Grad School Celebration

Did we forget to mention that Abhrajeet got into the University of Minnesota's Biomedical Engineering Grad Program? Pretty exciting right?

Abhrajeet came home this weekend thanks to the grad program to get a tour. He was introduced to professors, other grad students and the labs he could be working in.  You should hear about all the exciting stuff happening at the U!  After a busy day touring we obviously hit up Tiger Sushi on Lyndale for happy hour.

I couldn't be happier with the way life seems to be going for us right now.
As a little congratulatory gift I designed cigar labels as a present.

May 18th, 2010 is the day that we will both be back in Minnesota for good ... that's only 77 days, but who's counting?

The weather couldn't keep me away...

Last weekend I flew down to Philly to visit Abhrajeet. It was quite an intense 2 1/2 day visit filled with celebrating my birthday, attending date night, seeing two mask and wig shows and being together for valentine's day.  (All of which haven't happened in the three years since we've been at college)

I was the most excited for date night. Each spring Mask and Wig hosts a night where each guy asks someone to accompany them to dinner, the show and to hang out in the clubhouse after. This year was my first date night and it couldn't have been better. - a huge thanks to Lee for scheduling date night around me.

Mask and Wig owns a building they use for spring shows that has a lot of history. It hasn't been used in two years because of repairs, a fire and unreliable contractors. This year, however, everything was complete and ready to be used. The Clubhouse looks fantastic. After members graduate and get into the grad club their character is painted on the wall with a peg to hold their stein. A grad can use their stein when they visit the club house. Once a grad member passes away their mug is chained to the wall. Such neat history and traditions.

As for the show... it was nothing short of amazing.  The guys write the show during summer, the band plays all the music, the crew makes the entire set and the business staff takes care of ... well, business. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE PHOTOS

Shirt

Abhrajeet and I aren't much for holidays but I couldn't resist making him a shirt with Studio Ghibili characters and using my new screen for Valentine's Day.

And to everyone I asked: yes, you can use normal fabric paint on your screen. It applies a bit differently (I spread it with a credit card instead of a squeegee) and make sure you wash the paint out of your screen ASAP!

Can't wait for more nights of wine, ice cream and great shows. 91 more days until we're done!

Valentine Cards

Valentine Day cards being sold for AIGA UW-Stout's Student Group

I'm in Stout's news! Check it out

I could not have been more thrilled when I received the phone call from Jerry, the new communications staff writer at UW-Stout about wanting to write a story about me and my past internship experience with CaringBridge.


The article can be found here, but is also below after the jump

Forever Yung

I am in love with old photos. Mostly because they tell stories of a life somewhat forgotten. On a recent trip to my Grandma Betty's I brought over my computer and scanner and asked for photos of my gram and grandpa. I scanned a ton of photos here are just my favorites. 

These are photos of my grandma at age 22, the same age I am. Pretty neat

 

 

 

[Betty and Lawrence Yung, 1946]

Trip to Pulp

I went down to Pulp Fashion in Stillwater to visit with Jen and Danie a few days ago. It was so good to see them after 8 months. Wow I can't believe it's been that long. With every one's life changes it's like 25 years flew by.

Two summers ago Danie and I helped out the Mara-mi gals finish their January 2009 line and did the mock-up and production work.  We worked on a ton of boxed cards and invitations. One of my favorite projects were these die cut, fold out cards. There was 4 different pattens/artwork from outside artists that we pieced together to create a seamless look.  Let me tell you they were a pain to cut each letter to see how they would look but they turned out wonderful. Jen said they even added some new pattern (the L and R have the polka dots and stripes that were added later).  It was great to see these in the store!

Jen spoils me rotten - she knew that I was in a sake kick and handed me a bottle of Sake2me Asian Pear. Delicious. (and of course Jen would get the pear flavor) she then handed me a bag with some great smelling perfume and these cute little meringue Mushrooms in it.

Can't wait to get together with them again soon!

Holiday Cards

Don't worry Aunty Tress ... the cards are on the way.

I owe my 2nd aunt (my grandma's sister) everything for being my best customer and patron. This year was my aunt's fourth Christmas ordering Holiday cards from me. She is a writer like no other - she sends you a Thank you card after you send her a thank you card - writing is just her thing.

Her stationery and cards vary from season to season. There was a period of time when they were photo cards of Northern Minnesota. The photo below of the boathouses is every one's favorite photo because it seems like I was the only one to have documented these before they were torn down. Photo cards of the boathouses can also be found at Jeannie's Gift Shop in Tower and in the Tower/Soudan Historical Museum.

This next photo was also a card and is a view from Tress and Rusty's dock. Eagle's nest is a beautiful lake - very calm, an occasional fishing boat and lots of loon calls.  I am very grateful to have spent many summers Up North and am excited for the summers to come

Below is a drawing I did back in 2007 and has been a Holiday card favorite. Original painting done by Morgan Weistling

And here are the cards that are in the mail soon to arrive in Illinois. A peacock - because Pavlich means peacock.

So once again, Thank you Aunty Tress.

The next thing on my to do list is a tax ID # for Kayd Design.

Bring out the Sake

Thank goodness for winter break. This past semester was the busiest, most stressful semester and I can't wait until graduation in May. Winter break was nothing less than spectacular and can be summed up in the photo below. Weeds and Sake. 

We kicked off winter break with Abhrajeet's 22nd birthday. Sushi and sake seems to be our 'thing' when we go out so I thought I'd purchase a few bottles of sake to try at home.  It was a wonderful idea! The bottle on the right, the Raspberry Sake, was definitely our favorite and went down so smoothly. I'd highly recommend it.  Everyone has been talking about the tv series Weeds lately so I also bought two seasons. It's a great show and our next stop is Best Buy to buy the third and fourth seasons.



Instead of going out for Abhrajeet's birthday, all he wanted to do was grill. So in 15 degree, Minnesota cold weather, Abhrajeet was outside grilling steaks and lovin' every moment of it. He is quite a chef, I should have bought him an apron for Christmas to complete the look. We didn't just stop with the steaks, we made chili, philly cheese steaks, cookies, cake and other delicious combinations over the course of our break.

I'll get back to updating more later. Abhrajeet leaves on Tuesday and I'll be home for another three weeks playing with my new Nikon D90.


Happy New Years,
Abhrajeet and Kayd

Who in your life needs a CaringBridge?

I was having a rough day today until I received an e-mail from my old pod mate at CaringBridge that absolutely turned my frown upside down! 

Caryn informed me that 9,883 CaringBridge users are currently using the themes I designed this summer.
THAT'S ALMOST 10,000 people!!! 

I miss so many things about CaringBridge - the people, the story behind it, helping families, friends and strangers, the designing, the food :)  I miss working for a place where everyone had a heart and cared.

CaringBridge has been in my life since high school when two classmates had pages. I cannot image going through a difficult health crisis without CaringBridge.

Which brings me to my next point: Who in your life needs a CaringBridge?
If you don't already know, CaringBridge is a website that helps keep loved ones informed during difficult times. In return, family and friends give patients and caregivers support through guestbook messages. It reduces time and emotional energy spent on repeated phone calls and emails and keeps everyone informed with the same, accurate information. www.caringbridge.org

I could not be more proud of the work I did this summer. I hope everyone is having an equally excellent day!

Trip to Philly :: Fall 2009

Abhrajeet and I are apart from each other most of the year so we try to see one another as often as our schedules allow. Each semester I take a trip to Philly to visit all the Mask and Wig boys, see a few shows, eat delicious food and of course try to catch up on chilling time with Abs.  


Since everyone has been asking how my trip was, and "good" doesn't even come close to describing the week I had I though "hey, why not a run down of each day." ready... begin!














Day 1 : Wednesday

I love my time in the airport because I always meet at least one person that changes my perspective about something or I get to share a bit of my life to a complete stranger. I also usually end up sitting by Chatty Cathy on the plane, (even if I have my headphones in, or am sleeping, the person next to me always seems to ask me a question or gets to talking about their life.) However this time was a little different - both the ladies I sat next to didn't say anything and went about editing papers without the slightest hint of wanting to get to know who was sitting next to them. Sad that I wouldn't get a glimpse into a stranger's life on this plane ride I took out my computer and began designing a logo for Cedar Country Co-op and pulling together inspiration for Sarah's invitation. Suddenly both Silent Sallys got really interested in my work and we all got to talking about what we did and where we were going.  I think I may also been hired to do one of the woman's son's wedding invitation!



I landed at the Philly airport around 10:30pm and arrived at Abhrajeet's place just as he got back from the show (more about that later). Our original plans were to go to center city and celebrate Lee's 21st birthday but the Philly game just ended so traffic was horrible and cops were lining the streets in riot gear. It was pretty intense and after waiting to merge onto the main road for 10 minutes and $20 dollars later we jumped out of the cab and walked back to the house. Each time I go to Philly I desperately want to take a photo with the LOVE sculpture on campus but Abhrajeet always says I look too much like a tourist - so walking back gave us the perfect opportunity to sneak a photo while no one was around.

Day 2 : Thursday

We went to our favorite Vietnamese place a couple blocks away for lunch. They have speedy service, cheap prices, delicious food and outstanding milkshakes. The day went by pretty quick since Abhrajeet had to leave to get ready for the Mask and Wig show. This is was a very unique year - not only is Abhrajeet a senior and this is his last fall show with Mask and Wig, but he also directed the show. Mask and Wig is the nation's oldest collegiate all-male musical comedy troupe that Abhrajeet joined as a freshman. This year the title of the show was Conquistorira the Explora. The first half of the show are sketches or bits then the second half of the show follows more of a story line and has many more music selections.  So when Abhrajeet left early I walked to Ian, Weier and Andrew's house to hang out for a bit. It's so great to see familiar faces and genuine people, even if it is for only a couple hours each year. Thank you Thank you Thank you to everyone for putting up with my Minnesota accent and making sure I don't get lost in the city.

The show was great! The boys are all very talented and it's definitely a highlight of the trip to see them perform. After the show we were presently surprised when the guys brought over delicious pizza, beer and insomnia cookies to the house.

Day 3 : Friday

We had to wake up a little earlier than planned to get sushi for lunch. Aki Fushion is the first place we tried sushi in the Spring and we were so excited to go back and show how much we had learned from eating sushi all summer. This time we ordered sashimi, which is just the raw fish, no rice. DELICIOUS. Very fresh, very meaty and we started to be able to tell the fish apart from one another by their texture and taste without the rice getting in the way. We devoured our plate with 16 pieces of Sashimi, 8 rolls and 12 Nigiri and ordered some Aki Fusion Rolls. 

 Abhrajeet had two shows Friday Night and after we met his dad and brother, who also flew in from Minnesota to visit, for a late dinner.

Day 4 : Saturday
We took Abhrajeet's dad and brother to the Vietnamese place for lunch - like I said before: FAVORITE PLACE! They also thoroughly enjoyed their meals and Arny especially enjoyed the Milkshakes with Bubbles. We also tried the new Gelato place before heading to the show

The 2nd half of the show follows a story line: The President of Penn infects the students with Swine Flu to improve Penn's rankings. She catches H1N1 and goes to heaven where she meets Michael Jackson. Michael tells everyone that there is only one hope to cure the swine and that lies in his clone, and upenn student: Miguel.  (I definitely didn't do the plot any justice in those 3 sentences but I tried.)

Day 5 : Sunday
We met Abhrajeet's dad and brother for lunch and spent the day around Philly.  We stopped in China town and tried Jelly Fish (not my favorite but Arny definitely enjoyed it). We also went to a bar that serves over 200 beers - 5 pages of menu.

Day 6 : Monday
Sadly I had to get back on a plane and go back to Minnesota.


It was a wonderful trip - and I can't wait to go back in the Spring. 

CLICK HERE FOR MASK AND WIG PHOTOS 

CaringBridge :: Featured Template

Very excited to share this with you -

My friend and old CaringBridge pod mate Caryn sent me this link earlier about one of my CaringBridge templates being a feature on a news story   Click the little video camera to watch the video. Here is a direct link to Shelia Davis's CaringBridge site: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/sheilatdavis/journal

 

Desi Delights :: Product and Packaging Assignment

Think of Betty Crocker... Make her Indian ... Now you've got Desi Delights

Think of Chocolate Chip cookie mix... Make it Savory Rice Pudding... Now you've got Payesh

Here is my first Product and Packaging assignment.

My absolute favorite Indian food Abhrajeet's family makes is Payesh, which is similar to rice pudding. I like mine with noodles instead of rice, and thicker rather than thinner.  This idea sprang to mind when Abhrajeet suggested I start learning how to cook Indian food from his Grandmother. Coming from a mid-western family where my mom thinks that Ketchup and Salt is the only spice needed, it's taken me a bit of time to get use to the Indian dishes made at Abhrajeet's house every night. When I first had Payesh I was so thrilled that it wasn't spicy I asked for seconds. 

This package ideally would be used for as a gift to give to culturally interested individuals so they can start learning how to cook Indian food and as an introduction to Indian spices. The paper I chose is Mulburry Bark and Banana Leaf paper to relate it culturally in both colors and in resources. The shape of each individualy wrapped package is taken from incents containers and allows everything to be stacked nicely in the box. 

Lots of different ideas with this project and I'm very happy with how it turned out. 

Can't wait for the second packaging assignment.

Sphinx Senior Society Website :: Abhrajeet

I just want to move the spotlight on Abhrajeet for a little bit, as humble as he is about this I would like to show him off :)
This summer Abhrajeet took up the task of helping me with my own website after having very little experience with web design and CSS. At the end of summer he began working on the University of Pennsylvania's Sphinx Senior Society new site.  I can't find the original URL but the new site is here: http://www.sphinxseniorsociety.com/

It amazes me that Abs can write code better than any of the multimedia students I know at Stout and has more to show in his portfolio too. Can anyone say change in major? Kidding. 


I think our new plan will be for me to design the sites and for him to code. Let us know if you're interested in a site... it's almost time to start paying off those student loans. 

6 years and counting...

Today is Abhrajeet and my 6th year anniversary.

6 years ago there was no squishing in. 6 years ago the biggest highlight of the day was if you came to school on time so I could see you for 5 minutes before the bell rant. 6 years ago there was no date nights or sushi or drinking beer at the zoo. 6 years ago neither of us had our drivers license. 6 years ago Arny was only 10 years old. 6 years ago we had no idea that New Years would happen, that we would graduate still dating each other, that I would go to Wisc and you would go to Penn, that we would be able to make a long distance work, that we would fall in love with Great Danes, that you would enjoy spending time fishing on the boat, that I would really like Indian food, that we would celebrate the Holidays four times with different family members and that we would be counting down the days until we're back in Minnesota. 6 years ago was a day I will never forget. Thanks for giving me your suit jacket to warm me up. Love you.

Freelance : Legacy Glass

My friend Josh and his cousin started a hand blown glass business and asked me to do all the promotional material including the logo, business cards, stickers and banners. They are making some amazing looking high quality products and I can't wait to get invited to see them blow. (hint hint... can that be soon please?)


Check out the website that Jared worked on: LegacyGlassWorks.com

Need your Vote

CaringBridge entered the Forrester Groundswell Award for Social Impact. Show your support by casting your vote for us or add your review of our service. http://groundswelldiscussion.com/groundswell/awards2009/detail.php?id=75


Caryn and I created this new page. Exciting to see it live. Please vote - I'm not sure what CaringBridge gets if they win but it would be exciting if they did!

Website is LIVE!

My Website is up! Go to KaydDesign.com to check it out for yourself!

I'm so excited and so relieved to finally check this off my to-do list. Isn't the coding great? Yep that would be my amazing boyfriend's work. (Who knew we would just be able to figure all this out?) You should have seen us this summer -we both just sat on the couch working on different elements of the website with either a glass of wine, a beer or a bowl of ice cream. I definitely miss those nights now that he's gone for the summer.




Check it out in Firefox or Safari please. There's still a few tweaks that I need to figure out when viewed in IE
Comments and Suggestions are greatly appreciated as well so shoot me a note.