In college I donated blood a couple of times. Although, I tried about 4 times total. But I kept getting declined; my iron levels weren't up to their standards. So this time around, I was going to make sure my iron levels were top notch.
Most of you aren't aware of this, but last year I decided to attempt being a vegetarian. This worked and I enjoyed it, until I moved in with my meat-eating, picky-eater boyfriend. Since then I don't eat a lot of beef, but I'll enjoy chicken and every once in a while, venison.
In lieu of this diet, I decided the best way to boost my iron is to eat beef. And lots of it! I made hamburgers for dinner the night before I donated. And then the next morning I ate another hamburger a few hours before my appointment. Needless to say, my blood was a very dark red when they pricked my finger. And later on, my tummy was a little upset about all the beef-next time I'll stick to broccoli. :)
The last time I was able to donate blood everything went perfect, I hardly even bruised. I gave my blood, ate my cookie and went to class...Where I then became dizzy and had to leave and lay down for a while. That was about 4 years ago.
This day, was a little different. I never watch the needle go in, its bad enough being able to feel it! And shortly after I stopped flowing. The attendant was turning the needle to try and get it to flow again. All I could think about what that my vein collapsed and afterwards I would have a badly bruised painful arm. I was not enjoying myself at this point.
After a minute or so, the attendant fixed the needle-my vein had temporarily flattened! Once the blood started flowing again I thought my arm was going to collapse from the fast rush of blood into the bag. From then on everything went according to plan. Afterwards, I took my time to eat a few cookies and some chex mix then went on my way back to work. (mostly) Pain free and I didn't have to do anything but sit there for 12 minutes. :)
Donating blood doesn't take a very long time-the whole process lasted just under an hour for me-yet, only 5% of people donate in this country. 5%! 37% of Americans are eligible to donate, yet a majority of us don't.
Do you know if you're eligible? It's very easy to find out-if you haven't left the country, don't use drugs, haven't gotten a new tattoo in 12 months and don't have AIDS your pretty much eligible (some health conditions may prohibit you from donating).
Get out and DONATE today!! It's easy, you get free food afterward and it is a great way to give back to your community! So bring a friend and give it a try! Your local area has a donation center-just google it!
I know in 56 days I will be returning to donate another pint. :)
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
My Special K Challenge
Today I'm starting the Special K Challenge.
What it is: I replace two of my meals with the special k bars and cereal and add two snacks, special k brand, into my day. I eat my third meal as normal. I do this for 2 weeks. fruits and vegetables are ok to eat as additional snacks.
What it should accomplish: I should lose 6 lbs. and be able to jump start myself into healthier eating.
Ok, so I'm not a junk-food fanatic or anything like that..I'm more like a cheese, bread and overly processed food fanatic, lately.. I decided to do this challenge to get my discipline in order and get back on track.
keep in mind this is not a long-term weight loss solution and will require a change in diet and exercise after the challenge to prevent gaining the lost weight.
Before starting this diet I did a little googling to see what others said about it. Apparently, people were always hungry on this diet (too few calories?) and only lost an average of 4 lbs.
So while searching the grocery store for the products, I decided I was going to further personalize my challenge.
My Special K Challenge: Although the actual challenge provides a list of their specific brand to eat, when I looked at the nutrition labels I wasn't very excited.
-the 'snack protein bars' only had 1 gram of protein and not a lot of fiber.
This would explain why people were always hungry during the challenge. I opted to exchange the snack bars for other bars that had higher protein and fiber. In turn these also have less sugar and unnecessary filler in them.
-The 'meal bars' have a high amount of sugar.
I decided this was acceptable because it was sugar, and not high fructose corn syrup (don't believe the commercials!).
-I bought a lot of fruits and vegetables.
This will give me fiber and other nutrients I need in order to keep my body functioning at a high level while not feeling like I'm starving.
-I bought a multi-vitamin.
Although I should take this every day, I decided to start now, I'm concerned that the bars don't have the nutrients I need. Nutrients and fluids are what keeps our bodies alive, in addition to (not just) carbs and protein.
My Goals: As far as weight loss, I'm hoping to lose about 3 lbs. I'm going to continue to be as active as I normally would be and I'm not going to allow myself to starve (hence the fruits and vegetables). After the challenge I want to be able to have more discipline in choosing foods that are good for me as opposed to foods my brain craves.
I'll keep everyone posted on my progress.
What it is: I replace two of my meals with the special k bars and cereal and add two snacks, special k brand, into my day. I eat my third meal as normal. I do this for 2 weeks. fruits and vegetables are ok to eat as additional snacks.
What it should accomplish: I should lose 6 lbs. and be able to jump start myself into healthier eating.
Ok, so I'm not a junk-food fanatic or anything like that..I'm more like a cheese, bread and overly processed food fanatic, lately.. I decided to do this challenge to get my discipline in order and get back on track.
keep in mind this is not a long-term weight loss solution and will require a change in diet and exercise after the challenge to prevent gaining the lost weight.
Before starting this diet I did a little googling to see what others said about it. Apparently, people were always hungry on this diet (too few calories?) and only lost an average of 4 lbs.
So while searching the grocery store for the products, I decided I was going to further personalize my challenge.
My Special K Challenge: Although the actual challenge provides a list of their specific brand to eat, when I looked at the nutrition labels I wasn't very excited.
-the 'snack protein bars' only had 1 gram of protein and not a lot of fiber.
This would explain why people were always hungry during the challenge. I opted to exchange the snack bars for other bars that had higher protein and fiber. In turn these also have less sugar and unnecessary filler in them.
-The 'meal bars' have a high amount of sugar.
I decided this was acceptable because it was sugar, and not high fructose corn syrup (don't believe the commercials!).
-I bought a lot of fruits and vegetables.
This will give me fiber and other nutrients I need in order to keep my body functioning at a high level while not feeling like I'm starving.
-I bought a multi-vitamin.
Although I should take this every day, I decided to start now, I'm concerned that the bars don't have the nutrients I need. Nutrients and fluids are what keeps our bodies alive, in addition to (not just) carbs and protein.
My Goals: As far as weight loss, I'm hoping to lose about 3 lbs. I'm going to continue to be as active as I normally would be and I'm not going to allow myself to starve (hence the fruits and vegetables). After the challenge I want to be able to have more discipline in choosing foods that are good for me as opposed to foods my brain craves.
I'll keep everyone posted on my progress.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
When is Enough Really Enough?
I keep telling myself, "Stop planning, stop thinking you don't have enough to do..."
But I can't help it. I'm whelmed on most days and yesterday I was overwhelmed. Just driving home without feeling the walls around me crash down was difficult. Every red light I had to wait at was torture. I just wanted to crawl into bed and relinquish my control over the my little, busy world.
And then I remembered that I've felt this before. During college. During that time in my life, I experienced several moments where life was just a little too much for me.
So here I am again, spread just a little too thin and ready to make a change in this progression towards collapse.
I realized it a little over a week ago, no matter what is going on with my life I always think I can make room for something else to do.
I keep thinking that I am capable of going to work 45 hours a week, babysitting every other weekend, cleaning my house (regularly), practicing my clarinet, going to the gym 4 times a week, getting enough sleep, socializing with friends (who stay up late!), update my blog and then finding time for myself...much less time for my significant other and I to get 'personal'. This has left me exhausted! Since last week I've decided to start going to the gym in the morning to meet my 'goal'. I'm over tired from getting up that early. I also decided to cut back on caffeine, this whole week I've been a crabby mess. And the really unfortunate part, is that I haven't socialized; I've become a hermit and I think its effecting my socializing skills.
I know there are people that are okay with this kind of 'stress' and constantly having something to do. I honestly do thrive on it, when it isn't too much, but this! This is too much.
It's time to take back the control in my life, I can't allow myself to keep overwhelming my schedule just because I can.
But where do I begin? Honestly, any activities that provide income need to stay. Exercise and socializing need to stay. I need to keep my house clean...Give up my blog?? It doesn't really consume that much time, and I usually post on the fly. I never put a decent amount of research into anything I post(I'm just that smart??). I haven't even managed to find decent time for my clarinet....or my significant other..
oh, woe is me. Maybe it was the caffeine withdrawal and exhaustion. Maybe I'm not really that busy, more like I'm unable to relax when I can.
We'll see how I manage. Right now Saturday is completely open, I think I'll make a start by keeping it that way.
But I can't help it. I'm whelmed on most days and yesterday I was overwhelmed. Just driving home without feeling the walls around me crash down was difficult. Every red light I had to wait at was torture. I just wanted to crawl into bed and relinquish my control over the my little, busy world.
And then I remembered that I've felt this before. During college. During that time in my life, I experienced several moments where life was just a little too much for me.
So here I am again, spread just a little too thin and ready to make a change in this progression towards collapse.
I realized it a little over a week ago, no matter what is going on with my life I always think I can make room for something else to do.
I keep thinking that I am capable of going to work 45 hours a week, babysitting every other weekend, cleaning my house (regularly), practicing my clarinet, going to the gym 4 times a week, getting enough sleep, socializing with friends (who stay up late!), update my blog and then finding time for myself...much less time for my significant other and I to get 'personal'. This has left me exhausted! Since last week I've decided to start going to the gym in the morning to meet my 'goal'. I'm over tired from getting up that early. I also decided to cut back on caffeine, this whole week I've been a crabby mess. And the really unfortunate part, is that I haven't socialized; I've become a hermit and I think its effecting my socializing skills.
I know there are people that are okay with this kind of 'stress' and constantly having something to do. I honestly do thrive on it, when it isn't too much, but this! This is too much.
It's time to take back the control in my life, I can't allow myself to keep overwhelming my schedule just because I can.
But where do I begin? Honestly, any activities that provide income need to stay. Exercise and socializing need to stay. I need to keep my house clean...Give up my blog?? It doesn't really consume that much time, and I usually post on the fly. I never put a decent amount of research into anything I post(I'm just that smart??). I haven't even managed to find decent time for my clarinet....or my significant other..
oh, woe is me. Maybe it was the caffeine withdrawal and exhaustion. Maybe I'm not really that busy, more like I'm unable to relax when I can.
We'll see how I manage. Right now Saturday is completely open, I think I'll make a start by keeping it that way.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Job Hopping isn't Always Good
I am 22 years old, two years out of college and almost arriving at my 2 year at my current job. As I read about how unique and original my generation is, I find it disconcerting. We are supposed to be unique and original, yet we are all following similar paths to one another. Maybe its time to not follow the 'trend'...
Gen-Y started a trend. They started to job hop about every 18 months. Then Everyone who enjoys Gen-Y said, "This is different." "This is the new norm."
I beg to differ. I haven't job hopped, and although I have thought about it and sent out a few applications here and there, I'm still at my current job. And I honestly plan to be here for a while. Maybe you should consider staying put yourself. Let me explain why:
1. Staying at your first job for a substantial length in time can give you experience, and portray on your resume that you do want to find a company that you can see a future in.
One of the reasons the company hired me and I 'hired' the company was because they wanted someone that can grow with the company and I wanted a company that can give me the hours, pay and benefits that I wanted. More recently, I discovered that my resume can continue to grow and provide substantial experience if I stay at the company.
2. Job-hopping does not provide stability.
In our twenties, no one can be sure they know exactly what they want in a career. This is why job-hopping may be good for you. Job-hopping may allow you to 'gain experience' in several different areas, but it doesn't necessarily provide stability like some may say. For example; you left a company that was growing, but wasn't quite big enough to give you the opportunities you needed, so you left. You went to a company that was able to provide what you needed, but given the economy they were suffering. Suffering to the point of needing to lay off some of their 'extra' employees. Being the newbie, that most likely means you. Now you don't have a job, or stability.
3. Investing in a company makes the company want to invest in you.
Staying with a company for more than 2-4 years shows the company that you are invested in them. You work hard their the companies success, which in turn provides you success. With this hard work and returned success, you get reward. Staying with the company provides you the opportunity to ask for the raise, or the promotion. Or even to ask the company if they can meet your career goals, if they want to invest in you, they will do everything in their power to meet those goals. Though you have worked for everything you've gained, you also didn't have to send out applications and go through the interview process to get to where you want to be.
4. Over time, it will pay off or you will leave.
Although I don't think consistent job-hopping is 'healthy' for your career, I do understand that it has to be done. But I think it is absolutely necessary for a person to do the best they can to find a company worth investing in. If it turns out that two years later, it just doesn't work out-then changing jobs would be worth your time. It is selfish and immoral to think that once a job runs dry on experience and your 'growth' flat lines that its time to move on. Consider the possibility: When you interview for a job, you should have your long-term and short-term career goals in mind. Don't take a job with a company that you know won't be able to provide what you need to accomplish your goals. Not only would it be a waste of time and money for the company, it takes away time you could've used to pursue your goals faster and more efficiently. If gaining experience is your goal, be a contractor. If you want to be promoted to Snr. Manager, you need to stick around long enough to get the reputation you need to be promoted or hired to that position. If you don't want to be promoted, and have experience under your belt, find a company that will pay off.
Now, I could ramble on about work ethic and commitment to a bigger cause than your career in terms of staying with a company, but I do believe that is outdated. I do believe that job-hopping doesn't necessarily mean you have a weak work ethic. It is absurd for anyone to think that we go to work everyday and think, "Today I'm going to serve a greater purpose than crossing off my to-do list and keeping my boss happy." It just doesn't happen.
Recently, I did ask my company if they can meet my career goals. I work in an office that doesn't have ladders to climb or departments to rotate through. Our job openings are few and far between. I know they can't meet my goals unless a certain position opens up, but I was told that they would do everything they could to provide the experience I want. Of course, if it turns out that isn't enough and I can't wait for that job-opening, than leaving will become more of an option.
So, without job-hopping, I have a stable, growing career with a company that agrees with my ethics and morals AND they want to invest in me. By them telling me they would do everything they could to allow me to continue to grow, I know they want to make an investment in me. In return, I will continue to invest my time, energy and work ethic into them.
Gen-Y started a trend. They started to job hop about every 18 months. Then Everyone who enjoys Gen-Y said, "This is different." "This is the new norm."
I beg to differ. I haven't job hopped, and although I have thought about it and sent out a few applications here and there, I'm still at my current job. And I honestly plan to be here for a while. Maybe you should consider staying put yourself. Let me explain why:
1. Staying at your first job for a substantial length in time can give you experience, and portray on your resume that you do want to find a company that you can see a future in.
One of the reasons the company hired me and I 'hired' the company was because they wanted someone that can grow with the company and I wanted a company that can give me the hours, pay and benefits that I wanted. More recently, I discovered that my resume can continue to grow and provide substantial experience if I stay at the company.
2. Job-hopping does not provide stability.
In our twenties, no one can be sure they know exactly what they want in a career. This is why job-hopping may be good for you. Job-hopping may allow you to 'gain experience' in several different areas, but it doesn't necessarily provide stability like some may say. For example; you left a company that was growing, but wasn't quite big enough to give you the opportunities you needed, so you left. You went to a company that was able to provide what you needed, but given the economy they were suffering. Suffering to the point of needing to lay off some of their 'extra' employees. Being the newbie, that most likely means you. Now you don't have a job, or stability.
3. Investing in a company makes the company want to invest in you.
Staying with a company for more than 2-4 years shows the company that you are invested in them. You work hard their the companies success, which in turn provides you success. With this hard work and returned success, you get reward. Staying with the company provides you the opportunity to ask for the raise, or the promotion. Or even to ask the company if they can meet your career goals, if they want to invest in you, they will do everything in their power to meet those goals. Though you have worked for everything you've gained, you also didn't have to send out applications and go through the interview process to get to where you want to be.
4. Over time, it will pay off or you will leave.
Although I don't think consistent job-hopping is 'healthy' for your career, I do understand that it has to be done. But I think it is absolutely necessary for a person to do the best they can to find a company worth investing in. If it turns out that two years later, it just doesn't work out-then changing jobs would be worth your time. It is selfish and immoral to think that once a job runs dry on experience and your 'growth' flat lines that its time to move on. Consider the possibility: When you interview for a job, you should have your long-term and short-term career goals in mind. Don't take a job with a company that you know won't be able to provide what you need to accomplish your goals. Not only would it be a waste of time and money for the company, it takes away time you could've used to pursue your goals faster and more efficiently. If gaining experience is your goal, be a contractor. If you want to be promoted to Snr. Manager, you need to stick around long enough to get the reputation you need to be promoted or hired to that position. If you don't want to be promoted, and have experience under your belt, find a company that will pay off.
Now, I could ramble on about work ethic and commitment to a bigger cause than your career in terms of staying with a company, but I do believe that is outdated. I do believe that job-hopping doesn't necessarily mean you have a weak work ethic. It is absurd for anyone to think that we go to work everyday and think, "Today I'm going to serve a greater purpose than crossing off my to-do list and keeping my boss happy." It just doesn't happen.
Recently, I did ask my company if they can meet my career goals. I work in an office that doesn't have ladders to climb or departments to rotate through. Our job openings are few and far between. I know they can't meet my goals unless a certain position opens up, but I was told that they would do everything they could to provide the experience I want. Of course, if it turns out that isn't enough and I can't wait for that job-opening, than leaving will become more of an option.
So, without job-hopping, I have a stable, growing career with a company that agrees with my ethics and morals AND they want to invest in me. By them telling me they would do everything they could to allow me to continue to grow, I know they want to make an investment in me. In return, I will continue to invest my time, energy and work ethic into them.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Why the SpongeBob/Burger King Ad is Wrong
I saw this last night while watching South Park, which is not necessarily the best kids show in the world. I couldn't believe what I saw. If you haven't seen it, you must. Here is a link to YouTube, after you're done watching it, come back and finish reading this post.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5X4TSbGreA
First off, I like SpongeBob SquarePants. I used to watch it with my nephew when both of us were younger. But I wouldn't say it was the best show for kids. It has some fowl ideas in it; like the fact that the starfish is so absolutely dumb it makes me feel fumb watching him. But its ok entertainment.
Burger King, isn't somewhere I would go to get a healthy meal, but I never thought the company would make an advertisement so disgusting that is aimed right to kids. I know, I know, "Parents are so over-protective, why do they have to be so paranoid?" But over-protection and paranoia is not the point here. The point is that these companies are advertising sex appeal, de-humanizing the woman body and are trying to sell kids' meals while doing it. I could just imagine my 10 year-old nephew starting to sing this song after seeing it and then wanting to go get nasty Burger King food while doing it.
Think about it, and watch the commercial again if you need to; the men on the show consist of ugly weirdos looking at butts, a king costume and cartoons. The women are dressed in tight 'sexy' clothes with 'squares' on their rear ends dancing around and shaking their 'thang'. At one point the king measures a woman's square rear end. This isn't appropriate for anyone, let alone kids.
On top of this, if you remember the original video and song, you know it starts out with two girls bashing a girl for having a huge rear end (i.e. self-esteem issues ladies!) and then you hear this rapper talking about how he loves to have sex with women who have big rear ends. And not just a single woman, but ANY women. Now, I'm not religious or very conservative, I have had more than one partner, but advertising that having sex with anyone isn't very positive for kids. And it isn't very positive for little girls to already be thinking about how their bodies look.
This commercial is wrong because it is teaching boys to fantasize about the female body and not appreciate her personality. It teaches girls to be conscientious about their body and can cause self-esteem issues. This commercial is wrong because it teaches kids under the age of twelve that sex is okay, a woman doesn't deserve respect and that nasty, fried food is good for you.
Burger King and SpongeBob SquarePants should be ashamed of their actions.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5X4TSbGreA
First off, I like SpongeBob SquarePants. I used to watch it with my nephew when both of us were younger. But I wouldn't say it was the best show for kids. It has some fowl ideas in it; like the fact that the starfish is so absolutely dumb it makes me feel fumb watching him. But its ok entertainment.
Burger King, isn't somewhere I would go to get a healthy meal, but I never thought the company would make an advertisement so disgusting that is aimed right to kids. I know, I know, "Parents are so over-protective, why do they have to be so paranoid?" But over-protection and paranoia is not the point here. The point is that these companies are advertising sex appeal, de-humanizing the woman body and are trying to sell kids' meals while doing it. I could just imagine my 10 year-old nephew starting to sing this song after seeing it and then wanting to go get nasty Burger King food while doing it.
Think about it, and watch the commercial again if you need to; the men on the show consist of ugly weirdos looking at butts, a king costume and cartoons. The women are dressed in tight 'sexy' clothes with 'squares' on their rear ends dancing around and shaking their 'thang'. At one point the king measures a woman's square rear end. This isn't appropriate for anyone, let alone kids.
On top of this, if you remember the original video and song, you know it starts out with two girls bashing a girl for having a huge rear end (i.e. self-esteem issues ladies!) and then you hear this rapper talking about how he loves to have sex with women who have big rear ends. And not just a single woman, but ANY women. Now, I'm not religious or very conservative, I have had more than one partner, but advertising that having sex with anyone isn't very positive for kids. And it isn't very positive for little girls to already be thinking about how their bodies look.
This commercial is wrong because it is teaching boys to fantasize about the female body and not appreciate her personality. It teaches girls to be conscientious about their body and can cause self-esteem issues. This commercial is wrong because it teaches kids under the age of twelve that sex is okay, a woman doesn't deserve respect and that nasty, fried food is good for you.
Burger King and SpongeBob SquarePants should be ashamed of their actions.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
LinkedIn; Really In or Really Not?
A few months ago I opened an account with LinkedIn. I had never heard of it before that day, in fact I only found it because my friend had mentioned it.
And now, today, I realize that I should probably delete the account or actually use it. I logged on, delved into my curiosity and did a few searches to see what I thought about it. In my journey of discovery I decided that this site could be extremely useful to me. On the site, I'm given the opportunity to basically post my resume for anyone to see it. People and companies can search for me (or anyone with a few key characteristics) and I can look at companies, job openings and specific people. Why didn't anyone think of this before?
There are a few drawbacks to it; In order for a member to see all of the search results, or give more than a handful of requests, one has to pay for it (oh man!). For a site that I'm just getting my feet wet with, I don't think I really want to pay for it-I do have a budget!
And I think this is also a good time to point out the social media aspect of it; I think it could go too far. The site is for connecting on a business level. There are no walls to post on, I can't upload a gazillion pictures or create a crazy background on my page. In fact, the information that I can include on my page is limited to essentially what my resume has on it and a few paragraphs about myself. Even though there is a section for you to post your presentations and the projects you are currently working on, it isn't a place for you to write about how terrible you think politics are, or how you're completely stressed out about work and just want to spend the day at home.
I know, right now you are thinking that I have no idea what I'm talking about, but trust me. This blog, when discussing topics such as LinkedIn and how to make a boring day interesting, is social media. But when I blog about how I have no time to blog and I'm doing nothing but making excuses and apologies, is not social media. That is more like a way for me to discuss my personal thoughts and ideas. Don't confuse the two. Blogger.com is for social media, livejournal.com is for personal thoughts and ideas, just for a comparison example.
So let's look back at LinkedIn with social media. Is networking comparable to social media? They are close, but not one-in-the-same. A network allows people to connect and share resources and information, while social media is the act and ability through technology of creating the content of information that allows people to interact with it. I know, you're confused. So let's go over this again in short-hand.
Social Media; the act and ability through technology to create content.
Networking; Allowing people to connect and share resources and information.
LinkedIn: A site that allows people to connect and share information.
This doesn't mean that through networking you are able to find a blog and therefore share social media with a connection on LinkedIn. Don't get me wrong, the two can go together like pie and ice cream, but they are completely separate (like pie is different from ice cream).
In the end, LinkedIn is useful, but not for pouring your heart out or trying to tell a large number of people why you think LinkedIn is useful.
And now, today, I realize that I should probably delete the account or actually use it. I logged on, delved into my curiosity and did a few searches to see what I thought about it. In my journey of discovery I decided that this site could be extremely useful to me. On the site, I'm given the opportunity to basically post my resume for anyone to see it. People and companies can search for me (or anyone with a few key characteristics) and I can look at companies, job openings and specific people. Why didn't anyone think of this before?
There are a few drawbacks to it; In order for a member to see all of the search results, or give more than a handful of requests, one has to pay for it (oh man!). For a site that I'm just getting my feet wet with, I don't think I really want to pay for it-I do have a budget!
And I think this is also a good time to point out the social media aspect of it; I think it could go too far. The site is for connecting on a business level. There are no walls to post on, I can't upload a gazillion pictures or create a crazy background on my page. In fact, the information that I can include on my page is limited to essentially what my resume has on it and a few paragraphs about myself. Even though there is a section for you to post your presentations and the projects you are currently working on, it isn't a place for you to write about how terrible you think politics are, or how you're completely stressed out about work and just want to spend the day at home.
I know, right now you are thinking that I have no idea what I'm talking about, but trust me. This blog, when discussing topics such as LinkedIn and how to make a boring day interesting, is social media. But when I blog about how I have no time to blog and I'm doing nothing but making excuses and apologies, is not social media. That is more like a way for me to discuss my personal thoughts and ideas. Don't confuse the two. Blogger.com is for social media, livejournal.com is for personal thoughts and ideas, just for a comparison example.
So let's look back at LinkedIn with social media. Is networking comparable to social media? They are close, but not one-in-the-same. A network allows people to connect and share resources and information, while social media is the act and ability through technology of creating the content of information that allows people to interact with it. I know, you're confused. So let's go over this again in short-hand.
Social Media; the act and ability through technology to create content.
Networking; Allowing people to connect and share resources and information.
LinkedIn: A site that allows people to connect and share information.
This doesn't mean that through networking you are able to find a blog and therefore share social media with a connection on LinkedIn. Don't get me wrong, the two can go together like pie and ice cream, but they are completely separate (like pie is different from ice cream).
In the end, LinkedIn is useful, but not for pouring your heart out or trying to tell a large number of people why you think LinkedIn is useful.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Money, recital and more working...
My 'nonexistence' on my blog has a reason-for those that have read it, I apologize. As usual, I have been too busy for my own good. But change is coming quickly, well, not quickly enough.
In 6 weeks my life will seem to be less busy, I hope. I have a lot of events and ideas being planned right now, and once May comes most, if not all, of these ideas will have unfolded.
First: My first student recital. Since I've never done this before I'm doing everything from scratch, except for the teaching portion. But I've managed to keep my budget low! My accompanist is only $20/student, which brings the total under $100. I decided to create my own invites, flyers and programs for the production. However, I splurged on the invites and had them printed on super awesome paper! I don't know if this will make a drastic difference, but what the heck, why not? That means I will have to be creative when it comes to the program. The flyers will not be an issue, they're flyers. They can be cheap! The only other purchase I should have to make for this event is the beverage for the reception. My students are going to be asked to bring cookies, brownies and cupcakes. What? I can't bake that much AND host a recital! It is happening at a retirement home, so the audience is pretty much already provided, and family will be there of course!
After the recital has passed, I will post about what I could have done better and changes I'll make for next year!
Second: I have *another* job. :) My cash flow is not where I would like it so I searched for a month or more for another job. And I found it! It is very part-time, every other weekend. I will be babysitting two adorable little kids and the family's two dogs. I'm very excited about this, especially since bedtime is early so I can do other things, like working on some blog articles, or reading..You know, a little work, a little relaxing :).
Third: I've been crunching numbers on my budget. I'm determined to be able to save $600/month in order to buy an awesome car next summer. With this new job, that will be possible. In order to live more comfortably, I am trying to get 2-4 students for the summer as well, I think this might be more of a challenge!
In other news...
I'm going to my Alma Mater's Jazz Fest next month! Go JAZZ!
My grandparents have their 50th Wedding Anniversary next month!
AND!! I'm planning my first trip to Vegas. That will take place in June.
Easter is also coming up quick, but not as quick as Spring which officially starts TOMORROW!!
I've already worn a skirt this year and my white, pasty legs have already recieved comments about how awesome they look (must be from all the running I did this winter).
So-so news:
I tried to play my clarinet, and ended up playing a little too much. I stressed my arms. This was two weeks ago, and they are still a little sore and tight. So I've been avoiding typing. Then last week I pulled some muscles in my shoulder and that has been tremendously annoying and painful.
Now do you get why I haven't been posting...
In 6 weeks my life will seem to be less busy, I hope. I have a lot of events and ideas being planned right now, and once May comes most, if not all, of these ideas will have unfolded.
First: My first student recital. Since I've never done this before I'm doing everything from scratch, except for the teaching portion. But I've managed to keep my budget low! My accompanist is only $20/student, which brings the total under $100. I decided to create my own invites, flyers and programs for the production. However, I splurged on the invites and had them printed on super awesome paper! I don't know if this will make a drastic difference, but what the heck, why not? That means I will have to be creative when it comes to the program. The flyers will not be an issue, they're flyers. They can be cheap! The only other purchase I should have to make for this event is the beverage for the reception. My students are going to be asked to bring cookies, brownies and cupcakes. What? I can't bake that much AND host a recital! It is happening at a retirement home, so the audience is pretty much already provided, and family will be there of course!
After the recital has passed, I will post about what I could have done better and changes I'll make for next year!
Second: I have *another* job. :) My cash flow is not where I would like it so I searched for a month or more for another job. And I found it! It is very part-time, every other weekend. I will be babysitting two adorable little kids and the family's two dogs. I'm very excited about this, especially since bedtime is early so I can do other things, like working on some blog articles, or reading..You know, a little work, a little relaxing :).
Third: I've been crunching numbers on my budget. I'm determined to be able to save $600/month in order to buy an awesome car next summer. With this new job, that will be possible. In order to live more comfortably, I am trying to get 2-4 students for the summer as well, I think this might be more of a challenge!
In other news...
I'm going to my Alma Mater's Jazz Fest next month! Go JAZZ!
My grandparents have their 50th Wedding Anniversary next month!
AND!! I'm planning my first trip to Vegas. That will take place in June.
Easter is also coming up quick, but not as quick as Spring which officially starts TOMORROW!!
I've already worn a skirt this year and my white, pasty legs have already recieved comments about how awesome they look (must be from all the running I did this winter).
So-so news:
I tried to play my clarinet, and ended up playing a little too much. I stressed my arms. This was two weeks ago, and they are still a little sore and tight. So I've been avoiding typing. Then last week I pulled some muscles in my shoulder and that has been tremendously annoying and painful.
Now do you get why I haven't been posting...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
