Alright, so Eden Spodek from the Bargainista Blog tagged me to come up with six random things that people don’t know about me, so here goes!

1) I’ve held a job as a TV news anchor, a server, a bartender, a pizza delivery guy, a door-to-door salesman, worked at Dell as a sales rep, and a grocery store stock boy… all before I turned 24.

2) I am a die-hard anime fan.  Not only do I enjoy anime, but I enjoy watching it in the original Japanese with English subtitles.  Don’t watch the "dubbed" versions - they usually suck.  (Oh, and FYI, Cowboy Bebop and Trigun are my favorites).

3) Video gaming is not just a hobby for me - I have about 7 or 8 video game themed clothing items I wear on a regular basis.  I use it to keep my reflexes sharp and to unwind after a long day of designing.  Team Fortress II is my favorite, with a good dungeon-trolling RPG coming in second.

4) In high-school I was a state semifinalist in Dramatic Interpretation, a speech/debate event.  I also competed in Storytelling, Humorous Interpretation, Poetry/Prose, and Improvisational Duo, and won at least one trophy in each event during my senior year.

5) If I had my way, I’d have a laptop that I could take out into a rainstorm and work.  I do my best work when it’s raining, and even when it’s storming I have the windows open listening to the thunder and rain.

6) I work with The Peoples Church in Franklin, TN as a youth leader (with middle school guys).  That means on Sunday mornings I’m at Bible Study and Wednesday nights I play in the middle school worship band (I play the bass guitar).

 

Random rules (hat tip to Connie Crosby):
1. Link to the person who tagged you.
2. Post the rules on the blog.
3. Write six random things about yourself.
4. Tag six people at the end of your post.
5. Let each person know they have been tagged.
6. Let the tagger know when your entry is up.

 

As for the people I tag…. hmm… how about Dave Delaney, Rick Kenney, Daniel Johnson Jr., Dr. Anonymous, Lewis Howes, and Nicholas Young.

I’m pleased to announce that starting on August 26th, I will be an Adjunct Professor at Nashville State Community College.  I see this as incredible opportunity, not just because of the ability to shape the future web designers of Nashville (it’s a level 2 Dreamweaver course) but because I will be determining a lot of the course content.

Now, I know that there are certain things I want to cover.  For example, 4 out of the 15 weeks will be covering the last chapters of the Dreamweaver textbook given to the school by Adobe.  I flipped through it, and it’s a wealth of great information.

One week will be used to cover the schools upgrade from OSX 10.4 to OSX 10.5, and I will add in an intro to the WHY of CSS and not just the what.

That still leaves 10 weeks in which I can pick and choose the top things that upcoming designers need to know about.

1. Coding for IE6
2. Converting from Photoshop to Dreamweaver
3. Converting from Photoshop to Dreamweaver (may need 2 classes)
4. Blog/CMS systems (and designing for them in Dreamweaver)
5. …
6. …
7. …
8. …
9. …
10. …

And that’s what I have so far (which, considering I left the meeting 2 hours ago isn’t too bad).  What I need is for you as clients, designers, developers, and every other reader to tell me what you think is important for designers today to learn.  Keep in mind that most of the basics have been covered, and these aren’t in order, just as I come up with them.

So, if you see anything you think would be worthwhile, comment or send me a message.  Anyone who does will be thanked personally in my Syllabus.

It was sort of last minute last night, but I did get a chance to join Dr. Anonymous, AngeloMandato (congrats again on the baby - hope it wasn’t me that spoiled your secret), Brandice, Daniel, and podcasting newcomer Brad (?) in Dr. Anonymous’ weekly show over on BlogTalkRadio.  It was a great time (and I got to show off the obligitory baby pictures) and talk about some things being discussed on the PodCampOhio front.

We discussed whether or not the event should be a one or two (well, one-and-a-half) day event.  Personally, if it could be coordinated to work, then absolutely.  But it’s a tough challenge for the promoters and organizers, most of which are donating their time.  It’s also hard for the people who come in from out of town (like myself) to get hotels for multiple days and arrange work schedules to match a two-day event.

We also talked to Brad about what beginning podcasters can do to overcome their shyness on-air.  If you’re sort of creeped out by hearing your own voice, record yourself reading your favorite book.  Since it’s something you enjoy, you’ll be passionate about it, and you will enjoy what you hear.

So big thanks again to everyone who came, and don’t forget Dr. A has a monthly PodCamp show that’s fantastic and has a lot of great things going on. So, don’t miss it!

CWell, for those of you who aren’t in the know, Holly and I went home two days ago with the baby in hand.  He was a little jaundiced, but a day in the U/V blanket cured that right up and we got to take him home on Monday.

So, I was planning on getting back to work yesterday, but apparently the 24 hour bug I picked up had other ideas.  Do yourself a favor - wash your hands, sanitize, do whatever you have to do to avoid this bug - it was the worst 14 hours of my life.  I’m still weak, and I was only sick for half a day.

That being said, I’m using today to catch up on some small projects and email.  I archived all of the email I need to respond to and am getting to that now.

I’ve been putting some self-projects off until after the baby just to alleviate some stress, but it’s full-steam ahead now!

I hope to get a podcast going in the next few weeks.  I’ll be using BluBrry’s new PowerPress plugin, and will be weighing in fully on it as I get it going.

I also want to combine the best of Dr. WordPress and other services I’ve talked about into an all-inclusive site dedicated to web design, CSS, and other stuff.  That will come later, but it’s a project I’ve been meaning to tackle for a while now.

Finally, there are two super-secret projects that I’ve got in the works. Can’t really talk about them until some more happens, but once it does, I’ll make sure to let everyone know!

Well, that being said, I’ve got so much work to catch up on!

I want to keep sort of an ongoing post as to what’s happening.  I will be changing and modifying the post as I need to, and it will be the same spot I do the “live blogging” of the birth.  We weren’t going to, at first, but upon talking about it we figured we’d want a place where both us and our child could look back and see exactly what happened.

And so, here I go:

Aug 07, 10:30 AM

Since our OB (Dr. Rupe of the Women’s Group - hey, that rhymes really well!) is going out of town middle-of-next-week, we had originally scheduled an induction for Monday, August 11th.  She wanted to be the one who delivered us, and we were willing to be flexible as to the induction (sooner rather than later due to her trip).  So, we scheduled the induction for the 11th.  Yesterday (Aug 6), the doctor calls us and tells us there’s been an opening (God only knows how it got there) for the OB, and we’re more than welcome to come in tonight (Aug 7th) for an induction on the 8th.

We had originally had our due date pinned down on the 8th, so this is super exciting, as it allows us to deliver on one of the coolest birthdays (08/08/08).  It’s a once in a lifetype opportunity, and we plan on taking it.

Aug 07, 4:30 PM

We saw our OB for the last time before the baby comes.  She told us to head straight to admitting. So, we went to the patient registration and got checked in.

Aug 07, 5:30 PM

We got taken up to Room 225 in Williamson County Medical Center.  They are sort of surprised to see us, and no one really knows what’s going on.  Joy.

Aug 07, 6:05 PM

The nurses came in and hooked holly up to all of the funny machinery.  Believe me, she’s not happy about it.

And she wasn’t happy when they put the IV in either.  To quote Holly it “hurt like Heck”.

But not as much as the Cervadil did.  It’s (basically) a shoestring you put on your cervix.  It softens it and helps it prepare for labor.  And she said it hurts.

But she has it in and she’s on the IV meds, whatever they are.  Her blood pressure cuff is huge - it’s almost the size of her forearm!  Basically, she’s very unconfortable, but doing very well.

Aug 07, 7:20 PM

Watching “The Daily Show” on the hospital TV.  We’re all just busying ourselves at the moment because we really can’t do anything until tomorrow morning.  I’m going to go get her dinner later, but otherwise we’re just gonna chill here.  Not much happening otherwise.

Aug 07, 9:10 PM

We had takeout Cracker Barrel - Holly’s last meal before she is cut off from any sustinance that could… well, actually sustain her.  She’ll be on a strict diet of ice chips, water, and the occasional popcicle for good behavior (maybe) until the baby comes.  And let me tell you - I never want to be hooked up to an IV while having to use the restroom. The good news: we can stretch an IV about 15 feet, but you run the risk of clotheslining a nurse.  Basically, it’s a pain.  All in all, however, she’s in good spirits, if not a little bored. But the end will be worth every means to get there.

Aug 07, 11:18 PM

Nurses came in and got Holly’s bed ready for the night.  We found out we have an early start tomorrow.  They’ll be in at 4 AM to take the Cervadil out of Holly and then again at 5 to start the Pitocin.  That being said, i’m turning in - I want to be alert enough to help her out AND blog about it.  I can sometimes barely chew gum and talk when i’m tired… so goodnight.

Aug 08, 5:04 AM

Got to get a bit of rest before all the fun started.  At 4 the nurse came in and started unhooking IV’s and machinery from Holly so she could get a shower.  I helped her in and out of the shower, got her re-dressed, then watched as she was hooked up to 1…2… 3 different IV’s.  One has saline solution for hydration, one has glucose to keep her sustained while she’s in labor, and one is the Pitocin - the miracle medicine that keeps contractions strong, steady, and going.  There will be a total of 4 IV’s (the 4th is an antibiotic), but they don’t seem to bother her at the moment.

Total dilation: a fingertip width (and that’s something considering we’ve been 0 for the past 5 weeks!)

Aug 08, 8:24 AM

Paperwork time!  We had to answer about a million questions (some two or three times), mostly about the baby and the epidural.  We got the morning nurse, so she wanted to know everything that was going on.  Otherwise, she’s about ready to have her doctor break the water and get the show on the road.

Aug 08, 10:30 AM

Dr. Rupe came in and checked on Holly.  She told us then that her water was about to be broken, so I sat next to her and held her hand while it happened.  A quick gush of fluids later and we were in the no-turning-back zone!  The contractions are getting stronger and sharper, but that happens when you get your water broken.

Total dilation: …unsure.  More than the last time we checked, obviously!

PS: We also got our first happy baby day gift!  This huge mylar balloon stork:

Aug 08, 1:53 PM

Wow, it’s been a busy morning.  Around 11:30 Dr. Rupe came into the room to check Holly.  She had been dialating a bit more and was now ready to have her water broken.  Holly had heard the horror stories, and wasn’t looking foward to this part, but before she realized it, it was already done - mostly painless.  About a half an hour later the contractions started getting worse and Holly knew it was time for Epidural.

She called in a nurse, but since there are other babies being born (it IS 08/08/08 after all) they had to call an OR nurse in to administer the Epidural.  About 15 minutes in, the Epidural was inserted and Holly could immediately feel a difference.  She had been struggling for a half hour prior because the water breaking had made the contractions a lot worse.

We’ve really not been able to do much since she’s bedridden with the Epidural.  Lots of games of Uno and checking the comments below to see what people are saying.  I was even a little aprehensive to continue the post once I’d started it, but seeing everyone’s comments really makes Holly feel better and smile a bit, so she’s encouraged me to keep on.

It’s now 1:56 and Holly is asleep with an oxygen mask on.  It’s a little creepy to see her lying in bed with all manner of tubes, IV’s, and masks on, but I know it’s for the baby’s benefit, so it’s a bit easier to stand.

They’ve given us an expected time of 7:30 tonight.  If all goes well, we’ll have the baby then.

Aug 08, 4:50 PM

Slight problem. Lucas apparently doesn’t like the stronger contractions necessary in order to deliver.  We’ve been put on and taken off the Pitocin a few times now, and every time the medicine gets in her system and starts to do its job, after every contraction Lucas’ heart-rate drops.  Since it’s a continual thing, it’s something to do with the contractions. Also, she’s been stuck at 3cm for about 3 hours with no progress.

Basically, we’ve decided to give it one more try (the Pitocin) and then we suit up for a C-section.

There’s nothing really to worry about risk-wise to the baby at the moment.  If the heart-rate drops and stays down we’ll be rushed to the OR to operate, but we’ll get to schedule it if it looks like it’s dropping the same as it has been.

It’ll be an in and out procedure, and the only downside will be a higher time of recovery for Holly.

Pray, think, send us good juju - whatever it is you think or believe, we’ll appreciate any positive energy you send us.

Aug 08, 5:10 PM

Doctor came back in.  It’s C-section time.  We’re heading back now.  Pray for us.

Aug 08, 6:55 PM

The C-section was a complete success.  Lucas Cole Canter was born at 5:45 PM on 08/08/08, 7lbs 7oz, and 20.5 inches long. Holly is in the room doing fantastic (if not a little nauseated from the anesthesia).  I’ll be putting pictures up a bit later, but I wanted to let you guys know what was going on so you could stop worrying.  Everything is fantastic.

Aug 08, 8:57 PM

Aug 09, 8:36 AM

More pictures can be found at my Flickr page.

Special Twitter Love

Thanks to everyone who sent encouraging messages to my twitter account.  Just for you, here is a compilation of those tweets!

	EdenSpodek @studionashvegas I’ll be thinking about you tomorrow and Friday. My little one was born 090998. Not quite as cool as 080808. 11:38 PM August 06, 2008 from web in reply to studionashvegas
	CoryHolder @studionashvegas I had this exact statement last week! Nice! 10:36 PM August 06, 2008 from twitterrific in reply to studionashvegas
	sleepydad @studionashvegas ditto @c_johnson ’s remark. Get a gooood night’s sleep.then. Again, you know the oldest induction method? 05:37 PM August 06, 2008 from Hahlo in reply to studionashvegas
	tbeckett @studionashvegas Hope y’all have a safe natural childbirth - right on your due date! 06:17 PM August 06, 2008 from mobile web in reply to studionashvegas
	tbeckett @studionashvegas We had a wonderful dinner out the night before our first was born. We didn’t know that at the time. Have a great dinner. 06:10 PM August 06, 2008 from mobile web in reply to studionashvegas
	c_johnson @studionashvegas congrats! May I recommend going to bed early too? 04:47 PM August 06, 2008 from web in reply to studionashvegas
	thePuck @studionashvegas congrats (I hope!) 01:45 PM August 06, 2008 from twhirl in reply to studionashvegas
	sobbee @studionashvegas yay you’re getting your triple 8 baby 04:44 PM August 06, 2008 from web in reply to studionashvegas
	maryyesterday @studionashvegas Oh Yah! That’s very exciting and such a cool birthday to have! 03:42 PM August 06, 2008 from web in reply to studionashvegas
	LMDeaton @studionashvegas Congratulations! And, what a great birthday!! 04:33 PM August 06, 2008 from web in reply to studionashvegas
	ZenOfJazz @studionashvegas Good luck on that upcoming “product launch”… 03:30 PM August 06, 2008 from twhirl in reply to studionashvegas
	msholin @studionashvegas What a fantastic birth date! Down side…will be a LEO…fasten your seat belts as my mother and family would tell you 03:28 PM August 06, 2008 from TwitterFox in reply to studionashvegas
	Kateva @studionashvegas awesome…. easy to remember birthday! 03:27 PM August 06, 2008 from twhirl in reply to studionashvegas

	pixelchic @studionashvegas Good luck to you and your wife! 02:51 PM August 07, 2008 from web in reply to studionashvegas
	dzinerchic @studionashvegas I am so excited for you and nashvogue! 12:55 PM August 07, 2008 from web in reply to studionashvegas
	thefilmtalk @studionashvegas Best of luck to you and yours! 08:58 AM August 07, 2008 from web in reply to studionashvegas
	goggans @studionashvegas congrats on the new house, man! 08:56 AM August 07, 2008 from twitterrific in reply to studionashvegas
	btwilkins @studionashvegas Good luck Mitch! I’ll say a prayer for you guys! 08:19 AM August 07, 2008 from twitterrific in reply to studionashvegas
	eileen53 @studionashvegas good luck! 09:00 AM August 07, 2008 from FriendFeed in reply to studionashvegas
	BLG @StudioNashVegas - Good luck and have *fun* 08:57 AM August 07, 2008 from mobile web in reply to studionashvegas

	Kateva @studionashvegas won’t be long now… keep us posted. 11:06 AM August 08, 2008 from twhirl in reply to studionashvegas
	RandomChick @studionashvegas Yay! it shouldn’t be too long now! 12:04 PM August 08, 2008 from web in reply to studionashvegas
	ZenOfJazz @studionashvegas Congrats. Drop everything and help her with that project she’s about to launch! 11:03 AM August 08, 2008 from twhirl in reply to studionashvegas
	RickCaffeinated @studionashvegas - good luck, Godspeed, and be sure to NOT twitter too much if your wife says, “stop”. 12:03 PM August 08, 2008 from TweetDeck in reply to studionashvegas
	RandallFoster @studionashvegas “PUSH!!!… ” 10:01 AM August 08, 2008 from twhirl in reply to studionashvegas
	nicholaswyoung @studionashvegas hope everything works out well for you and @nashvogue 09:38 AM August 08, 2008 from twhirl in reply to studionashvegas
	goggans @studionashvegas good luck with everything you guys are in our prayers! 08:05 AM August 08, 2008 from twitterrific in reply to studionashvegas
	BradBlackman @studionashvegas wishing you guys the best of luck bringing that kiddo into the world! 10:54 PM August 07, 2008 from BeTwittered in reply to studionashvegas
	tw3nty3ight @studionashvegas Awesome 10:27 PM August 07, 2008 from web in reply to studionashvegas
	MatthewsChick @studionashvegas its going great miss you this time… 09:26 PM August 07, 2008 from web in reply to studionashvegas
	tw3nty3ight @studionashvegas thats awesome!!!!! 08:22 PM August 07, 2008 from TwitKit in reply to studionashvegas
	tw3nty3ight @studionashvegas and your wife isn’t going to kill you? lol 08:16 PM August 07, 2008 from TwitKit in reply to studionashvegas
	tw3nty3ight @studionashvegas OMG Congrats and good luck!!!! I will mention you!!! 08:11 PM August 07, 2008 from TwitKit in reply to studionashvegas
	RandomChick @studionashvegas so excited for you both! just keep thinking “epidural” and it’ll be cake! 07:45 PM August 07, 2008 from web in reply to studionashvegas
	jwd2a @studionashvegas saw a coupon for $5 off diapers in this week’s publix ad and thought of you - make sure to check it out! 06:40 PM August 07, 2008 from TwitterFox in reply to studionashvegas
	cjsorg @studionashvegas Hope you come out of there with an extra person this time! 04:12 PM August 07, 2008 from twitterrific in reply to studionashvegas
	musicbizwiz @studionashvegas: good luck! 03:17 PM August 07, 2008 from web in reply to studionashvegas
	webboy @studionashvegas good luck man! 03:02 PM August 07, 2008 from txt in reply to studionashvegas
	spxds @studionashvegas Good luck!!!!! 03:59 PM August 07, 2008 from twitterrific in reply to studionashvegas
	acnatta @studionashvegas best wishes! 02:52 PM August 07, 2008 from twhirl in reply to studionashvegas

	cjsorg @studionashvegas born on 8-8-8, that’s just great. 07:28 PM August 08, 2008 from twitterrific in reply to studionashvegas
	cjsorg @studionashvegas Whoo-hoo! Three’s a crowd! 07:27 PM August 08, 2008 from twitterrific in reply to studionashvegas
	sawagner30 @studionashvegas Congrats 08:10 PM August 08, 2008 from txt in reply to studionashvegas
	Christyxcore @studionashvegas congrats! 05:05 PM August 08, 2008 from Twinkle in reply to studionashvegas
	thefilmtalk @studionashvegas Mitch Jr.???? 07:05 PM August 08, 2008 from web in reply to studionashvegas
	webboy @studionashvegas that’s great! Congrats! 07:04 PM August 08, 2008 from txt in reply to studionashvegas
	brandice @studionashvegas Congrats on the baby boy!! And on 08/08/08 too! 08:03 PM August 08, 2008 from Twinkle in reply to studionashvegas
	capstinence @studionashvegas: Congrats, man! That’s awesome! 05:03 PM August 08, 2008 from twhirl in reply to studionashvegas
	doctoranonymous @studionashvegas Congrats! 08:02 PM August 08, 2008 from web in reply to studionashvegas
	TupeloRob @studionashvegas CONGRATULATIONS PAPA! 07:01 PM August 08, 2008 from twitterrific in reply to studionashvegas
	stevegrossman @studionashvegas Definitely praying 06:40 PM August 08, 2008 from web in reply to studionashvegas
	cjsorg @studionashvegas viva studionashvegas! Hope the family is 1 soon and safely! 05:51 PM August 08, 2008 from twitterrific in reply to studionashvegas
	RandomChick @studionashvegas sending thoughts and prayers your way. 06:32 PM August 08, 2008 from web in reply to studionashvegas
	lewishowes @studionashvegas your family is in my prayers 05:30 PM August 08, 2008 from twitterrific in reply to studionashvegas
	musicbizwiz @