Another Xmas, another year...

So it's another xmas (my 49th), and another year (coincidentally, also my 49th). Where does the time go? Barbie(tm) and I will be turning 50 in 2009, and I've yet to be President, an astronaut, a NASCAR driver, a cheerleader, a Celtic Princess, or 43 other things her handlers have pushed her through (want to see the list?). Now, in the real world she'd be considered a job-hopper and would be, like so many of the disposable aging, unemployed and too young to collect SS. In other words, totally screwed. But you know, the rules are different for the acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) crowd. So what HAVE I been doing? I've spent most of the past year plus, working on two books on sustainable design. You know, that old "saving the world" thing I'm into.

The first, Packaging Sustainability, just hit the store shelves, and the second, Sustainable Graphic Design, will be out in the first half of '09. Check 'em out.

Overall, I've learned as much doing these books, as has gone into them for others to learn from -- really solidifying and deepening the ideas about eco-design I've been exploring for the past ten years. I guess that's part of the appeal for doing them. To give yourself license to dive into a topic and roll around in it. You know what you know, but try stopping a minute to explain it to someone else. Where normally you spend your days lurching from one client deadline to the next, taking the time to really figure out how to explain the idea of changing -- everything -- we as a species do, and then have the person you're talking to nod in agreement that it's a good idea, has been the best part of all. The talks I give on eco-design and business are becoming a real splash-out of humor, sarcasm, and pound-it-home revivalist style thumping. All delivered of course, with the cool subtlety, aloof calm, and glorious visuals expected of a working designer.

The books too have allowed me to get to know some of my colleagues better, plus make a TON of new contacts. Never a bad thing in a business that seems to survive purely by word of mouth, and project based personal connections. But as much as I've gotten out of the book experience, I am looking forward to getting back to my real life (until they drag me back for the second printings?). Anyway you know the "life" I speak of, one filled with couch and wind surfing (yeeeees, I still consider myself a windsurfer). And of course, taiko. Lots and lots and lots of taiko.

For those of you who rather miss the old WendyZworlD chatter and quips -- hang in there -- I have plans (bbwwWAHAHAHAH). For those of you who follow such trivia, it was through WendyZworlD that I cut my journalistic teeth. With the pressure to become expert in both Quark and PhototShop in under 5 days as part of the terms for my hiring (waaaay back in 1993), I dove into WendyZworlD as my vehicle. Needless to say, I made it happen, and ended-up with a snarky little rag to mail-out to boot. WendyZworlD Online edition? I needed to learn how to do websites. So what extra bang am I wrangling out of my WendyZworlD buck this round? I'm trying to figure out how to get blogs to work for an upcoming (book related) project.

And you all thought I just loved talking about myself... ;-P

New for 2009: I've updated my calendar with everyone's birthday. If -- you -- told me when your birthday was, I've got an automated reminder rolling. If you like to get birthday greetings, it's on you now to make sure I ever knew what the heck day that was. There is an endless supply of "Casey Jones Happy Birthday Songs" in me.

For those of you who have been wondering what the heck it is I pound you with at mach-12 on the occasion of your birth...

Happy, happy birthday, to every girl and boy!
Hope this very special day, brings you lots of joy!
Hope that birthday present you get from Mom and Dad,
Will make this very special day, the best you ever had!

But you know, you really should see/hear the original...

Happy Birthday Song by Casey Jones
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfSkqMP-L-4

And while I'm at it, let me close-out this personal chat section with this Wonderful Wintry Womble* of Wit. (Whaaat? It's WendyZworlD "we" live for W-based alliterations. Get over it.)

Walkin' in My Winter Underwear
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBLxfvACQhE&feature=related

*(or however units of wit are measured in your area.)

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For those of you with whom I exchange gifts, this year, as the economy tightens even more, I've been moved to consider those who will suffer the most. As I pause to ponder, no matter how bad things may get for us, things are exponentially worse for many many many more.

As many of you recall, I called attention to the one.org efforts in past blasts. Some of you got -- ONE -- wristbands that round. Some of the issues they get involved in include: Developing world HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria impacts; Development Assistance; Education, Water and Sanitation; Trade; Debt Cancellation; Child and Maternal Health; Agriculture and Food; and Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

This year, rather than send you a pile of wacky things that sometimes you love, but often just leave you scratching your head, I've made a more meaningful application of funds and contributed to the ongoing one.org campaign in our collective WendyZworlD name.

I'll be sending out wristbands again this year, and ask that you take a moment and look at what one.org is about. You'll get to enjoy the knowing nods from those who "get-it" as you wear your wristbands out and about -- but for those who might ask, one.org has expanded their programs well past the star studded roll-out many years ago, and are really hunkering down for the long haul. one.org/issues

A journey of a thousand miles
begins with a single step.

Attributed to both Lao-tzu and Confucius.

EVERYone CAN make a difference.

Wj

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From my little family to yours...

Happy/Merry
Chanuksolstikwanzamas.

oxoxoxoxoxoxox
W-