other babies - and we never found out why. At the time, I really didn't care why, I just wanted him to live. It took six weeks of hard work on his part, but he was released from the hospital around Halloween 2002 - and he has been growing and thriving ever since.

Declan - September 2002

When I chatted on the phone with Shalini Wittstruck last week, and she shared her story with me, I kept nodding my head into the phone. And tearing up a little bit. Shalini, her husband Shane and their son Kieran are the national ambassador family for March of Dimes, and are working to reduce pre-term birth all across the country. The crazy things is, Kieran was born right here in south Denver - so our stories are even more tight-knit.

So many of the details were the same, yet I know we all have such unique birth experiences. Some are joyous, some are tortuous, some are funny... OK, I assume not that many are very, very funny. But the point is, we all come together in the end with one purpose, raising that baby. Making him or her as healthy and happy as possible.

Shalini told me that one-in-eight births are still coming too early - and 40% of those are from unknown causes. We both never found out why our boys were premature, and she used a phrase that hit me hard. "I was grieving the loss of my pregnancy."

I absolutely did that, for a long time - and had to turn my back on the fact that Declan was a preemie for quite a while. It was all too overwhelming to deal with, that we could have lost him, and me. Yes, yet another time I had a medical emergency. Shocking, I know.

We all know people who lost their fight. Most recently, I think of the lovely Kami Bigler. And of course, Maddie Spohr's heroic journey for the 17 months she was with us.

Shalini has turned her grief into something positive. They tour the country now, after moving to Seattle - and help spread the word about March of Dimes. Shalini is a Cigna employee and they support her in this quest, and are donating $5 for every like on their Facebook page to support March of Dimes activities.

Shalini and I are lucky. Our boys are strong. Kieran knows he is helping other babies. My family is joining Cigna this year for the Denver March of Dimes WalkAmerica event. I am excited to finally turn over the pain I have buried so long, and channel it in a more positive place.

I would love for you to read more about the amazing Wittruck family, and like the Cigna page (so easy!) to raise money for the March of Dimes.

If you are in Denver, come out and walk with us on April 28th - which is also the day after my birthday. What an awesome present for when I turn 21 for the second time, right? (That would be 42, but who is counting.)

Whether you are a mom, dad, grandparent, or a friend - I am sure we have all known someone personally with a premature baby. The odds tell me you do.

How about we work on fixing that?

Aren't they like the cutest family EVER?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Please note: Cigna arranged for my chat with Shalini and has invited us on to the Cigna Denver March of Dimes team, but this is NOT a paid post. All words and thoughts are mine.

What Would You Have Done If You Won The Lottery?

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee Giese) — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 15:54:00 +0000

It's a bit of old news, but it has been a cruddy week, so let's go to Fantasyland shall we? I need a bit of a Calgon take me away moment. You might not be old enough to even get that reference, which makes me need it even more.

So three people won $640 million last week and the details are all weird about who the winners are and what safe the tickets are hidden in and who paid for what at which McDonald's, but who really cares, because it's all - like I said - Fantasyland. I don't buy lottery tickets and probably never will, but it's fun to think about what I would've done with the money.

It's not like we wouldn't work - because we enjoy work. And obviously, being the good little bleeding hearts we are, we would give a gigantic chunk to charity. Probably health related - diabetes, cancer, stem cell - things that would make a real difference in the world. And certainly we would travel everywhere. Evvvvvvvv-reeeeeeee-WHERE.

But beyond that - what? I hate to conjure up that Barenaked Ladies song, but would we buy fancy ketchups? Become insanely quirky and have 3 million shoes in every room of the house? Or just buy the house next door where Mr. Lady used to live to hold all those shoes?

Bryan and our friend James were talking about it, and James got to the part where he hires several Amazonian women bodyguards, but ended up just replaying that part over and over, and not really getting much further. I bet you can do better.

What bat-shit-crazy stuff would YOU do?

Photo by 401k.

Interview With "Being Elmo" Director Constance Marks

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee Giese) — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 17:17:00 +0000

Sometimes I am amazed at the places this blog leads me. Today was one of those days. I picked up the phone and called Constance Marks, director of "Being Elmo" - one of the best films I have seen in a long time. We chatted like we were old friends, talked about the documentary, and her career.

Wow.

You know how much I care for Jim Henson, for the Muppets, for Sesame Street, for children's programming - so you know today was a cool day.

"Being Elmo" is the story of Kevin Clash, the man who brought Elmo to life. It didn't start out that way - Constance said they planned on a "year in the life" style movie. But when they looked at the footage, and after getting to know Kevin - they knew the story was Kevin's story. It took them six years to do it, but they got it.

I am doubly sentimental about the film because Kevin is from Baltimore; both my husband and I grew up in Maryland. Many of the things from his early childhood were so familiar to me, it was almost like stepping back in time. So while my 9 year old watched the film and was nostalgic - as nostalgic as a 9 year old gets - for the time when he used to carry a rag-tag fuzzy red doll around, I was remembering the same shows Kevin watched from the same vantage points.

Constance felt similar affection for both Kevin and Elmo. Her daughter is now 13, but when she was little, she was (of course!) a big fan of Elmo. Constance's Director of Photography (and husband) was a cameraman at Sesame Street at the time. Amazingly, Kevin sent home a thoughtful VHS from Elmo specifically to their daughter - and Constance was hooked. She knew this was her next project. In addition to Kevin's kindness, Constance wanted to know the man behind the puppet, wanted to share him with us, plus how funny and nuanced his gestures with Elmo are.

It's true. Watch Elmo now as an adult. It's nothing short of genius.

Once they decided the path of the film was Kevin's life, that directed the story. Anything that didn't move the story forward was left out. Which makes me excited for the DVD (just released today), because it has a bunch of bonus features that didn't make it into the film. Including Tau (Kevin's young protegé at the end of the film) performing in the Thanksgiving Day parade.

I asked Constance if it was hard to balance between this larger than life world-famous character and the seemingly more modest real-life Kevin Clash. She said it became easier once they changed the direction of the film to Kevin, because they were telling the story from Kevin's point of view. "If Elmo was involved in a scene, great! But much of the movie happens before Elmo was even around." Personally, I think that is part of the charm - we all know what happens next and get to see the magic unfold.

Constance said that is part of the appeal of documentary film-making for her. She worked early on with the Maysles Brothers and developed a taste for the "cinéma vérité" style. We talked about how capturing the action - something I love in photography - is exciting, and almost feels like a "hunt." Then you come back and look at what you have, and piece it together like a puzzle.

Also - affirming that Kevin Clash truly is a modest, kind man - Constance told me about a time that she ended up shooting him alone, with no other cameramen or crew from their team. Not only did Kevin share the car that was sent to take him to his next event, but he helped load and unload all her equipment. She also commented that he never once asked for anything embarrassing to be removed from the film, but only sent helpful comments that helped make the film better.

And good, the film is. Constance and her team are so thrilled with the enthusiastic response... and are so inspired by how emotionally attached people are to "Being Elmo."

It's pretty cool, if you ask me.

PBS' Independent Lens will be premiering the film on APRIL 5th, with an encore presentation on APRIL 9th.

Check here to find your local show times.

Note: I am a PBSKids Brand Ambassador, but it is an unpaid relationship. {Clearly I love these guys.} All words and thoughts are mine, except anything that was obviously said by Constance Marks. Many thanks to Constance for taking the time to chat with me!

Where Can I Get Some Energy?

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee Giese) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 22:38:00 +0000

Ever since I was sick - after my second ear surgery specifically - I have been a shadow of myself. At least physically. Well, that isn't really true either since I have gained at least 15 pounds.

Emotionally, I want to go out and conquer the world. Physically, I want to take a nap every day at 4pm.

Is this normal after a year of illness? Or do you have suggestions to get my mojo back?

I am trying to walk more, drink water more, and slowly get back to life.

But what else?

Sonoda's Sushi is Spamming Denver on Twitter

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee Giese) — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 20:01:00 +0000

Usually I just ignore Twitter spam. But I got an "at" message from Sonoda's Sushi in Denver and Aurora, Colorado, right after I gave thumbs up on Twitter to Dyson for GOOD social listening - so I assumed they were trying to reach out in a GOOD way.

Nope.

They were spamming me, meaning calling out to me with some message meant to draw attention to their sushi and seafood restaurant, without any reall interactions between us. Even worse, as I looked at their stream, they were spamming everyone in town... including the Denver Broncos, Larimer Square (the shopping district!) and a ton of people I know from Denver, Boulder and the Front Range.

So, I commented on this to my friends... and we had fun talking about spammers (and the food, SPAM) for a good while yesterday. Sonoda's Sushi has YET to notice. Below are screen caps of our conversation and what was happening on the Sonoda Twitter account at the same time.

Clearly Sonoda Sushi has an automated bot working their Twitter. Or has things pre-loaded to auto-tweet, seeing as some of the messages are actually somewhat targeted... (Some new messages started today, like "Welcome to the NCAA Women's Final Four" - which is happening in Denver this weekend.) I am honestly not that familiar with these tactics as I never use them, for myself or my clients.

Why? Because they had a ton of people in Denver talking poorly of them yesterday. People who will never go to their restaurant, will tell people not to go there, and now have blocked them on Twitter as well as reported them as spam.

Was that really worth it, Sonoda's Sushi?

From Dance Dates To Being Gay In One Conversation

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee Giese) — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 20:14:00 +0000

Declan is home with me this week for Spring Break. Which means lots of trying to work while trying to entertain my very precocious 9 year old. But the thing I like best about the times he is home with me, other than forcing manual labor on him, is when we just get to sit and just talk. Like when we had lunch on a patio yesterday, soaking up the amazing weather in Denver right now.

"Lots of kids in my grade took dates to the dance last week."

Wow, really? I asked him if that was encouraged, because as I have mentioned in the past, I am not big on forced dating at this age because it is "cute" or "fun" or anything other than lunacy.

"No, no. Kids just started doing it."

OK. More calm.

"Did you go with anyone?"

Instant pink face. He had not, but there *was* someone he wanted to go with, oddly enough a girl who declared - when they were 4 years old - that they would be marry someday. I asked who else went with "dates" and he listed off friend after friend, and I was kind of shocked how widespread it was.

Then Declan told me, in his most matter of fact voice - they he prefers to fly solo. He leaned back in his chair non-nonchalantly as he said this, and kind of squinted into the sun. I wondered if he had been watching some Paul Newman movies on Netflix without our knowledge.

"Well, I guess I sort of had a date the last time. [Friend who is a boy] and I went together. And he licked my hand too."

Besides squirming at all the germs that must have passed between them, I was interested how Declan considered this a date.

"Well, I guess it wasn't a date, since we are two guys."

I went on to explain that two guys can date, it is perfectly normal... and if - when he ACTUALLY starts dating - he likes to go out with men, his dad and I will always love and support him.

"Oh, Mom. I know."

He's nowhere near figuring any of that stuff out right now.

I only took two things from the conversation seriously.

The fact that he was willing to share these things with me...

And that he knows I will love him no matter what.

Fun Pins For Your Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee Giese) — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 20:41:00 +0000

I haven't done a Pinterest post in a while. And now, with its explosive growth and controversy, I am sure you have all at least heard of it, right?

I am that freak who checks Pinterest before bed or else I can't sleep.

Want to see why?

Who wouldn't want this wooden whale on their desk?

Or how about a viewfinder clock?

Speaking of whales - maybe a t-shirt that parodies the Jaws movie poster, but is really for the book Moby Dick?

Or an easy way to make cookies in the shape of flowers?

But wait! Look at this entirely new way of thinking about a watch!? That will make you feel like you are starring in Battlestar Galactica? I have always wanted that, personally.

And these shot glasses made from ice! Amiright!?!?!

Birds made from paper scraps? My origami-loving kid is DYING.

Ideas for party invites where the kids bring caterpillars...

And what to do in the garden this summer...

And with Declan over Spring Break...

And in the pottery studio when I find the time...

AND
AND
ANDDDDD...

This is why I never sleep.

San Diego Zoo: Pandas or Koalas?

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee Giese) — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 13:54:00 +0000

While we were at BlogHer last year, we made a day trip over to the San Diego Zoo. I had my crazy ear surgery right after that, so I never was able to write about it - and about a bunch of things over the past six months, which is kind of nice in some ways, because I almost get to relive all the fun things we have done now, with a big ole run-on sentence, even.

One thing I could not WAIT to see at the zoo were the pandas. Even though I grew up in Maryland, for whatever reason, I never saw the pandas at the National Zoo. Even though I am totally fascinated with them. Their cuteness. Their bigness. Their panda-ness.

The line for the Panda Trek is well organized - it winds through a maze so you don't realize how long you really are going to wait. And honestly, it was a pretty long wait. I am glad we knew about that beforehand, and had drinks and snacks on hand. But truly, when you think about how long you might wait for a ride at an amusement park - it wasn't bad at all.

And then BOOM. There you are! Pandas. Right there! Lazily eating their treats. Being cute. And big. And fuzzy. It honestly took my breath away.

I thought Declan was going to lose his mind.

We didn't have too much time to take photos, and it was awkward to get shots of us in front of them, but - seriously. So worth it.

I felt like we had just visited royalty.

We spent much of the rest of the day stumbling around - trying to see as much as we could - because the San Diego Zoo is HUGE. We were glad for the Skyfari ride that brings you from one side to the other. Still, compared to our Denver Zoo - it also felt really hilly and lush. So, yes, even though it was a lot of walking - it was very pretty walking.

And then we stumbled upon the koalas.

I apparently I had no idea they were there, because it was a huge surprise to see them. And unlike the pandas, there was no line. They were all just tucked back in circles of wooden decking. Sure, there were lots of people, but since we could get around all sides, there was plenty of room to just sit and watch.

Koalas are lazy too, so we mainly watched them sleep and stretch and then sleep again.

But then some were moving around and even playing with each other a bit. Wow. Seriously wow.

So, in the end, we had two mind-blowing animal encounters when we were really only expecting one.

Then you count the collective awesomeness of all the other animals we saw and ... yes... one heck of a day.

_______________________________________________________

Disclosure: Park passes for the day were provided to us by the San Diego Zoo. All thoughts, words and photos are mine.

Lyric Art Day

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee Giese) — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 15:54:00 +0000

One of the things I promised myself with my "new life" was more creative freedom. It's slowly but surely happening in my actual work as I mentioned yesterday - but I have had little time for anything else. My pottery teacher (also a client) swears I am never going to remember throw a pot - but I keep hoping it's like riding a bike. Right?

If you know me in person - I am pretty bawdy, curse a lot, laugh a lot... and trust me, that isn't changing any time soon. But like a roasted marshmallow, I have a really squishy center. (And after a year on my back, my center is squishier than normal.)

I was lucky enough to get on Pinterest early, and I have over 5,000 pins there that show some different sides of me that I didn't expect. When I read all the quotes I have pinned, they touch me - but nothing touches me like music.

I have been planning to start doing this for over six months - but dammit. Here we go. I am going to start having fun with some of my favorite lyrics, with my photos and some of my painting (which I also never have time for) and post them on Lyric Art Day.

I have probably said a million times that Crowded House is my all time favorite band.

The song "Twice If Your Lucky" is, to me, about looking at your life, appreciating it... and all the second chances you get.

Three Clients I Love

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee Giese) — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 22:26:00 +0000

I was such a downer in my last post, blathering about my year of ear issues, I thought I should also talk about the good things in my life. I am now working from home, by myself, as Giese Media. OK, my dog is here most days too. And the neighbor's dog, too. Who won't stop barking. Ever.

Everything is so completely different, sometimes it feels strange to think back. I have a laptop (two now, actually) and I work almost anywhere. Since I am contractor for many different clients, their deadlines sometimes make have me working off hours, although I am trying to find that balance.

But I really love how I ended up working in areas I have always enjoyed, with some really cool people.

Example, I do a lot of social media for CLEAR. This is the card that pre-screens you and then you jump the security line. Travel! I love travel! We started working together when they asked me to blog about the company, and our relationship grew. Now, I skype with them frequently on issues that arise, or plans we have to make. Why? They are based in New York, and I am in Denver - and start my day at 9:30. I genuinely feel lucky that I entered the "freelance" world at this point and time. Technology - and attitudes - have changed so much that I can work from my desk, or from the park, or from the line in the grocery store. It still blows my mind every day.

One of the things I loved about my former company was the education aspects. I really felt like I was helping people. Along came Angela Santomero, the creator of Blue's Clues, Super Why and soon a Mister Rogers spin-off called Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood. I get to help Angela with her social media strategy. Never in a million years, when I was making Blue's Clues cupcakes for Declan's second, third and fourth birthdays (he was a bit obsessed), would I have EVER guessed that not only would I become friends with Blue's "boss" - but also I that would work with her. Dream. Come. True.

Then finally - we all know I like music, right? Like a lot? Well, I have started helping bands with all manner of work, and one band in particular: Bop Skizzum. Andy (one of the founders of Flobots) and I met just as he was deciding to return to Bop. We became fast friends, and he often co-works at the same big ole desk I am typing from now. I run the gamut for Bop Skizzum - design, photography, social media. I love that are willing to experiment and we have a blast doing it.

And honestly, I could go on and on. Everyone I am working with is awesome.

Truly, I really feel like I have left the last year of bad luck behind me.

Now.

If I could only find more time to blog, right?

One Year

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee Giese) — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 15:05:00 +0000

Last Wednesday, a year ago, I signed the papers to sell my company.

Thursday, I got on a plane to Austin for SXSW.

By Friday, my ear started hurting.

On Saturday, I visited the ER and they sent me home with lots of medicine for a bad ear infection.

That Sunday, very early in the morning, I went back to the hospital, and all hell broke loose.

The previous doctor only had seen one of the three ear infections now ripping through my head. Inner, Outer, and, most importantly, into my mastoid process.

I could tell they were freaked. They kept asking me all kinds of crazy questions while they shoved a needle full of morphine into my arm.

I don't know, dude... I don't know. But...

thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou.

During the time between my two ER visits, I ruined three large-size hotel towels from the blood running out of my ear. Three. The call to housekeeping that day was what you might call... awkward. I am sure they still talk about the ax murderer who was in town for SXSW last year... before she just vanished.

Seeing as I never returned to the hotel. I stayed at in the hospital for 5 days, and also had emergency surgery to keep the infection from exploding my brain.

I feel so dramatic when I tell people this all was very life-threatening, but the truth is... it is a miracle I made it through. It ended up being Strep-A, which sounds benign until you attach the other things you need to know... Necrotizing. Flesh-eating. The one that killed Jim Henson.

The surgery I had in Austin was also a stop-gap to allow me to fly home, and prepare me for one, maybe two or perhaps even three more other surgeries later.

From an infection in my ear. I still can't believe that.

My first appointment with the specialist in Denver turned into a flurry of activity as well, when tests showed *something* was moving around in my ear.

Best case scenario: Another section of the infection was erupting into my ear.

Worst case: My skull had fractured and my brain was leaking.

Brain and leaking are NOT words you want pulled together when you have just had emergency surgery in a strange city, made it home, hoping to turn the corner - only to have the door slammed in your face.

Luckily, it was the former. Only the infection pumping around at full speed inside my ear.

Which meant MASSIVE antibiotics, threat of a PICC line, and a possible immediate surgery to scrape out my mastoid process.

I spent April, May and June taking so many drugs, my regular accoutrement of medications felt very inferior.

But I did it. I managed to get rid of the infection. We let things heal for July and August, but knew the hole in my eardrum was just too big to avoid. Let's face it, there was really nothing left.

So in September, I went back under the knife - feeling proud I managed only have ONE more surgery - to rebuild by eardrum from behind. My scar runs the full length of my ear and is nearly invisible unless you touch it. I often rub it for luck.

In some ways, that surgery was almost harder than any of it. Perhaps because I expected to bounce back quickly. I should have learned by then to never underestimate how much the ear controls your health. Your balance, your pain, your ability to navigate this world.

I was out for the count for another two months. The lack of movement made me so stiff, I got sciatica and now get ongoing massage therapy. I stretch a lot. And before you suggest yoga, people must walk before they run. I really appreciate when people say I look younger than my nearly 42 years - but I feel much, much, much older. In my bones, at least. And in my ear, which now sports a hearing aid.

This year has aged me. And taught me.

Health is the most valuable thing we possess. Without it, we have nothing.

I fear Declan will remember long periods of me sleeping. Just sleeping.

But I also know my family and friends are there for me. They support me. They love me.

And I am ready to leave this year behind.

While I Was At Blissdom...

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee Giese) — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 22:34:00 +0000

Declan made this Wordle for me.

Apparently he thinks I eat a lot of junk food when I travel.

And needs more spelling lessons.

NOW YOU.

Have your kids do a Wordle about YOU -
and see what they come up with.

Let me see 'em in the comments.

What Should We Do About Wimpy Bullies?

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee Giese) — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 17:09:00 +0000

Isn't is weird how things appear in threes?

First, we have budget issues at school. (Don't we all?) They have been stressful, on-going, and now is the time to make final decisions. We have a committee that works on this all year long, and frankly, while I do totally trust them with the process, I also cannot handle the associated craziness.

At one of the last meetings, a letter surfaced that was signed, "From The Teachers." I don't pretend to know all the in's and out's of how this letter surfaced and why it showed up that day, but I do feel like calling some people one word:

Pansies.

Passive aggressive pansies.

One of the parents felt they should forward the letter, giving more attention to people who can't communicate through proper channels, and stirring the pot further.

When I attended the PTA meeting to discuss this letter, I thought my head was going to explode.

We have incredibly thoughtful people on a committee working hard all year long, for hours at a time, at multiple meetings that none of these people bother to attend - and then an inflammatory piece of paper shows up, pushing things all their way?

Garbage.

Second example. My friend Connie recently blogged about how someone read The Lorax to their kids at school. I'll leave the telling of the tale to her, but in a nutshell, an anonymous parent didn't like it. (Didn't like WHAT exactly?) But instead of being ignored for not having the cajones to sign their request, and explain their concerns - the teacher is now clearing all books to be read to the class. I am sorry, what-the-what?

At least real bullies have fists.

Or threats, as we are experiencing in Declan's case.

I won't go too deep into the situation because we are still working it out, but when your son tells you he can't go somewhere because he is afraid of another kid, you start paying attention. When you find out that another child has saying outrageously scary things to your child, you get mad.

But you also wonder.

How many types of bullies are there?

Do they all get treated the same?

Where do they come from?

When you hear the word "bully," you think of the big dude slamming his fist down some bean pole's throat.

We forget that it happens everywhere, and very often from people who are weak and hide behind their words.

____________________________________________________

Have you every had to deal with a bully,
either with your children or as and adult?

Thoughts... Suggestions... Advice?

Uprising

noreply@blogger.com (Aimee Giese) — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 22:03:00 +0000

We all have those people. The ones who you trusted for so long and they surprised you.

No. That isn't a strong enough word.

Shocked you to the core of your soul.

I don't know you at all.

You could be standing on the playground watching your children flash past as the school bell rings - left with words that make no sense.

You could be seeing messages come in over the phone from someone that was your whole life - who is now a stranger to you.

You could be sitting on a patio with the warm Spring breeze flowing over you - searching into eyes that no longer connect with yours.

How could you do this?

The crazy thing is... they are so far away, they have no idea how far their knives are in your belly.

How deep they cut. How long it takes to heal.

But eventually you do.

When you think of them, the edge is duller. Like a scrape rather than a slice.

You brush your hair. You wash your face. And you look towards the sun.