Ask Sherwin Williams

I figure it is about time that I pay tribute to the current ad campaign by Sherwin Williams. I think that it is genius. Probably one of the most creative campaigns that I have seen in a while. They take something as simple as paint chips and transform them into an entire world of endless possibilities.

The designs are perfect to be run during the summer time. The bright colors are wonderful and summer is when most people attempt to knock a few things off of their "honey-do" list. Also I appreciate the small details such as the paint chips in the corners with the logos.

It's genius.

Let's just say . . . next time I have the opportunity to purchase house paint, I'll skip Home Depot and just ask my buddy Sherwin.

Backpacking with DAD!

Last week my dad and I spent four days backpacking through California near Yosemite National Park.

Day 1:

Arrived at Summit Base Camp and learned everything we needed to know about surviving in the wilderness for the next 4 days. We packed our backpacks...and I am estimating that they were between 40 and 50 pounds. Lets just say it was a challenge not to tumble backwards with it on. We then took an hour ride to the trailhead where we would set off on our journey. On the first hike we didnt go very far, but the hike was very steep. We got to our destination and set up camp. We then cooked chicken burritos for dinner. Not the worst thing I've ever had, but I got tired of canned chicken real fast.

Day 2:

This day we had a much longer hike, about 2 miles to our next campsite. Now this doesn't sound too hard, but keep in mind the following: we were at over 8,000 feet in elevation and carrying 40 pound packs. Let's just say my lungs couldn't keep up with my legs. Our next camping location was right next to a lake. It was so refreshing to go for a swim! The water was freezing, but it felt great! The other girl on the trip, Ali, brought some "illegal substances" aka shampoo which was greatly appreciated when we got to wash up. Later that evening storm clouds started rolling in. According to our instructors "It NEVER rains in the Sierras in July." Well these clouds decided to camp out right over our heads for a few hours and we saw lightening in the distance. So we pitched the tents incase it started to storm and were instructed on "lightning drill." Thankfully the storm clouds passed and the lightening never got too close.

Day 3:

Today was a very busy day! We got up and hiked a few miles down to our final campsite at the base of The Golden Toad. We then hiked a little more to get to our rock climbing spot. We spent a few hours climbing and then went back to the Toad where we would repel! This was by far the coolest thing of the whole trip. We tied a special knot onto each of the four fixed lines. This know would allow you to slide it up the rope, but if you slipped, it would tighten up and catch you. I was the first one of our group to go, and we were basically scrambling up boulders to get to the top. Once everyone in our group made it to the top, it was time to repel. We were repelling off of a 200 foot cliff! It was very intimidating, but VERY cool! Later that night while sitting around the campfire, some people in our group heard a "visitor" who wanted to join the party. By the time the turned the flash lights on, it was gone. But supposedly they could hear footsteps and heavy breathing...and our instructors said it was probably a black bear. Nevertheless...it freaked me out. I made dad check behind the bushes before we got into our sleeping bags.

Day 4:

I survived the night. No sign of a bear. We woke up really early this morning because we had to meet up with all of the other groups at 7 for a worship service on the side of the mountain. Then we hiked a little further and finally got back on the buses. We drove back to base camp and unloaded our gear and then had a wonderful pizza lunch by the lake. I was not planning on swimming...but got thrown in anyways....I was not too happy about that. When we FINALLY got back to our hotel it felt so so so wonderful to take a shower! hallelujah! After getting cleaned up we ate dinner at In-N-Out burgers and went bowling. It was a great way to end the trip with the wonderful people we had gotten to know!

Weekend With Dad

Since I have Monday off from school and work, I got to drive home late friday night. Got to see mom and Chad off to the airport for their mission trip to Mexico. Saturday night we cooked ribs (compliments of Uncle Patrick) and I cook mashed potatoes and a delicious green bean side dish. - Place 4-5 cut green beans in half a piece of turkey bacon.

- Stick a toothpick in it to hold it all together

- Sprinkle brown sugar and a touch of butter on top

- Cook for as long as listed on the bacon package

- Enjoy!

* approved by David A. Scott

Then Sunday for lunch we celebrated the Forth with some Bar-B-Que Chicken. It was super easy and turned out great!

- Covered the chicken with kraft original bbq sauce, drizzle with a little honey, a pinch of

salt and pepper.

- Wrap each chicken in aluminum foil

- Cook for 20 minutes at 450

Seeing as I NEVER cook, I was very proud of myself :)

Then tonight we sat outside and watched the neighbors shoot off some small fireworks. The youngest boy was so scared of the loud noises, but after a while he got used to it. He was adorable!

Then we went and parked on top of the hospital parking garage and watched fireworks going off ALL over the city!

It was so much fun this weekend! Great to get away from school and work for a few days and relax.

one week left of class :) whoo hoo!

Work Week Wrap Up!

This summer I am working for the Forever LSU Campaign, the primary fundraising organization for the University. I am responsible for designing 24 print advertisements that will be printed in two prominent Baton Rouge magazines, The Monthly Business Report and the InRegister...AND the football program!

Over the past ten days we completed 27 individual photo shoots of LSU students all around campus. The photo shoots were stressful: early morning shoots before class, back to back shoots in the afternoons, running ALL over campus, fighting the weather and the sun...BUT I had opportunities to visit many parts of campus that regular students never even know about!

- Walked by Head Coach Les Miles' office, while he was chillin' at his desk. I was FAR to busy to stop by and chat with him. ;)

- Football Trophy Room, football training facility and the chute where the football team runs out onto the field....where the "WIN!" bar is located above the door.

- Ariel Silk Dance Studio: BY FAR the coolest shot we got. Pieces of silk are hanging from the ceiling, and the dancer climb up them, wrap them around their feet and hang upside down. Cirque de Soleil style.

We are also going to be cutting down the video that Leah and I created for the Student Video Contest to 30 seconds and it will be used as a commercial run on Cox Cable during the month of October centered around football programing as well as being played in Tiger Stadium before the games.

Check back on the Forever LSU link on the right for updates and examples of my designs!