trends for my birthday

My attention is showing its true colors.  

The majority of conversations these days seem to start out with something like "In this troublesome economy . . ." or "Consumer confidence" blah blah blah.  The blah blah blah is not underestimating the severity of the economic situation, but instead should highlight the need for the new.  Once our eyes begin to process and interpret stories or articles by first reciting some script about the economy, our minds eventually begin to accept this as a norm.  Taken out of context of course, this could get really annoying for our brains.

Regardless, my attention is beginning to fade with these sorts of openings - even if they provide adequate set-up for what follows.  Just an introspective observation of how we're interpreting the odd economic consequences the world is witnessing.

I digress.  The economy has surely had some pretty unfortunate side-effects.  As a sort of "economic decoration," I'd recommend you have a look-see here.  It's a little bit biased with its agenda towards the end, but it's an interesting combo of technology, economic truth and beautiful, amateur-created music.  Delightful animation.  

But I've noticed that gift giving comes with some interesting and slightly awkward emotions.  Less of an expectation, but certainly an equal amount of obligation for the receiver and giver, respectively.  Odd, right?  Unfortunate, yes.  But I think it will make people truly monitor their presentation of valued objects at a time of pure celebration.  I'm keeping my eyes on the sales of candy 'n stuff next week.  Everyone should invest in this real heart -- show someone how much you really [anatomically] care. 

That being said, I have grown a bit apprehensive about birthday celebrations.  I can't help but think there is a nervousness and tenseness in the mind of anyone buying or about to receive a gift at this point in time.  What's too expensive?  What's too cheap?  What does the person want?  What should I ask for?  Wait, do I really want anything?  I don't even need anything!  Should I feel obligated to tell them something that I saw that I liked once because there is a slight possibility that they might buy something too expensive and I think they might be happier purchasing my coveted $10 token?  Hmm, questions.  All of which are valid.

I want this, though:  Color and branding workshop.  One of my favorite organizations.  They've been sending me emails for a few years now, and this is the first one that has really made me think about possibly attending - ironically at a time where my bank account laughs at me whenever I check my balance.  They bring a certain je ne sais quoi to the world of trend reporting.  They genuinely cater to a number of different industries, and point out the implications merely because of the intrinsic quality possessed in color.  Color in life.  Color in brands.  Color in psychology.  Color in fashion.  Etc.  Colorful wonderfulness.

How lovely.  What could be better than a discussion of color and branding trends and research in NY?  Nothing.  Absolutely nothing.  

Except maybe some sort of promised post-graduate employment.  I guess that would be pretty stellar, too.  And cheap.  (*Not a begging plea for a job - merely a fact)

Alright, cheers all.