I got the great opportunity to come to Miami this week and learn from some Adobe InDesign experts. I thought the experience may be a bit over my head but in fact, I've found it to be quite the opposite. The sessions so far have been energizing. I've learned countless shortcuts, how to apply newer features, and many other fine InDesign tricks. 

In other News
Early this afternoon just as the afternoon session was to start, we experienced a news-worthy power outtage. A power plant had shut down cutting power from Miami to Tampa. Without no electricity, no one could do their presentation so the time ended up being a Question and Answer period. The part that made me laugh was when the Question and Answer time sort of morphed into a bunch of professionals sitting around chatting about software like a bunch of college kids sitting around in the mac lab sharing program knowledge (only better). How I charish these wonderful times! It's when I learn some of the best stuff.

Ok, I'm out. My head is still swarming with info and I need some rest. One of these days I may share more of what I learned and what sessions I attended.

As some of you may know, I spent a semester studying in Australia. It was during this time that I learned what I am sharing in the post.

Back before the first World War, the children of the Native Australian aboriginals were taken against their will. The reason was pure and simple. They were aboriginal.

Most children were under the age of five, raised as foster children and placed in Church or state institutions with poor living conditions and little food. They also received very little education and had to work on farms and often as servants.

The saddest part was not the relocation or the hard work, even though that in itself is sad. No, the saddest thing was the severing of ties between the children and their families, the lost of language, identity, and native culture that left generations confused and lost.

It was not until the 1970s that this heartless activities halted. In the process, a large amount of the Aboriginal heritage was lost.

There is disagreement as far as how wide spread or how long the mistreatment continued. The earliest date I saw was 1869. Most sources agreed that it ended in the 1970s.

This week the Australian government made a formal apology. Professor Mick Dobson, a member of the Aboriginal community, responded, “It is a moment of enormous importance to Australia - not only for members of the Stolen Generations but also, I would suggest, for all Australians.”

I agree. The recognition by the government is a huge step for Australia and I applaud them for it. This week, the Stolen Generations have gotten one step closer to healing. May Australia continue to repair the relationship with their native people, who have such a rich heritage to share.

For more information, google “Stolen Generation(s).” Or see BBC for the article to learn more about the formal apology and recognition.

If you are a computer geek like me, you spend a ton of time on the computer — staring at a screen from a seated position. For most of us, it wouldn't be a problem if we did so correctly.

During college, I bought my first laptop that went literally to the other side of the world and back. It died this past fall and another one has replaced it. While I love the portability of the laptop, there can be problems when you use that computer all the time, particularly bad habits.

When I graduated from college, my mother graciously agreed to give me a corner of the basement for a studio/office. I set up a desk (or if you want to be technical — two tables crammed in a corner) and got to work on my multitude of projects. A desk was the first major breakthrough in my better work habits. I can now say I actually sit at a desk instead of slouching on a couch, as I previously did.

The next development was the purchase of a keyboard and mouse. No more track pad for me (at least now if I can help it).

At Christmas this past year, I got a good office chair. One more step towards good posture.

This week a delightful new development came about in my crusade to have a better workspace. My stepfather installed a florescent light directly over my desk. I’m hoping this will end the headaches I’ve been getting lately. My eyes have never been great and bad lighting certainly doesn’t help.

Through all the events described above, it has amazed me how God provides. I am about to leave college with no place to work and I’m given a studio. My wrist starts to bother me and God allows it to heal via correct posture and equipment. My back begins to bother me and I get a desk chair for Christmas. And lastly, my tired eyes cause headaches and I get relief with correct lighting. Tonight I can say I am truly blessed.

Pattern of the Day: What is it?