Random Whit

Facebook, Fan Pages, and Profiles

2009-04-05T15:26:00.000-04:00

Social networking used to be a simple form of entertainment for me. Now, it's a part of my job. Right now I'm currently working with Facebook and debating on whether or not to start a fan page for a new sports web site, a profile, or business ad or all three. Unfortunately the option for building a profile is becoming slim.

Everyone loves Facebook. Despite the changes they've made we all still update our statuses, check up on our friends, and take random quizzes. Aren't those things addicting? Three years ago I wouldn't have thought twice about which famous celebrity I was in a past life. In case you are curious, I was Marilyn Monroe.....I'd prefer to disagree on that one.

Should web sites offer quizzes about which product, article, or blog fits your personality? Do I see a new advertising sale option in the near future?

Anyway, Facebook makes changes, upsets people, changes a few things back, while many speculate the business plan is all wrong by catering to your users. Or is it? When launching a new web site wouldn't it be great to get your potential users opinions before launching it? They could create the marketing slogan, pick the colors, design the logo or the site even. Ideas for content could be submitted by future users.

When I wrote the business plan for a web site not once did it occur to me open a forum on MySpace or Facebook and have people submit their ideas. Instead I developed a brainstorming group from within the current company I worked for. In fact, I don't even think I even knew about facebook then? If I had dedicated a Facebook Fan Page or Myspace profile to future users opinions would we have been saved from doing four re-designs, cutting content, adding it back, and consistently changing the marketing and sales effort?

Social networking has created this idea that we should all participate in everything. We want to comment on pictures, notes, videos, statuses, and read all there is to know about our long lost friend from high school.

How many of you 'Become a Fan of' a business? How many of you would prefer to friend a local reporter and know about how their work day goes? And how many of you believe that social networking is simply a trend that will not be a HUGE help to a business?

Who Would Jesus Smack Down? - New York Times

2009-01-11T11:20:00.000-05:00

Who Would Jesus Smack Down?

The above article talks about Mark Driscoll who is know as the 'cussing pastor' in Seattle. He's cutting edge with sermon titles such as 'Biblical Oral Sex' or 'Pleasuring your Spouse' and he's known as the "coolest style and foulest mouth of any preacher you’ve ever seen." Many people argue that the idea of mega churches and appealing to a young audience goes against the Bible and the original idea of worship.

I grew up in a traditional church, sang hymns, and listened to a sermon that I usually didn't remember ten minutes later. Then I was turned on to GCC which is a mega church. All of the sudden I'm able to bring God into my every day life and actually understand my faith more. So, are mega churches really that bad?

Let's pair this hip church phenomenon with TV. TV used to be very traditional. It consisted of news that was conservative, shows that were clean humor, and racy shows were no where to be seen. Then the era of MTV happened and things got a little racier with music videos and sex being displayed on TV. All of the sudden there are cable shows that push the envelope. I can remember only being allowed to watch The Cosby Show, Star Search, and ABC's Family Disney night because they were clean. As I got older this changed.

Then I'm exposed to the Real World and suddenly sex is everywhere with lots of alcohol. I'm disgusted with this and completely enthralled at the same time. I go to college and I see girls kissing girls to gain the attention of men, men treating women like pure sex toys, and women stripping to gain more attention. I'm exposed to people snorting cocaine, passing out because they did too many drugs in one night, and so many people waking up and now knowing what they did. It was all pretty crazy and quite a battle to stay away from it all.

With all of the sex, drugs, and criminal activity in my face it's no wonder that I found salvation in a church that told me how I can bring God into my every day life. Technology that I use every day was used in the sermons, porn was talked about, keeping your partner physically and emotionally happy was taught, and of course learning to live a life by the Lord's word in a world full of more temptation than we ever imagined is taught. Every week you could see people from all the different walks of life and find solace that everyone wanted to hear the word of God and relate to their every day life.

So while Mark Driscoll might get criticized and he may be too cutting edge I believe it'll work. Everything we see is cutting edge and therefore it doesn't hurt that sermons we see are that way as well. I can't imagine being a teenager in this day and age when oral sex is normal and bullying goes on day in and day out in a school. These are the kids that will understand Mark Driscoll and figure out how to bring God into their life. Every Pastor is teaching love and Faith regardless of how big their congregation is.

Here's my one criticism about Driscoll though, he knocked 'The Shack'. This is by far my favorite book. Who is he to say that a book is completely ridiculous when so many people have found comfort in it. It teaches a different way to connect to God. Some people like the approach and others may not. So I guess Driscoll has the right to knock it and make fun of it. But I will continue to love it and I will read it again.....if I can find my copy.....

My first month in Indy

2008-12-31T11:11:00.000-05:00

Yes, it's been a month I think since I've written and it's time to share a few of my most memorable moments in Indy so far.

Colts Game!!! 21st row on the goal line. Lainey (my new friend) and I met up to grab lunch, beer, and watch some football. We both had stuff to get done so we agreed to only a few hours of hanging out. And since it was Sunday we both rolled out of bed threw the hair up and met up. Sunday's are for now make-up and now washing of the hair. Anyway, the owner of the restaurant did not want his tickets and handed them to us forty minutes before the game started. Of course we didn't turn them down! It was a blast and quite the introduction to Indy on my first weekend. And as my dad says, 'It really does look like you two just rolled out of bed.'

Circle Center. I've been downtown twice now and I love it. I park my car a ways away from the circle so that I can walk and explore. I've yet to make it to the library, but I'm hoping to this weekend. It's a beautiful building. I have a lot to see. There is a great brewery there that has yummy food and beer. Great spot to stop and have a quick bite with a good glass of beer.

Meeting new people! A few of my co-workers grab a few beers here and there and they are pretty nice people. I've also met a few people outside of work that are really great. I'm hoping to find a social network to join so that I can make a few more friends.

Eating by myself. This is something I've actually come to treasure. Monday night is my night to take myself out to dinner. I'm usually wiped from the shock of getting up at 4am after the weekend so cooking doesn't happen all the time. There are some great restaurants and it's nice to just have some time alone with my thoughts.

My cousin Eric and his girlfriend Nancy have been kind enough to invite me to a few parties. It's really fun hanging out with them and I look forward to doing more of it.

I definitely took the right step with moving to Indy. I'm so happy here.
Here's a pic of my apartment. A new couch is the next purchase after buying a dryer. It's so glamorous being an adult!

What's Going On???

2008-10-27T15:42:00.000-04:00

We're all overwhelmed with everything going on in politics. We're overwhelmed with the financial crisis and how it affects us? But what about those who overwhelmed with losing family members.

In the past month there have been so many assaults, attacks, and murders going on everywhere. Mothers putting they're babies in bags to die or they're handcuffing they're children to stop them from eating. We have mothers who abuse they're children to death and a cop coercing underage girls into sex. A news anchor being beaten to death last week and then we had a triple homicide take place in Chicago. And this is only in the past month. On top of this there were five homicides between 2am and 5am throughout downtown South Bend on Sunday morning this past weekend.

What is going on???? Is this really what our world is coming to? What do we do about all of this? We can pray, but what else. Too many crimes are being committed and too many people are dying. I feel like we're in this never ending cycle. Everyone around here says to get out of South Bend as soon as possible, but it's going on elsewhere too.

And more than anything I scream inside: WHAT IS GOING ON WITH TODAY'S MOTHERS???? Why are innocent children being killed and harmed more and more every day?

While I've yet to make my decision on who I'll vote for I will say this. Obama, I truly wish you would take the 2 million you wish to spend on your election night celebration and put it towards our shelters for women, towards our schools, towards our health care facilities, and towards our churches. These are the institutions that will truly help our country.

What will the future hold for South Bend when more people are laid off, when downtown begins losing more businesses, and when we're unable to sell property because of our crime rate?

Rachael Yamagata has a New Album Out!!!

2008-10-08T15:13:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was perfect with my discovery of this news!

I've been waiting for four years for Rachael Yamagata's new album to come out!!! She is one of the most amazing artists in my opinion. Her voice is seductive, intoxicating, and beautiful. I've decided she's my poet. With each album I feel that she is telling some part of my story or troubles. Writing her own lyrics as a release of her grief and emotions becomes everybody's release. With this album she's worked through her grief of a hard time, the anger of it, and finally the Ok I'm over it. Perfect in showing the escalating emotions.

As I'm listening to this CD track 6 comes in and who do I hear? Ray Lamontagne!!!! I clapped...literally in my car driving down the road and I clapped as soon as I heard his voice. He's another favorite and the two of them together simply puts you right on a cloud of musical happiness.

Thank you, thank you, thank you Rachael! You are an amazing artist and you speak to my soul.

Oh and I should mention that next week Ray Lamontagne's new album is coming out. The month of October is looking good. I can't wait.....

In God We Trust....

2008-10-07T08:46:00.000-04:00

With my last post I spoke about Palin and the her touting that it's God's will for us to be at war. This bugs me and yet I find conflict.

In the past few months I've been relying on my spirituality and may have even side tracked from it a bit. After listening to a sermon about trusting in God and reading an email about finding a penny I wonder -

Would it be better if we all trusted in God?

Would we be without war?
Would we not be in such harsh economic times?
Would our presidential nominees not bicker so much?

On a side note - wasn't the debate between Palin and Biden soooooo much better than between Obama and McCain? I felt I was getting a few more answers as to how things will be with either one in office. Tonight will be interesting.

Anyway,
I still struggle with the question - should religion be a part of our professional careers? While it's fine to speak about our trust in God in politics is right to tout his will to everyone? Would it be more comforting to hear God's will about war out of Pastor's Mouth rather than Palin's?

Either way - In God I Trust!

A Response when I was asked about ACORN and Obama

2008-10-01T16:10:00.000-04:00

It's pretty disgusting. I think this paired with an article that was in the New York Times in 1999 clearly points out that the democrats are heavily responsible for what's going on.

Article: http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C0DE7DB153EF933A0575AC0A96F958260&sec=&spon=&&scp=2&sq=holmes%20fannie%20mae&st=cse

I monitor the WSBT comments and many of them have pointed the ACORN issue. They've also pointed all fingers at Chris Dodd. And of course some have blamed Bush. Majority of people are saying to not vote for Obama.

Right now Obama is ahead especially among women. Palin repeats answers in interviews, can't state which newspaper she reads and is cleary directed way too much by her campaign. She scares me on the religion issue. As spiritual as I am I have trouble believing that someone in her position should be allowed to state that it's God's plan for us to be at war. In most professional settings especially those of corporations religion is not brought up. At work we hire and accept atheists, Buddhists, Muslim, christian, etc., so why should someone in that position speak to a nation of multiple religions and beliefs about God's will. Does that truly show what freedom in belief means in the US?
She is inexperienced with economic issues, trade issues, and global issues in my opinion. While I'm not a fan of Hillary at least she had more experience with these issues.

And at the same time, Obama is almost on a similar level with Palin because of his lack of experience. He's going to CHANGE everything, but to what? Will our taxes go up? Will there be more terrorists attacks if he ends the war? Will these countries suffer more? In the beginning he promised change and got everyone on board, but what does that change entail? Hopefully we find out more in the debates.

McCain talks to much about experience and connections and not enough about how to fight this war with a restricted budget. That's the plan we need especially now.

It's an ugly election at an ugly time that my generation will have to pay for out of our pockets. Our 401K's seem to go up and down in value, our social security is gone, and many companies are halting pension plans to new hires. Will I be able to get a loan for a house in five years? What about a loan if I want to get my masters degree? With all this said, who do we vote for? Is there someone that will make our lives better when we become middle age and look towards sending our kids to college and retiring. Are we going to be able to retire?

As Dad always says it's all about personal savings, but the bigger question is which is more valuable putting as much money as possible in savings or putting as much possible in our 401K's?

If only you had to write out a 100 page detailed plan of what would happen in the next four years for the public to read? And they would be held accountable for it the way we are accountable for our budgets at work? But hey, it's clear that accountability is out the window - especially on Wall Street.

This is Great.....

2008-09-11T10:40:00.000-04:00

The Onion known as the newspaper that pokes fun at the news. Hmmm, is this how John Stewart got his start? Anyway, we all know about Tom Brady being out for the season. We also know that he's probably on the list for most attractive quarterbacks in NFL. Next in line would be?.....Brett Favre before he pulled the I'm going to retire and then come back and then cry, blah blah blah. He kind of fell off my list with that one. Anyway, The Onion wrote an article about 'Female Fans Out for the Season with Tom Brady's Knee Injury' and it's hilarious and resonates with all females who enjoyed watching his 'tight end'. Here's the perfect quote from this article:

"We feel badly for the nation's women about the injury," Belichick said. "And for Tom, of course. You hate to see anyone with that kind of masculine yet boyish appeal go down. No one has worked harder or done more for this team's female fan base than Tom has, and we expect him to set his rugged, chiseled jaw, keep his twinkling blue eyes on the prize, and be ready to get back on the field and in front of the cameras by next year."

Finally!!! Belichick admits that he's lost the hottest quarterback in the NFL. He truly understands Brady's capability of turning every woman on.
Oh we have to praise The Onion for this article.

I need to find the video I did for soBendt the day after the SuperBowl with Brady's jersey on saying that I was dumping him because he got sacked so many times. I may just have to post that one.

If I was still doing the videos I would announce to Brady that I regret the re-kindling of our romance and taking back his jersey. Oh and I'm truly sorry to all the fantasy football people who have Tom Brady on their team. I think it's safe to say your doomed.

Trying Something

2008-09-09T11:24:00.001-04:00

Here's One that Could Create a Discussion.....

2008-09-04T16:38:00.000-04:00

I found this article Mom microwaves Baby on WSBT.com and was rather appalled to find that this woman did not receive the death penalty for microwaving her month old baby. Apparently she was drunk and had no excuse for doing this and no motive. Really? We spare the death penalty for that kind of excuse? She was sentenced to life in prison. Here's what makes me mad. She will not have to pay bills, she will be taken care as far as shelter, food, and have a bed to sleep in every night. Why does she receive a privileged life in prison when she microwaved her own flesh and blood? She microwaved a human that could only reply with a cry. The month old couldn't put a hand up to fight or bite to defend. So while she's in her grave her mother gets to live while citizens pay for her stay. As the prosecutor says, 'If this is not the time for the death penalty, when is the time?'

It's Official

2008-08-21T08:49:00.001-04:00

This was the announcement sent to all the employees here from my boss yesterday.
**********
It is with regret that I announce that soBendt.com will cease publication at the end of this month. Whereas the site attracted a loyal following, it was unable to sustain an audience or advertiser base big enough to continue operations. Perhaps in friendlier economic times the story might have been different.

Whitney Levett and Rachel Adkins deserve praise for their good ideas, their hard work and their courage in taking on this new venture. And kudos to Cricket Berry for pounding the pavement for advertiser dollars. It was a tough sell, and she did it with heart and professionalism.

Whitney and Rachel will continue working at WSBT for the next while, assisting in wsbt.com projects, while the Schurz digital team assesses its own future. Cricket, as many of you know, has accepted an AE position at WSBT-AM.
************

This is harder than I thought it would be. I had tears off and on last night and as my friend Jen says it's like breaking up with someone - I have to mourn the loss. So while I smile at work to all the concerned faces, deep inside it hurts. I am upset with how they're handling this, but there's nothing I can do on that.
I think the hardest part to swallow is that it won't even be on the web. It will come down. I'm sad - that's all there is to say.

Good Song

2008-08-20T08:36:00.000-04:00

As always O.A.R comes out with not only a great album, but one song that seems to resonate on some level with everyone. Here's the video from their latest single.
I LOVE this song right now. Once again music a form of therapy for me.

And other news in music - LeRoi Moore died the famous saxophone player for the Dave Matthews Band. He was only 46! Just one more reason that we shouldn't take life for granted. I wonder if Dave Matthews will do a tribute album or something or maybe a live concert.

And on a completely different note:
Check this article out
I listend to the story about this on NPR this morning and immediately thought of threadless tee and what do you know? The model business plan came from them!
I think the idea of making your own sneakers is pretty cool. Can you imagine how many kids this would inspire? They just might use their imaginations instead of playing video games. I don't think I would mind designing my own pair of sneakers.

It's a struggle sometimes

2008-08-18T15:52:00.000-04:00

I was informed by Bob today that on Wednesday we'll be having a meeting about soBendt. We all knew this was coming as he said and it's impossible to replace Cricket. Bob was instructed to not tell me about the meeting until tomorrow and I wish he would've waited. I've been told to put a stop to all promotional items that we were going to order for football season. He was disappointed to learn that the key chains have already been shipped. So the question I ask is why wait until Wednesday? I'm sure it's because the JB from corporate isn't available until then, but what do I do in the mean time? Should I go on with updating the site through October with band dates and other events? I've also been instructed to wait until Wednesday to inform those who are waiting for signed contracts from us that we won't be signing. It became apparent that Bob does not know what they'll do with me and was just trying to compensate by speculating about becoming a part of the digital committees, or heading up social networking. Who knows? It's all a really HUGE question mark and I'm struggling. As much as I knew this day was coming it still hurts. As I go through my email I realize just how many people I will have to inform. Ugh!

I've gotta stay positive.

I'm hoping and praying for a phone call about my resume.

I Missed It!!!!

2008-08-13T14:03:00.000-04:00

I turned my TV off at midnight last night and missed the infamous floor routine that took place for Team USA. The USA Gymnastics team was intense last night and I can't imagine what's going through their heads now. Especially Alicia Sacramone with a fall on her floor routine. I imagine this photo will be rather historic. She is still awesome in my mind.

A Moment on the Treadmill

2008-08-08T14:21:00.000-04:00

As most of you know I love working out because of the way it relieves my stress and calms me down. Yesterday, it hit me even more how wonderful my workout time as I had a moment on the treadmill. After I went hard on the stair climber for 30 minutes I hopped on the treadmill to do a brisk 30 minute walk.

Oprah was playing on the television above me and the topic was high school drop outs and how they're struggling as they get older. Some of them struggled greatly others not so much. This began my moment of reflection. A commercial came on and my eyes gazed out the window to a man who walks on the sidewalk with a sign for a cash advance place. The thought pops into my head 'why does he do that?' He's been out there every day for almost two weeks. Then my mind goes to my past when I lived with my dad and his second wife and how cruely she treated me. I had a vivid flashback of starving as I roamed through the park. I wasn't allowed to go home and I was fed very little. The flashback didn't last too long, but my eyes focused again on the man and I thought he does this job so that he can make his way in this difficult economy. Tears began to well in my eyes as I thanked the Lord for all that he has brought into my life. I was able to complete high school and go onto college and am not aware of those struggles I saw on television. It was refreshing to feel so grateful since I've been struggling lately with being positive and have had some unfortunate events occur lately. For those of you who really know me you know that I HATE negativity and it's been driving me crazy that I've been struggling with all of it lately. I felt that my moment of gratitude on the treadmill yesterday finally got me over the final hump. I've been writing to the Lord, praying, and perfecting my collage so that I can get myself back on the POSITIVE track and I feel better. So much better. I am so grateful for all that I have. Here are a few of the things I've been most grateful for lately.

My Faith - Time and time again it's always carried me through the hard times. I would not want to know my life without it and I'm so lucky to experience Faith!

Dan - He's the most wonderful man I've met. I'm so thankful that God has put him in my life. He's got the biggest heart and he's really been there between my torn tendon in my shoulder, my rear ending of someone in my car, and when I got pretty sick at the end of his Birthday weekend. His compassion was never ending through all of this and let me tell ya there were some moments when I was not pleasent because of how miserable I felt.

My Friends - For Rachel who put up with my random texts of venting. For Becky who let me vent it out in pieces gave me some great advice. For Jen who was patient when I wasn't able to talk or hang out and was right there when I was ready for one of our nightly walks. And for Stacy who provided some great insight and depth and also made making a collage even more fun than I thought it could be. Thanks Girls!

My Health - The shoulder is starting to feel better after a visit to the doctor. My tummy is getting better, and I'm still able to do cardio whenever I need to relieve my stress. Although I have to admit walking out of the gym and not lifting weights feels pretty weird. But I feel like I'm getting healthier and there's no longer a cloud over my body. :)

My Job - Even though I'm ready for my next challenge and I'm rather frustrated at times with my current job I must not forget how fortunate I am to have a pay check that comes every two weeks that provides me with a rather easy life. I've been through worse times and am fortunate to have the life that I do.

Update

2008-04-11T00:22:00.000-04:00

Work is...well it's work. I've come to terms with letting soBendt.com go and now I'm ready to move on. There is a job I really want that's in New York. I'm putting together a DVD that will pair with my resume. There are a few other jobs I will be pursuing as well. I'm ready to move on; the time is right. I'm no longer being challenged at my job. I don't feel as though I'm learning anything new. While I'm getting a great education in business politcs I believe I can get that anywhere. I won't lie though; it does pain me greatly to think that one day I will walk away from soBendt. I've put everything into this and now I can't help but feel empty. The team work isn't there. I work with people who lack passion and drive to make this site all it can be.

I have to face the fact that my next job will probably not be in South Bend and therefore I will have to move away from my girlfriends. In the past four years I've realized the power of having a circle of girlfriends. They have seen me at my weakest, my greatest, and have loved me to regardless. Will I have that somewhere else? I worked for many years to obtain this network and this will definitely be the hardest part to move away from. They are there when I need to grab lunch or a beer to vent. They are there when I'm happy and let me brag about my successes. My girlfriends are beautiful on so many levels and I can only be so lucky to rebuild theat network somewhere else.

My mother is happy for the first time in her life and for that I'm thrilled. She's finally bought a home all on her own and I'm so proud of her. I spent four days with her and I was worried about the outcome of that visit. Would she pick at my hair? My body? My carrer? I was fortunate enought to have her do none of the above. Instead she was incredibly grateful that I was there to spend those first moments in her home with her. I pray that those moments last, but unfortunately because of our history I can't get my hopes up to high.

I am deeply concerned about my brother. Why can't I reach him? We used to sit and talk for hours on end about everything. We talked about the hell we went through and how far we've come. We dreamed together of the life we would one day have. I fell all of that is gone. Will he come back? Can I reach him? Can anyone? I'm so worried.

I've met a wonderful man who adores me and lets me know it everyday. I spent three years of being single and dating men who either did not appreciate me or could not handle the success I've had in the past year. And now Dan has walked into my life. Dan is compassionate, tender, and loving. He knows pain and his eyes convey this...probably the way my eyes do. He is able to understand what I've been through and therefore appreciates why I am as determined as I am in my career. When I am in his arms I feel happy, content with myself, and safe. He works the night shift during the week and spends the weekends at my place. I find that by Thursday night I'm longing to feel his arms around me. He takes care of me and he lets me take care for him. I truly enjoy taking care of him. While I've struggled a bit to accept this, I've realized that he embodies all that I've ever wanted. I made a list of my perfect man. After our third date I read the list and realized he had everything on the list. I'm completely falling in love with him and for the first time in my life I feel safe doing that. Even though I try to make issues it doesn't work. Dan is honest and big on communicationg. He won't let me push him away because he knows I'm only doing it because I'm scared. For that I'm grateful. I've worked so hard to become comfortable with myself; to love myself; to accept that I don't 'need' someone, I only want to share my life with someone. While it may be too soon to admit this, I really want Dan to be the one I share my life with.

I am grateful for my Faith. If it wasn't for that I would not be able to be as strong and determined as I am. Nor would I be able to accept what Dan brings into my life. I am a very lucky woman on many levels. Thank you Lord.

Petty Business Politics.

2008-01-16T21:32:00.000-05:00

What a week this has been so far! I am truly learning how to play business politics with this job. I was in a meeting the other day where I became rather assertive and somewhat aggressive. Others were talking about an idea or plan that was tried last year that failed. I point this out and they keep pushing the point. The immediate instinct I have to stand my ground and become very intense came out. And because of that people think I am cold and hard. I can't help but think if I were a man I wouldn't have this issue. I don't want to go on about feminism and equal rights, but why do people see me as a cold heartless person because I refuse to show emotion in a meeting. And why can't some people handle being told they're wrong. I'm learning how to play up an ego that needs to be nurtured. If this ego is not nurtured then I end up receiving attacks on my ego. My mother is a lawyer who has always been able to put aside her emotions and remain completely professional. She is respected by fellow collegues because of this, but for some reason it's not appreciated in my line of work. I feel as though I need to be the 'girl', who stays quiet, is aggreable, not pushy, and cute. I can't be that person. It's not in me. Yes, I will let my excitement come through, I will take pride in my accomplishments and my passions, but I'm not going to be weak and back down from a point that has already been proven just so someone can feel good.
And so begins the never ending game of business politics...playing up egos, guarding yourself, not talking about other people in a negative way, and letting the gossip go in one ear and out the other. The roughest part about this week is feeling of being played. I fear that a few of my close collegues are playing me. Not cool. But I will go on and disregard it because all that matters is that I get the job done and I do it right. And if I don't do it right then I learn from my mistakes.

Back to Work I Go

2008-01-14T19:06:00.000-05:00

It was back to work today and I'm swamped. The to-do list last week only grew longer today with our Monday morning meeting. I'm frustrated on many levels and I can't help but think it made the pain worse. It seems that every week more issues are coming up with the site. My boss hovers around the office thinking that when he does the issue will get resolved faster. If only he would realize that we have to go through our publishers for it to be fixed, we simply have to wait. Cricket our sales rep doesn't seem to be latching onto the system as quickly as I thought she would. I analyze my communication method to make sure that I'm not failing to give her certain information she needs. I've told her in many different ways how things are done and she's still asking the same questions. Rather than throw the blame on her I'm going to keep working on my communication skills.

I was in a lot of pain today and it affected the video for tomorrow. It was so hard to get into it when all I could think about was my neck throbbing with pain. When will this stop?! I need to get back to giggling, laughing, and my animated ways with the video quickly.

Speaking of the video, I'm now doing a 'What's hot today' list instead of writing a column. While I don't mind do it, I sort of miss writing about culture and interjecting my opinion. Hopefully I won't have to cover as much celebrity gossip. Is there anyone else completely sick of hearing about Britney?! I read today that news networks are increasing their coverage, seriously?!!! That's awful.

On a more positive note, the page views are consistently going up. The web stats made me so happy this morning. I really, really hope that the days of dwindling page views are over.

I hope tomorrow is less stressful and that the pain subsides. That would be fantastic!

The Pain

2008-01-13T15:52:00.001-05:00

Well, I'm still in pain and starting to wonder if it will ever go away. I want to hit the gym sooooo bad, but can't. It's driving me nuts The weekend was busy with major girl time. As my friend Brian says....Love it! I am rather exhausted today and trying to gear up for the return to work tomorrow. The four day weekend was great, but reality calls again.

It will be a week of sales calls with Cricket, doing the videos the 'new way', and planning out events for the year. My to-do list is a mile long it and I fear it will not get tackled tomorrow. Meetings will happen, interruptions will take place, and I'll be doing my damnest to not stay too late.

I was out last night for Valerie's Birthday and about an hour before the bar closed I became completely disgusted. What is it with cheating men. I see two men I know who are married to beautiful women making out with almost every girl that walked by. Yes, they're in a band, yes they get a certain amount of attention because of that, but does it really mean they get to put their tongue in every girls mouth. At one point the guy is kissing two girls at the same time. It was disgusting! Then, I join my friends for breakfast and a guy who is married to a girl who writes for our site. The idiot begins to hit on me, grab my leg and talk about my breasts. And then goes on about how my skin is stretching because I ate a pancake. To say the least I was pretty disgusted with men by the end of the night. It's adding to my whole idea of avoiding the dating scene.

The Woman Has Soul

2008-01-10T16:10:00.000-05:00

I've been at home most of the day resting so that my body can heal from the accident. In order for me to take a day on the couch I usually have to be ill or have something wrong with me. I would much rather be out and about. While today has been nice I have to admit that daytime television is lousy. How do people watch all the shows they have on. Yuck.

The only shows that are worth watching would be Oprah or Ellen. Today I happened to watch the Ellen show because I did not want to learn how to decorate a house that I don't have from Nate and Oprah. Ellen opened up with Mary J. Blige performing her song 'No More Drama'. When this song came out I absolutely adore it. I couldn't get enough of it. Mary J. Blige sang that song on Ellen and it was absolutely amazing. I had goose bumps, the chills, and tears by the end of it. I can't help but think her voice has gotten more powerful since she first came into the spot light. Every single time I see her do a song on TV you can't help but think those songs are coming directly from her soul. Oh I wanna see that again.

I have started the movie 'Once' and am hoping to finish it tomorrow. So far it's really good and the music is amazing. I'm pretty sure I'll be recommending it to everyone.

The neck and arm is feeling better today. I'm not having to take too many muscle relaxers which makes me happy.

Car Accident and then Grateful

2008-01-09T23:14:00.000-05:00

I was in a car accident on Tuesday night. A guy blew a stop sign and basically t-boned me. Luckily he caught the drivers side back seat door and trunk panel. When he hit me I spun around for what seemed like a 360, but may have been that and then a 180. It's all kind of a blur. I went to the ER and of course was diagnosed with whip lash. As today went on my pain has gotten much worse and I fear there is a pinched nerve going on somewhere. I was incredibly lucky on many accounts, the first being he didn't hit my door, the second being that there were no other cars around when I spun around.

And the third and by far most important way that I'm lucky is because of my friends. I cannot believe the out pouring support I've had from all of my friends. I would first like to thank my friend Jen, she showed up on the scene within ten minutes and sat in the ER with me for three hours. She brought us food while we waited on the Dr. and asked all the right questions. She was pushy when she needed to be. When she came back with the food, she brought Val in with her. Val was comedic relief that we all needed. It was so great of her to stop by and show her support and making us laugh by spilling tacos all over the floor. It was so great to have two friends in the room with me. I cannot thank Jen enough for grilling the cop, the ER doctor and for just sitting with me in the waiting room.

And cheers to Becky for coming over tonight and making dinner. She wouldn't let me do anything even though I felt so bad just laying on the couch. She made her amazing sloppy joes, a ceasar salad and just hung out with me. After all that she cleaned my kitchen and even hand washed the dishes so that I wouldn't have to run my dishwasher and then unload it. And even after that she freakin took out my trash, and even emptied my bathroom trash. I am so blessed to have someone like that come over and be with me.

Cheers to all my other friends who have called many times to offer their condolences and to offer to help me whenever I need it. Even though I am in a great deal of pain I feel as though the love and support I have makes it easier to manage. I am truly blessed on so many levels. I wonder how did I come to deserve all of this. I used to be such a bad friend and I still question whether or not I'm a good friend. And seeing this out pouring of support from everyone makes me want to be an even better friend.

So here's to you my dearest friends for your endless support and love. I love you all from the bottom of my heart and am grateful on so many levels for I am truly blessed.

Great Weekend. Gloomy Monday.

2008-01-07T07:31:00.000-05:00

This past weekend was spent with my girls and it was so much fun. Friday night was spent with Valerie and Holly. We grabbed dinner at Houlihahn's and I must say that I'm growing perturbed with the clientele they attract in that bar at night. While I have nothing against 'older' people getting their night life on, I do have an issue when they insist on being obnoxiously loud, or crowding my space. According to them we're the generation that is completely self absorbed and only care for our own needs and interests. I beg to differ. Here's a prime example, Holly, Val, and I are sitting at a bar table eating, talking, and minding our own business. A few times I am knocked in the back with this guys arm. This does not bother me at all since I am in a bar. An older couple is down the table from us and after a while these other people join them. Before I know I'm being completely crowded to the point that a lady is actually leaning on me while I'm eating and has no clue. Then they proceed to move my purse and my jacket rather than asking me or even giving me the chance to offer. Not only are there flying elbows and leaning backs, they're beyond loud. What gives?! They were all easily in their 50's, but I couldn't help but think, this is how we all acted when we first got introduced to bars! Okay, so that's my rant from the weekend.

Saturday morning I woke up in a panic because I thought I had woken up late for work. By the time I was done brushing my teeth I realized that it was Saturday and I went back to bed. Oh the joys of being stressed at work.

My new friend Sunny had a night of dancing on Saturday night. While all my girlfriends have significant others; Sunny and I have bonded over our single life, love for movies, theatre, and dancing. It was an absolute blast. Not only did we close down the bar, but we drove around for I think a half hour looking for a 24/7 McDonald's. I know you're thinking ewww gross, but this has been a tradition with all my girls when we go out for a hard night. Drink, dance, get buzzed, and end the night with fast food and Sex and the City. I needed a night like that after all the mishaps I've had with men lately.

Sunny and I went to see Juno last night and I urge all of you to check it out. I will put in there what I wrote for soBendt.com: The movie is phenomenally written! There were moments that touched your heart and humor that made you laugh so hard you ended up snorting. Okay, maybe that was just me who let a snort slip in the theatre. I highly encourage all of you to head to the theatre and see it. I have not seen a movie this good in what seems like forever. As Cole Smithey puts it, “This is one damn clever movie that hits you in the head, heart and funny bone.” Well put!

And now it's Monday. Hardly any sleep last night for me and when I did it was dreams of work. It's rainy and gloomy outside and I'm already wishing I was back in bed.