I’ve been feeling off lately. I don’t know if it is a mixture of the baby coming and me being on the other side of the country, if it is Tim’s constant talk of moving home and being homesick, if it is the whole “not going home for Christmas” thing, or maybe just the season change, but my body has been sending me mixed signals as of late. I’ll be anxious, or tearful, or just feeling kind of old and settled. I was visiting a wonderful Aunt recently, and upon my telling her of my “old-ness,” she laughed right in my face (as she should have). She…
Twenty Something
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Five Blondes
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Un-Discombobulating Myself
6 Nov 2009 | 8:44 am -
My Brush With Fame
4 Nov 2009 | 11:04 pmI’m here today- my first post of NaNoBloMo!!- to talk about hockey. Canada’s greatest sport, and well frankly I don’t even watch it, even though I come from London, which has an awesome hockey team- The Knights, and I now live in Ottawa, who has another awesome hockey team- The Ottawa Senators. Tuesday night our cheerleading team was invited to cheer at an exhibition hockey game at school- Carleton against the U-20 Sweden Team. We had our uniforms on, and our faces painted and the arena was pretty packed. We didn’t expect the Ottawa Senators captain to show up… -
What I can’t live without.
4 Nov 2009 | 10:16 amAs per the 20sbblog carnival, and with it being my turn to blog for NaBloPoMo, I introduce to you not just a thing that I can’t live without, but a person. Coincidentally, this person is also having her 22nd birthday today! This is Stef, who has been my best friend since I was three. When we were children, Stef and I lived 10 minutes apart. We would play dress up (she had the most awesome dress up clothes), we would go to each other’s school dances, we would play Nintendo 64, and would always go camping every summer with our families (our Mom’s also happened to be best… -
29 Weeks
3 Nov 2009 | 2:23 amSo I’m a little bit embarrassed of this weeks photos, because I’m wearing the exact same outfit as last week!! I should start looking at last weeks photo before I take a new one. So there you go, there’s my belly at 29 weeks. I went out and bought a few maternity tops from Old Navy that were on sale, as well as 2 maternity tank tops. I’m finding that I need the length in the front now. At work last week I was having a case of the lower belly showing a bit and it was driving me crazy! How I’m feeling: Overall pretty good. Well other then the acid… -
November.
2 Nov 2009 | 10:59 amThis was going to be my first wedding post – I chose pictures, got them all ready to upload on my flickr… and then Explorer froze. I tried again, and it froze again. Repeat. Repeat. So since I have to leave for work soon, you’ll have to keep waiting for a couple days (sorry, Sally.) Instead I will just have to chatter, I guess. So it’s November – for many people it’s a horrible month full of cold, dark, dreary days but for me it’s always been a special month because my birthday is this month. And because Fall is my favourite season. Now it’s…
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LFar Blog
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I'm a betting girl, I guess
26 Oct 2009 | 3:05 pmOther than some family trips to Reno and Vegas, I've only been to a casino once. I didn't spend a cent, and I just left feeling depressed with humanity.But that's because organized gambling is BORING. I like under-the-table bets, whispered during class:"That's not a correct usage of the phrase 'begging the question.'""Yes it is.""5 bucks says its not."I like pompous challenge bets, yelled while standing on a chair, swearing. I like bets with dangerous consequences, or based on trivial pieces of trivia. I like bets where the winner gets money, a favour, food, or just gloating privileges.My… -
Options Schmoptions
15 Oct 2009 | 2:35 pmSometimes I wish I had fewer options. Maybe if I had a dream from when I was little, like being an astronaut, then it would be easier to plan my life. I could just use this handy flow chart:And all life's problems would be solved.My issue is that I don't know what I want to do, and I have way-too-many-million options. Such options include: go to law school, go to masters in policy, try a parliamentary internship, get a one-year BA (i.e., stall), or live in a box.These options then have subset follow-up questions. I have this really smug little person sitting in my brain that punches every… -
Choosing 4B year courses
8 Oct 2009 | 6:22 pmSo, enrolment for next term opens next week. This means I have but several days to decide on 5 technical electives (TE) and one complimentary studies elective (CSE) (that is, non-engineering).Now the problem is that a bunch of mechanical profs seem to have gone on sabbatical this year, leaving us with hardly any technical electives from which to choose! By hardly any, I mean 13. But we have to choose 5! And more than 8 are awful! And two that I want to take overlap each other!This is how I make my course selections. I choose a course with an interesting sound name, and then:(click to… -
Life Plans
5 Oct 2009 | 8:23 amI have received a surprising number of "why the heck do you never blog, missy" emails. Many were rather grumpy in nature, if you ask me. Truth is I've been a-tumblin' a lot lately, and I've started a feminist blog with some of the girls I met at Omega!So I've had a few revelations recently that I posted on tumblr, but will cross-post here for the benefit of non-tumblr users. (Meags. This post is for Meags)Yesterday:Eff law school! I’ma get me a Masters in Public Policy! LFar, BASc, MPP. SOUNDS GOOD. Except you have to take the GRE to get into American schools. Eff American schools! Carleton… -
GPOYW
23 Sep 2009 | 8:37 pmCross posted from my tumblr.GPOYW: height order on the beach. The usual.This is just the oldest 5 of the 9 kids in my family. I am the blondie, the 4th oldest. One of my mom's favourite things in the world is to make us line up in height order on the beach or on a bridge. It used to be age order, but that doesn't work anymore. #4 and #5 are now taller than #3, and #6 is a boy who is taller than all of us.
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Jurgen Nation . Com
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Traveling
4 Nov 2009 | 10:17 amBoyfriend and I haven’t done much in the way of vacations. We’re not huge beach layabouts, so there has never been an urge to run to the tropics. It’s somewhat difficult to do anything when you don’t trust anyone to watch your dog, who is your fur-son and for whom you would spend [...] -
Overheard, Coming Out of my Mouth
1 Nov 2009 | 2:37 pm“Aw, Jürgen, is Mommy being quarrelsome,” asks Boyfriend playfully as he scratches The Poopsmith behind his ears. He’s coming home from a Boy Morning/Afternoon Football Whatthefuckever and clearly ready to be hit in the balls (with a piece of cotton, perhaps a down feather). “I’m so not quarrelsome,” I say, giggling. Boyfriend keeps going, Jürgen excited [...] -
You do NOT ask a LADY her Atomic Weight.
30 Oct 2009 | 8:56 amI’ve always been an advocate of casual business attire, but my thoughts on this are more liberal than most. For me, casual should be pajamas. Or sweats. Sweatshirts, anything comfy. Because, unless you meet with clients, who gives a shit what you wear? The girls in sales look like they [...] -
Happy Little Trees and all of the Bees’ Knees
28 Oct 2009 | 5:35 pmI’ve been inspired by Sizzle (who was inspired by her BlogHer besties) to share some happy (and also, like her, to make it all bullety and such by another Sizzle friend who clearly appreciates lovely formatting). Proper credit given, I share some of my happy because there are few bandwagons I don’t jump on: Since [...] -
Night Man, Night Man / Sneaky and Mean…
27 Oct 2009 | 8:47 amI woke up screaming in the middle of the night or, rather, this morning around 2:30. Too early, although any time one wakes up screaming in terror, I would say, is too early. Surprisingly, it is not at all as interesting as it sounds. (If you’re a fan of It’s Always Sunny [...]
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Generation Y Examiner: Sharalyn Hartwell
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Gen Y Gives Thanks: Previous generations paved the way for us
6 Nov 2009 | 8:59 amGen Y'ers are grateful for previous generations and their work to create our digital worlds. (Photo: Photoxpress.com) The story seems to change all the time. Gen Y and Boomers at odds in the workplace. Gen Y and Boomers cohorts in the workplace. T... -
Friday Face-off: She says going on a break is selfish and cowardly
6 Nov 2009 | 6:41 amIn the Friday Face-Off series, I, the National Generation Y Examiner, face off against Sean Easely, the Dallas Generation Y Examiner, on a topic either of our choice, or chosen by you, our readers. I consider Sean a friend, not foe, and even if we di... -
Friday Face-off Teaser: Is 'going on a break' ever a good idea?
5 Nov 2009 | 10:36 amFriday Face-off is bound to provoke a lot of commentary this week. Is it a good idea to go on a break? (Image: Sundiep Arora) I’m just going to say it, tomorrow’s Friday Face-off is going to be, uh, how shall I put this? Interesting? Y... -
Gen Y Gives Thanks: An independent person can exhibit a little dependence
5 Nov 2009 | 7:29 amSome Gen Y'ers don't like relying on other people and have to learn that it is okay to have help. (Photo: Photoxpress.com) Labeled as the “Boomerang Generation” because so many move back home after college, Millenials have a reputation... -
Wednesday Web site: A Place Between Us to find central locations
4 Nov 2009 | 9:54 amEvery Wednesday the National Generation Y column features a Web site with appeal to Gen Y’rs. These sites will range from the very practical and very useful to the very ridiculous and very big time waster. Share your favorite sites by emailing ...
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dshan.me
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The Blogger Is Not Real
5 Nov 2009 | 5:00 am“it’s an opportunity to explain that the blog is built from your life – life as inspiration – but that in fact it’s a construct. truth in a fictional form. or a fiction that’s built from truth.” - a quote from a reader at this blog. Every blog is its own little world. Some are little worlds; written for the author’s enjoyment or a compulsion to keep a running tab on events and fleeting thoughts attached to those events. I think nearly every personal blog lives an early life this way, unless its author was an avid paper diarist. Some are conversations, and… -
I Can’t Live Without It
4 Nov 2009 | 5:00 am“This post is a part of 20SB’s Blog Carnival: Can’t Live Without, and Alice.com is awarding prizes to lucky bloggers and readers!” This little piece of writing is intended to convey something I just can’t live without. The concepts of need and want, intertwined as they are with the process of determining what it is you really don’t want to wake up without tomorrow, have significance beyond their somewhat negative connotations. I do think we all have a handful of pillars that make us who we are against the backdrop of a pretty transferable human experience. We all have a… -
Music Hunting
19 Oct 2009 | 6:56 amIf you’re ever wondering what people are feeling at the moment you can find out by music hunting and using whatever’s popular at the moment as a decent barameter. Seriously, look at any digital music popularity tool on a Monday morning, and then take a look at it on Friday afternoon…it’s basically an A to Z reflection of human disparity and jubilation. I was a rap freak as a teenager. I remember middle school, when I actually went out of my way to purchase every record that the Barenaked Ladies were putting out. Those sentences are related; promise. So if… -
[twenty-nine] nomadic
8 Oct 2009 | 8:25 amThe new mixtape is up! It’s a long time coming, and I know some of you probably forgot that I send out music periodically, but here it is! It’s shiny! It’s made with real music! Get yours now! Click here to check it out. (There’s a bonus and everything) -
Conversation Geek
29 Sep 2009 | 6:04 amI’m quite a conversation geek. I know that stems from my father, who to the bone is a relatively anti-social intellectual whom, as he’s matured, places far more value on discourse than he does on emotional interfacing. He writes plays, as a hobby, and he writes the kind of plays that explore deeply philosophical topics. He’s not purely interested in high-brow conversation, but he’s also not immune to the geek rush he gets when someone engages him in some sort of argument that explores the intricacies of American history, human thought processes, or sociological…
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The Incomprehensible Alaina
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Quote of the day
6 Nov 2009 | 12:00 amAnyone who works is a fool. I don't work - I merely inflict myself upon the public.~Robert Morley -
new purchase
5 Nov 2009 | 12:00 amHere's a picture of my new purchase:Check out the back of the package...Found via GeekologieI'll let you know how it works. (KIDDING!) -
Strut it!
4 Nov 2009 | 12:00 amThis is Amber.She dressed as a peacock for Halloween.She was strutting it. And did it well.Ain't she pretty? -
Girlz Weekend
3 Nov 2009 | 12:00 amWent to Rockford, Illinois a weekend or so ago for a wild and crazy weekend.We sewed.That's just how we roll.Oh and we stayed up until 4:30AM. It's been a long time since yours truly did that.One of the highlights was the webcam photo booth on my computer. We kept it in plain sight and encouraged all interested parties to take pictures and use the effects. Here are some of the interesting results.Group photo:Group photo #2:Group photo #3:Nichole being, well, Nichole. :-)Amber, taking a picture of herself taking a picture. That's Amber.There was something wrong with her for a second. It… -
Trifle
2 Nov 2009 | 12:00 amSo I make a trifle.Bought a trifle bowl.Whipped it together.I need to figure out how to keep the layers separated on attempt #2, because it doesn't look so good. Tastes good though!
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Gals' Guide
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What Every Gal Should Watch Tonight: Rihanna on 20/20
6 Nov 2009 | 1:37 pmWhat moved me about the initial interviews I saw with Rihanna was that she mentioned her strength. Even with such powerful strength, she was blinded by love and went back in the arms of the man who abused her. I hope many of you watch Rihanna's interview on 20/20 tonight. A reminder to us all that we are indeed human. -
What's in your glove compartment?
5 Nov 2009 | 10:41 amI don't consider myselt to be a world traveler, but I have been known to move across the country (and back.) Last week I left for my second cross-country move from Chicago to Los Angeles. The crazy part wasn't that I left my friends and family for a job I can't tell anyone about. No, the crazy part is that I drove. The 30+ hour drive wasn't as fun and adventurous as I had hoped, but it did show me how much I relied on what I had in my glove compartment. I'm happy to report that I lived out of it for two days without complaint. This got me thinking about what YOU should have in your glove… -
First Time Hostess: Free Music for Your Party!
5 Nov 2009 | 6:24 amMost of us have, over the years, amassed an extensive iTunes catalog. Still, there are times when even the most deadicated audiophile looks at her mp3s and can't find the right tunes for the occasion. Rather than spending 99-cents per song for music you might not listen to again, check out these FREE resources: 1) Pandora - think of it as internet radio that you customize. Enter an artist, and Pandora will find musicians with the same style. Ready to create a playlist? Step by step instructions are on SecondCitySoiree.com 2) Grooveshark - whereas Pandora plays music that is… -
What Sarah Palin Wanted to Say, but Couldn't
4 Nov 2009 | 10:01 amHi Ladies, A year ago today, Barack Obama was elected President of the United States. The Daily Beast published both the victory and concession speeches that Sarah Palin would have used...but in both cases, could not. Here is a blurb of the concession speech, that again, McCain's folks would not let Sarah read. Thanks to the Daily Beast for publishing. Best Lines from Palin’s Undelivered Concession Speech: “If [Obama] governs America with the skill and grace we have often seen in him, and the greatness of which he is capable, we’re gonna be just fine.” “Now it is time for us go our… -
To Lease or To Buy? That Was The Question
3 Nov 2009 | 9:55 pmhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/omaromar/CC BY 2.0 Last week I was faced with a decision I had been avoiding since the auto industry in Detroit took a big stumble – what to do now that the lease was up on my Jeep? Seeing as I had never owned a vehicle and instead chose to lease from college on, the prospect of buying a car was not really something I had considered. However, as anyone who has been scoping the dealerships for deals knows – leasing ain't what it used to be. After digging around, I realized that buying out my lease was a better option for me than…
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This? Is Not the Life I Ordered!
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A Nice, Smooth Glass of Wine
4 Nov 2009 | 9:48 amSome of you have expressed concern that I have died. Fear not, I still live. I am currently in Seville enjoying my siesta (what would make it better: if I were enjoying my siesta at a sidewalk cafe with a glass of wine and a book but i decided to spend it with you people.). I love Spain. I really do. The culture here is amazing; everyone greets each other, friend and stranger alike, with kisses on both cheeks, everyone is very animated when they talk and the siesta is the best invention ever! The days here can be lazied away sitting in a cafe with a good cappucino or a glass of wine reading… -
Hostel IV: Barcelona
20 Oct 2009 | 2:52 amSo as you´ve probably guessed, the saga continues with The Messenger. Last time I saw him he was tripping pretty badly in Amsterdam off of a very strong special brownie and I had to babysit him for two days because of this. A week later and I am in Barcelona, where we meet up, YET AGAIN. I have continued couch surfing since my awesome experience in Amsterdam and got to stay with 4 really talented and super generous jazz musicians in San Sebastian, a gorgeous seaside town in northern Spain. I stayed in a hostel my first night in Barcelona but the 2nd night I decided to continue couch… -
Hostel III: Amsterdam
11 Oct 2009 | 12:15 pmSo. A lot has happened that I can´t possibly elaborate all in one post so i´m going to summarize on the one thing you all are dying to know: What the hell is going on with this stalker?? Maybe you´re not dying to know. Maybe you´ve forgotten. Let me refresh your memory. So the story picks up about a week later in Edinburgh. Its my last day and I finally get an email from the Messenger. Turns out, he was playing a prank but hadn´t meant to freak me out. After a lot of yelling at him and threatening to kick his ass, I tell him he owes me a drink. The story is this: he met Roy in a… -
A Real Life Scary Story (Alternative Title: Hostel II: The Messenger)
29 Sep 2009 | 3:09 amSo I’ve never seen the movie Hostel. In fact, I’ve refused seeing it since I backpack around europe on a yearly basis. Without seeing it, I have had what constitutes as the beginning to the sequel happen to me. I have been in scotland around 2 weeks now, but at the time of this story I was just 5 days into my trip. I had been in a small town for a few days and when I arrived in Glencoe, the most remote village I’ve ever been to, I was ready for some good hiking, pretty views and peace and quiet. The hostel I stayed at was a mile and a half outside the village which consisted… -
My Tour Begins of the World’s Most Expensive Countries
8 Sep 2009 | 1:26 pmI’m currently sprawled out on my bed in one of the worst hostels I’ve ever stayed at (and one of the most expensive, at that) in Copenhagen. The horrendous conditions include: i can’t sit up in my bed, theres no pillow and no blankets either–and its cold in here!–with a communal shower (no joke, everyone takes one together) and walls that fall over if you lean into them. Not that I’m really complaining, I’ve spent a wonderful past week in Berlin, Schwerin, and Hamburg and Copenhagen is beautiful, if not extremely expensive. Its only the…
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Chelsea Talks Smack
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Calling ALL bloggers- I'm a needy bitch with a cause.
5 Nov 2009 | 8:30 amI don't recoil easily. I've made people cry, then looked at them stone-faced. I've perfected the "eye roll" and the "I'm going to make you feel like a total dumb fuck if you cross me" look. I'm fiercely loyal, have the memory of a fucking tyrant and generally, "I'm always right." I've hurt people that I love by being too proud and mericless. I'm compassionate, but more often than not, the compassion is going to those/that which is less close to me and those that remain the closest endure my misdirected judgement and cavalier attitude......I'm terrible at saying "I'm sorry" or "I was wrong."… -
If I keep singing "Don't rain on my parade" I give you permission to PUNCH ME IN THE FACE.
2 Nov 2009 | 9:08 amJust on stage- doin' my thing ;)So. I want nice things. There....I said it. I want to be able to buy unnecessary items like Fig scented oils, and Gingerbread shaped baking tins. But more importantly, I want to be able to LIVE. Live my life, cross off lists, live bountifully not BLEAKLY. It also just so happens that my life plans involve more than one vacation to The Mediterranean and a full rhinestone bra. So, shoot me, I didn't "live simply" was my middle name.This past week, I was tested- hardcore. tested. Between jobs and people- yes and no. The Universe said, "Chelsea, how much do you… -
Death. Pastries and Swine Flu.
27 Oct 2009 | 10:49 am"How embarrassing- if the plane were to go down they would find that my last meal was DRIED MANGO and Gardettos." ...these are the kinds of thoughts I have. While scanning the isles at La Gaurdia airport, I couldn't find a decent "last meal." I have this thing with flying- if any songs mentioning PLANE come on my ipod before boarding, I'll consider not getting on the flight,or getting drunk enough to "not feel it when we combust"- So when, "Fiery Crash" by Andrew Bird came on, I talked myself down out of impending doom by convincing myself I wouldn't die because, well, I need to reproduce. My… -
Balls, meet New York City. NYC, meet Chelsea and her balls.
14 Oct 2009 | 5:10 pmWhen I lived in New York City, I used to self medicate with melted cheese. ......and it didn't stop at cheese; it was mammoth sized black and white cookies, spicy chorizo, anything drenched in butter, thick slices of bacon and maple syrup-Marsala sauce, 24 hr doughnuts and Hollandaise. Truffled toast, lavender creme brulee, copious amounts of sweet Sangria and fried mushrooms.New York City gave me anonymity. Anonymity to be BOLD, or brash, snarky or FAT. Fearless, or completely inadequate and green. Whatever the fuck I wanted, New York let me be it. If it mean eating myself into oblivion… -
R.E.S.P.E.C.T....it isn't just an Aretha song.
12 Oct 2009 | 3:50 pm"Do you respect me?"....when someone asks you something in the pitch black of night, when you're half asleep, you know it's even more important. Whatever that "something" was on their brains was plaguing their thoughts and wasn't going to let them sleep and dream of sugar plum fairies, or trapeze swinging in Cirque Du Soleil, or sex with Megan Fox. This "something" was the itch and was going to be scratched. My Love's something was "respect."..."Yes, I respect you.""WHY?....."And here's the problem kids......"I shouldn't have to tell you why....you should know why. And if you don't know why I…
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Apparently
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and there’s NOTHING on TV
5 Nov 2009 | 8:15 pmI’m only writing this because I think I have to, not because I want to. I mean, I want to stop seeing the last post at the top of this blog, but I don’t want to write. I don’t want to do much of anything. Everything- and I do mean everything- is kind of boring, sort of frustrating, and insanely tedious… Maybe I’ll just hibernate all winter, hiding from the swine flu and the holiday spirit and all the irritating fucking things I have to do that I really rather not. -
How to get vagina off the coffee table
21 Oct 2009 | 10:44 pmThe other day Jason and I were hanging out in the living room, playing on our different laptops. Absently, he picked up the silly putty I always keep on my coffee table and constructed a small phallus. Not to be outdone in turning childrens’ playthings into sculptures of genitals, I squashed the putty penis and constructed (an uncannily accurate) vagina. I narrated while I worked in my best Bob Ross accent about the ‘happy little clitoral hoods’ and ‘peacefully lapping labias’. Jason asked me if I needed him to Google a picture for me to work from. I told him no, my mirror was… -
With the simplicity of a carnival
16 Oct 2009 | 3:00 pmEli commented, with some amusement, how often I insist on doing things the hard way… he’s probably right. But it’s as much humility as it is vanity, I swear: yes, I want to be fucking fantastic and not because I’ve mastered the small things but because I attempted the large, but knowing that, I still want to strive for the simple (even if I usually end up somewhere near a circus tent). (aren’t they adorable? I love the giggle at the end of the scene, so feminine. The one kinda reminds me of Soko…) -
clean the crumbles out of my cleavage
9 Oct 2009 | 1:38 pmThere’s a weird wind in the weather today turning everything solid to spun sugar and shit. It’s a little too salty, a little too loud, a little too suggestive… But it’s the perfect amount of sinister. Because Sinister, my friends, always arrives with a smile and leaves with a pocket full of coin and you feeling used but not too sorry. -
uck all.
30 Sep 2009 | 7:08 pmI’ve seen this episode before, but I’m tired and my eyes hurt and if I write one more sentence I later delete it just might kill me. It’s almost better that I know all the words and the next scene and the next time the laugh track would have played if these shows had been filmed a decade earlier, it’s easier to pretend I enjoy this recycled crap if I don’t have to concentrate. the “F” key flew off the keyboard yesterday. I thought I could deal with it, but it’s driving me fucking crazy- it makes cursing so much more difficult than it needs to be. If the dirt…
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Katie I Am
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My Doors Are Open…
21 Oct 2009 | 11:54 amI used to love writing poems. In middle school and high school I wrote poems all the time… some of them I’d show, some I wouldn’t. But so many times I truly felt them. In my mind they were perfect, and I didn’t appreciate any criticism, constructive or not. They said what I was feeling, and they were for me only. Who cared what anyone else thought? Now that I’m back in school, one of my classes this semester is a creative writing class, and the first half of the semester we’ve been working on poems. Did you know there was actually a technique to writing… -
October goals…
9 Oct 2009 | 6:33 amI recently discovered Rebecca Thorman, thanks to Brazen Careerist, and she “hosts” a “Monthly Goal Meetup,” where people are supposed to post their monthly goals on their blog. My life has been “go go go” ever since classes began (and September equally dragged and was over before it began, if that makes any sense), so I think I need to refocus my priorities. A list of monthly goals may help me accomplish that. So here goes. Goal 1: Market Landmark Editorial. I created a facebook ad today, which may not be exactly the audience I want to target, but… -
Get me outta here…
8 Oct 2009 | 2:48 pmThis growing up thing isn’t all it’s cut out to be. I haven’t written lately because every time I sit down to write a post I feel myself whining, and I don’t want this to be a place where all I do is whine. I’m in a good situation right now. I have a solid job. Three solid jobs. And while I depend on all three to get me through, I’m a lot better off than a lot of people out there. I really don’t have anything to whine about. However, something’s been off lately, and I just recently spent some time trying to figure out what it is. Driving to… -
Poems…
27 Aug 2009 | 2:54 pmI have a book called One Hundred and One Famous Poems (it might actually be my sister’s now that I think about it…), and I pull it out and read it once in a while. Just because. There are two poems in this book that really stand out to me, and I read them over and over again every time I pull out this book. The first one is “Sea Fever,” by John Masefield… I love the rhythm of this one. It soothes me. I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky, And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by; And the wheel’s kick and the… -
Remembering Jasper…
21 Aug 2009 | 7:12 amWhen I was 17, I had a crush on this boy. His name was Ben, aka Jasper. We had English and History together, but other than in class, I never talked to him. We never talked on the phone. We never hung out at lunch time or after school. But in class, we had a weird sort of connection. Before I left Australia, I bought an empty journal for my friends to write in so I could keep a little book of memories. I gave my book to Ben to write in, and he took it home over the weekend. When he gave it back to me the next week, he had written 7 pages! It’s not a love letter. Parts of it are even…
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Rhi in Pink
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Confessions
29 Oct 2009 | 7:01 amI have voice crushes. My original voice crush was Ira Glass. Now, I have a voice crush on Peter Sagal and Kai Rysdall. (The Ira voice crush remains) I want to elope. I’m so sick of wedding input from random people. My wedding budget is none of your business. If you’re worried that my wedding budget is preventing me from buying a house, worry about something else, because IT IS NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS. We have a potluck at work today and I want to call in sick. Unless I know you very well and I know your general kitchen cleanliness well, I don’t want to eat something you made… -
Friday Bullets: Very, Very Sick Edition
16 Oct 2009 | 6:38 amI’m fairly certain that for the past 4 days I’ve been suffering from a little something the world likes to call H1N1. Here’s something that’s REALLY stupid: if you’re an otherwise healthy adult, you’re not supposed to go to the doctor unless you have “complications,” so if you’re an an otherwise healthy adult you can count on suffering through this for four (and counting) days. Your doctors office might pretend that they can help you, but mainly they’ll just make you wait 5 hours for a phone call back and when you finally get sick of… -
Friday Bullets: Birthday Boy Edition
9 Oct 2009 | 7:27 amI can’t decide whether this week went by super quickly or super slowly. I keep changing my mind. I’ve had tiny hints of a cold all week long, each morning waking up with a scratchier throat than the day before. Then, last night right before bed, I developed the worst stomachache ever. It’s still here. I’m trying to ignore Dr. Google’s offer for a house call, but it’s SO HARD. (feel free to ask Dr. Google what stomach pain around the belly button lasting for 12 hours means for me). Today we’ll be looking at 3 potential wedding venues. One of them is… -
Cheeseburger heaven is found at Christopher’s Gourmet Grill
7 Oct 2009 | 6:35 amI’m so excited to bring you the Very! First! Burger Review in the Girls’ Guide to the Perfect Portland Burger. This is from my dearie, Ashleigh. I could tell you how much I love Ashleigh for hours, and hours…but I think you really want to hear about the burger. Want to review a burger? Let me know! When what you want is a memory of something old-fashioned (meaning the first time you ate one in high school), full of flavor, and with a side of crispy-soft fries, you’ll head over to Christopher’s Gourmet Grill in NE Portland. The outside of the building is deceiving. It’s… -
Don’t Ignore Me, Please
6 Oct 2009 | 6:30 amOne really fun thing about being engaged is that everyone is really, genuinely happy for you. Seeing a girlfriend and having her grab my left hand and then jump up and down with me or having the bartender at your local wine bar yell, “Hey! Congrats Guys!” is fantastic and has not gotten old (yet). And, I’m loving it. But, one thing that I never, ever expected is that even some of your very best friends and family members won’t acknowledge a damn thing. And, if there’s anything I hate, it’s being ignored. I hate being ignored so much that as a child, my…
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"20SB-Awards" via 01203887482075235036 in Google Reader
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Poor Planning
5 Nov 2009 | 6:08 amA water main in town broke. Which means no water at our house. If only I had showered yesterday… -
a note and a new moon giveaway
4 Nov 2009 | 6:57 pmThanks for all your comments on Disqus yesterday and today! I removed it and since I couldn’t just activate threaded comments via Wordpress (not compatible with my theme), I had to install the Wordpress Threaded Comments plugin. So far it seems okay but I hate that I have to enter all of my info when I want to reply to a comment on my own freaking blog! But I’ll live. And because New Moon is just weeks away, I’m hosting a Twilight themed giveaway over on my shopping blog. Go check it out for a chance to win a tee of your choice from Firedaughter Clothing. Stay fierce. -
Things I do that may or may not be really odd
4 Nov 2009 | 6:06 pmYelling at my boyfriend while I'm sleeping.So a few nights ago, I got home rather late from a concert, and the Duke was hard at work studying for the GREs. He wanted a little tutoring on some of the math concepts, so we chatted for about an hour. When I crawled into bed, I cursed in my head a little, because I realized I was going to less sleep than I had planned before my early morning and long workday. Not too big of a deal, though, as I have functioned on far less sleep.... or maybe it was a bigger deal than I realized, as about an hour later, I started sleep-chastising my boyfriend. I… -
A Nice, Smooth Glass of Wine
4 Nov 2009 | 9:48 amSome of you have expressed concern that I have died. Fear not, I still live. I am currently in Seville enjoying my siesta (what would make it better: if I were enjoying my siesta at a sidewalk cafe with a glass of wine and a book but i decided to spend it with you people.). I love Spain. I really do. The culture here is amazing; everyone greets each other, friend and stranger alike, with kisses on both cheeks, everyone is very animated when they talk and the siesta is the best invention ever! The days here can be lazied away sitting in a cafe with a good cappucino or a glass of wine reading… -
PR for Gen Y Entrepreneurs
3 Nov 2009 | 7:52 pmthe following guest post was written by Matt Wilson of Under 30 CEO With the hype of Twitter everyone wants to know–how do I use this tool to successfully grow my business? The answer is public relations. As described by Wikipedia “Public relations (PR) is the practice of managing the flow of information between an organization and its publics.” What better tool to have than a platform where you can send messages out to the publics on behalf of the company? But I’m a startup, nobody cares about my company So, let’s start at stage one, it’s time to get press for your startup by…
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GenPink
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PR for Gen Y Entrepreneurs
3 Nov 2009 | 7:52 pmthe following guest post was written by Matt Wilson of Under 30 CEO With the hype of Twitter everyone wants to know–how do I use this tool to successfully grow my business? The answer is public relations. As described by Wikipedia “Public relations (PR) is the practice of managing the flow of information between an organization and its publics.” What better tool to have than a platform where you can send messages out to the publics on behalf of the company? But I’m a startup, nobody cares about my company So, let’s start at stage one, it’s time to get press… -
The world bursts at the seams
23 Oct 2009 | 7:32 amThis morning inspiration is brought to you by Starbucks, well actually a photo of a Starbucks cup. You can see other “The Way I See It” Starbucks photo contributions in this Flickr Group. -
Following Your Passion
18 Oct 2009 | 5:27 pmI have a confession … I subscribe to Oprah’s E-Newsletter. For shame, yes I know, I’m not a stay at home housewife and as a career women I hate the which jeans look best on your butt articles but ya know I do find a lot of quality stuff in the vast media that is Team Oprah. On this lazy Sunday, I particularly enjoyed reading Celebrities Discuss Following Their Passion. I’m not a celebrity gossip fan but I do love life lessons of people doing what they love to do. Here’s a great quote from Aisha Tyler. Check out the rest if you’re interested. Nothing really… -
For the Love of Books: Social Networking for Bookworms
17 Oct 2009 | 6:43 pmUp until age 25 I always thought I wasn’t really into books. I read the books I was required to read for school and that was about it. At 25, things changed, perhaps it was a quarterlife crisis or becoming single again but for some reason I discovered that I really am a book person. Now, I’m not a typical girl when it comes to my book interests. I am a non-fiction, business and development book kinda reader. To give you an idea, the last few books I’ve read were Trust Agents, Outliers, and Tipping Point. I think in the past 2 years I’ve only read one stereotypical… -
Your Social Media Close-Up & Estee Lauder
8 Oct 2009 | 9:04 amI saw this via twitter and I thought was worth sharing. The venerable Estee Lauder cosmetics brand has found a seemingly natural way to connect with social media: offering free makeovers and photo shoots at its department-store cosmetics counters coast-to-coast to produce shots women can use for their online profiles. – AdAge The promotion will start in New York Bloomingdale’s October 16th and expand into Macy’s and Saks in other cities. The gift that the brand hopes will keep on giving is that the profile photos include the Estee Lauder logo in the background, which,…
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Half Deserted Streets
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I Heart Friends
3 Nov 2009 | 5:28 pmI've got great friends. I mean, really amazing, we're going to grow old together, to die for friends. And although I've always known that, Sunday led me to believe it a bit more. Sunday was my birthday. I'm officially 26. I wanted to do that "26 things to do before you turn 26" list, but life got in the way and I think I'm okay with that. Anyway, after a long night of Halloween, Samir gave me my birthday presents. Here's what he got me:High Fidelity by Nick HornbyThe Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey NiffeneggerThe Wordy Shipmates by Sarah VowellNow, you might be thinking "wait, don't you… -
This is Halloween
2 Nov 2009 | 2:50 pmAnd so, another Halloween has come and gone. Let's see what I was up to this year, shall we? Once again, Jetta competed in the pet costume contest. He was up against over 100 other adorable dogs and sadly did not win (like he did last year). He did, however, look absolutely adorable as a mechanic. (Of course we had to match. I wore my younger brother's mechanic outfit and we both had fake tools and tool belts.) Friday night, Samir and I went to two parties. I let him decide what we'd dress up as, since I had (slightly embarrassing) plans for us for Saturday night (more on that later). (Samir… -
Book Review: Little Brother
25 Oct 2009 | 3:49 pmLittle BrotherBy Cory DoctorowTor TeensPublication Date: April 29, 2008ISBN: 9780765319852I'm not tech savvy. I don't know how to hack into a computer and my favorite video game system is still Sega Genesis. Regardless, I loved Little Brother, not just because of Doctorow's conversational storytelling, or because of its inspirational message, but because it made me want to try to be more observant. To be something more. Go figure a YA tech/sci-fi book would do that for me.In Little Brother, Cory Doctorow introduces the reader to a very secure, very monitored San Francisco. Marcus, or w1n5t0n,… -
The Day The Circus Died
18 Oct 2009 | 6:08 amI moved yesterday and although I want to post pictures and discuss how awful it was to move a couch up a flight of stairs, something tragic has paused my excitement. Yesterday, Dickie, my old circus coach, passed away.I got the call yesterday from Megan, her voice choked up. We each called a person or two after, painfully spreading the news. It was better hearing it from someone close rather than facebook or twitter. My friend Dacia called me freaked out - she works for a funeral home. She was the one who got the call. She had to close his eyes.He was like a father to us, in a way only a… -
One Year Gone
14 Oct 2009 | 4:04 pmMy grandfather once told me that girls don't play drums. Although he was wrong, he was right about me. I couldn't play the drums, as much as I tried. I wasn't coordinated enough - one hand couldn't move without the other asking to come along. Back in the 40's, my grandfather was quite the musician. He played the spoons at all the Brooklyn hotspots until he left for the war. He tried teaching me once. I wasn't good, but I caught on quickly - maybe my hands were meant for something simpler. I never had an especially close relationship with my grandfather. Besides telling me I couldn't play…
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Young Upstarts
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Monocle’s Guide To Small Business
6 Nov 2009 | 12:05 amIssue 28 of Monocle. I’m a huge fan of business and current affairs magazine Monocle, and its latest issue is a must-have for anybody who’s even remotely thinking about starting their own business. The latest issue of Monocle is all about entrepreneurship and starting a business – it even comes with a supplement called the “The Monocle Small Business Guide 2009/10″ that contains many great interviews with small business owners all over the world, sharing their passions and stories. If you’re thinking of being an entrepreneur, get a copy today. -
Global Entrepreneurship Week 2009 Singapore
5 Nov 2009 | 6:20 amIt's Global Entrepreneurship Week again! From the 16th to 22th November, participating countries around the world will be joining together to celebrate the spirit of youth and entrepreneurship during Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW), and partner organizations will be conducting a range of activities ranging from simple speeches to comprehensive competitions designed to inspire and engage the next generation of entrepreneurs. In Singapore, the Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) opening ceremony will happen on the 16th November, 4pm at the HDB Hub Auditorium. The opening ceremony will… -
TEDx MIT Club Singapore: “The Craftsman”
28 Oct 2009 | 6:51 amJeff Murphy of The Pump Room. Last month I had the opportunity to attend a TEDx event organized by MIT Club Singapore. Entitled “The Craftsman”, the event featured four speakers from different walks of life to share their experience and passion for their individual crafts. I particularly enjoyed the session by Jeff Murphy, a brewer at one of Singapore’s leading microbreweries The Pump Room, who shared on his quest for a better beer: Other speakers included Yee Tong, the founding partner of School of Thought, Goh Yiping from Human Network Labs, and Adrian Yap, one of the… -
VoteForArt.com – Art on College Tees
18 Oct 2009 | 7:35 pmJeremy Parker, founder of VoteForArt.com. 24-year old Jeremy Parker has always been interested in the idea of creating something out of nothing. “I’m sure this could be applied to many other jobs as well, but it definitely applies to being an entrepreneur,” says the president and founder of VoteforArt.com, “After producing films, I wanted to get involved and challenge myself by starting company in an industry that I had no prior experience in.” Jeremy had graduated from Boston University in 2007, majoring in film production. During his time in university, his… -
Asia-Pacific Enterprise Challenge
16 Oct 2009 | 2:45 amThe Asia-Pacific Enterprise Challenge is part of the upcoming Global Entrepreneurship Week 2009. Part of the Global Entrepreneurship Week Singapore 2009, the inaugural Asia-Pacific Enterprise Challenge (APEE) is inviting young people all over the Asia-Pacific region to suggest innovative and practical solutions to overcome real business case studies posed by local enterprises. There are two case studies posed to participants: (1) revamp local F&B chain Sakae Sushi’s range of merchandise, putting it enroute to its vision in becoming a global brand, or (2) develop a marketing plan for…
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Sweats in the City
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Made Up My Mind.
5 Nov 2009 | 9:18 amI am throwing in the towel, here, folks. I have really enjoyed writing here over the past few years, but 1) the number of people whom I actually know who read this blog has grown pretty dramatically, 2) I just don’t have that much to write about, and 3) I had an Internet-related issue a few weeks ago related to my ongoing job hunt that made me really paranoid. HOWEVER. You still can catch me at Twitter: if you don’t Twitter, you are missing out. It’s more than FB status updates, more than what you had for breakfast. It’s a community of really freaking funny… -
Song(s) of the Day.
3 Nov 2009 | 9:42 amI’m sorry, but that just cracks me up. And I also kind of love the sentiment, kind of like with the Glamour photo of the chick with a belly. “It’s the right love at the wrong time Guess we’ll have to wait until the summertime ‘Cause it’s the right love at the wrong time Why’d we have to meet each other in our prime ‘Cause it’s the right love at the wrong time…” I don’t believe in timing anymore, I don’t think. For a long time, I did– was positive that certain people could have, would have been right for… -
Still Thinking.
30 Oct 2009 | 12:07 pmHi, there, Internet. You’re all so sweet. I still haven’t decided what precisely I’m going to do. I might Tumblog, I don’t know. I’m thinking about it, and I’ll keep you all posted. In the meantime, I ran outside today. Longer than I’ve gone even on the treadmill, and also up over the Hayes Street Hill. I left my apartment before seven, which was a victory in and of itself. It was dark, and I was like, you know what, foot? WE ARE GOING TO RUN MY FAVORITE ROUTE, SO SUCK IT UP. I ran the mile to Alamo Square pretty quickly, but the hill… -
A Few Changes.
28 Oct 2009 | 1:00 pmAs you may or may not have noticed, I deleted my archives here today. There are a lot of changes in progress over here, and none of them are conducive to keeping my personal life on the Internet. I’m sorry, Internet. I still love you. This doesn’t mean that I’m done, but I’m leaning that way. I’ll post an update when I’ve given it a little more thought. -
Random Music Wednesday.
28 Oct 2009 | 10:24 amI was released from PT this morning, nearly 10 months post-injury. Dude, I almost hugged my PT, except that he’s this older, slightly hardass guy. So I didn’t. And then I went straight to the gym and did another treadmill run, even though I just did one yesterday, and it felt so so good. On the way to PT and the way from PT to the gym, I listened to a little John Mayer, “Slow Dancing in a Burning Room,” a song on which I am completely and totally hooked at the moment. It’s not a silly little moment It’s not the storm before the calm This is the deep…
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Schaefer's Blog
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A Response to E-mail Forwards Blasting Obama, Environmentalists, Etc.
2 Nov 2009 | 6:00 pmThe following is an e-mail written recently by my friend’s dad, a university professor and respected author. He is not a liberal, in fact he is quite conservative. After discussing the following with him over pumpkin carving and wine the other night, it became apparent that he wrote this as a response to some of the ridiculous e-mail forwards he had been receiving as of late from his conservative bretheren. He, like many of us, has been the recipient of numerous emotionally-charged forwards blasting President Obama, librerals, environmentalists and various other groups… -
Matthew Hoh’s Letter of Resignation Regarding Afghanistan
28 Oct 2009 | 10:33 amMany have now heard the news of the first U.S. government official resigning his position in protest of our continued presence in Afghanistan. I was alerted to this development by a fellow officer and blogger, Matt Bader, and was immediately intrigued by the background of this State Department employee. The Washington Post’s Karen DeYoung reported on Tuesday, “When Matthew Hoh joined the Foreign Service early this year, he was exactly the kind of smart civil-military hybrid the administration was looking for to help expand its development efforts in Afghanistan. A former… -
Pay Czar or Grim Reaper?
23 Oct 2009 | 9:29 amAn article in this morning’s Washington Post points out that many top employees of financial firms being targeted for pay cuts by the government have already left or are on their way. “There’s no question people have left because of uncertainty of our ability to pay,” said an executive at one of the affected firms. “It’s a highly competitive market out there.” I understand that people are frustrated with the economy, but it is foolish to think that cutting the pay of people within the financial industry will turn out well. Compensation is a drop in… -
Globalization, Black Swans and the Need for Resilience
18 Oct 2009 | 8:00 pmFormer US Air Force pilot and tech entrepreneur John Robb explains in his book, “Brave New War: The Next Stage of Terrorism and the End of Globalization,” that, “war in the twenty-first century will be very different from what we’ve come to expect.” Mainly, state-versus-state conflict is over (Creveld’s prophecy). Nuclear weapons and globalization have created a situation where states have little to gain and almost everything to lose by going to war with each other. Globalization Instead we’ll be fighting non-state actors, or superempowered… -
The State as a Substitute for God
16 Oct 2009 | 8:00 pmEconomist Robert Higgs on Americans’ unrealistic expectations of their government (hat tip Marginal Revolution): Until more people come to a more realistic, fact-based understanding of the government and the economy, little hope exists of tearing them away from their quasi-religious attachment to a government they view with misplaced reverence and unrealistic hopes. Lacking a true religious faith yet craving one, many Americans have turned to the state as a substitute god, endowed with the divine omnipotence required to shower the public with something for nothing in every department…
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The Typing Makes Me Sound Busy
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OK, Well, Call Me
6 Nov 2009 | 7:01 am1) Maybe it's because he knows I'm going out of town, that he's unsettled by my own anxiety. Maybe he can sense that I'm conflicted about my decision to upend my life. Or maybe he just chewed the eyes off of his squeaky monkey. Either way, Pigpen spent the earliest hours of Friday redecorating the living room with autumn-hued puddles of hurl. I've been following him around, double fisting bottles of Resolve and keeping a wad of paper towels tucked in the waistband of my pajama pants, gently guiding him away from the rugs and onto the more easily disinfected sections of the floor.I hate when… -
Gather Up Your Jackets, Move It To the Exits
2 Nov 2009 | 7:25 amThere used to be a band called Semisonic--I say used to be because I'm reasonably sure all the members have long since started selling real estate or detachable gutters and doing things that don't require guitars. Their big, inescapable hit was called "Closing Time" and during my freshman year of college, it was the anthem that soundtracked countless second-semester drunkfests. (Confidential to My Mother: By "Drunkfests" I mean "Endless nights spent in the library studying, taking notes, and making good use of your tuition dollars." Obviously). That song was always leaking out of the speakers… -
Like a Good Neighbor
27 Oct 2009 | 7:40 amMy apartment building used to have so much promise. I remember when the realtor cheerfully pointed out the hardwood floors and the large windows before spending an inordinate amount of time on the stainless steel kitchen fixtures, as if I'd previously lived in a place without working faucets. Her hard sell on the running water worked, though. I signed a contract and for a while everything was as delightful as it looked in the brochure.Then other people started living here.After two years, the turnover rate is higher than at even the most dismal fast food establishments and I'd bet that… -
It'll Be A Pop Publication, Tougher Than Tough
18 Oct 2009 | 9:55 pmSo that just happened.1 After a decade-plus of marveling at his songwriting, blasting Jesus of Cool loud enough to alienate my neighbors at six different addresses and wearing a Labour of Lust t-shirt that has--so far--outlasted all of my relationships, I finally FINALLY had the chance to see Nick Lowe in concert.2He and his Gibson J-45 captivated the sold-out crowd packed into the tiny Barns at Wolf Trap in Vienna, Virginia and it was the best seventy-five minutes I've ever spent without removing any clothing. He played twenty-one songs, each one featuring a lyric or a sentiment that will… -
Carded
16 Oct 2009 | 3:43 amMy face was bloated and misshapen, like the slowly melting head of a late-March snowman. My smile--crooked and off-center even on my most presentable days--was punctuated by soda-stained teeth dropping haphazardly out of my gums.And my eyes.My eyes. One of them had burrowed into my face, the other bulged in a way that made me look like a puppy mill Pug.Basically, I looked like ass. And I would continue to do so for the next eight years."That'll be thirty-two dollars," he said, dropping my new driver's license through a slot in the plexiglass. "Make the check out to the North Carolina…
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...and hijinks ensued.
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Things I do that may or may not be really odd
4 Nov 2009 | 6:06 pmYelling at my boyfriend while I'm sleeping.So a few nights ago, I got home rather late from a concert, and the Duke was hard at work studying for the GREs. He wanted a little tutoring on some of the math concepts, so we chatted for about an hour. When I crawled into bed, I cursed in my head a little, because I realized I was going to less sleep than I had planned before my early morning and long workday. Not too big of a deal, though, as I have functioned on far less sleep.... or maybe it was a bigger deal than I realized, as about an hour later, I started sleep-chastising my boyfriend. I… -
The psychology of leaving
1 Nov 2009 | 2:24 pmI have a friend who has always dreamed of going to work in Australia. It was, of course, after she'd fallen in love that all the sudden the pieces, seemingly out of nowhere, fell together. She is leaving in a matter of months. I saw them on Friday, and although they are trying to just be together until she goes, there is this wall that has grown out of nowhere. It is like neither of them want to risk falling any harder, with the end so in sight. I think she would stay if he asked her to. But he will never ask.***I sent off my first application on Wednesday. I thought it would feel cathartic,… -
And more words.
27 Oct 2009 | 2:40 pmOkay, it's official-- I miss writing.Well, that’s a bit of a deceptive statement. It’s not like my fingers have exactly become unfamiliar with the keyboard. It’s more that my writing as of late has been of the “why-I-am-going-to-be-the-most-fabulous-intern-ever” genre (or, you know, the neuropsych report I am technically writing in my office as we speak… if anyone asks). So much self-promotion gets a little tiresome. Perhaps I just miss being a little more honest, verbose, jaded, sarcastic, and more flexible on my use of punctuation.Of course, this is about the least convenient… -
Why me pre-coffee and noxious chemicals don't get along
6 Oct 2009 | 11:26 am6:42 am.I'm staring at myself bleary-eyed in the mirror.I notice the remnants of yesterday's mascara smudged around my eye, so I grab a cotton pad, douse it in liquid, and press it against my right eye.IT BURNS.Wincing, I manage to pry open my eye, and splash some water into. I turn my good eye to the counter to see not a small blue bottle of eye make-up remover, but a large pink bottle.I have just put nail polish remover in my eye.I've never been so happy to not read "Please avoid contact with eyes" in my life. -
Unpredictability
5 Oct 2009 | 2:12 pmIt was a typical date for us in its lack of typicality: Afgani food and an independent zombie flick. We walked home, hand-in-hand, through our shortcut in the courtyard of a generic condo complex, the full moon's light bouncing off the patio windows. He was speaking of deja vu, and how he believed that certainly times in your life are more prone to deja vu simply because you recollect them more frequently."I think I will think back to this year often," he says.I have a tendency towards not just trying to remember past events, but trying to place myself back in the same head space I was at the…
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It's like I'm... mmmagic!
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“I have a crush on Ben at No Ordinary Rollercoaster. Unfortunately I have a boyfriend and a vagina and he has the Newf so clearly things will never work out.”
2 Nov 2009 | 4:44 pmThe Secret Project: Crush Edition can continue to exist because of the awesome emails you all continue to send me. That, and the fact that I fought back from the edge of death boredom and survived almost a week in bed, with *only an unhealthy addiction to cold medicine and a truckload of self pity to entertain me . ANYWAY. As always, I must gush about how much I’m loving what you are confessing! Confession #7 of this week had me all swoony. Who doesn’t wish to be in that situation? Email me at brandyismagic@gmail.com if you have one to share! As always, I’m still taking… -
fevah Part II
28 Oct 2009 | 8:20 pmOh, hi. I’m dying. Okay maybe not but *whatever the hell I’m battling, it’s currently kicking my ass. Like, if me and this sickness were in a boxing ring, I’d be pinned to the mat yelling “SWEET MOTHER OF GOD, I GIVE UP, YOU WIN- TAKE EVERY SEASON OF THE WEST WING! TAKE MY VINTAGE WRANGLERS FROM THE 70′S THAT DO WONDERS FOR MY BUM! TAKE AWAY SWEET POTATO FRIES FROM THE EARTH! “, the second the starting bell was heard. I was feeling tremendously sorry for myself while watching ** Lecture 3 in Game Theory (sexily titled “Iterative Deletion and… -
“I’m married to the sweetest guy but I’d switch teams for Angelina Jolie”
27 Oct 2009 | 7:43 pmIt’s a special bonus The Secret Project: Crush Edition- midweek because I’m all wild sometimes. I’m loving what you are all confessing. Email me at brandyismagic@gmail.com if you have one to share! As always, I’m still taking submissions (for the Crush Editions and the good ol’ regular Secret Project), so if you have something you’d like to share- a crush or otherwise, feel free to email me. 1. I watched the film Wanted (hindhi) and fell in love/crush (:P) with Salman Khan. (Bollywood Actor). The man CAN NOT act. Has deplorable taste in clothes. and even deplorable taste in… -
And then I gave a ten year old some lingerie
26 Oct 2009 | 4:41 pmThis weekend I reclaimed my closet. At first I was just going to tackle spring/summer clothes and store them for the winter in my summer house garbage bags shoved into closets, but then a second of inspiration coupled with a fleeting moment of ambition led to me clearing off all my shelves, unfolding every article, removing each shirt, dress, regrettable sequined ensemble from it’s hanger and tossing it on my bed to be sorted and then placed in an appropriate bag to be either stored or given away. I had had nearly finished when I stumbled upon a stack of lingerie. A stack that would… -
“The more weight I gain, the more I feel pressured to wear a lot of makeup.”
25 Oct 2009 | 4:08 pmIt’s The Secret Project Day! I’ve gotten a huge upswing in both regular (is there such a thing as a ‘regular’ secret?) and The Secret Project (TSP) Crush Edition emails lately, I can’t tell you how much I’m enjoying hearing from so many people. Look forward to The Crush Edition next week! If you have secrets (crushworthy or otherwise) remember you can email them to me at brandyismagic@gmail.com. 1. I look forward to having kids so I can blame my farts on my them. 2. I’m kind of jealous of all my high school peers who post pictures of their babies,…
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i hate so much...
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Just Because.
6 Nov 2009 | 3:30 amThe other day KatieBlogs sent me this joke. I’m aware that it’s absolutely disgusting, but I love it so much that I’m willing to lose some followers because of it. Who am I kidding? If disgusting stuff bothered you guys, you wouldn’t read this blog at all. Ready? Okay! How do you piss of a female archeologist? Give her a used tampon and ask her what period its from. …. You’re welcome. - Don’t forget to enter my Starbucks giveaway! There’s no limit on number of entries! You only have until Monday at 9 am. -
Say my name.
5 Nov 2009 | 4:30 amI hate it when people mispronounce names. Obviously there are cases that are okay. When it’s your first time saying it. When no one in the room actually knows the correct pronunciation. When it’s Eva Longoria. (ava? eva? whatever. she’s a shitty actress. sorry, matt.) But what really irks me is when someone keeps saying a name wrong after you correct them 1000000 times. (unless you’re making a joke about how someone’s last name sounds like a funny saying. sorry again, matt) There’s this guy who used to work in my office. His last name was a little tricky,… -
Would You Rather Wednesday: Birthday Edition
4 Nov 2009 | 4:30 am(awesome tiger pic courtesy of JD) Happy Birthday to me, hookers. Hope you all got me something good. I had my heart set on an autotune microphone, but apparently they don’t exist. Whatever, I’ll just train my voice to sound like t-pain’s. Now for the question… Would You Rather go home to your significant other expecting a surprise, only to have them give you a hug and say your present is the best sex of your life (a la Roy’s Valentine’s Day gift to Pam on The Office) or have your significant other forget your birthday completely, but after you remind… -
another reason i need to be famous asap.
3 Nov 2009 | 4:30 amOh how I wish I was a celebrity. Not so much for they fame or the money. (although that would be amazing. but for the sake of the entry lets just go with the flow) I’d love to be a celebrity for the pranks. I fucking love pranks. Now, don’t get any ideas. I don’t really like BEING pranked– I just like catching people off guard, and it’d be oh-so easy if I was famous. That way I could jump out and scare people, and they wouldn’t sue me if they fell on their ass. Example: Taylor Swift on Ellen the other day. Google it. Jumping out in front of people is fine,… -
Dirty Deeds
2 Nov 2009 | 3:30 amThis entry is dedicated to my favorite non-blogger, @katierose_. (what, you didn’t know that I was friends with any non-bloggers. shocking, i know.) Congrats on being a lawyer. Also, thank you for letting me have sex with your dog. ___________ While my beach friends and I were watching tv in the OBX earlier this year, we noticed some pretty ridiculous commercials for Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley. We’re all pretty used to “ambulance chasers” having ridiculous commercials, but what about legit real estate lawyers. There’s no reason they shouldn’t…
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No Ordinary Rollercoaster
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Final Destination: Full Frontal
4 Nov 2009 | 4:00 amThe universe wants the entire neighbourhood to see our junk.Junk in the biblical sense...I'll let you mull that one over for a minute...Of all the things that I've accomplished in my life, the one that continues to haunt me is this post. I am frequently - FREQUENTLY - reminded of it by friends, coworkers, and complete strangers alike.Short version: I locked myself out of my house without shoes, socks or underwear on and ended up having to cab to the newf's school and sit in the main office while one of his students brought up keys.And then there was of course the time that the newf chased… -
Boob Tuesday #2
3 Nov 2009 | 4:00 amBoob Tuesday this week can be found here.If you forgot what all this is about, on January 30th I am 1) doing six hours of consecutive exercise, 2) breaking two Guinness World Records, 3) hanging with Richard Simmons, 4) doing it all in short shorts to raise money for breast health. You can also now donate using your Paypal account - just select it in the drop down menu for payment method. Don't get confused by the Canadian Dollar amount - it'll automatically transfer into your local currency when the transaction is completed.Also...I've been asking for donations for two weeks now making this… -
Flossin' my Ice
2 Nov 2009 | 4:00 amLike all good folks in advertising, many of my long hours, blackberry-induced physio treatments waiting to happen, and priorities so jumbled that some weeks I need to schedule in number twos, are all justified by those one or two shining moments that make me feel like Don Draper.You know...during the episodes where he drinks scotch and bangs all them 1960s hoes. Not the episodes where he's all tortured and crying and flashbacking and blah blah blah. Those ones are lame. Let's remember, advertising = banging hoes. Last week we had the Ice Awards here in Halifax which I've heard best described… -
Boob Tuesday: #1
27 Oct 2009 | 4:00 amIt was a pub crawl and I was nineteen. It was the very first stop: the university bar. While that might sound good to you, my university - while offering a wonderful education - is largely considered the ugly, flat stepsister of all the cool post-secondaries in the city.No offense to all the ugly, flat stepsisters out there.I was surrounded by great friends - some that I went to high school with, some that I met in university who would become roommates and one who had the best damn rack I've seen.They were perfect. Round. High. Bouncy. Proportional. And right in front of me.The mood was… -
Art Rising
23 Oct 2009 | 6:22 pm"It's a fundraiser. For art. You'll need to dress up."Every boyfriend's worst nightmare?You bet your sweet ass.Needless to say, when I had the chance to go to a super secret party - the location of which wasn't to be announced until twelve hours prior to the start - I outsourced my date in the form of my cousin the hand model, always up for just about anything especially when I describe what we'd be doing as "getting Gossip Girled out".So there we were, sass coming out the wazoo, drinking free drinks, eating free sushi, and pretending to get art. Me: flying high on red bull. Her: wine drunk…
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Du Wax Loolu
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Birthday follow-up
6 Nov 2009 | 6:01 amAfter yesterday's post, I feel the need to clarify something. This is probably going to come across as defensive, but honestly? I don't care.Here's the thing. When Torsten and I were discussing what to do for his birthday, it was not a case of him telling me that he would like to spend the day at home and me insisting that NO WE MUST GO OUT FOR IT IS YOUR BIRTHDAY AND LO, THIS MEANS WE SHALL LEAVE THE HOUSE.No, he was ALSO interested in doing something special, but ALSO couldn't think of what that might be.As well-intentioned as it might be, I do not think that it is thoughtful or caring to… -
How do we celebrate Torsten's birthday?
5 Nov 2009 | 6:02 amTorsten's birthday is on Saturday. I've already given him his present (Rock Band Beatles, but the cheaper version without the limited-edition instruments). I gave it to him early because I knew he would want to play it with his best friend, and his best friend was here for two weeks in September.So, now I don't have a gift for him, except possibly one little tiny thing, but that's OK, because he's aware of it and we will spend some time this weekend playing Rock Band to remind him of the present. That will just have to be good enough.But the question is... what to do on the birthday itself? -
Areas where my husband and I are not compatible
4 Nov 2009 | 6:01 amLuckily for our marriage, Torsten and I have quite a bit in common, especially when it comes to the big things. We have similar views on religion, money, lifestyle, morals, kids, travel, and so on. This makes our marriage very smooth for the most part.However, there are some things that we don't see eye-to-eye on. Most of these are (as you'll see) quite minor and really more funny than anything else. And in some cases they are actually quite enriching.1. Rights and freedoms. It's not exactly that we don't see eye to eye on this, but simply that Torsten brings a very German perspective to… -
Why sometimes I think I might make a decent mom
3 Nov 2009 | 6:02 amThe summer before my senior year of college, I lived in DC, doing two internships with literary agents. I also held two nannying jobs and a temp job with a nonprofit. So yes, I had five jobs that summer. It was a lot. There was a lot of driving. But it was also pretty awesome.One of the nannying jobs was for two older kids--I believe they were 15 and 12 at the time. I wasn't really a nanny--more of a summer assistant/chauffeur/mentor/supervisor. I drove the 15-year-old (a girl) to art camp, drove them both to and from friends' houses, ran errands, took the kids on outings, and generally… -
One year in
2 Nov 2009 | 6:01 amDear Torsten,One year and one day ago, you and I stood up before most of the people we love and who love us, and declared our love and commitment to one another. It was a pretty awesome day.I can't recall the exact words that you spoke to me during the ceremony (though I know you still have them written down somewhere), but I don't think I'll ever forget how it felt to hear them spoken in that moment. Every detail of the day worked out the way we wanted--from the beautiful flowers to the delicious cake to the excellent DJ--and while I am still so happy that it all came together so well, the…
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These Little Moments
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Poor Planning
5 Nov 2009 | 6:08 amA water main in town broke. Which means no water at our house. If only I had showered yesterday… -
Halloween Observations
2 Nov 2009 | 6:32 amI went with my friend on Halloween night to take her younger brother and his friends trick-or-treating. Along the way, I noticed some things: - If you’re 1o years old and want to dress as a pirate, dress as a pirate. But not a sexy pirate. There’s no reason you should be wearing fishnets and knee high boots with no jacket and a lot of skin showing. (On a side note: why are these costumes even being made for kids??) - If you’re wearing those knee high boots, your feet are going to hurt. And no, you may not leave the group by yourself in the dark and go home to change. -
Randomness
29 Oct 2009 | 7:33 amLast night I dreamt my hair was falling out. I was standing in front of a mirror pulling clumps and clumps away from my head and tossing them in the sink. In my dream, I wasn’t freaked out, but when I woke up, you can bet the first thing I did was reach for my locks to make sure they were still there. According to some internet research, this dream symbolizes I am afraid of losing my youth and vitality. At 26. I wasn’t aware I was having this panic, but hey, who am I to argue with the leading experts on dream analysis. (Cough, cough.) About a month ago I wrote an email to a… -
Thanks
28 Oct 2009 | 7:00 amToday I’m thankful for: - my husband, who did lots and lots of laundry yesterday from start to finish. Since I’m not working, I’ve basically taken over all house stuff as my job, but it still meant a lot for him to take over that task yesterday. - the discovery that Kodiak LOVES baby feet. We’ve encountered two babies on the beach lately (don’t you just love when they’re strapped on their parent’s chest with the feet kicking?) and both times he beelined for their little toes, covering them in kisses. This is good, since I plan to fill the house… -
I’m an Easter egg convert
26 Oct 2009 | 7:14 amWe just got back from our anniversary-moon and it was perfect. We decided to save D.C. for the spring (cherry blossoms!) so I’ll be taking all your recommendations into account. Instead, we went back to a beautiful resort in New Hampshire and it was lovely. What I didn’t expect, was to wake up on our anniversary with a horrible sore throat. Blah! Wanting to nip it in the bud, I drank a lot of tea and rested and hoped and hoped that it would be better the next day. It wasn’t. It was worse. I couldn’t swallow without pain and the fire! Oh, the fire! That’s when I…
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Oh! How Lovely! { jamieann dot net }
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a note and a new moon giveaway
4 Nov 2009 | 6:57 pmThanks for all your comments on Disqus yesterday and today! I removed it and since I couldn’t just activate threaded comments via Wordpress (not compatible with my theme), I had to install the Wordpress Threaded Comments plugin. So far it seems okay but I hate that I have to enter all of my info when I want to reply to a comment on my own freaking blog! But I’ll live. And because New Moon is just weeks away, I’m hosting a Twilight themed giveaway over on my shopping blog. Go check it out for a chance to win a tee of your choice from Firedaughter Clothing. Stay fierce. -
disqus rocks or disqus sucks?
3 Nov 2009 | 5:51 pmI installed the comment system, Disqus, a few days ago as a trial run to see if I liked it. I’m not really sure how I feel about it yet. Threaded comments are nice but I’m sure I can find a Wordpress plugin to do that. Someone commented today that they hated Disqus and of course, I’m going to take that into consideration. You guys are the ones commenting. If it’s a pain in the ass, let me know and I’ll scrap it. Thoughts? -
boobs
2 Nov 2009 | 7:50 pmI have them. And yeah, they are pretty great if I do say so myself. I’ve had no complaints. But my great boobs are besides the point. What I’m talking about is what helps accentuate the pure greatness of them: a good bra. It’s that time again. Bra shopping. Normally, I’ll just go to Victoria’s Secret pick out whatever is prettiest or is closest (depending on my shopping mood) in hopes that I’ll look like Marisa Miller when I put it on. Clearly, that hasn’t happened just yet because I would be walking around in my underwear all day, every day… -
jamie and edie: take 357
31 Oct 2009 | 1:59 pmThis is what I go through to try to get at least one semi good picture of me and my dog together. (Don’t mind the just air dried, messy hair and @wienermobile pajama shirt) -
CYOB: Spooktacular
30 Oct 2009 | 6:58 amYou’re currently catching part of the Choose Your Own Blogventure: Spooktacular storyline. Start at the beginning here so it all makes sense. This part of the story continues on from Definitely RA. ___ The book. The trunk. It was just like the movie! Here I am, not even able to watch a silly scary movie and now it’s being reenacted right in my own neighborhood. No, that’s crazy, thought Kate, it’s just a old trunk. But why is the book there? Julie’s words burst in on her thoughts. “KATE! Are you even listening to me?! Let’s just run to the…
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Beyond Megapixels
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Examples of Great Composition
6 Nov 2009 | 7:00 amHello friends, I’d like to start a discussion on photo composition. Sometimes it’s easy to define why a photo does or does not have great composition – sometimes it’s hard to define. There are a lot of great “rules” out there to keep in mind when composing a shot – balance, rule of thirds, avoiding mergers, framing, simplicity, perspective, etc. Developing an intuitive eye for composition takes a lot of time, and practice practice practice. I will expound upon individual composition “rules” in future entries. For now I thought I’d… -
Prepare for Black Friday!
5 Nov 2009 | 7:00 amThere are twenty days until Black Friday, my friends! Time to get your gameplan together! Black Friday, that traditional chaotic Christmas shopping day that qualifies as a quasi-holiday all on its own, is the Friday after Thanksgiving in the U.S. every year. This year, I want to help you to plan your gift-buying for the photographer in your life! On-line, Amazon.com always holds a one-day, Black Friday sales event for the majority of their in-stock items. This event usually kicks off the Christmas season sales, though specifically on Black Friday there are deals that are not offered at any… -
Photo Rescue
4 Nov 2009 | 7:00 amI made the complete switch from film photography to digital photography somewhere around 2003 or 2004. So you can imagine my surprise when, while recently digging through some old bags I had stuffed in the back of my closet, I came across several rolls of undeveloped film. I took them to my local one-hour developer and asked them to put digital copies on a disc, as well as make prints. The photos were of extremely poor quality, given the age of the film. So I set about to improve them the best that I could, in Photoshop CS3. Here is one of the original images, of my grandson Robert in his… -
Elsewhere
2 Nov 2009 | 7:25 amBeyond Megapixels has recently been given the honor of contributing as a guest writer for the following fine websites: The Digital Photography School: - Photoshop CS3 – Adding a Neutral Density Gradient Learn how to use Photoshop CS3 to create the effect of having a neutral density gradient filter on your lens. Your Photo Tips: - Photoshop CS3 – Add a Touch of Color Add an element of color to your black and white photos. - Basic Tips for Photographing the Stars Camera setup tips for photographing stars with your DSLR. - Essential Gear for the Beginning DSLR Photographer Four… -
Straightening a Photo in Photoshop
30 Oct 2009 | 8:00 amI was recently hired to do the photography for a wine event at a local restaurant. Much to my chagrin I discovered that, in a couple of photos, my tripod wasn’t quite straight at the time, and I ended up taking a few slightly crooked pictures. What may have once been a BIG problem is now fantastically easy to fix in Photoshop (I’m using CS3 for this tutorial). Here is the original photo: After opening it in CS3, I clicked on the “Ruler” tool, which is hidden in the palette under the “Eyedropper” tool. Next, I drew an angled line that corresponded to the…
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Discussion Forum - 20 Something Bloggers
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No More Pink Websites!
I can completely agree on the pink bedroom overload. The reason I hated pink when I was younger is that my ENTIRE bedroom was painted a tacky shade of pink that almost looked peach at times. Even the CEILING was painted in that color and so were the two bureaus I had. Needless to say, I hated it once I could distinguish what looked good/bad. As soon as I got the option to paint it what I wanted, I chose purple. Strangely enough, I love the color pink now so most people are surprised to find that my room isn't pink. -
The *official* How Can I Improve My Blog / Critique thread
I'd make the background light and the text dark. There's also a lot going on in the sidebars. See if you can prioritize and see if there's anything that doesn't need to be there. -
What's your last post about?
How I can't cook -
Any Twitter-ers amongst us?
Yep, we are! @blondemonde -
Acting your age
Ugh, I hate it when people think I'm younger than I am! I'm a junior in college, and yesterday I got asked if I was a freshman.
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OMG. OMG! OMFG! Digital Meets Analog, by AV Flox
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The Web Moves Toward Inclusion
1 Nov 2009 | 3:00 pmThe Associated Press is reporting that the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has approved the use of scripts other than the standard Latin characters for web domains. After years of debate, the decision to make the web more inclusive in this way by the nonprofit board’s 15 voting members received a standing ovation after a week-long series of meetings in Seoul, Korea. This will allow governments to submit requests for specific non-Latin domain names, as soon as mid-November, and we’ll start seeing them used early next year. Non-Latin versions of… -
Internet! You’re OLD!
30 Oct 2009 | 9:05 amThe question of when the internet was born is a matter of some debate, but if you go by PC World’s version of things, then the web turned 40 yesterday: On October 29, 1969, the Internet came in not with a bang, but with a “lo.” Letter by letter, UCLA computer science professor Leonard Kleinrock sent a message from his school’s host computer to another computer at Stanford Research Institute. Kleinrock was trying to write “login,” starting up a remote time-sharing system, but the system crashed after two letters, and lo! The Internet was born with the first… -
When Digital And Analog Don’t Coincide
25 Oct 2009 | 3:43 pmAli: Are you usually this friendly with strangers? She: Always. Ali: Any particular reason? She: A stranger is a safe place. You can tell a stranger anything. Ali: Suppose I put it in my book. She: You write fiction. Ali: So? She: So you won’t tie me to the facts. Ali: But I might tell the truth. She: Facts never tell the truth. Even the simplest facts are misleading. Ali: Like the times of the trains. She: And how many lovers you’ve had. Jeanette Winterson, The Powerbook If there is any phrase that summarizes what enabled us to advance as far as we have, it’s… -
Life After Print: Journalists Crawl to Digital
25 Oct 2009 | 4:38 amThe Media Management Center recently released a study of journalists’ attitudes in regard to digital media. The verdict? Journalists in a cross-section of 79 newsrooms across the nation feel the transition from print to digital is too slow. Many of the nearly 3,800 responders said the shift was taking too long, with only 20 percent longing for the good old days of print. The breakdown looks like this: 12 percent are “digitals”, meaning they spend most of their time online. They are the youngest group, with an average age of 38. 11 percent want a more major shift, and could… -
Asking A Lot: Diary of a Trust Fund
19 Oct 2009 | 7:07 pmI remember the first time I ran for office. I was in junior high and I wanted to be vice president of the student council (Why vice and not outright president? Because while I will lead if I have to, I am a much happier right-hand woman to someone who shares my vision). That campaign highlighted the importance of being conservative with how often you ask people to support you. THE BALLOON BOY INCIDENT On October 15, 2009, news broke that six-year-old Falcon Heene had floated away in a balloon made by his father in Fort Collins, Colorado. The media and public were stirred into a panicked…
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Blog by Jon Bishop
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Get More ReTweets Out Of Your ReTweet Button
3 Nov 2009 | 7:38 pmMost of the time when talking about RTs, we discuss the best times to post to Twitter and the number of characters you should be using and so on and so forth. But let’s step back a second and talk about how people RT from our blogs. Do you know how many people are RTing your content from your blog vs on Twitter? A lot of bloggers don’t even realize that they are potentially preventing their readers from RTing their content by not having functional RT buttons. I see a lot of buttons that do any one of the following: Post to Twitter with only an unshortened link (example) Post to… -
Opening Links In A New Window
3 Nov 2009 | 10:32 am -
Thesis & WordPress Plugins
2 Nov 2009 | 11:35 amAs I submerse myself more and more into the world of Thesis from DIYthemes, I am gaining a huge appreciation for all of the enhancements it provides to the WordPress platform. Furthermore, I have developed a new found appreciation for developers who have taken the time to create WordPress plugins that integrate easily with the Thesis theme. If you don’t know about Thesis yet, check out my post about why I am such a fan. The following plugins all make use of the Thesis framework to make their installations extremely painless. Most make use of Thesis additional WordPress hooks to display… -
WordPress As a CMS
12 Oct 2009 | 4:30 amRather than reinvent the wheel here I’m going to share some articles I both agree with and have found helpful in the past. WordPress is extremely powerful in it’s simplicity but is made more powerful by it’s loyal users. The future of this platform is very exciting as we stretch the possibilities of traditional websites. First off, we have an excellent article by Devlounge which poses some great questions: Things To Consider When Using WordPress as a CMS Next we have a series of articles from Noupe convering some excellent WordPress as a CMS plugins, techniques and unique… -
31 WordPress CMS Plugins
8 Oct 2009 | 4:00 amWordPress is what you make of it. For some it is a simple blogging platform no different than Tumblr or Blogger. For others it is an all inclusive content management system for their corporate website. Developers continue to recommend WordPress as a CMS because of all the extended functionality contributed by the community as well as it’s raw simplicity. So I decided to put together a list of plugins that can help you turn WordPress into pretty much whatever you want it to be. All plugins link to the WordPress plugin repository and have been updated within the year. This list…
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crazy miracle called * life *
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Hold my heart
6 Nov 2009 | 4:50 amHow long must I pray, must I pray to You?How long must I wait, must I wait for You? How long 'til I see Your face, see You shining through? I'm on my knees, begging You to notice me. I'm on my knees, Father will You turn to me? One tear in the driving rain, One voice in a sea of pain Could the maker of the stars Hear the sound of my breaking heart? One life, that's all I am Right now I can barely stand If You're everything You say You are Would You come close and hold my heart I've been so afraid, afraid to close my eyes So much can slip away before I say goodbye. But if there's no other way,… -
Witnessing a Miracle :: N30010 Clinical Journal Entry #22
31 Oct 2009 | 1:54 pmI never thought OB nursing would be fun. I had an open mind, but I doubted I'd enjoy checking cervixes, analyzing fetal monitors, teaching breastfeeding, and watching women push watermelons out of tiny little spaces, yet I cannot even begin to tell you what I learned and experienced yesterday. I'll give you a hint... it revoled around this: Friday was pretty interesting. Our instructor is great, but she's a little scatterbrained so she sent out an email a few days earlier to ask what time she told us to get to the hospital on Friday. None of us really knew - she said 7:30am, but some of… -
Seriously, Cavs?
27 Oct 2009 | 8:16 pmAhh... tonight, my boy Mo Williams couldn't even save the Cavs. I knowingly got ripped off in a desperate attempt to attend the Cavs season opener game (lol) but I donned my new Mo Williams jersey and went to Cleveland with the fiance to see the Cavs take on the Boston Celtics only to LOSE 89, 95. Come onnnn. We have LeBron, Shaq, and of course, my boy Mo Williams! No excuses, guys. Absolutely pathetic. We started out the game completely on fire and then it got pretty intense... until we lost. :( Well, at least my hot dog was delish, I had a… -
And the next unit is… :: N30010 Clinical Journal Entry #21
24 Oct 2009 | 11:07 am... labor & delivery! Not sure if this is a good thing or a bad thing, but at least it's not peds. I absolutely hated my pediatric rotation. Hated. Dreaded. (Yet I LOVE pediatrics... get that.) Peds was miserable. First of all, the low patient census and the fact that (I recently learned) the Cleveland Clinic is just not a large pediatric center, made our instructor overly eager to pair 2 of us up with 1 patient. Patient sharing is good for maybe your first one or two days in clinical (as in, ever) and that's it. We didn't get much… -
Never alone
19 Oct 2009 | 11:40 amwords by the fabulous audrey hepburn, art by the fabulous vol. 25!
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Weekly Way
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Who Knew Voting Could Be So Much Fun?
3 Nov 2009 | 6:50 pmWhat were you all doing last year at this time? It's probably easy to conjure up images of election parties past, since presidential elections (especially the most recent one) tend to be pretty memorable.However, every election is important, especially since many local policies eventually filter up to the state and even the national level.Granted, it's hard to get fired up about some of the measures on the ballot like whether or not to amend the King County Charter, which apparently was so poorly written that it gets amended every year. Lucky for me and my fellow voters, the funny folks at… -
Yellow Books and Halloween - I can tell you how to get rid of one.
30 Oct 2009 | 11:47 amAh, the yellow pages. No matter how many times I move, those hefty tomes seem to follow me everywhere I go. I moved into a new place last month, and I was rejoicing over the fact that the previous owner hadn't left stacks of old ones hidden in a drawer somewhere. But just when I thought I was safe, it happened. A Yellow Book. On my doorstep. In a plastic bag.The funny thing is that I don't even have a landline, but apparently that doesn't make a difference.However, with a bit of effort, it turns out that I can rid myself of them forever. You can go to YellowPagesGoesGreen and enter your… -
What Are You Doing Tomorrow?
23 Oct 2009 | 5:44 pmNo matter your whereabouts or plans, chances are you can find an International Day of Climate Action sponsored by 350.org near you. I've written about 350 before, and one of the founders is featured in my book. They are doing incredible work to raise awareness about climate change, and tomorrow's day of action is one that you can easily be involved in.4500 events will be held in 181 countries to "call for strong action and bold leadership on the climate crisis." You can locate an event near you by visiting the 350 website. Remember, the Barcelona Climate Change talks are the first week of… -
Visit a National Park (For Free!) Next Weekend
4 Aug 2009 | 6:34 pmTime spent in National Parks allows us to experience nature's majesty by ourselves or with family and friends. Last July, I was visiting Glacier National Park for the first time and having my first encounter with a Grizzly Bear. Just to back up my assertion, The Huffington Post recently published a post by Barbara Fenig titled "Top Ten Best National Parks You Don't Know About," and Glacier was #1 on the list.In case you need any additional incentive, next weekend, August 15th and 16th, entry to many of the parks is free! Here is a list by state of all of the parks that will be fee-free next… -
Vote Yes on Referendum 1
27 Jul 2009 | 7:38 pmSeattle residents will soon be receiving their August ballots in the mail, and one of the most closely watched votes is Referendum 1, which decides whether or not to place a fee on plastic and paper bags.As I wrote in my previous post on this topic, the fee was already passed by the city council, but then it was forced to a referendum. Keep in mind that a large portion of the funding to oppose the fee is coming from The American Chemistry Council (which lobbies for companies like Exxon and Dow Chemical and makes money from the sale of disposable plastics). The lobby has poured hundreds of…
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ThrillingHeroics.com
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The Road “Most” Traveled Is Frickin’ Dangerous Man
5 Nov 2009 | 6:00 amFeature photo by Diego Cupolo. This guest post comes from Jonny Gibaud, who writes at TheLifeThing.com School – Work – Eat Some Strawberry Pie – Die. Surely there is more to life and living than this? because if not then I want out. Shall we just take a moment to remind ourselves of the road “most traveled” and why getting out of the un-winnable rat race, whether by leaving the track completely or just moving to the outside lane where the views are better, should be high on our life goal list? This Beautiful Thing Called Life Life is not simply about surviving, for making do… -
Ramit Sethi Shows You How to Negotiate, Automate & Perspirate Your Way to Financial Success
3 Nov 2009 | 7:55 amRamit Sethi was one of the earliest bloggers to inspire me when I first started writing Thrilling Heroics and building my online network. He was a graduate of Stanford University who’d studied technology and psychology, co-founded Silicon Valley startup PBworks, and was writing the hugely successful I Will Teach You To Be Rich blog to show college students and young professionals how to take control of their personal finances and get into entrepreneurship. Although he’s based in the Bay Area, I reached out to him and learned that he’s originally from my hometown in Northern… -
Living By the Rules versus Living on Purpose
30 Oct 2009 | 6:30 amSteven Roberts was a pioneer of the mobile lifestyle in 1983 when he took off on a solar-powered recumbent bicycle—lovingly dubbed the “Winnebiko”—loaded down with computer gear, traveling 17,000 miles across the United States and earning his way as a freelance writer. Naturally, Steve is a huge inspiration for digital nomads and location-independent types. But it really struck me when I came across this video of his presentation at Xerox PARC in 1989 about his solar- and human-powered journey on a custom-built technobike: he was an eager young guy like myself, extremely… -
Steal My Blog Design! Announcing the Free ThrillingTheme for WordPress
28 Oct 2009 | 4:51 amIf you’re one of the many people that has asked me about my custom design here at Thrilling Heroics (or secretly drools over it), then you’ll be happy to hear I’m releasing it today as a free WordPress theme! Releasing a free WP template is something I’ve been talking about for six months, and I’m excited to finally set my Thrilling Heroics design loose as a free, open-source theme to help you build your own awesome blog! This is my personal SEO- and social media-optimized design (that you see in action right here on this page) which I’ve experimented with,… -
The One Breakthrough That Will Make Your Ideal Lifestyle Possible
21 Oct 2009 | 6:30 amFeature photo by nattu. In June, a new blogger on the lifestyle design scene sent me a great email seeking “some real world insight from people who have gone before me and are still trekking on the path to financial freedom.” Rob Granholm has built up his freelance web design and tech support business, and at The Life Design Project he has set upon a fantastic mission to document his journey implementing Tim Ferriss’ principles in The 4-Hour Workweek, trying to find avenues to create passive income from what he knows so he can be fully self-employed and get “a little…
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Elizabeth Knox Photography Blog
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Feeling cheeky
6 Nov 2009 | 3:42 pmFriday takes on a different meaning when you work for yourself. There isn’t that tangible anticipation for the weekend, but I still love knowing that Saturday is looming. People around me seem more relaxed, and ready to hang loose, and that somehow makes me look forward to the weekends too. We’re going to San Antonio again. I feel like we’ve been doing a lot of that lately, but I suppose it is good to get as much family time time in as possible before we head out for Maine in January. I never mind visiting our niece (and owner of those delicious cheeks, hah); hopefully… -
Reaching beyond myself
5 Nov 2009 | 8:40 pmThis is Eric, Elizabeth’s husband, writing today. Elizabeth is feeling tuckered and I offered to do a guest post to keep her on the good side of the National Blog Post Month gods. I’m deeply sorry if there’s poor grammar, my english wizard is asleep. Before the roadtrip through middle America, I had never had a London Fog before—a concoction of Earl Grey, vanilla syrup, and frothed milk. Our friend in St. Louis offered it, I asked what it was, and gave it a try. Now I’m a guy who enjoys the occasional London Fog—it’s part of who I am. For 24 years of… -
Blurry vision
4 Nov 2009 | 8:59 pmI’ve said this before, but we’ve been on the road A LOT this year. A LOT. I snapped this picture somewhere between Chicago and Memphis—I had to do something to entertain myself while Eric was driving, and this was it. Imagine me hanging out the window, blinking back tears from the wind, trying to make sure my horizon was level. It was fun! Anyway, here are the stats: ISO 100, 18mm, f/16, 1/40 second, at 80 mph. I rarely shoot at f/16, but I was really trying to capture some of the motion blur, because that’s how I remember the trip. I needed to slow the shutter speed… -
A picture...
3 Nov 2009 | 8:47 pmI don’t feel very comfortable in front of the camera, which is why there are not many pictures of me on this blog. I’m working on letting go of that hang up, and getting more. Eric and I are getting pictures done later this month, and I just can’t wait. I’m pretty sure my mom would like me to actually give pictures of me to her for once, rather than just pictures of Adley and Radish. I went shopping today, and when I was showing off my loot to Eric, he was snapping away. This is one of the pictures that came of the impromptu session. I like it. I think it shows off my… -
A fantasy of cold
2 Nov 2009 | 6:26 pmHot tea, hot cocoa, hot toddies (eew?)… Those things belong to people who actually have fall seasons. In Austin we get a few brisk days, but nothing that really, really warrants pulling out the thick wool blankets I love so much. My fantasy is waking up to a blanketed view. I love snow. I crave snow. Because I love the cold so much, I would walk past the Snuggies at different stores and look at them longingly, lusting past the tackiness, knowing that I couldn’t justify owning one. That changed yesterday—my sweet mother in law bought me one. So, now, I am sitting my my…
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DNC Worldwide
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Movie Review: John Woo’s Red Cliff
1 Nov 2009 | 8:01 amI’ve posted some amazing pictures before. I’ve even spoken about an opportunity to tour with a good friend of mine. But when it comes to exploring the vast history of the Chinese empire, I haven’t had a great opportunity to highlight this amazingly interesting subject matter until now. Think about it… Unless you focused specifically on [...] -
DNC Happy Halloween 2009
30 Oct 2009 | 9:28 amThe ninjas would like to wish everyone a safe and happy Halloween this 2009! When your event planner becomes a baby planner, the holiday tends to get a little quiet so I apologize to the ninjas in Houston for the lack of group festivities in 2009. Nonetheless, we wish you all an insane and safe Halloween this [...] -
Becoming a Dad: Gratitude
25 Oct 2009 | 8:04 pmFatherhood is vastly approaching. An estimated 36 days by the official count and about 25 days by prediction. The past eight months I’ve been blogging about everything that has to do with the ups and downs of becoming a first-time dad, and everything sideways too. From pregnancy hormones and car accidents to hospital visits and baby [...] -
Becoming a Dad – Baby Shower Pictures!
19 Oct 2009 | 12:08 pmA very heartfelt Thank You from Megan and I to all of our wonderful friends & family for attending our Houston Baby Shower this past Saturday. It feels awesome to know that our baby boy’s entry into this world has been made a little… okay… a LOT easier but even more so, it feels great to [...] -
This Sunday: Benefit Supporting Typhoon Victims in the Philippines
14 Oct 2009 | 7:01 amDNC Worldwide will be supporting the BAHAla na Tribe in the Adobo Hoedown Benefit for Typhoon Ondoy flood victims in the Philippines. If you want to support a good cause and have a good time doing it, you should be attending what is sure to be a good time at Adobo Hoedown. Event highlights will include [...]
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Jen-ology
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Family Pictures ~ October 2009
6 Nov 2009 | 7:00 amThe 1st official Romney Family Pictures with our new addition! Thanks to Krista Shawcraft for doing an amazing job! -
Josh & Tim
5 Nov 2009 | 6:18 pmJosh Duhamel & Tim OlyphantJared refuses to agree with me that these two men look alike. I saw one in a movie and thought it was the other at first glance. He was like no way...they don't look anything alike. I think they at least look like brothers...I've seen real life twins that look less alike than these guys. Someone please tell me I'm right...more specifically that Jared is wrong. -
Patty Cake
3 Nov 2009 | 5:22 pm -
Happy Halloween!
31 Oct 2009 | 10:35 amFrom our pumpkin patch to yours! -
Baby Comparison
25 Oct 2009 | 4:01 pmMore than a few people have asked if JR looks like Adelyn did when she was a baby...so I decided to let you decide for yourself. The first picture is of Adelyn at 3 weeks old. The second is of JR also at 3 weeks old. So what do you think?
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Michelle Woo
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GIVEAWAY! “Name That Frame” picture frame
3 Nov 2009 | 4:39 pmMy lovely sister Carissa started a company called Name That Frame, which specializes in personalized picture frames. A delightful gift, dontcha think? She’s giving away one frame to a lucky reader. The winner will be able to choose what the frame will say, of course. Just comment here by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 8 to enter. Also, if you’d like to purchase a frame, visit her site and enter the code “MICHELLE” in the voucher section for 20 percent off your total order. Good luck! -
Birds, please don’t poop here
3 Nov 2009 | 12:08 pmWe have a location! In 9.5 months, we will be married under this tree. Temescal Gateway Park in Pacific Palisades, Calif. -
Can you guess what we are?
1 Nov 2009 | 8:07 pmThose familiar with Asian cuisine might get it. If you are our parents, the correct answer is “Noodle Soup Prince.” Hope you had a happy Halloween! -
First comes love, then comes WEDDING, then comes … oh yeah, that.
29 Oct 2009 | 4:36 pmSometimes I wonder if I’ll ever get my old brain back. It’s hard easing back into reality once you’ve been out of it for a while. But I’m trying. I’ve been meaning to write a post about marriage, just because, I dunno, I suppose it’s a topic I should be pondering in between spastic declarations of “AND NOW I WILL MAKE MARTHA’S PAPER ROSETTES.” But the thing is, and here’s my confession: I don’t know what to write. I don’t have any grand thoughts about marriage. I don’t even really know what it means to be married… -
Will you …
26 Oct 2009 | 2:40 pm… be my bridesmaid? This weekend, I “proposed” to my best girls with flower locket rings. Rings by the always wonderful Danni at oh, hello friend. They said yes! Carissa, Jess, Des, Nao and Alice: I am blessed to have you in my life. I hope I don’t make you put up with too much crazy in the coming months! Love you.
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Julia Roy, A Digital Girl
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Bom Dia Brazil
28 Oct 2009 | 5:58 amA Brazilian journalist interning in NYC for the largest TV network in Latin America, GloboTV, reached out to me unexpectedly last week and asked if I would be interested in discussing my experiences with Twitter and Foursquare as it relates to establishing virtual, and real life friends. The best part of the whole thing is that my the interview is translated into Portuguese, and I can't help but how awesome it is. The segment aired yesterday on GloboTV's Bom Dia Brazil morning TV show, but you can watch the video below (my part is 1:35seconds in) and read the accompanying article in… -
My Big Announcement
21 Oct 2009 | 5:58 amI made a significant change in my professional career recently and wanted to take this opportunity to share some big news with everyone. I left my position at Undercurrent last month. Despite my departure, I have the utmost respect for Undercurrent. I am confident they will continue to do great things in the digital space. I am also incredibly grateful to have been able to work with such innovative thinkers and forward-thinking clients, giving me the opportunity to learn, grow, and become the digital diva I am today. I thank Undercurrent for the last two amazing years, and I look… -
Luxury Brands and Social Media
12 Oct 2009 | 7:00 pmLately there has been quite a bit of discussion around luxury brands and how they must adapt and innovate in this challenging economy by embracing the new media landscape. Up until now, luxury brands and their relationship with consumers has been built solely around highly controlled communication and interaction through the store, PR and advertising efforts. But today with the high end market sector facing an economic downturn, evolving luxury consumer landscape, and suffering traditional media outlets, luxury brands must embrace social media as a new way to reach consumers or risk continued… -
Twitter Dressed Me Today
29 Sep 2009 | 5:07 amI had a very important meeting last week and I needed to go shopping for the perfect outfit. I was pretty stressed out about finding the right outfit, therefore everything I tried on I felt unsure about. What kind of "look" should I go for? Does this skirt match this top? And does this dress look as big on me as it feels? I wanted to make the right choice and so I decided to bring Twitter along for some expert follower advice. While I was shopping I'd try on an outfit, snap a pic in the mirror and post it to Twitpic. I asked for everyone's help – should I go with Option… -
The Future of Economic Growth is Social
31 Aug 2009 | 9:10 pmI work with brands to help them develop their social presence online and – although I truly and wholeheartedly believe in the relevance of my work – I do sometimes ask myself if a brand's digital and social interaction efforts actually affects their ROI (Return on Investment) in a significant way. I believe this to be a tough question because for brands such as Dell the answer is clearly yes, but for others, where the connection between online engagement and sales is less direct, the immediate financial gains are unclear (and often difficult to measure). However, when thinking about…
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Cusp of Normal
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Honeymoon Riviera Maya Style
6 Nov 2009 | 10:53 amInstead of captioning each photo, let me provide a quick summary of what you are about to see. Andrew and I spent our honeymoon in the Riviera Maya, Mexico. Our week was spent relaxing in the pool and on the beautiful beach, visiting Mayan ruins, and snorkeling in the reef (not pictured). While on our adventure, we became acquainted with several creatures that made a home for themselves on the resort. One was a peacock, and I'm sure you know how much this pleased me. And the others were long-snouted long-tailed furballs called coatis. Much of our trip was spent seeking out these critters and… -
Now what? The afterlife of a wedding gown...
4 Nov 2009 | 9:29 amLadies and Gents, I need your advice. My wedding gown has been hanging in our bedroom since the wedding night, and it's getting kind of sad. It has fulfilled its purpose and now I'm not quite sure what to do with the little guy. There are some purple spots on it from the flowers in my bouquet, so no matter what it will need to be cleaned. But then what? Do I have it preserved in the off chance that I one day have a tiny daughter with the same taste as her momma? Or do I donate it to a good cause? Or try to sell it in a consignment shop or Craigslist? My dress by Essense of AustraliaI love my… -
Happy Halloween!
30 Oct 2009 | 10:00 pmWe went to our good friends' annual Halloween party last weekend. Here's our costumes.Link from The Legend of ZeldaMax from Where the Wild Things AreWhat are you going to be this year? -
Validation
30 Oct 2009 | 2:00 amWe've discussed our most bizarre fears here before. My number one fear being that someone will jump to their death from a tall building, landing on passerby me, swiftly killing us both. It's an elaborate fear. And also a plausible fear. Which is why my pulse goes up a notch when I walk past buildings with more than five floors.There's another fear I have held close since childhood. A fear of walking on grates in parking lots and on sidewalks. When I was a kid, it was because I believed Cookie Monster lived down there. (What kid is afraid of a Sesame Street character?) But as an adult, it's… -
Repeating Myself: 12 Steps
29 Oct 2009 | 7:26 amThe following post originally appeared on my blog in May 2008, when my readership was practically nonexistent. I think the amusement factor is high enough to warrant a little rerun. And that's not at all pompous of me to say because the funny belongs to Andrew.I think every young woman goes through a stage where she is extremely hung up on someone who is completely wrong for her. Whether he* breaks her heart one too many times or just doesn't treat her like the gem she truly is, for some reason she is unable to see this. She pines for him. She cries for him. And then one day, she meets the…
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A Chase After Wind
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Moving Day
26 Oct 2009 | 8:47 amI am breaking one of the cardinal rules of successful blogging, I'M MOVING! You can now find follow my brilliant and articulate (and humble) ramblings over at chaseafterwind.blogspot.com Please remember to update all your bookmarks, links and RSS feed-readers so I don't lose you forevers! See you over there. xo -
Heap
23 Oct 2009 | 4:18 pmThis week has left me with mush for brains, so how about some Heap. As for me, I am on the couch, in my jammies, with a purring kitteh in my lap, and that is how I plan to spend the rest of the evening. -
Listen
20 Oct 2009 | 2:14 pm"The first service that one owes to others in the fellowship consists of listening to them. Just as love of God begins with listening to his Word, so the beginning of love for our brothers and sisters is learning to listen to them." - Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together -
The Pestilence Striketh
19 Oct 2009 | 9:08 amSo, I spent the weekend tending my sick husband, who I firmly believe has... TEH SWINE FLU! OMGOSH! (Unrelated aside: I think internet lingo and LOLcat speak and all that stuff is freaking hilarious, and I love using it. But my conscience won't let me use OMG and WTF, so I have to use OMGOSH or WTH or similar. Does anyone else do this?)(Oops, I just used OMG and WTF! Crap!)(ACK! I did it again! Sorry!) What was I talking about? Oh yeah. TEH SWINE FLU OMGOODNESS! My husband has not actually been tested, so I guess we can't say with all certainty that he does in fact have swine flu. But he has… -
Protect the Climate by Protecting Land
16 Oct 2009 | 8:35 pmErr, so when I signed up for Blog Action Day a few weeks ago, I didn't realize that on that particular day I would be traveling all day. So, a day late is better than never, right? Oddly enough, though, the reason I was traveling has everything to do with what I was planning on blogging about! I was traveling because I was in Portland attending a conference to do with my job. I work for a land trust. Many people don't know what a land trust is, so bare with me for a bit of a jargony explanation. A land trust is a type of non-profit organization that protects land either by owning it…
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by teresa wu
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nedhepburn: koolberg: ned hepburn must be losing his...
6 Nov 2009 | 7:24 pmnedhepburn: koolberg: ned hepburn must be losing his shit. (via thedw) this will be the title of my memoir. ZOMG. Dreams do come true. -
Photo
5 Nov 2009 | 9:37 am -
annieisms: I feel like I’ve been a waste of a Google Wave...
5 Nov 2009 | 9:09 amannieisms: I feel like I’ve been a waste of a Google Wave invite. See also: George and Zadi (not that they are wastes like me, but they share in my confusion) As far as I can see, Google Wave is a glorified Gchat, on which you probably never want to have serious conversations with significant others because you can’t *start typing* and then *take it back* because OH SNAPS, they’ll already have seen your “I love you” / “I slept with your mom” / “f off and diaf**” thanks to the wondrous technology that is live transmission. Moreover, they can replay that shit OVER AND OVER! -
I lasted six days. After the epic fail of giving my camera an...
4 Nov 2009 | 11:47 pmI lasted six days. After the epic fail of giving my camera an unintentional bath last Thursday, today I purchased a new Canon PowerShot SD1200 at the campus bookstore as an early birthday present to myself. Heheh. New electronic that I will invariably cause to malfunction in 1/8 the average gadget lifespan! Whee. -
My lovely roomies on our way out the door to Kitima Thai in...
4 Nov 2009 | 11:30 pmMy lovely roomies on our way out the door to Kitima Thai in downtown La Jolla for Lindsay’s birthday dinner: me, Lindsay, Liz, Clarissa, and Julie.
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Entry Level Living
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Keeping My Fire-Lessons Learned
5 Nov 2009 | 8:56 amLast week I wrote about my current struggle in maintaining the passion that brought me to the sector. The comments and feedback have been wonderful and really pushed me to reflect more on what I do and why I do it. Here are a few things I now know to keep in mind: Be deliberate about keeping and adding fire to your work: I think my biggest mistake is assuming that my passion does not need TLC. But it’s easy to get caught up in your professional work and get out of touch with your original inspiration for pursuing a career in social change. So take time to nurse your soul and get in… -
Keeping My Fire
26 Oct 2009 | 5:15 amElisa Ortiz recently wrote a great piece about her journey into the nonprofit sector. It got me thinking about mine and the challenges I am facing. So for this Nonprofit Milleninal Bloggers Alliance post, I’m reflecting on why I’m in the sector. I didn’t get into the nonprofit sector because of a desire to feel warm inside. In fact becoming a nonprofiteer was never a goal of mine. I got involved in social justice work because I was angry. I was angry at the blatant inequalities I saw every day on my way to my posh prep school in downtown Brooklyn from my family’s tiny… -
20Under40: A Week Long Conversation about Leadership Changes in the Arts
20 Oct 2009 | 1:49 pmSome time ago I posted about the call for submissions for the 20Under40 anthology which will feature 20 essays by emerging leaders in the arts about the future of arts and arts education. To follow up with this amazing project they are hosting a week-long discussion for emerging leaders in the arts to talk about generational changes in leadership and the value young people bring to the arts field: Emerging Leaders Blog Salon Join the Emerging Leaders Network of Americans for the Arts and the 20UNDER40 anthology for the Emerging Leaders Salon on ARTSblog the week of October 19-23. Nearly 20… -
Introducing the Nonprofit Millenial Bloggers Alliance
13 Oct 2009 | 5:30 amIn the almost two years that I have been blogging I have learned so much about the nonprofit sector and the challenges that young employees face. This has motivated me to act and to connect with those who share my passion for creating a culture in the sector that values and actively supports young employees. However, I always wondered how we could include more voices from the next generation in the conversation about the future of the nonprofit sector. Then I came across this article in problogger about forming a blogging alliance. While he talks about it being a secret mainly to… -
Lessons on Social Change from Mayor Cory Booker of Newark, New Jersey
9 Oct 2009 | 11:43 amLast night I had the opportunity to attend a talk hosted by Dean Ellen Schall of NYU Wagner and Newark Mayor Corey Booker about the challenges—both cultural and systemic—in bringing about reform. While he was speaking primarily about government, his words are of great use to organizations and individuals working for social change. Organizations: Coordinate the systems: Mayor Booker used a great example to point out how the real challenge is in making sure whatever systems are in place are on the same page: gather a group of people, ask them close their eyes and point north. When…
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Tropophilia
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In Science, FAIL = WIN
26 Oct 2009 | 9:00 pmIn April, I wrote about a little debate some coworkers and I were having about whether politics could be studied scientifically, and whether that approach was valid (I said it could be, and that it was one among many valid approaches). One argument tendered in opposition was that we simply don’t have enough information to even make a successful politico-scientific model, let alone to test whether it works or not. Any attempt to construct such a model, or to delineate variables and units of measurement, would be in vain. I think that is incorrect, because in science, the cool thing… -
Worrying About the Real Time Web
25 Oct 2009 | 8:42 pmPaul Carr at TechCrunch as a long and thoughtful post questioning triumphialism about the real-time web. Carr ties together experiences at a recent Weezer show (similar to the mobile-phone-armed masses I wrote about in this post) as well as his discomfort watching how social media seems to be driven in the wake of disasters, and how perilous Twitter and other real-time communications can be in an environment like a jury room (an issue I’d like to see some lawyers respond to like this). It’s well worth reading the full piece, which I’ll pull a few large chunks from… -
Google Reader Gets Magical
22 Oct 2009 | 11:20 pmI try not to spend too much time pimping Google’s products in this space, but let’s face it: we make really cool stuff, and whether I work for the company or not, I absolutely adore most of our products. Fact is, our engineers and product teams cook up tools that are really useful for those who are ready to embrace the digital future. Google Reader is one of those tools, and the team has just released a set of features that have got me plain jazzed. Google Reader is a tool for pulling interesting content to a central inbox via “feeds.” Almost every website on the… -
Rebooting Justice
17 Oct 2009 | 12:52 pmYesterday, I had an envelope in the mail from my dad. I opened it up to find a photocopy of the “Opening Statement” of the Summer 2009 issue of Litigation, the official journal of that section of the American Bar Association. The Litigation Section’s chair, Lorna G. Schofield, dedicated her essay to an observation of how, like so many industries, the legal profession is being challenged by the rapid innovation of the information age. As a future lawyer (side note: I sent 12 of 15 law school applications last weekend!), it reassures me that at least the ABA’s… -
Ring Them Bells
17 Sep 2009 | 9:12 pmSometimes the only way to break the silence is by playing music at a ridiculously loud volume. Now is one of those times. I’ve been absent for the blogosphere for quite some time, tending to incredibly important things like a life that is altogether new, amazing, and fulfilling thanks to the love of my incredible wife, an affectionate puppy, and many supportive friends. I’m well, and I hope to write more now that the dust (good dust!) has settled. In hopes of making this post more than a typical “I swear I’ll blog more often….starting NOW!” vow…
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Geoff at Mount Allison
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Academic Update: B.A. Honours in International Relations at Mount Allison University
20 Oct 2009 | 4:48 pmThe first round of midterms are coming to an end this week. By now students (even first year students) have an idea of how well or badly they are doing in a class. It's far too late to switch classes but unless I fail at basic counting, you should be able to drop a class without penalty until the end of next week if you so choose.I am doing fairly well considering my heavy course load and more intense 2nd and 3rd year courses...but as many others have found out there's really never enough time for everything you want. For example: there's a North Side Rez Crawl on Saturday, but I'm so cool I… -
Polaris Prize and Pat LePoidevin Concert Reviews
17 Oct 2009 | 4:01 pmThe first couple article I wrote as a Staff Writer for the Argosy are below. Being on the Arogsy has been a great opportunity to write about the variety of local music in Sackville.Polaris Prize A-Go-GoThe Argosy's entertainment crew examines the 10 finalists for the 2009 Polaris PrizeBy Neil Bonner and Geoffrey CampbellNeil's Reviews:Malajube – Labyrinthes (Dare to Care)I don't know what it is about this record. In the last twelve hours I've listened to it three times, straight through. Objectively I can say that it is a fine record: the band has a good grasp on dynamics,… -
Much more to come...
11 Oct 2009 | 11:57 amI'm very sorry I haven't been updating this blog as often as I should. It has been a very busy few weeks since I landed in Moncton. There have been some changes at Mount Allison and among friends and this intractible notion realization that might best be described as "hey...this is my second year". There's really nothing like the feeling of sudden newness and freedom your first year at University. Second year means more classes you're interested in but also really having to choose priorities as classes are more demanding (sorry class of 2013...you'll have to eventually study in order to… -
Back at Mount Allison
19 Sep 2009 | 3:37 pmI've gotten back safe and sound at Mount Allison. It's been an incredibly busy two weeks. I'll be writing more (the Argosy, Canadian Studies, Hey Rosetta! concert, Polaris Prize CD review, etc...) soon. -
Boston Logan-->Halifax Stanfield-->2.5 hour Layover---Halifax-->Moncton-->Sackville
5 Sep 2009 | 5:20 amIt is 8:20A.M. on September 5th, 2009 and if everything has gone as planned I am departing Boston Logan International Airport for Halifax, Nova Scotia on a plane similar to this one:RETURNINGBOSTON (BOS) To HALIFAX (YHZ)Departs: 08:20Arrives: 10:47Duration: 1h 27minAircraft: CRJChange plane in Halifax Time to connect: 2h 38minThen to Moncton on a smaller 18 seat Beech 1900D.HALIFAX (YHZ) To MONCTON (YQM)Departs: 13:25Arrives: 14:04Duration: 39minAircraft: BEH
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Whoremotional
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One of us has been rescued from the Island …
30 Oct 2009 | 12:47 pmWorking in the adult entertainment industry is much like being on a deserted island with wild cannibals, crazy nomads and the occasional larger than life wildebeest. Its not unlike living in the book lord of the flies … maybe its closer to living the TV series Lost but with even less clothes and more hot women. Why do I have this analogy of a remote island full of terrors? Working in the biz can suck you into a social island. It’s not that we don’t like normal people or don’t talk to our non-industry friends … but well, the biz changes you a bit. Your vocabulary gets harsher. Your… -
Casting Couch: Mark Salling
26 Oct 2009 | 1:55 pmName: Mark Salling Age: 27 Why You Know Him: He is recently on the show Glee, but you may also recognize him from Walker Texas Ranger and Children of the Corn IV. Or you might have heard of him from the band Jericho. From: Dallas, Texas Where do I sign up for a date with him? We are just so meant to be. He plays a guitar, I love guys who can play guitar. He sings, I love to hear him sing. He is technically single, I am very single. he is from Texas, I LOVE southern boys, especially with southern manners. He has that come hither look down, I will come hither his way anytime! He wants a girl… -
“How Can I NOT Date You” Game-The Unlimited Edition
14 Oct 2009 | 1:39 pmI think that I have a problem. That’s always a good way to start, admitting right? I think I have a problem because lately I have been catching myself playing the “How Can I NOT Date You” game. I’m usually playing the “I’d like to be your girlfriend because…” game. I don’t know what has changed and I sure don’t feel any different, but let me give you a prime example of what I mean. So the other night Miss Communication, FES and I went to a little bar, which by the way was a really laid back, chill kind of place. The place was called… -
Giving up the Shelf Leads to giving up the Drawer
30 Sep 2009 | 7:39 pmI haven’t blogged in a little bit … but for good reason. Sexy Friend Turned into Sexy Boyfriend. Sexy Boyfriend turned into Live in Boyfriend. Who will now be known on the blog as Foreign Exchange Student or FES for short. You see he speaks another language and he likes to speak to me in it when he is frustrated with me so I have NO idea what he is saying and can’t argue back. Can you say sucks to be me? So I didn’t want to blog about it because … well, I didn’t want to jinx it. Lame I know! What am I 12? Mostly … I am the happiest I can remember being in a relationship in a… -
Adventure in Internet Dating: Foreigner
8 Sep 2009 | 10:13 pmI wanna know what love is…I want you to show me…. Sorry. Got carried away there. So, we all know that the internet is for everyone and we are all looking for love. I also know that most programs now a days, even text on phones, have spell check for those who are not too good in that department. Soooooo, where’s the “that doesn’t make any sense!” for the foreigner emails?!… Here are the emails. Nothing is changed or fixed. I couldn’t fix these even if I tried! There aren’t much, but I had to share these! HI I REED UR PROFILE AND U ARE A…
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Temerity Jane
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Internet, you are about to behold.
6 Nov 2009 | 3:04 pmWhat I am about to show you is no mere “Hey! Look at this!” kind of item. No. What I am about to show you is something that can only be displayed with an over the top arm flourish and a “BEHOLD!” I cannot TELL YOU how excited I am and privileged I feel to be able to be the one to bring this to you today, Internet, and I’ve been practicing my arm flourish all afternoon. Since this is the Internet, you are going to have to imagine the arm flourish, but bear with me. Internet, I am very happy to be able to bring this to you today, and I have indeed preserved the… -
I assume the world is still happening around me.
6 Nov 2009 | 12:07 pmI have written a LOT this week, Internet. Not only have I written here a lot, I’ve written on a lot of other blogs… a lot. I’ve also written on my own writings a lot. And oh yeah, work, too. So, while half-baked ideas have been flowing out of me all week, there hasn’t been much time left for anything else to actually happen, because it’s hard for things to happen when your fingers are consistently connected to the keyboard. - This week? I started The Becoming People Who Comment Challenge, and it’s been awesome so far. So many people have left ME comments… -
November 2, half-past fell asleep
6 Nov 2009 | 11:15 am“And when I’m rich enough to buy a title? It will be the Earl of Sandwich.” “Someone already has that one.” “Well, I would kill him, and take his title.” “Ahh… it doesn’t work that way.” “That’s how the Highlander works. I take his head, and get his title.” “Um… ” “And I get a sweet sword.” “That’s not really how titles are passed.” “And super powers.” “Ok, go to sleep.” “And I shoot lightening!” -
Something, but not quite enough something
5 Nov 2009 | 11:12 amSometimes, when I’m out in the world, living my fancy and glamorous life that I can’t tell you about because you’d be way jealous and I consider you my friends, Internet, so I definitely don’t want to do that to you, I come across things that I would like to blog about, but they are not quite enough of an idea to build a post around. You may be asking yourself, with the ridiculous amount of half-baked, not quite enough to build a sentence around, let alone a post kind of stuff that’s been showing up here, how is it possible that there are things I hold back? -
November 4, post-Apple Store Hugh Grant discourse
5 Nov 2009 | 10:22 am“What? Isn’t that what it says in your nerd movie?” “Star Wars is not a nerd movie. It’s a cult — no, not even cult, it’s a classic.” “You know what is a classic? Love Actually.” “No. Star Wars is a classic, loved by millions. Love Actually is just another Hugh Grant movie.” “Loved by millions.” “Of women.” “…” “So they only count for half.” “…” “Just kidding.” “…” “I’ll stop talking now.”…
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Clever Girl Goes Blog
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Brotherly Love.
6 Nov 2009 | 11:26 amIt's Friday! My favorite day of the week. (P.S. I know this post is coming at you kinda late this morning but BLAME NABLOPOMO.)I've been on a bad boy kick lately, so today's Fanged Friday feature is the broodingly bad and beautiful Ian Somerhalder, or as you probably know him, Damon Salvatore on The Vampire Diaries.Oh, Damon. You are so good at being bad.Between your continuous feuding with your hottie hot hot brother Stefan, random persecution of vapid cheerleaders, and your ambiguous plot to take over the entire town, you are a busy man. I love your shit-eating grin, chip on your shoulder,… -
Dating for Dummies.
5 Nov 2009 | 9:19 pmYou might remember a couple weeks ago when I told you I had found my true calling?(You know, aside from being fabulous and getting paid to be a professional hair tousler.)I'm talking about when I was going to start my own dating site and help people find true love. Remember? I was having so much fun helping my friend navigate the online dating waters, and I was somewhat of an expert?(We're using the term "expert" here loosely, obviously.)Well, scratch all that.Apparently, before people go online or actually INTERACT WITH OTHERS, they need a little pre-game coaching. A lowdown of the BASIC… -
Long-lost lovechild.
4 Nov 2009 | 11:01 pmYesterday, I had an epiphany.Everyone might not agree with what I'm about to say, but I will present my case and let you make up your own mind.Wade Robson is the lovechild of Tim Burton and Michael Jackson's "Thriller" video.For those of you out of the know, Wade Robson is a choreographer who has worked with many famous artists such as Britney Spears, N Sync, and of course, Michael Jackson himself. Now, he's part of tons of projects including SYTYCD. (WOOT!)(Allegedly, Britney cheated on Justin with Wade, as illustrated in the song "Cry Me a River", but that has never been confirmed.)(And by… -
Kiss the cook.
3 Nov 2009 | 8:21 pmOkay, seriously, it's only day three of NaBloPoMo and I'm already COMPLETELY off my rhythm.I usually write my posts super late at night and set them to post early early early in the morning because I am on the West Coast and everyone knows that aside from Botox and vapid celebutants, the West Coast is totally behind the times.(Seriously. By the time I wake up, people in NY have already taken over the world AND had their sushi lunches.)(Yum. I could SO go for some sushi right now. Wasabi mayo FTW.)(Also, I have NO IDEA if "West Coast" should be capitalized but whatevs.)Speaking of food (we… -
Today you are 1.
2 Nov 2009 | 3:37 pmDear Lil Fooz,Happy Birthday! I can't believe it's been a year already.(Just for further reference, Auntie T is ALWAYS going to be ALMOST 30. I don't want you to get confused, so I'm just stating it now, for the record.)You've grown so much over the last year. I held you on the day you were born, and I had to be careful to support your little head and neck. 5 seconds later you were a sturdy crawler, and now I can just sling you up onto my hip and away we go.Spending time with you really makes me think that I am ready to have my own kids. You're such a fun and happy little man, bright-eyed and…
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Wonderland or Not
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Inspiration on Old School Friday
6 Nov 2009 | 1:23 pmThe theme for Old School Friday this week is songs that inspire. I was lucky to have seen this musician/artist a couple of times when I lived in NY. What if God Were One of Us is probably her best known song, though she doesn’t tend to do much pop. Though I loved the guitar rift in that song, and find it inspiring in it’s own because it never was about God, but about people and our collective consciousness, the song below is more inspirational to me for the way it is performed here. Enjoy. Joan Osborne, What Becomes of the Broken Hearted, from the soundtrack for the Funk Brothers’ movie… -
My Ordinary Opinion on Extraordinary Rendition
4 Nov 2009 | 4:09 pmDistracted by health care legislation, Afghanistan, unemployment and local and state elections, the recent decision on rendition has not received the attention it deserves. Extraordinary Rendition, not the well written story, or great piece of blogging, but the practice of transporting suspected foreign terrorists, or others suspected of crimes, to other countries for interrogation and imprisonment with the intent of intelligence gathering. Not wanting to poop in our own yard, it’s about taking suspects to facilities maintained by the United States in more torture friendly countries. On… -
Bad Blood
2 Nov 2009 | 9:48 pmSome days I wish I could sit on a park bench feeding birds all day, or at least spend all day watching those who do. Research, seminars, and working with an assistant who oozes a musty/sweet asphyxiating perfume, are all wearing me down. I love most every minute of my world, but there is that rare minute in which I yearn for escape. There are moments when I find myself wishing I had extended the time of my life in which the life of Pi was plausible, if only by a few months. This is my whining board. Feels good. I caused some bad blood with my first Compulsion post. It was simply a WTF of Neil…
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She Takes On The World
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Blog Carnival for Women Entrepreneurs
6 Nov 2009 | 12:36 pmWelcome to the 10th edition of the blog carnival for women entrepreneurs, a collection of posts to help you as a business owner. If you have a blog post or article that you would like to share in an upcoming edition, please use the submission form. Coree Silvera presents Simple and Easy – Are You Driving Buyers Away? posted at Market Like a Chick. Linda Smith presents The Value of Having a Blog on Your Business Website posted at Linda’s Business Blog. Lena West presents Kicking and Screaming All the Way to Facebook posted at Lipsticking. Toby Bloomberg presents The Social Media… -
In Her Heels: Interview with Matchmaker, Rachel Russo
6 Nov 2009 | 12:00 pmJoining me today is author and matchmaker, Rachel Russo. Kristin: What did you study in college? Did you plan on becoming a Matchmaker/Relationship Coach? Rachel: I earned my BA in psychology at Rutgers University and went on to get my master’s degree in Marriage & Family Therapy at Iona College. I planned to become a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, but it seems God had other plans. When I read the ad for the first job I landed as a Matchmaker five years ago, I thought “I must get this position!” Relationship coaching was a natural progression for someone with my… -
Retirement Planning Mistakes Women Should Avoid
5 Nov 2009 | 11:39 amThis is a monthly guest post by the women at Women & Co., specialists in financial planning for women. Fulfilling your vision of retirement calls for careful planning, and women have unique circumstances to consider. Women tend to live longer, are more likely to require long-term care services as they age, and often take more time out of the workforce to care for family members according to the National Center on Caregiving. These financial realities have significant implications for how women plan for their financial future. In a study by Women & Co., when asked what financial… -
In Her Heels: Interview with Author and Reporter, Debra Shigley
3 Nov 2009 | 1:00 pmI caught up with author, Debra Shigley, for an interview on her book tour for The Go-Getter Girl’s Guide which is in stores now. Natalie: Tell us a little about yourself. Debra: I grew up in Rockville, MD (outside Washington, D.C.), and graduated from Harvard. I started my career in television news, with an entry-level position at CNN. From there I moved to Atlanta magazine, where I was a style editor and writer for a number of years—during which time I went to law school by night. After law school, I was briefly an employment law associate at a top firm before returning to a writing… -
Women in Business and Entrepreneurship Series Part 3 of 3: The Challenges Facing Career-Oriented Women
29 Oct 2009 | 2:06 pmIn part 2 of the Women in Business and Entrepreneurship Series, I looked at facts and trends on the growing number of women starting businesses. Regardless of whether a woman wants to start a small business or a large company, she is likely to face unique challenges and that’s what I’m exploring in this last part of the series. Work-Life Balance Work-life balance continues to be a top challenge faced by working women everywhere. According to a recent Forbes.com article, 85% of women do the household’s grocery shopping, meal preparation, laundry and cleaning. Being a full…
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Politicoholic by Nisha Chittal
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What will happen to books in a digital era?
1 Nov 2009 | 7:14 pmRemember CDs? I don’t think I have bought one since 2001, and now that I have an iPhone, iPod, iTunes, there’s no need to ever buy a CD again. One could argue there’s not much need to buy music either, since I spend more time listening online to Pandora or Blip.fm anyways. So what will happen to books? I wonder if the publishing industry will meet the same fate as the music industry. I still buy printed books — but many people I know have switched over to the Kindle, and Kindle readers buy two to three times as many books as book readers. Or they’re just ditching… -
A side project of mine: You’ve Come a Long Way, Maybe
24 Oct 2009 | 2:11 pmOne of the my projects outside of my job that I’ve been most excited about lately is my work on the newly released book You’ve Come a Long Way, Maybe by Leslie Sanchez. I’ve been working for the past few weeks with a great team that includes my friends Leslie Bradshaw and Erica Anderson, working on digital PR and online media efforts for this exciting book which takes a look at how the media covered Sarah Palin, Hillary Clinton, and Michelle Obama, and the roles of women in politics, media, and business today. And as anyone who knows me, or has read this blog, can tell you,… -
Why We Changed Our Twitter Avatars
14 Oct 2009 | 10:21 amYou may have noticed that I (and hopefully by now you’ve noticed lots of people!) changed my Twitter avatar today to the following: I’ve gotten a couple questions asking, “Why?” So I wanted to throw up a quick post answering that question. Fortunately my friend Tanya already did: I wanted to tell you about something I’m working on with some of my girlfriends – we’re mobilizing on twitter and elsewhere – and some are coming to DC – to make sure parity in cost is included in all the healthcare reform work. Tomorrow Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) is chairing a… -
Who Decided Being a Woman Is a “Pre-Existing Condition”?
12 Oct 2009 | 12:54 pmApparently, health insurance companies decided that. There’s definitely a lot of noise in the healthcare debate, but this is an issue that deserves our attention and shouldn’t be ignored. Women’s health issues are distinctly different from men, and one startling issue that has come to light as a result of the current ongoing debate on healthcare reform is that women are getting the shaft from health insurance companies in more ways than one. Having had a pregnancy is considered a “pre-existing condition” for which insurers can deny women coverage. Being a victim… -
My new AOL Lemondrop post: Understanding the Healthcare Debate
4 Oct 2009 | 7:35 amI know a lot of women my age who won’t admit it in public, but don’t really know what’s going on with healthcare reform. And there’s nothig wrong with that — the healthcare debate is filled with Beltway jargon and partisan politics which completely detracts from the actual issues at hand. That’s why I’m excited about my latest piece at Lemondrop, which focuses on breaking down the healthcare reform debate in more understandable terms. I may not be qualified to write authoritatively on it — I mean really, I’m no healthcare expert either.
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Black Marks on Wood Pulp
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Unsubscribe
6 Nov 2009 | 7:03 amWhether it was out of laziness, or sympathy for the creators, or apathy in terms of my inbox’s cleanliness, I’ve been allowing my email account to fill with newsletters, promotions, reminders and e-blasts for the past five years. A typical day would bring 25 messages, 18 of which were from businesses, sports teams, non-profits, magazines and other form mail. Over the past week, I’ve been unsubscribing to these messages one by one. Though I didn’t give them much thought when I’d receive them before, the active deletion of the correspondence has, surprisingly, left me wistful. As if… -
On seeing Audis everywhere
5 Nov 2009 | 7:50 pmEver since I started my current job, I see Audis everywhere. My bosses both drive Audis. I had never noticed them before. Now, during my short commute to work, I swear I see at least 700 Audis. Silver. Black. Sometimes white. But always Audis. The model is unnecessary – after all, all Audi sedans look the same: which is to say, they look like understated luxury; all clean lines and simplicity and modern class. It’s like there was a sudden boom in April 2006. Like, the stars aligned and now everyone had one. Just like my bosses. Part of this is location. I work in the south end of Sioux… -
A receding hairstyle
4 Nov 2009 | 2:31 pmHair is something sacred. It’s often the first thing you notice about a person. It’s a central piece of style; entire industries are built upon hair in a way that other body parts barely touch upon. The love affair with hair could be scientific. After all, it protects our head, somewhat; that is, as much as your head needs protection from things like extreme cold and extreme heat. That’s what its original evolutionary purpose was, you know. To regulate body temperature. But to many, it also protects our pride. Which means, to just as many, it’s difficult to change. A botched haircut… -
On getting sick, and how it faintly and probably incorrectly relates to Hume’s Fork.
2 Nov 2009 | 9:43 amIt starts with a tickle, sometimes observed as a scratch, often discovered through chance. Then, the cough, occurring on its own, without the baggage of an entire suite of symptoms. But those symptoms are there: the cough reaches down a little too far, brings up phlegm when it should simply bring up noise. Then, the coughs show up every few minutes; no longer an anomaly, they now represent a symptom. And there are surely more to follow. Headache. Puffy eyes. A body that moves as if shackled to the air. Heavy breathing after a walk up the stairs, your lungs kicking into overdrive earlier than… -
I don’t remember things anymore
30 Oct 2009 | 10:55 pmI don’t remember things anymore. I don’t remember all of the state capitals. I don’t remember advanced geometry. I don’t remember the purpose or need for the mole in chemistry class, or my old locker combination (despite a handful of frantic dreams reminding me of its importance.) I don’t remember on which days moving holidays fall. Let’s take it even more basic. I don’t remember what I have scheduled for next week. I don’t remember what I wrote about two weeks ago. I don’t remember what books are on my bookshelf, or what CDs are on my iPod, or what season of The Office…
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American Girl in Australia
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Spring!!
3 Nov 2009 | 4:09 amHere’s a little taste of what I’m enjoying down here. :) Oh and go leave a comment on my photoblog to be entered into a drawing to win an 8×10 of one of the pics!! :) -
I think I’m haunted and most DEFINITELY sleep deprived. (Sculpture by the Sea Pics)
30 Oct 2009 | 4:05 amThis evening I needed to kill some time before bed. I went on a little walk to try and clear some of the noise in my head. I ran into this: “OOH!” I exclaimed to my flatmate Sam. ”Look he killed himself.” Sam looked at me quizzically. ”Daisy he’s just floating – trapped in a box.” “Oh.” When we ran into a bunch of nooses (Sculpture by the Sea 2009 is finally here!) Sam only saw rope. Hmmm …. They sure were KNOTTED like nooses!!! And THEN we ran into this guy. And I was really digging him. He’s cute –… -
Online Dating – Relationship Status Update and pics of bridge
28 Oct 2009 | 5:35 amOnline Dating - It’s like I’m on the Bachelor AND the Bachelorette at the SAME TIME!!!! And that about sums it up. Do I need to say more? Probably not. But I will anyway. :) I’ve been looking into online dating as part of my studies on network society and digital culture (it’s what I’m getting my Master’s in) OMGOSH!!! It’s like WORSE than real dating and I hate real dating. So there you have it. Sure you get anonymity (KIND OF) and you can share feelings without the physical stuff getting in the way (KIND OF) but seriously – at… -
Doing Double – losing my mind twice as quickly
27 Oct 2009 | 6:02 amOH MY WOW! I just uploaded the same set of photos to Flickr TWICE. I replied to a couple of emails TWICE. I went to Tea Indulgence and got a pineapple tea and it came with one for free so I drank that TWICE. And lucky me – apparently the last few songs I fell in love with I ALREADY HAD – meaning I fell in love with them all over again (which is a nice way of saying I did it TWICE.) I’ve always known I like doubles – I mean I did adopt TWO cats. Then later when I was ready for more responsibility I adopted TWO dogs. I usually get dumped by two people at once… -
Making hamburger patties out of MY HEART! and a couple wicked cool pics.
25 Oct 2009 | 8:58 pmOh boy – I don’t know if you caught my last post but here’s a little reminder of what you missed If you can’t tell – I MAY have been a LITTLE crabby that night with my ghetto beach-bum rock-band SUCKING neighbors – and because of a few other things like the fact that MEN DON’T HAVE HEARTS!!! BUT!!! GUESS WHAT???? LAST NIGHT I WAS EVEN MORE CRABBY!!!! MORE!! Hard to believe – I know. But it’s true – or at least it WAS true for the whole of a couple hours until a hot knight in damp armor (it was raining outside) rescued me from…
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Life Is Like a Box of Chocolates
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When Does Personal Branding Go Too Far?
3 Nov 2009 | 9:47 amOne day a couple of weeks ago, I started off the morning on Twitter with these questions: Do you think personal branding can go too far? Is success worth losing your true self? I got some very interesting responses: norcross: I think the whole idea of PB is flawed if it involves anything that isnt who you really are. reputation is what counts. PaughGinney: When everything you do sounds like a sales pitch … That’s a tell-tale sign. rikin311: I agree I think alot of people especially in this GenY crowd are sacrificing long term reputation for short term gains. I think… -
Fundraising with the Help of E-mail & Social Media
28 Oct 2009 | 6:38 amThis past Sunday, I took part in the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk. For those who don’t know, my grandma suffered from dementia for several years before she passed away in the summer of 2008. Participating in the walk and raising money for the Alzheimer’s Association is my way of being the change. Since this was my third walk in as many years, I was already well versed in the process of fundraising that takes place in the months leading up to the event. But, I did some things differently this year, and as a result, I was able to raise more than $1,000. I cannot even… -
Friendship in the Digital Age
26 Oct 2009 | 7:32 amOn Saturday, I went to an awesome concert with Carla Blumenthal. We met up with my boyfriend’s friend/co-worker, who was there with his wife and several other couples. Before he knew how Carla and I knew each other, he started to explain that their group had become friends because their kids all go to the same preschool in New Jersey. Then he joked, “You don’t really make new friends after college until you have kids.” Little did he know that Carla and I prove his theory wrong. I’m not even sure when we first connected, or how, but I remember thinking that Carla… -
Reading is FUNdamental for Big Kids, Too
20 Oct 2009 | 7:54 amRemember those posters in your elementary school classroom with catchy sayings like: Reading is FUNdamental*Get hooked on a book*Read to succeed As corny as they may sound to us now, their messages are still true. Reading is not just for little kids, it’s for us big kids, too. Even though we recently spent years poring over pages and pages of required reading for school, doesn’t mean we can’t read for pleasure. In fact, I think it means just the opposite. In case you hadn’t guessed, I love reading. Even when I was in school, I would still take time every night to… -
Loving the Present Does Not Mean You Have Settled {Jun Loayza}
15 Oct 2009 | 6:57 amI recently wrote a blog post about why I can’t do what I’m passionate about. After the post, I felt frustrated with my family because I felt like they were holding me back. If only my dad saved more money or if my brother went to a 4-year university, then the weight of my entire family would not be on my shoulders. But as I read through the amazing comments on my blog post, I began to realize how selfish and self-centered I had become. In only 2 years, I had developed a tunnel vision for developing a successful Internet company and living location independently. I was so focused on…
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Call Me Corndog
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Skidmarks.
29 Oct 2009 | 1:56 pmI absolutely love dogs. Really and truly, they make life worth living for me. I hope that if I ever get enough money together I can open a retirement home for old dogs who are going to put down simply because they are of a fine vintage, and let them live out the rest of [...] -
Which Way is Up?
26 Oct 2009 | 1:40 pmA couple weeks ago I decided to go rowing and was chatting it up with my mom on the way to the aquatic park. She was talking about how I should get a lifevest in case I ever go overboard, and I spent a good deal of time explaining that the water is four feet deep and [...] -
Quick, Grab the EpiPen.
9 Oct 2009 | 10:13 amThe dog has allergies. I think I may have mentioned this before. This itchiness on the dog has cost us roughly 700 dollars now. Maybe he just likes to bite his feet, huh? Maybe there isn’t some demonic underlying issue that is plaguing him, maybe that’s just his personality. People live with allergies all the [...] -
Do Mexicans do this?
9 Oct 2009 | 10:02 amOn Saturday our friend threw a party aptly titled, “Mexican Blackout Day” in which we consumed copious amounts of Mexican food and alcohol, danced to Mariachi music, and were generally full with perfect merriment. One of the attendees of said party was a Jesuit priest in training. For real, we had a bona fide Roman [...] -
Row Row Your Damn Boat
18 Sep 2009 | 11:41 amI started rowing in June which as most people who know me well would say, ‘What the fuck?’ I’m what one might call Sports Retarded, or if we must be politically correct, Sports Challenged. I have pretty much been injured in every sport I have ever attempted to play. Once while at a track meet [...]
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Justin Plus One
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Lukas: The Advocate comes Out
6 Nov 2009 | 1:11 pmWhile Justin was busy covering the closing of his favorite source of childhood pornography, some other, more relevant to us news came out: The Advocate is going away. That's right: just as Hillary now works for Barack, the stalwart of gay media mags is losing it autonomy and becoming an insert to its sister magazine, Out. (There's a pun there.)In a way, it makes sense. The need for a euphemistic title has waned in the last decade (at this point, if you can find a straight person reading The Advocate, they'd probably be fine reading Out too), and more importantly, the internet is killing… -
Justin: Improv Everywhere does ANOTHER musical!
6 Nov 2009 | 6:26 amIt seems like just yesterday I was talking about Improv Everywhere's grocery store musical. Well, I'm guessing they've found their niche, because they are putting out these random, spontaneous musicals at a steady, almost frantic clip!This week we have I Love Lunch! The Musical. Making this the THIRD musical they've done about food. I wonder why they don't have other topics to sing about. But hey, not like I mind much. I often say that I wish life were a musical, and Improv Everywhere is working to make that happen.I just hope someday I'll be lucky enough to end up somewhere they are singing. -
Justin: Play Playboy off, Keyboard Cat!
5 Nov 2009 | 2:51 pmOh this is sad. If The Wrap's forecast comes true, we may be seeing the end of a heterosexual era soon enough: it looks like Playboy magazine may fold.That's right. Playboy magazine. The thing I used to disinterestedly flip through as a youngster who was trying to make boobs work for him. No more sexy cartoons! No more tech reviews! And where will edgy writers publish edgy short fiction?"Raw numbers: Total print and digital revenues fell about $10 million during the quarter to $22.9 million, down from $32.7 million in 2008 (this was due, in part, to Playboy combining its July and August… -
Lukas: The internet is responsible for the content of this social life.
5 Nov 2009 | 10:24 amWhat do Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, Grindr and Match.com all have in common?I've met people through each one. Grindr and Match are each responsible for a past hookup. MySpace as well, back when I had just come out. Twitter can claim at least two of my friends, one of them being our one-and-only Justin. And none of those count the number of people I talk to online but have actually never met. Facebook? I'm afraid to count how many.This may seem weird to you. I'll admit, now that I'm actually thinking about it, it seems weird to me too. But this is how we live now: in front of our computers,… -
Justin: William Shatner Reads Levi Johnston's Tweets
5 Nov 2009 | 6:55 amI love William Shatner. Almost as much as I love Alec Baldwin. I also want to see Levi Johnston naked as soon as the Playgirl issue comes out. I also like poetic readings of Twitter tweets with a dark jazz backdrop.So without further ado, here's William Shatner doing some fantastically poetic reading of Levi Johnston's tweets.Amazing.Thank you for your RSS patronage. xoJR
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rikin on the web
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The Case of the Missing Social Media Metrics
15 Oct 2009 | 8:28 pmPhoto via Stewf, Flickr In order to convince a company, or even an individual, to embrace social media you have to prove ROI. You and I both know this already. However, in order to prove ROI you really need to start talking numbers. We’re talking about referral visits, search engine visits, time spent on site, click through rates, acquisition rates, and so on and so forth. When it comes to online advertising and web analytics, there are plenty of concrete metrics. Most of these have been tested for over a decade and are now ubiquitous. More importantly, there are many tools and… -
Brain Fragments
11 Oct 2009 | 9:19 pmI’ve been blogging so to speak since the beginning of this year but haven’t perfected it quite yet. I know of some methods to become popular that aren’t immoral but seem somewhat fleeting and childish. Blogging seems very strange to me to be honest. You have to be niche, I never am. Text and video seem to be the most embraced forms, my emotions materialize in music or sketches as well. You have to build a community by joining someone else’s, well that’s just paradoxical all by itself. So instead, I’ll be experimenting a little bit more with this space. -
Apple’s PR Efforts
6 Oct 2009 | 7:11 pmI’m always amazed by Apple’s PR efforts. I know they’re a smart group, having worked down the hall from them during my internship, but I think what’s the most amazing about them is their restraint. Apple is fully aware of their unparalleled exposure and coverage online. More importantly, they know that because of this attention there’s no need for a strong social presence. It’s akin to saying, “Hey internet, we’ll do our thing, you shout for us.” This is also why every action of Apple’s PR group must be extremely calculated. Their… -
Thoughts on Business Development
5 Oct 2009 | 2:51 pmSeth Godin recently wrote about the role of business development and what it means to do it effectively within an organization. Seth’s post couldn’t have come at a better time for me having just left a role in Business Development with the New York Post. I thought I’d take a few moments to add to the conversation and talk about my experience in that role. The job was my first after completing school and built a wonderful foundation for a career in digital. Before starting the role I wasn’t sure what I’d be doing and though I quickly learned the ropes it was… -
What’s In Your Blogroll?
21 Sep 2009 | 6:00 amBook, Pages, Heart, Love Photo via Chocolate Geek A few weeks ago Fred Wilson wrote a list of recommended books for entrepreneurs and surprisingly enough none of them were about business. In fact, most of his short list included classical fiction by Ayn Rand and Shakespeare. I’ve always felt that studying sociology taught me more about business than any of my lectures in business school and I’m glad to see that someone like Fred shares my reasoning. Fred puts it perfectly when he says; The point of this list is that there is way more insight to be gained from stories than from…
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Intersected
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Looking forward to the Acts 29 Boot Camp next week
6 Nov 2009 | 7:16 amThe Acts 29 Network application process has taken some time and the actual boot camp itself and assessment have always seemed to be far off. Well, they are no longer in the distant future, they’re next week! We got an updated schedule yesterday and the names of our assessors. If I had to assemble a list of godly men that I would like to hear in person at a boot camp, I would have a hard time coming up with a better list than this Session #1: “The Gospel & Ambition” – Dave Harvey (responsible for church care, church planting, and international expansion for Sovereign Grace… -
Recent posts on multi-site
6 Nov 2009 | 5:53 amThe practice of multi-site church is, in a nutshell, one church meeting in multiple locations with central leadership of the church. Some churches like Mars Hill in Seattle do multi-site across multiple states. Others, like Highview Baptist in Louisville, KY are committed to their particular city. This is a topic that warrants discussion because it goes to the very heart of what the church is called by God to be. I believe there is a particularlity to the use of church in the New Testament that defines the church as being a particular local, gathered assembly. Here’s the definition of… -
Twitter Updates for 2009-11-06
6 Nov 2009 | 4:50 amHate that #iMovie doesn't allow 4 sharing to #iTunes in HD. Having the Media Browser and iTunes be separate is ridiculous #applefail #ilife # "when we love a dog & a dog loves us, that's a part of God & God is a part of that" courtesy of an LA church Hmmmm http://bit.ly/Co7zN # That God would bless me & my #ReTrain cohort brothers with a leader like Rob Berreth is a testament to His love and provision for us # impressed by @annarborcom coverage of bank robbery this morning. Quickly posted map of location, wanted poster, photos of robbers # California borrows… -
Twitter Updates for 2009-11-05
5 Nov 2009 | 4:50 amThere's no movement I understand less than fundamentalism. To say that rap can't be Christian is ridiculous http://bit.ly/3gSqux # Do discernment ministries ever actually help people be discerning or are they just 21st century ways to avoid evangelism & being missional? # Powered by Twitter Tools -
Missional-ality
4 Nov 2009 | 10:51 amThe word “missional” is everywhere. Grad Schools. Books. Blogs. It colored my conversation last week with a pastor at Grace Bible. I’ll probably talk about it Friday night over dinner and definitely next week at the Acts 29 Boot Camp in Louisville. It can be a hard word to define, however. Missional means the act of being a missionary, but people can have pretty rigid preconceptions of what a missionary does, especially since most people have never lived as missionaries. If you’ve ever spent time talking to people involved in international missions, it can be hard and…
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The Rest Is Still Unwritten
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A Publishing, A Play, And A Book - Oh My!
6 Nov 2009 | 12:41 pmI still don’t get it. My blog writing here has becoming increasingly bitter over the last few posts, but somehow readers are loving it and being sweet and supportive to me. Maybe it’s because my words are delicious like bittersweet chocolate? Or maybe you’re just holding onto hope that I will snap out of it and get back to writing a kickass post? Whatever the reason may be, you’re sticking around. You’re continuing to read. I thank you for that. So even if this doesn’t classify as a kickass post, it does classify as kickass news! Which is exactly what I want to share with… -
Can’t Live Without
4 Nov 2009 | 7:59 amOver at 20SB.net (20 Something Bloggers) a question has been proposed. What’s essential to your life? What can’t you live without, even when money is tight? What’s most important to you?Being the tech whore that I am, I’m sure you are thinking I’m going to say I can’t live without the Internet or some coveted gadget like my laptop, iPod, TIVO, or cell phone. While all those things are pretty important to me and I would definitely miss them if they were stripped away, I can honestly say that I could survive without them...I think. It would be difficult and I would surely tremble… -
Why Halloween Is Better Than New Year's Eve
2 Nov 2009 | 9:38 amHalloween may have come and gone, but today as you sit in your office cubical paralyzed by a sugar-induced coma, why not read some of my random ramblings? Afterall, you’re staring aimlessly at your monitor anyway. So you might as well put your "zoning out hour" to good use. The mound of empty chocolate wrappers covering my desk tells me that I'm pretty much a waste of space at work today. I too am fighting through a sugar-induced coma...compliments of the co-worker Mom duo sitting to my left who overbuy bagged candy religiously every October. They are capable of making me into a fatty in 15… -
The First And Last Time I Guest Blog For Anyone
29 Oct 2009 | 8:52 am(heavy sigh)I don’t understand it. I really don’t. Maybe one of you can explain it to me. First, you need to read my guest post 9/23/09 - We Prefer Lazy Love to fully grasp what I'm about to say...Last month I guest blogged for freelance writer Melissa Blake. I took my time on writing the post, partially because I was extremely busy with work when she asked me to write and partially because I wanted to get the words just right. I wanted to give it some thought. Although at the same time, not so much thought that I was no longer speaking from the heart. I wanted to be clear and to be… -
The Happy Act - Rewarding Pet Owners With $3,500
27 Oct 2009 | 12:08 pmThe simplest concepts in life tend to be the most beautiful. I do things for and with my dog for one simple reason - it makes me happy to see him happy. Really, that’s love in its purest form, completely unconditional. I’m not looking for a payback, even though I get one. You see, loving a pet is like performing a random act of kindness everyday, one that goes full circle and never ends. The happiness I give to him, he gives right back to me. That is my payback. But let’s be honest, caring for a pet has a price tag, there is a payout. If you read my post titled "Love Don’t Cost A…
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Quarterlife Cafe blog - honoluluadvertiser.com
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Romance and Text Messages
3 Nov 2009 | 8:56 amDavid Brooks's Monday column was about how cell phones are changing the nature of courtship. Essentially, the column says, texting makes it easy for a person to keep multiple prospects on the line at once in search of the "best arrangement" at the end of the night. Brooks is obviously concerned about this Gen Y phenomenon. He compares the game of texting different potential partners to "an eBay auction" and writes: Once upon a time — in what we might think of as the “Happy Days” era — courtship was governed by a set of guardrails. Potential partners generally met within the context of… -
Happy Halloween
30 Oct 2009 | 6:29 pmHave a Happy Halloween and a great weekend, everyone! -
Nanjing City Wall Walk
29 Oct 2009 | 9:53 amLast weekend, I took part in the Hopkins Nanjing Center City Wall Walk, an annual tradition where students, faculty -- and anyone else who dares -- trek 20 miles in one day along Nanjing's 600-year-old city wall. Nanjing was established as the capital of the Ming Dynasty by Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang in 1368. The city's topography is complex, with Purple Mountain rising in the east and the Yangtze River running from the northwest to the southeast. Nanjing's 14th century architects therefore made use of the city's natural barriers to keep intruders out. When the 34-km wall was built, it was the… -
Is having kids earlier a better CAREER choice?
27 Oct 2009 | 9:31 amIt's impossible to picture my female friends with kids. Between making it to the office on time, going out on weekends and prepping for classes, their lives are so busy that they barely have time to date, let alone start a family. But some women are dealing with career demands in a curious way -- they're having kids earlier. The Wall Street Journal reported in February that, in 2006, the average age at which women first had children posted a decline for the first time since records have been kept. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, which has been measuring birthrate data… -
Finish college in 3 years, save $30,000
26 Oct 2009 | 3:45 amLast year, I blogged about how finishing college in less than four years is like leaving the party at 9 p.m. But with tuition costs rising and the economy making it harder for families to pay for college, more schools are tossing around the idea of 3-year degrees to make higher education more affordable. In February, Hartwick College in New York state announced its intention to offer a 3-year B.A., cutting a year of tuition and fees and thus potentially saving each student $42,705, according to USA Today. The New York Times also reported earlier this year that 3-year bachelors degrees are…
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[Super Duper Fantastic]
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DC – Day One Summary
4 Nov 2009 | 9:27 pmArriving in DC on an evening flight, there wasn’t much to see/do aside from transporting myself to Matt’s apartment. I figured out which bus to take to Rosslyn for the cheapest and met up with Matt at the corresponding metro station. We then grabbed a quick bite since I hadn’t eaten during the flight. Nothing too exciting, just settling in. Adventuring began the following day with a visit to the Capitol Building, a stroll through some seedy streets of the area to the American Society of Landscape Architects for a tour of their green roof [first in the nation, probably!], a… -
Halloween aka Pho Weekend
1 Nov 2009 | 9:57 pmI didn’t really have a decided costume for Halloween until about an hour before a party Friday night. It became a pre-Halloween costume because the following evening [Halloween proper], we went over to RV’s mom’s house and watched a late night baseball game instead of joining in the festivities in SF. I wore a random purple wig I’d bought a few months prior, a purple dress, and Slinkies for arms. Not really a specific character, just not my usual self. Several guesses for my outfit: Rainbow Brite, raver chick. I was aiming for a toy or purple-haired doll. I… -
Changing it up a bit…
25 Oct 2009 | 1:07 amIn other words, an update on the 101 in 1001: 017 – Finish taking Bar Method classes. Expires in September 2009! Nope, this isn’t happening! I emailed them a few months prior to original expiration of July 2009, and they offered to extend the classes until September 2009. Very kind of them, but instead of making the most of them and attending all classes paid for, I call it a loss. Routine just doesn’t work for me when it comes to working out, no matter how I try. Yet I still try! The alternative to this is Pilates with Chase. I started today, and the odd machines are… -
Meteor Shower – Owl City [2:14]
24 Oct 2009 | 4:52 pmI can finally see, That you’re right there beside me. I am not my own For I have been made new Please don’t let me go, I desperately need you. I am not my own For I have been made new Please don’t let me go, I desperately need you. No related posts. -
Random Birthday Quote
21 Oct 2009 | 9:38 pmme: I’m turning 20-lame! Matthew: I’m glad I got over that and made it into 30-meh. I keep joking that I’ve turned 20-lame. The real reason for being out of the loop is that I’m studying for another failed exam *hangs head in shame* and also wanting to save $$. I recently paid off my car – just decided to lump sum it, so I wouldn’t have to keep track of it. It’s #72 on the list. 072 – Finish making payments on the Prius. Following along the theme of turning 20-lame, this year’s birthday was a mellow one. I woke up, went to work, ate dinner at…
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The Everyday Adventures of Me in the City
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Getting back on the healthy living train
5 Nov 2009 | 6:35 pmAfter my blog announcements of needing to lose weight and being bored at the gym, I decided to make a change, mix up the routine and try new things. And here is my week one report: I SURVIVED. Oh that’s right, the pain train has left the station, woo woo! Woo woo! So here’s what I’ve done to date: Started logging my food again (a PITA) Try new gym classes Avoid going right back to the elliptical machine Let’s take a closer look. Logging food: I won’t lie, I really hate doing this, but I know it’s necessary. It’s tedious and often finding the right… -
My freakishly observant complimenting nature
4 Nov 2009 | 6:51 pmI’ve mentioned before that I can get painfully shy in some social situations so I rely heavily on icebreakers to help kickstart conversation to ease my nervousness. And I couple that icebreaker with my freakishly observant nature. If you told me once (even while drunk) that your mother’s cousin’s sister’s niece twice removed was admitted to the hospital last month for routine tests, I will remember that and when I see you again, ask you how she’s doing. Seriously, I will. I also strongly believe in being positive and giving positive feedback to people I know, am… -
The closet at my desk
2 Nov 2009 | 7:07 pmSometimes I wonder why I even bother dressing at home. Every morning, I get up, shower and try to put together something cute to wear to work. Then when I actually get into work, I realize my office building is f*cking freezing and I need to usually add one to two more layers of clothing over my cute outfit to keep myself from shaking at my computer. Dramatic? Hardly. But when I reach for a sweater at work, I have options! Why? Because I have two at my desk, along with a lovely assortment of shoes. Right now, I have four pairs of shoes at my desk (all black, two flats and two heels) to change… -
Weekend recap: A pink Halloween
1 Nov 2009 | 6:49 pmSo yesterday was Halloween and I OD’ed on candy and sweets like it was my JOB. And today, my stomach still feels like a piece of hard candy. Ick. I LOVE Halloween in Chicago. People go all out here and it’s so fun to see creative costumes and people doing everyday things, like riding the bus or buying groceries in costume too. But when it comes to Halloween, I am more an observer than participant. In fact, I don’t regularly dress up in costume or go hunting for one because I’m honestly not THAT creative. But, this year I had a formal Halloween party to attend by a… -
Hot for neighbor
29 Oct 2009 | 6:40 pmMy building is an interesting crowd of people. It’s a condo mid-rise made up of long-term owners and twenty something men/women renting the units from owners. Some of the neighbors are a little kooky too, I’ve talked before about an issue I’ve had in the laundry room and yes, a body has been carried out of my building too. But hey, it’s near the lake and rent is pretty reasonable! Along with the elderly, slightly crazy tenants, the last few next door neighbors I’ve had have been new college graduates who love their loud music and giggling very loudly at odd…
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Writing to Reach You
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It’s Friday, and This Week Has Been Exhausting-Awesome
6 Nov 2009 | 2:00 amRemember when I used to do this? It’s been a while. In a word, this week has been exhausting. It has also been awesome, though the exhaustion sometimes got in the way a bit of the awesome. Just to go on a bit about the exhaustion (because it’s fascinating), I feel like I reached a new level this week. I have been more tired than this before, but never this tired over so many days and with no hope of making it better. By the time I get off work, it’s already too late to get a full night’s sleep before I have to get up the next morning. Going to school full… -
Blogging Through The Years: Second Grade
4 Nov 2009 | 2:00 amI am blogging through all of my years in school. If you want to participate, write a post of your own! Previously: Kindergarten, First Grade. I have always considered second grade to be one of my favorite years in school. I had a great teacher and our classroom was out in the portables. These portables were pretty new and the only other class out there was a fourth grade class, so somehow I thought that made us cool by proximity or something. Still dealing with the divorce, my family moved from the duplex we were living in temporarily to a house not far from my school. I could now… -
This Fancy Education
2 Nov 2009 | 2:00 amThis post comes to you from the depths of my drafts folder. I wrote it over the Summer, but never got around to posting it. I was walking into work the other day when it occurred to me suddenly that I have a Master’s degree. I wasn’t thinking, “I can’t believe I work this crappy job. I have a Master’s degree!” or “I can’t believe I have to do all of my own walking. I have a Master’s degree!” It was just an out of the blue realization that, “Oh yeah, I have a Master’s degree.” The thing is that it’s… -
Wri Mo
29 Oct 2009 | 8:57 pmI have been thinking of NaNoWriMo. If you have been living under a rock, that’s National Novel Writing Month. Also know as, the month of November, when a gang of crazy people set out to write 50,000 word novels in one month. I have known about NaNoWriMo for a long time, but I have never participated. I wasn’t going to participate this year either. As much as I hate to talk about how busy I am and as much as I don’t believe other people when they tell me how busy they are, when I was thinking clearly, I knew that I didn’t have time for this. But, I’m… -
Me. Talking. In Front of People.
29 Oct 2009 | 3:00 amI can sum up my life as a student pretty easily. First we do a ton of reading. Then someone presents on the reading. Next we discuss the reading. And, finally, we write about the reading. 1 Presenting on the readings has always been a part of my grad school experience, but this semester it seems like all I do. Since the second week of classes, I have had at least one presentation every week. This week, I had two. I am not very good at presenting. I get nervous. I forget how to breathe normally. My mind goes blank, so that I can’t string thoughts together spontaneously and later I…
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your wishcake.
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on a few of my favorite things...
28 Oct 2009 | 4:07 pmThese are a few of my favorite things (kind of like the song, but not really):1. Breakfast time. And taking photos that make my breakfast look slightly more exciting than it actually is, obviously. Waffles with peanut butter have never been more divine! Mmmm. I think I always love breakfast because of the mood of the morning. The light is all glowy and I'm comfortable in my pajamas and I have the whole day ahead of me.2. Oregon Chai. Okay, guys. You don't even understand. If you don't have any of this, you need to remedy that immediately. It's probably my new favorite thing in the history of… -
on the things I miss...
25 Oct 2009 | 11:42 amI miss waking up to my little sister's smiling face as she quietly sneaks lip gloss off of my bedside table. Her big blue eyes, her tiny, gap-toothed grin. The cat, running inside as someone makes their way out the garage door, rushing down the stairs and under the covers to warm my feet with her soft fur. The comfort and familiarity of my old room - the books on the shelf, my bulletin board, the drawer that held all my journals, the jewelry box that was filled with trinkets and other tiny bits of my past. The ring a boy had given me at the rollerskating rink when I was nine, a tiny bag of… -
on silence...
24 Oct 2009 | 10:50 amI realize that I've been a bit quiet for a while. It's odd, because I feel like my mind is swirling in a million different directions and I should be able to put some of it down in writing, but I can't seem to manage that. I don't want to apologize for my lack of writing, because I figure there is a reason for it, and nobody should ever have to feel bad when they simply can't find the words to express their thoughts. It's okay, I think. Sometimes it's okay to live a little bit without pouring it all out into a page.Having said that, things are good. Life is very much the same, and I'm happy. -
on who I am (at the moment)...
14 Oct 2009 | 4:20 pmI am......kind of obsessed with the way the light comes through our front window in the afternoon, especially this time of year. I took a ridiculous amount of self portraits last weekend, because I couldn't get enough of the perfect lighting! It's amazing how much of a difference it makes....realizing I need more Autumn decorations for the duplex. Must remedy this soon....trying to keep my chin up after experiencing a schedule change that will result in me working at the crack of dawn on Christmas morning. Oh, to be self employed. You have no idea. Hold me. (Or bring me hot chocolate on… -
on a few good things...
13 Oct 2009 | 3:43 pmFinally, finally it is beginning to feel like Autumn. There's nothing quite like it, really. Granted, I don't get the entire season-changing experience around these parts. Palm trees don't manage to change brilliant colors every October, we happen to have a shortage of apple orchards, and there are still days that soar into ridiculously warm temperatures. (At least I get a lot of use out of my flip-flops and tank tops. And don't have to pay for snow tires.) But, still. I'm enjoying October like nobody's business.Today, it even rained, much to my delight! It sounds a little ridiculous, but I…
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Our Little Apartment
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B.
6 Nov 2009 | 12:01 pmOn a trip to the nursing home where I take high school girls to volunteer, I came across a man in a wheelchair. With his plaid pajama pants, a head full buzzed grey hair, Velcro New Balances, and an adorably shy, sweet smile, I stopped to chat with him.As we talked, he planted his New Balances on the ground and rocked his wheelchair back and forth. Even though he was well into his 80s, he reminded me of a shy, young boy with a crush as he fiddled with the rim of a paper cup in his lap. He’d glance up at me as he punctuated every sentence with that charming smile of his.Me: "So, I see you… -
Crying at Work is Always Fun.
5 Nov 2009 | 6:42 pmI got to work today, sat down for our department meeting, and burst into tears. (It’s a good thing I work with all women.)If only she hadn't asked, with the sympathetic head tilt, "Everything okay?" Which is, of course, The Worst Question Ever if you're on the verge of tears.As I was driving to work, my car started making a ridiculously loud grinding and scraping noise a few miles from work. Without a phone, running late for a meeting, and a husband a few hours away, I decided to keep driving. Only slightly scared that the car would burst into flames, causing me to swerve into oncoming… -
I'll Be the Bag Lady Sipping a Latte.
4 Nov 2009 | 10:22 amThis post is a part of 20SB’s Blog Carnival: Can’t Live Without, and Alice.com is awarding prizes to lucky bloggers and readers!It’s no secret that we tend to be cheap frugal around here. I’m currently only buying second-hand clothing, I’ve bragged about a twelve dollar outfit, I rarely buy books, I don’t have a TV, we only have one car, and I make lots of gifts myself. I’m not a fancy-nice-expensive handbag girl, a fancy-nice-expensive shoe girl, or a fancy-nice-expensive car girl. I do my own nails, dye my own hair, and cut my own bangs. And I’ve never spent more than $50… -
On Defiance…and a Little Special.
3 Nov 2009 | 5:01 amI’m not sure why, but last month was the quietest month I’ve had since I joined Etsy. Perhaps it’s because I raised my prices to reflect the actual time and materials going into things and acknowledge that I’m not, in fact, a sweatshop in Nicaragua so I probably can’t compete with Target. Whatever the reason may be, I’ve decided to jump start holiday shopping AND celebrate my year on Etsy (official on November 24th) with a special: my earrings are buy-one-get-one-half-off for the entire month of November. Find my shop here. I still dream of being a work-at-home mom in a few years… -
Her-My-O-Nee.
2 Nov 2009 | 8:07 amA few weeks ago, Mike and I were on a walk and I saw a perfectly straight, twelve inch long stick on the ground. “It’s a wand! I should be Hermione for Halloween!” I proclaimed. But I dropped it back on the ground, thinking it was a bit too early to go wand-hunting. Surely I’d find another in a few weeks. We continued our walk, and I continued chattering away about what a perfect wand I’d found. And maybe I shouldn’t have dropped it. I mean, perfectly straight sticks don’t just grow on trees, you know! Mike finally interrupted me, “Do you want me to go back and get it?” I…
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Curly Su
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Putting the Pro in Procrastination
30 Oct 2009 | 6:49 amAs a further exploration of a recent tweet inferring a slight problem with actually getting writing work done as of late...When I absolutely cannot do whatever it is that needs to be done, I:1) Practice for 8 hours straight, convincing myself I'm doing it for the betterment of humankind.2) Make my bed obsessively, making sure all the corners are straight, the pillows are properly fluffed, and Mr. Brain is perfectly placed.3) Go to an orchestra concert that was awesome, but did not help me meet my 5 PM-today deadline.4) Blog, once again convincing myself I'm doing it for the betterment...5)… -
Where have all the bloggers gone?
29 Oct 2009 | 9:19 amIt seems like Facebook has taken over people's internet time; it's definitely taken over a lot of my internet time anyhow. And you know, Facebook is good - it enables a lot of... stuff.But, I have to say... I miss blogging as a ritual.So, here's my attempt to start up again, with regular thoughts and shouts and complaints and joys.Today, while I was teaching my 60 4th graders about inflection in voices and meaning in songs, one of the classroom teachers shouted "You had better sit down and shut up or I'll send you down to the office... and I'm serious as a heart attack." Blink.I cracked up;… -
Because once you see that side of yourself, you're never the same...
27 Oct 2009 | 5:47 pm[This is not written especially well; it's just me figuring things out as I type, trying to write in this space again - because I miss it, but also because I feel like I need it...]I think that's what makes me the most angry - that there will now always be this doubt... this inner-nagging that makes me not trust myself.And it's no one's fault but my own, but it really freaking scares me. I hate who I was back then, and I can say with confidence that I'm not that person anymore.But, what if she comes back? What if I'm out at a bar one night and I've had a few drinks, and that person I hated… -
The Best Bathroom Sign
26 Oct 2009 | 11:04 am -
My Grandfather, in the first NYC marathon
25 Oct 2009 | 6:03 am
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Teletwenties
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I'm using affilliate links from time to time. I wanted you to know.
3 Nov 2009 | 8:15 amI realized that I used an affiliate link in my blog post yesterday about building niche sites without telling you. As a former newspaper reporter, I couldn't live with myself without posting about it.A full disclosure policy is included in the footer of my blog. But, for those of you who don't scroll past the newest post, I thought you should know. And, for the newbies, an affiliate link is a link to a site to which I'm affiliate meaning I get paid if you sign up at the affiliate site or buy something.I started including advertising and affiliate links in the sidebar of this blog this past… -
My newest online experiment: building niche sites
2 Nov 2009 | 10:51 amI still haven't been pursuing a full-time work at home career, but instead have focused on the impending birth of my first child. Cora Mae is due December 4, and I've managed to turn being pregnant into a full-time job.I posted a couple months ago about hoping to create a passive income from home while pregnant. I've had some success at eHow. I've written about 45 articles and am averaging about $35 a month. Each article takes between 10 and 30 minutes to write so I've only put in about 8 hours of writing time there. If my earnings stay the same, I'll make about $420 this year for those 8… -
A quick and easy post about a quick and easy way to make extra money. Cloud Crowd, a new MTurk type site pays daily.
11 Oct 2009 | 10:06 amA few weeks ago, I read about a Facebook app that pays daily. I quickly filed the opportunity into my scam folder and moved on, but the buzz around this new site was too much for me to not check it out.CloudCrowd is indeed a Facebook app that pays daily. The app works a lot like Amazon Mechanical Turk. Users complete tiny jobs and are paid for job. Cloud Crowd pays anywhere from $.05 to $1.50 per task.I was especially leery, but have seen several posts with proof of payment. The application also doesn't butt into your normal Facebook stream and seems non-invasive in general.After each task is… -
Teletwenties is for sale!
10 Sep 2009 | 1:05 pmI'm selling out. The decision wasn't easy. As some of you might remember, I've been thinking of selling/stopping altogether Teletwenties for about 6 months now. I started the blog for people like me. Only, my life has changed so much in the past year, I'm no longer a person like me. Teletwenties was for the childless telecommuter in their 20s who wanted to work at home just for the hell of it. Now, I'm a momma to be and no longer work from home.Owning Teletwenties has been an awesome experience. I feel like I'm friends with some of the people I meet through blogging and whenever someone… -
I didn't wanna write this post, but I did it anyway. Work at home motivation.
1 Sep 2009 | 5:04 pmI have to admit, without a work at home job and not being on the search has made coming up with regular post material a little difficult.I am still trying to set myself up to make some residual income down the line through niche sites and a little bit of writing for some of the higher earning content sites.Since I'm not full of wisdom about the daily work at home life right now or a telecommuting job search, thought I'd share a philosophy that stuck with me: Do one thing every day that you don't want to do. Not sure where I first heard it, but it keeps coming up in my mind when I start to…
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Sydney: Unfiltered.
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Stand up for yourself… the right way.
6 Nov 2009 | 7:28 amI’ve been hearing a lot of people talk about standing up for themselves lately. Good for you. Now let’s talk about how you’re doing it. For the record, if you ask me, passive-aggressive behavior is not standing up for yourself – in fact, it’s pretty coward-ish. Side note, is coward-ish a word? If not, go with it… you know what I’m getting at. Let’s chat about being passive-aggressive for a sec. It’s great for some things. I can’t think of any off the top of my head, but I’m sure passive-aggressive behavior is key in some… -
Sacrifices: Unfiltered.
4 Nov 2009 | 6:53 amThere are some sacrifices I just won’t make. If you know anything about my story to get here, you know what I’ve sacrificed to make it happen. A social life, friends, leaving my family 1700 miles away, blah blah blah. I’m here now. And now that I am, this career is one thing I won’t even think of jeopardizing. There are a lot of factors that could influence my career. Poor or stellar business decisions, losing or gaining clients, doing great work vs. just doing work, etc. But the one influencer on my career that I have total and complete control over? My dating life. -
Swallow Your (My) Pride
2 Nov 2009 | 7:37 amThis weekend I bartended at a night club in the burbs. I had been whining about how much I miss bartending and here is the conclusion I have come to: I don’t miss it. Well, okay, I do, but then I get all ashamed that I do. Like, I’ve moved on and I shouldn’t want to bartend anymore. That was my life in Tampa, that is what put me through college. I shouldn’t have to bartend anymore because I have a degree and a jumpstart to a fabulous career. I enjoyed being on the other side of the bar up until now, being the patron. I need to swallow my pride. I woke up Sunday morning… -
Hourly or Salary?
28 Oct 2009 | 8:02 amIn light of an interesting conversation with Tim Jahn last night, I was inspired to write about being paid hourly vs. salary. Tim’s question was simple enough: “do you prefer to work hourly and get paid for every hour worked, or work salary and get paid the same regardless?” We chatted back and forth about it and here’s my whole view on the situation: Salary. All the way. If you know me at all you’ll know that I talk frequently about how much I miss the money bartending and how I took a significant cut in pay when I decided to pursue my career in PR. It’s… -
Sick in the City
26 Oct 2009 | 10:48 amI’ve never been good at being weak. Ever. I kind of pride myself on being a total hardass through the end. At least until I get sick. When it comes to getting sick, I’m a total baby. I’ll dramatize it when it’s nothing, but if I’m really sick I’ll try to solve it myself because I’m too stubborn to see a doctor. Lame? Yes. I don’t believe in sick days unless I’m on my death bed. I’ve grown up though. In college, I’d tell myself that I should go out because surely ample amounts of vodka would help me shake whatever I had come…
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I Am
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I Am LO-prah and These Are My Favorite Things!
4 Nov 2009 | 10:09 pmI am an Oprah fan. Really, who isn't? I'm not fan in the sense that I regularly watch her show or that I subscribe to her magazine or even that I follow her book club, yet I am still a fan because I want to be Oprah. Let's look at the facts: she's rich, she has an amazing job, she has a staff that is probably equal to the population of, I don't know, Rhode Island, she vacations and travels wherever her heart desires, she is always impeccably dressed, she supports a variety of charities and goodwill causes, and she's friends with celebrities and politicians, who all seem to genuinely… -
I Am Trick-Or-Treating
3 Nov 2009 | 12:29 amI am a Halloween enthusiast. I always have been. Those of you who either know me personally or have been reading this blog for a while know that I: a) love to dress up, b) love delicious treats, and c) enjoy scaring myself for no discernible reason. All three of these things come to a blessed union on Halloween. For one night of the year, it is socially acceptable to wear ridiculous costumes, eat chocolate until you're sick, and stay up all night because you're feeling a little uneasy and possibly the devil is lurking outside your bedroom door. So, for one night… -
I Am Mormon because...
1 Nov 2009 | 6:00 amof this quote from Thomas S. Monson, Prophet and President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:When we remember that each of us is literally a spirit son or daughter of God, we will not find it difficult to approach our Heavenly Father in prayer. He appreciates the value of this raw material which we call life. 'Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God' (D&C 18:10). His pronouncement inspires purpose in our lives. -
I Am equivocating, and I love 30 Rock so very, very much
29 Oct 2009 | 11:37 pmI am studying for the LSAT right now. I mean, literally. I am literally surrounded by books, pieces of scratch paper, pencils, erasers and a laptop with my test prep webpage pulled up. Technically, I guess I'm taking a break, but really I'm in the middle of a workshop on flaw questions. Want to know something I hate? Flaw questions. At this point in the workshop, I learning about different types of flaw. And I happen to be on "equivocation.""The author may equivocate, or use a single term in different ways in the course of an argument."The example… -
I Am so not getting it
26 Oct 2009 | 1:25 pmI am in an LSAT prep course. I definitely think I'm improving, but this improvement is at the expense of emotional well-being and dignity. In the class sessions I've attended so far, I have felt so totally dense, clueless and frustrated, and I have left 3 of the 4 classes with a pounding headache. As in anything, I have strengths and weakness with regard to the test. Unfortunately, my weaknesses are very weak, and I have trouble wrapping my brain around the concepts necessary to improving those areas. Hence, the pounding headaches.I am also pretty sure I have an anxiety…
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Painting an Everchanging Canvas
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Blogger’s Dilemma…and Shoes
6 Nov 2009 | 5:01 amIf I don’t fall under your “friends and family” category in your RSS reader, chances are, I’m under “personal bloggers” or “[ex-]college bloggers”, while Social Geekette is under “tech” or “social media”. And the most generic of them all: Twenty-something blogger. After all, that’s the category I’m listed under on Alltop. So what’s the big deal? The problem is, sometimes I feel the need to be consistent with my content, so I blog about tech separately on another blog, while I pretty much just talk… -
Counterculture Shock but Not
3 Nov 2009 | 1:10 amWhen I still lived in Berkeley, I considered Berkeley and San Francisco “my home”—not even “my home away from home” (since the home in Fremont was only a BART ride away), but my liberal roots, my “artsy fartsy” yet geeky cove—and now my alma mater. I liked the connotations associated with names like “Berkeley” and “San Francisco”; New Yorkers believed we were all tree-hugging hippies while Southern Californians thought we were uglier and nerdier up North—and I was proud of it. I bragged about everything from the rebirth of… -
Better Days in the Bay
27 Oct 2009 | 12:43 amThe title is a reference to one of my favorite songs by the Goo Goo Dolls— the irony is that “Better Days” came out way after their top-ten hits like “Iris”, “Slide”, “Black Balloon”; the justification is that the song is [possibly] a reference to that earlier time period in their musical career. I’m talking about a generation, a decade that “Here is Gone”—replaced by one that is even better. Nobody talks about elementary school with such fond memories, but the 90s were great. We could argue about which TV shows were better… -
Learning from Successful Partners, Principals & Directors
22 Oct 2009 | 10:02 pmAquent was tabling at the Creative Confab yesterday, so I grabbed a copy of the AIGA | Aquent Survey of Design Salaries in 2008, and there was actually some pretty helpful information inside that I thought I’d share. Here are my favorite essays transcribed just for you: Trust your instincts “Before you choose a firm, you’ll want to do your homework. Make sure it has people you admire and can learn from and opportunities for growth. Understand what a day in the life is like. Know who its clients are. After you’ve drawn up your list of pros and cons, how do you decide? Think about… -
Creative Confab Takeaways
22 Oct 2009 | 6:10 pmYesterday, I attended Coroflot’s Creative Employment Confab held in the Autodesk Design Gallery in San Francisco to listen to four major panelists speak: Emily Delmont (Google Creative Lab’s Recruiter), John Foster (Head of Talent and Organization at IDEO), Kate Gilman (24 Seven Recruiter), and Steve Johnson (Director of UX Design & Web Development at LinkedIn). They covered everything from what employers are looking for to horror stories of their own. These were my greatest takeaways: I should bring a fresh perspective to the firm. “We are trying to hire people not exactly like us;…
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Grads: TAKE CHARGE™!
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Master that scary panel interview
6 Nov 2009 | 10:35 amSome say panel interviews feel like inquistions. Follow these steps to get through the final round. Read the entire article here on TheLadders. -
Health in a bottle? No, in your blender
6 Nov 2009 | 7:45 amYou need to be at the very top of your game at your new job...mentally and physically. Fast food, meals from a box, and last-minute concoctions at home don't cut it. Read the entire article here on Examiner. -
Got the job? It's time to circle around
6 Nov 2009 | 7:28 amThe best time to look for a job is when you have one. We all know that instinctively. Yet, when most jobseekers get a job, the first things that go out the window are the good job search strategies that won them the new job. Read the entire post here on SixFigureStart. -
What is a job posting REALLY telling you?
6 Nov 2009 | 7:18 amWhen you're searching for a job, you end up reading dozens, maybe even hundreds, of job ads. Do they all start to sound the same after a while? Here's some insider tips on what those ads are really saying. Read all about it at ClassifiedInformation here. -
Health in a bottle? No, in your blender
6 Nov 2009 | 7:11 amYou need to be at the very top of your game at your new job...mentally and physically. Fast food, meals from a box, and last-minute concoctions at home don't cut it. Read the entire article here on Examiner.
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Sydney: Unfiltered.
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Stand up for yourself… the right way.
6 Nov 2009 | 7:28 amI’ve been hearing a lot of people talk about standing up for themselves lately. Good for you. Now let’s talk about how you’re doing it. For the record, if you ask me, passive-aggressive behavior is not standing up for yourself – in fact, it’s pretty coward-ish. Side note, is coward-ish a word? If not, go with it… you know what I’m getting at. Let’s chat about being passive-aggressive for a sec. It’s great for some things. I can’t think of any off the top of my head, but I’m sure passive-aggressive behavior is key in some… -
Sacrifices: Unfiltered.
4 Nov 2009 | 6:53 amThere are some sacrifices I just won’t make. If you know anything about my story to get here, you know what I’ve sacrificed to make it happen. A social life, friends, leaving my family 1700 miles away, blah blah blah. I’m here now. And now that I am, this career is one thing I won’t even think of jeopardizing. There are a lot of factors that could influence my career. Poor or stellar business decisions, losing or gaining clients, doing great work vs. just doing work, etc. But the one influencer on my career that I have total and complete control over? My dating life. -
Swallow Your (My) Pride
2 Nov 2009 | 7:37 amThis weekend I bartended at a night club in the burbs. I had been whining about how much I miss bartending and here is the conclusion I have come to: I don’t miss it. Well, okay, I do, but then I get all ashamed that I do. Like, I’ve moved on and I shouldn’t want to bartend anymore. That was my life in Tampa, that is what put me through college. I shouldn’t have to bartend anymore because I have a degree and a jumpstart to a fabulous career. I enjoyed being on the other side of the bar up until now, being the patron. I need to swallow my pride. I woke up Sunday morning… -
Hourly or Salary?
28 Oct 2009 | 8:02 amIn light of an interesting conversation with Tim Jahn last night, I was inspired to write about being paid hourly vs. salary. Tim’s question was simple enough: “do you prefer to work hourly and get paid for every hour worked, or work salary and get paid the same regardless?” We chatted back and forth about it and here’s my whole view on the situation: Salary. All the way. If you know me at all you’ll know that I talk frequently about how much I miss the money bartending and how I took a significant cut in pay when I decided to pursue my career in PR. It’s… -
Sick in the City
26 Oct 2009 | 10:48 amI’ve never been good at being weak. Ever. I kind of pride myself on being a total hardass through the end. At least until I get sick. When it comes to getting sick, I’m a total baby. I’ll dramatize it when it’s nothing, but if I’m really sick I’ll try to solve it myself because I’m too stubborn to see a doctor. Lame? Yes. I don’t believe in sick days unless I’m on my death bed. I’ve grown up though. In college, I’d tell myself that I should go out because surely ample amounts of vodka would help me shake whatever I had come…
