Laziness, Take Two

I'm once again baffled by other's laziness. And I was fairly certain I wrote a previous post on laziness that I could redirect everyone to. So I searched. And I found it. It was post #2 of Real Thoughts from a Faux Expert. I guess I'll always be surrounded by uninspired laziness. Too bad.

On Templated Work

White Trash, Black Sheep of the Family Reunion

She's baaaaaaaaaack. And by she, I mean me.

I'm back to the blog. I'm back from Vegas. I'm back on my game. I'm back. So get excited. 

I went to Vegas last weekend for the White Trash, Black Sheep of the Family Reunion. I think I'm gonna make shirts for the next reunion because that's an awesome name for a reunion. 

I love my immediate family. They're awesome. But I tend to move around a lot. I tend to always live REALLY far from them. So over the years, I've kind of built my own family of friends.

This trip was the first time my family friends and actual, blood-relatives were together. And the blood relatives that were there, well, they're relatives I didn't grow up with. They're relatives I've only recently met. As a matter of fact, I met one of my cousins for the first time in Vegas (supposedly we've met before, but I was really young and have no memory of it). Yup, that's how this new family rolls. 

Anyway, I'm not sure what the point of this post is beyond me mentioning how awesome the family I've built for myself over the years is. 

I guess it's time to start planning the next White Trash, Black Sheep of the Family Reunion. 

The Universe's Reasons

I'm one of those people who believes everything happens for a reason. Sometimes that's a real crappy philosophy, I know. I don't think it works passively. Meaning, you do effect the outcome of things. Your decisions and actions and words and emotions all matter. It's just at the end of the day or year or life or whatever, there were forces bigger than you out there at play.

I personally refer to this larger-than-me force as the Universe. And sometimes the Universe and I are at odds - with timing, with outcome, with a lot of different things. But for the most part the Universe and I seem to get along.

I saw a crappy movie this weekend (The Adjustment Bureau). I mean it wasn't TERRIBLE - it just wasn't really my thing. But it did focus on this idea of a master plan being laid out for people. It played with the notion that someone or something is pulling the strings in your life. The main characters of the movie don't agree with the master plan set out for them and therefore fight it.

Wasn't a big fan of the movie, but it did get me thinking about this idea of everything happens for a reason. Because a lot of times we don't know what the reason is at the time. A lot of times we never know what the reason is. And you can get caught up in trying to figure it out or you can just live your life.

More importantly than events, I think everyone I encounter has a reason for being in my life. And no, I don't always know what the reason is. I don't know why some people get 15 yrs. I don't know why some only get 15 minutes. I don't know why there are those people who time stands still for. I'm not sure why some people enter and leave like a tornado on a path of destruction. But I know there has got to be a reason. There's got to be a reason I love who I love, a reason I fight for who I fight for, I learn from who I learn from, I help who I help, I laugh with who I laugh with and everything else.

There's a reason you guys are all in my life. That's all I'm saying. And I don't really care what that reason is - just know I'm happy to have ya here.

So thanks Universe.

Hey

Wow - it's been awhile. And it seems like both a lot and very little has happened since whenever I wrote last. Strange. Anyway, just thought I'd drop by and say hey.

And a real thought from your resident faux expert:
Embrace change. Embrace new. Embrace whatever it is the universe is throwing at you. Don't fight it, embrace it. Because you never know what will come from it all. 

That's all for now. Yay.

Kick Ass.

I just got back from a weekend excursion to Missouri to pack up my things, grab my boys and hang with my peeps. It was a whirlwind trip, but well worth the exhaustion. Come to think of it, the last six months have been a sort of whirlwind experience. But that too has been well worth the exhaustion.

Because of the craziness that has been my life, I used the twelve-hour drive yesterday for reflection, reprioritizing, refocusing and really loud music. So without further ado, my newly revamped to-do list:

1. Kick ass.
2. Focus on the awesomeness.
3. Remember that I'm loved by lots.
4. Remember to love lots. 
5. Make myself a priority.
6. Let go. Of hurt. Of frustration. Of negativity. 
7. Write. Sketch. Paint.
8. Kick ass.
9. Embrace opportunities as they come. 
10. Follow my heart. 
11. Worry less. Laugh more.
12. Crank the stereo louder. 
13. Be happy. For myself and for those I love.
14. Kick ass.

Should be simple enough, yes? Alright, gotta go kick some ass :)

On Lots of Things

On Success

Self-made or never made.

On Friendship

At the end of the day, if there's love there's friendship.

On Love

Some people are only capable of loving themselves.

On Mistakes

Learn from them and then learn to live with them. 

On Hugs

When all else fails, hug.

It's Only Advertising

I love my job, I really do. But sometimes it's a bit ridiculous the things we get hung up on. It's ridiculous because it's only advertising. It's only advertising.

So I came across this site, which I love. I love it because it proves my point. No one else cares about it as much as we do. It's ridiculous to think any different. 

My Fresh Start

Yep, it's official - I'm staying in Texas. Signed all that important work stuff yesterday. Get my new apartment on Friday. Let's just say that I'm stoked.

There are many, MANY reasons why this makes me happy. I love being back in Texas. I love the weather. I love knowing some of my closest friends are only a few hours away. I love the agency, the leadership. I love the talent. I love the potential. I love the challenge that comes with being the underdog. I love it all.

But what I'm most excited about is the move. The fresh start. The clean slate.

2010 was a transformational year for me - inside and out. But it was tricky embracing the new when I was surrounded by the old. It was tricky to stay hopeful and cheerful and optimistic and happy when I was in the same place where I had very recently been just the opposite. It was tricky breaking free from the past when the past was all around me. But the trickiest part was accepting that I needed to move on if I wanted to actually be this new happier, healthier, better person.

I loved KC. And I loved Boulder and Chicago and Fort Worth. I loved the people and the adventures. All those places and people and experiences are what led me to where I am today. My past is what made me strong enough to be on this new personal adventure. It's what made me want to be this happier, healthier, better me.

So I'm stoked that it's finally official - that I'm officially onto my next adventure. I'm stoked to be the new person again. I'm stoked for new surroundings and new experiences. I'm stoked.

BUT.....I'm also stoked to be heading back to Missouri next week to see my peeps :)

Embracing Change

‎"You can't always get what you want. But if you try sometimes, well you just might find you get what you need."

There's been a lot of change in my life recently. And to be honest, I was hesitant about a lot of it. It wasn't exactly the kind of change I wanted. No one wants to get laid off. No one wants to part ways with the people they love.

BUT

I'm feeling good about it now. Because even though things didn't happen the way I wanted them to doesn't mean they aren't happening the way they're supposed to. Or they way I actually need them to. 

There's a lot of good things happening in my life right now. And if I hadn't learned to embrace all the changes life threw at me, I wouldn't where I am.

So yeah, The Rolling Stones were right. 

On Driving in Houston

I love it. Houstonians know how to drive. Seriously, it's brilliant driving. Here's how it works (and why I love it):

If you want to change lanes, you just go for it. Aggressive driving wins. Turn signals are for suckers. Because if you signal that you need in the other lane, there's no way in hell anyone will let you over. If you just go for it, people let you in. It's efficient. It's aggressive. It's my kind of driving.

So if nothing else, the driving here makes me love this city.

Plan of Awesomeness Update

It's been awhile since I've posted and I've been busy. Since my last post I've:

• Parted ways with my last job
• Accepted a gig in Houston
• Worked on a lot of art projects
• Celebrated the holidays with family and friends
• Had an AMAZING farewell tour, saying goodbye to all the awesome people I know in KC
• Watched my Horned Frogs win the Rose Bowl
• Cheered my Chiefs into the playoffs
• Consumed way too many drinks
• Became a temporary regular at O'Dowds in Zona Rosa
• Packed my apartment
• Received my last teddy bear hug for the time being
• Laughed, cried, loved and left
• Drove 13hrs straight to begin my new adventure
• Started my new gig

So, like I said, I've been busy. And despite the circumstances behind my departure, I couldn't be happier. Okay, that's not true - I'd be happier if I didn't have to miss people. But besides that, I couldn't be happier. 

K, gotta jet. I need to get back to kicking ass in Houston. Later.

On Being Wrong

You know that moment when you finally realize that you're wrong?

If it's a small goof, there's embarrassment.

If it's a big mistake, there's a bruised ego. 

But if it's HUGE, the kind of wrong that you've been arguing your stance on for months (or even years). The kind that made you cast logic and truth and history aside. The kind you were willing to start WWIII over because you were SO SURE you were right.

Well with that kind of MASSIVE MISCALCULATION, there's laughter.

Because there's that one second of clarity where you're like, F*CK. And then you laugh. And laugh. And laugh some more. Because laughing at how wrong you were is all you can do. 

I bet there are a lot of conspiracy theorists who laugh on their death beds. And republicans. And I'm pretty sure that everyone who argued the world was flat would be busting a gut today. Along with anyone who freaked out about Y2K. 

Actually, I'm surprised there isn't more laughter in the world. We've all made those kinds of mistakes. We've all been colossally wrong at least once in our lives. So we should all be laughing at ourselves. I know I am. 

Lessons Learned

I've learned a surprising amount this year. Some lessons were fun. Some were empowering. And some were painful. But everything learned will make 2011 even better than 2010. And 2010 is going to be tough to top.

I've learned that...

I have the strength and determination to tackle the most daunting of tasks. Like losing 70lbs. Or making a music video. 

Happiness is a choice. You either choose to be happy or you choose not to be. Either way, it's in your hands.

I am awesome. And am worthy of awesomeness.

A good hike can resolve almost any internal battle.

LA can actually be fun if you know the right people and find the right scene.

There are tons of people out there who will drop everything to help me. All I have to do is ask.

There's a plus side to my closest friends living far away - mini vacations!

When life feels like a rollercoaster of uncertainty, the best thing to do is go ride some actual rollercoasters and enjoy.

Side projects are the key to staying happy in the ad industry.

I'm powerless when it comes to good song lyrics. Powerless.

I need to trust my instincts more.

If enough people are giving you the same advice, it'd be best to stop being so stubborn and actually listen.

Following my heart is important. But so is following my brain.

I'm fearless and strong.

Sometimes the best things disguise themselves as something terrible. Like being laid off, for example.

The only way someone can change is if they decide to do it for themselves.

Friends can be family and family can be friends.

Taking risks is important. If you don't put yourself out there, you won't know what's possible.

You work to live, not live to work.

Paintbrushes and charcoals and markers are the best kind of therapy for me.

The universe is on my side.

Forgiving someone is less painful than hating them.

Collateral Damage

Collateral damage is damage that is unintended or incidental to the intended outcome. 


Unintended. That's the key. Of course knowing it was unintended doesn't make the outcome suck any less. But it means it wasn't malicious. It wasn't personal. It wasn't intentional.


To be fair, I am the collateral damage from a crappy economy. I am the collateral damage from an unstable industry. It's much bigger than my specific situation. And I know that.


So I'm not bitter. I am however in need of a job.


And with that comes this – there's a kickass Art Director looking for work. Spread the word (and the site): www.jessicADanford.com


And while you're at it, spread the word about some of my insanely talented coworkers who are in the same boat as me: www.wearecollateraldamage.wordpress.com


Thanks. 

we are collateral damage

We've launched a new site. It features the work of a bunch of amazingly talented people who are looking for new jobs. So check out the site and spread it around. Thanks!

"We are writers, designers, art directors, producers and illustrators. We are talented, award-winning lovers of advertising and art and culture. We are funny, smart, sarcastic and creative. And we're looking for work. We are collateral damage. Nice to meet you."

Visit the site and check out the portfolios here.
Follow us on twitter here. 
Like us on Facebook here. 

I'm in Love

Meet my new iPad, Stan.

Stan is quite possibly the love of my life. He is gorgeous, intelligent and highly entertaining. He sings me songs. He watches movies with me. He'll even snuggle up with me and a good book. He's stylish – always sporting Jack Spade. He's dependable, knowledgable, loyal. And he does exactly what he's told.

In other words, he's perfect. I love him.