The world would be a better place… October 1, 2009

…if Jon Gosselin and Spencer Pratt disappeared.

I love celebrity gossip. People is one of my favorite websites. But oh. my. god. Why are people like Jon and Spencer famous? And how much more stupid can Heidi get? Every time I think she couldn’t get any dumber, I’m surprised by how low she sinks.

First, let’s talk about Jon. He was fired from Jon and Kate Plus 8, and now he’s banned the show from filming, citing his concerns over his children. Um..please. Where was your concern when you were sleeping with your wife’s plastic surgeon’s daughter or your nanny? Where was your concern when you bought your condo in New York that made you feel like the good ol’ high school days? Please. You’re an immature jerk whose only concern is to get back at your wife. Get a life.

And Spencer. I mean, I really wish someone would just go ahead and get it over with and just knock this guy out. I mean, how much lower can you get than threatening your wife with divorce or adoption if she gets pregnant? And Heidi? You’re a stupid, stupid girl. You’re with someone who has actually said PUBLICLY that he is not having sex with you because he doesn’t want you to get pregnant. Could you please have a little more self-respect than that? Not only does he not want you to have his child, but he’ll leave you if you do get pregnant, and he shares your dirty laundry with the whole world.

Bathing Suit Blunder August 11, 2009

Can I just have a moment to complain about how UGLY one piece bathing suits are?  I went shopping for one today, because the boyfriend’s parents are coming this weekend, and we’re headed to the lake.  I’m not too comfortable throwing on any of my bikinis, so I headed out on my lunch break to see if I could quickly pick up a nice, simple, black one piece.

 

I was SO wrong!  During lunch, I visited three stores.  Nothing but string bikinis and board shorts.  After work, I headed to the mall, where I had to visit three more stores before finding a suit that is still absolutely hideous, but beats going to the lake in my bikini.

 

Throughout my shopping excursion, I realized two things about one piece bathing suits:  they either come with lots of padding, unfortunate looking straps or skirts, and they lack any kind of support whatsoever.  I’m not talking emotional support.  I’m talking about boobs.

 

NEWSFLASH:  That little flap of material with the tissue paper you call lining is not doing me any favors.  And just because I’m looking for a one piece does not mean I want to be seen in large floral patterns, shiny psychodelic colors or large stripes.  So that pretty much rules out every single bathing suit in every single store in this town.

 

And one other thing:  those one pieces that have the gold rings between the boobs and are cut out in the middle and look like they should only be worn with heels…they only look good on those Victoria’s Secret chicks.

My Boyfriend’s Back… June 25, 2009

My boyfriend’s coming home in a week.  One.  Week.  He’s been gone since February, studying abroad in exotic New Zealand while I toil away here with my job, my friends and my occasional hobbies.

 

OK, it’s not that bad, but 5 months ago, I thought it would be.  When he told me that he’d be away for five months, I had a moment of panic as I considered what I would do without him.  We’d been living together for 6 months prior to his temporary relocation, sharing pet care responsibilities, chores, friends, hiking, camping.  How could he leave?  Who would I hang out with?  What was I going to do to make it 5 loooong months?

 

As it turns out, plenty.  Girls’ Night Out has made a comeback, scary movie night is in full swing (they’re my favorite, but the bf won’t watch scary movies with me, so I’d fallen behind on my list), the second job I picked up in January has yielded additional cash and the chance to hang out with two adorable kids, and I get to read in bed at night without someone complaining that “it’s too late to have the light on.” 

 

I’d forgotten just how freeing single life could be.  Oh, I still love him, and I can’t wait for him to get home, but being without him for so long was a welcome wake-up call to remembering who I was as an individual instead of as one half of a couple.  When that plane touches down at 6:27pm on June 3, I will be the first person to welcome him back to the US.  But I will not forget what I learned about myself while he was away.

Jon & Kate Should Hibernate May 13, 2009

It’s hard for me to look at any of the articles about Jon and Kate Gosselin and actually feel bad for them.  The quote in this People article in particular strikes me as absolutely ridiculous.

Ultimately, Kate says she does not know what she can do to stop the insanity. “The scary thing for me is [the tabloids] are going to take information and create a story. It’s a matter of, ‘When will they stop?’ They’re going to keep going, and they’ll make up stuff to connect the dots.”

Um….how about you stop exploiting your family for the sake of money?  You’re not a celebrity.  The only thing you did was give birth to 8 babies and put them on national television.  You invited this scrutiny into your home.  If you want it gone, then send the cameras away.  Focus on your husband and your kids.


Jon has been fodder for celebrity magazines as well.  Apparently he wasn’t aware that sneaking around a bar with a 23-year-old was sketchy.


I’m not suggesting that anyone deserves to have nasty rumors spread all over the Internet and pages of gossip magazines, but in this particular case, when there are kids directly involved, it’s a simple fix.  You should do everything you can to protect your family.  Putting them out there for the world to see, critique, tear down and manipulate is not protecting your family.


On a side note—why is TLC constantly capitalizing on the large family dynamic?  How many of these families would actually be able to support themselves if they didn’t have a TV show?  Which brings me around full circle to ask why people are rewarding this irresponsible behavior by watching the shows, which then creates good ratings, which leads to another year of family spun drama (and in the case of 18 Kids and Counting, another baby).

California Controversy April 30, 2009

Miss California has caused quite a stir since making her opinion clear on same sex marriage. 

 

I can’t fault her for her opinion, despite the fact that I whole-heartedly disagree.  That’s the beauty of this country: your freedom of speech is protected.  I do wonder, though, how exposed she has been to the gay community.  She attends a Christian college, was welcomed with open arms at her church, which praised her for “refusing to compromise her faith”, and is surrounded by members of her family who have, based on her answer, molded her opinion on same sex marriage.  Has she ever worked with, attended school with, or even just talked to a gay man or woman?  Isolation breeds ignorance, which then breeds fear and prejudice.  I’m not saying she can’t hold her opinion; I just wonder if she’s ever considered the other side of the coin before forming it.

 

And while we’re on the subject of gay marriage, can everyone just stop using the “sanctity” excuse?  We live in a country where you can have a drive-thru wedding in a town that practically screams cheating, gambling and prostitution.  The U.S. divorce rate is 50%.  And people want to protect the sanctity of marriage?  Spare me.

Blog Redesign April 7, 2009

It’s been a long time since I last posted something here.  After that fact came up in conversation the other day, I thought it best to confirm that this blog is not dead.  I haven’t abandoned it; I just haven’t been motivated.  I could blame it on the blah weather we’ve had lately (except for this weekend, which I’m hoping isn’t a cruel joke!) or my crazy schedule as of late.  But the truth is, I haven’t really been interested in any recent marketing topic lately.  In reviewing some of my previous posts, I’ve found that even with the best of intentions, my posts have started to slide into my personal life.  I really wanted to focus this blog on the field of marketing and pr, given my position in the professional world.  However, I find my personal life much more interesting.   I’m not bragging, but it’s full of great stories.  And since my entire family is 2000 miles away, this will give them something besides a phone call to keep up.

I don’t plan to abandon the marketing world for good.  I just want this blog to live up to its title and become a random collection of stories that reflect me and who I am as a person.  I do also stay involved in the marketing and pr side of things through my tweets (@uncgrl84) and by posting comments on several trade publications.  On a related note, check out my take on the downfall of marketing in the current economic situation and my plan B.

I’m hopeful that this change of course will keep me more involved, more focused and more interesting.  Let me know what you think!

GIS…What? March 12, 2009

A year ago, I started working for a geospatial software development company.  Of course, everyone asked me what the company did and what my role was, and for the first few months, I was at a loss.  My experience is not in GIS or software development.  I am a public relations guru through and through, and luckily, my resume got me in the door and my interview got me the job.  My boss had the guts to trust that I knew what I was doing and could learn enough about the software to market it successfully.

 

That was a year ago, and I’m happy to say that I do understand GIS now; I can explain what my company does and how I fit in; and my track record has proven that I can market our products successfully.  Now, for all of my family members and friends who still don’t quite get it, please visit the Geospatial Revolution Project.  No, I don’t work for them; but while trolling around the internet to find out what people were saying about my company and our competition, I stumbled upon this public service outreach initiative taken on by Penn State Public Broadcasting.  Take a look at the trailer.  It’s slick.  And it will give you a great idea of the technologies I see every day. 

 

I’ll admit it: I was slightly bored when I started my job.  I knew nothing of the industry, and I couldn’t relate to the projects that our clients were doing.  Now, after a year of reviewing projects with customers, talking to people at tradeshows and finding scores of applications for our software, it’s wildly entertaining.   

 

Let me know what you think of the video and the project.

Loving the Tar Heels (and Tyler!) March 10, 2009

I watched Tyler Hansbrough’s last game in the Smith Center on Sunday with mixed emotions.  Nervousness, since the game was close the entire 40 minutes; excitement, as we earned a W over Duke; and sadness, because Tyler Hansbrough’s tenure at UNC have been such a huge part of my life for the past four years.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill was my backup school when I started applying to college.  I had big dreams of getting out of North Carolina , a place I’d called my home since the day I was born, and exploring the world.  My mom encouraged me to at least apply to one in-state school, and as it always is, it turns out Mom was right.  Senioritis kicked in as I finished high school, and getting myself together to get out of town never happened.  I chose UNC and never looked back.

There is something so special about that campus.  From the non-air conditioned dorms freshman year to the Student Union, where I studied because the library was so quiet I felt like I was missing something, to the Old Well, Bell Tower and Pit, I wouldn’t trade my four years at Carolina for a full ride anywhere else.

When I was a senior, Tyler Hansbrough joined the men’s basketball team.  Since then, Carolina basketball is something I hate to miss.  I’ve watched him break record after record while playing with the heart, integrity and talent most people couldn’t even dream of.  I’ve run up to Franklin Street to celebrate big game wins, jumping over bon fires and screaming with my friends.  I was in Ireland when Tyler ’s nose was broken during a Duke game.  The entire group I was traveling with had attended UNC, and as soon as we got word that Tyler had been injured, we scoured YouTube, Fox Sports, several blogs, anything that would give us the clip of Gerald Henderson’s elbow to Tyler’s face.  And I have to say, I’ve never forgiven Henderson.

I’ve since moved from NC, out to Montana to really discover the Wild West.  I wish, just for the day, I could have been back in Chapel Hill to watch Tyler ’s last home game.  He, and the rest of the team, did an amazing job.  I can’t wait for March Madness to heat up, and I definitely wish Tyler all the best as he closes one door and opens another!

The Art of the First Impression March 3, 2009

I recently worked at my first recruitment gig.  The company I work for is hiring for summer interns, and we decided to recruit at the local university’s annual career fair.  It hasn’t been an eternity since I was out there looking for post-grad work; quite the contrary—I only graduated 3 years ago.  So imagine how old I felt when I found myself thinking, “What are kids these days thinking?”

I was genuinely appalled at the casual attire that adorned many of the attendees.  Jeans (some with holes), t-shirts, track pants, messy hair…I saw all of these and more.  I should probably confess that I live and work in Montana , one of the most laid back states in the country.  I go to work everyday in jeans, sweatshirts, flip flops.  When I went to my interview, however, I was in a suit and heels.  My makeup was done and I at least glanced at my hair in the mirror before meeting anyone at the company.

A first impression is so important.  When making one upon a potential employer, it is even more critical, as your appearance can reveal more about you than an interview or a resume.  If you don’t even take the time to iron your clothes, brush your hair or coordinate your outfit (a suit with tennis shoes isn’t any better than jeans and a t-shirt) when you are trying to impress me, then how would I expect you to perform your job duties any differently once you become employed?

I am by no means an expert on this subject, but here are a few absolute no-nos I would offer to someone looking for work:

No jeans.  Jeans have become the most versatile wardrobe staple around.  Pair them with a graphic tee and flip flops, and you’ve got a day at the beach.  Throw on a dark pair with heels and a wrap-around top, and you can head out for a night on the town.  I don’t care about all the different outfits you can create with a pair of jeans.  Don’t wear them to a career fair or interview.  Men—khakis or suits.  Women—skirts and hose, or if you can’t bear that, black pants work just as well.  But don’t trick yourself into believing that glittery shoes make up for the fact that you’re wearing denim.  And if there are holes in your pants, then don’t even stop at my table.

No zip up sweatshirts, hoodies, flannel shirts.  Let’s assume you’ve got the pants (or skirt) down pat.  None of these articles of clothing would match up with business casual attire.  And if you’ve paired them with jeans, again, keep walking….right on past my table.

Bottom line:  Dress to impress.  I like suits.  Although they are becoming less and less common, I have found ways to pair them with a bright shirt, unique jewelry or fun shoes that lend a younger feel to a tired staple while still appearing professional.  Even if you’re not quite as formal, especially at career fairs and recruiting events, please steer clear of anything you would wear on a comfortable Saturday afternoon.

Here are a few non-attire pieces of advice as well:

If you have a resume, make sure it doesn’t get crumpled.  Pulling it out of a purse, book bag or anything that threatens to wrinkle or tear it is a nightmare.  Use a folder or some kind of carrying case that is easily accessible.

When you approach a table, shake my hand, look me in the eye and tell me your name.  Speak clearly!  Walking into a room swarming with recruiters can be overwhelming, especially if there is a particular company from which you would like to gather more information.  Here’s a secret from the other side of the table:  we won’t bite.  We actually like confidence, knowledge and a little bit of attitude.  So if you’re not feeling it, fake it.  Eventually it will become easier.

It’s that time of year when most college grads will be looking for jobs.  The quickest and easiest way to stand out is by a positive first impression.  It’s easier to make a great one than shake off a negative one.

Facebook and Breastfeeding December 31, 2008

I stumbled upon an interesting TIME article this morning about Facebook vs. breastfeeders.  I sent a quick tweet out onto Twitter, and I’m afraid I could have possibly been misunderstood.  My quick 140 character message of “Why put your breastfeeding pics on FB anyway?” could, upon first glance, be interpreted in two ways:

That I support Facebook’s ban on the pictures

That I don’t support breastfeeding

Actually, neither assumption is right.  And I’m going to direct those people who responded to my tweet to this post, as I can lay out my argument much better in this format than in 140 characters.

While I understand the blanket rule that leads to the deletion of pictures by Facebook, I think it’s a shame that pictures of a woman feeding her child are lumped in with risqué pictures that are the result of too much alcohol or too little modesty.  I also wholly support breastfeeding and plan to practice it when I have a child.  My argument stems not from the issue of breastfeeding itself or from Facebook’s categorization of pictures, but from my view of Facebook as a social entity.

I am an early adopter of Facebook, having started it when it was only open to college students with an .edu email address.  Students posted any and all pictures without discretion; they left questionable messages as wall posts, and “poking” someone was a form of sexual flirting.  Since then, Facebook has grown to include everyone from my father to a friend’s 6-year-old little boy.  The site has become quite a player in the social media scene, as I’ve explored before.  But it’s this early use of Facebook that I can’t reconcile when it comes to posting breastfeeding pictures.  I have plenty of friends who post pictures of their children or their pregnancies because they want to share their lives through these portals.  It’s just not for me.  I don’t want to include pictures of my innocent, precious child on a website that includes “30 Reasons a Girl Should Call It A Night” or “I F*cking Like Drinking”.  Yes, I post pictures of my family, but the truly personal ones, as I’m sure most breastfeeding pictures would be, are not posted on this social networking site built around drunken nights and foolish decisions.  There are plenty of other photo sharing sites that can store your photos for family and friends to see—Shutterfly, Flickr and Webshots.

I’m also not judging people who post their most personal pictures on Facebook.  Just as I choose to not share certain parts of my life, others are choosing to put it all out there.  That’s a personal decision, and not mine to judge.  As I write this, I’m beginning to understand that I’m not really arguing for or against any one argument.  I just wanted to clear the air and make sure not to offend people.  I don’t mind ruffling a few feathers when my opinion is clear, but I’d hate for someone to be miffed over an opinion that doesn’t exist.

Maybe I’m just not ready to give up all of my privacy to the increasingly digital world into which we are evolving.  As much as I use Facebook to keep up with friends spread over the miles, there are still moments that I would like to keep personal.