On Sunday, the faves and I went over to Dock and Dizzles to have lunch with them. When we opened their door to enter, we were surprised to find them downstairs in Docks office. We were even more surprised to see boxes, toys, pictures and Christmas decorations covering the first floor.
Of course, this inspired Dizz to share her stories with us. First, she went through a stack of frames filled with photos from several going away parties. My favorite being a large framed picture of the high school I attended. Next, were old pictures of the jam. Bub & his bowl cut, me with my hot-rolled hair & braces, both of us smiling awkwardly. The last thing that Dizzle found to share? My American Girl Dolls- all 6 of them.
When Dizzle introduced Kirstin, Samantha, Addy, Josefina, Felicity & Molly (yes, I still know their names) I was pleasantly surprised that the faves had their own memories of these same dolls. (Even though Becky’s memory was that she and I used to pretend they were rappers…while we were in high school.)
The American Girl dolls were an important part of my childhood. They were all given to me as gifts, so each Christmas for 6 years I had something to really look forward to. The fact that they’ve made it from MN to Baltimore and everywhere in between is pretty impressive.
Being reminded of how significant Christmas gifts can be allows me to reflect on what this weekend was about. 2009 has been an amazing year for me- by far the best yet. To help celebrate that, I hosted a toys for tots event for my friends and family to get together and donate their time and gifts while enjoying each others’ company. In a short time, we were able to collect over 100 toys to donate to Baltimore’s children.
I don’t remember seeing any American Girl dolls to donate, but I am confident that these toys will provide great memories for some special children this Christmas.
To learn more about Baltimore’s Toys for Tots program, check out: http://www.toysfortotsbaltimore.org/
Thank you to all that came out on Saturday!
Monday, December 14, 2009
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Locks of Love
November was a busy month that ended on a fantastic note. On Saturday Dizzle and I headed over to About Faces in Canton, where Jeff cut off ten inches of my hair for me to donate to Locks of Love.
Locks of Love is a non profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children under 21 suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis. Anyone who has ten or more inches of hair to donate can pull their hair back in a pony tail or braid, cut it off and send it in.
It wasn’t until I sat in the chair at the salon that I started to feel a little anxious. While Dizzle took (a million) pictures, Jeff put my hair in a ponytail and without hesitation chopped it off. My anxiety went away when he handed me the ponytail- it was done! The first big surprise was looking in the mirror and not having long hair. The second surprise came when the B walked into the salon to surprise me and distract me through the change (I have some amazing people in my world).
After I was cut, dried and styled, we put the hair in an envelope along with the $1,020 that was so generously donated from my friends and family, (Thank you all!!) and sent it to Florida.
It was on Wednesday that I made the decision to donate my hair. By Saturday, with the support and empowerment of incredible friends, I was able to send a little over a thousand dollars, plus ten inches of natural blond hair to Locks of Love. Pretty amazing.
To read more about the organization check out http://www.locksoflove.org/
Locks of Love is a non profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children under 21 suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis. Anyone who has ten or more inches of hair to donate can pull their hair back in a pony tail or braid, cut it off and send it in.
It wasn’t until I sat in the chair at the salon that I started to feel a little anxious. While Dizzle took (a million) pictures, Jeff put my hair in a ponytail and without hesitation chopped it off. My anxiety went away when he handed me the ponytail- it was done! The first big surprise was looking in the mirror and not having long hair. The second surprise came when the B walked into the salon to surprise me and distract me through the change (I have some amazing people in my world).
After I was cut, dried and styled, we put the hair in an envelope along with the $1,020 that was so generously donated from my friends and family, (Thank you all!!) and sent it to Florida.
It was on Wednesday that I made the decision to donate my hair. By Saturday, with the support and empowerment of incredible friends, I was able to send a little over a thousand dollars, plus ten inches of natural blond hair to Locks of Love. Pretty amazing.
To read more about the organization check out http://www.locksoflove.org/
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Family Tradition
The holidays are quickly approaching, (where did 2009 go?!) which for me also brings the celebration of tradition. Of the many traditions that have developed over the years, my favorite is Thanksgiving dinner with the jam.
As many families do, the four of us get together at Dock and Dizzle’s early in the morning on Thanksgiving Day. Andrew and I wear our respective college sweats the whole afternoon and “help Dizz in the kitchen” - Which really means we watch football and eat French silk pie batter.
The afternoon is unintentionally divided into each of us having time to reconnect. I am able to catch Dizz up on life, friends, and my opinions of our favorite TV shows while helping in the kitchen. I have the opportunity to talk with Dock about work, sports and more work while watching football on the couch. I also get to hear how school is going for Andrew while sharing my older sister words of wisdom as we're making the run to the Wine Market.
Around 7 we sit down and pile dinner onto our plates. Halfway through the turkey, Dock asks us the question we’ve been waiting for all day (as he’s been asking this question on Thanksgiving since we learned how to speak) - “What are the three things you are most thankful for this year?”
It’s during this time that I am humbled by the incredible support and love provided by the people closest to me. It’s easy to lose sight of what the holidays are really about and focus on the food we’re going to eat, what we are going to put on our Christmas lists and where we are going to bring in the New Year. Don’t get me wrong, I chose the chair next to the stuffing years ago, my Christmas list has been created since August and I have narrowed my New Years Eve venue down to three spots- but Thanksgiving is also a reminder that reflection is empowering.
My thoughts- take advantage of it. Share with those you spend your holidays with the three things that you are most thankful for this year.
As many families do, the four of us get together at Dock and Dizzle’s early in the morning on Thanksgiving Day. Andrew and I wear our respective college sweats the whole afternoon and “help Dizz in the kitchen” - Which really means we watch football and eat French silk pie batter.
The afternoon is unintentionally divided into each of us having time to reconnect. I am able to catch Dizz up on life, friends, and my opinions of our favorite TV shows while helping in the kitchen. I have the opportunity to talk with Dock about work, sports and more work while watching football on the couch. I also get to hear how school is going for Andrew while sharing my older sister words of wisdom as we're making the run to the Wine Market.
Around 7 we sit down and pile dinner onto our plates. Halfway through the turkey, Dock asks us the question we’ve been waiting for all day (as he’s been asking this question on Thanksgiving since we learned how to speak) - “What are the three things you are most thankful for this year?”
It’s during this time that I am humbled by the incredible support and love provided by the people closest to me. It’s easy to lose sight of what the holidays are really about and focus on the food we’re going to eat, what we are going to put on our Christmas lists and where we are going to bring in the New Year. Don’t get me wrong, I chose the chair next to the stuffing years ago, my Christmas list has been created since August and I have narrowed my New Years Eve venue down to three spots- but Thanksgiving is also a reminder that reflection is empowering.
My thoughts- take advantage of it. Share with those you spend your holidays with the three things that you are most thankful for this year.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Fantastic Decision Making
As you have learned, I always knew that I wanted to be in PR. However, it was not until my last year in college that I decided I wanted to be involved with sports marketing and PR in some way. Since graduating, I have been extremely lucky to begin my career exactly where I wanted to. Being in sports marketing and public relations, I am surrounded by others who are also consumed by athletics. With this, often comes the question “Who is your team?”
Since moving out of the Midwest, I have lived in two different states that are both exclusively college sports states. Neither West Virginia nor Kentucky has professional sports teams, which lead me to be an avid Mountaineer football fan and a stereotypical Wildcat Basketball fan.
As for professional teams, after moving to Baltimore I had some decisions to make. My parents and Andrew having all been born and raised in Minnesota are true Vikings fans (they even support the ridiculousness of Brett Favre), and Twins fans. I couldn’t get into the purple and gold (maybe it’s the LSU thing?) and after Kirby Puckett left MN, I was over the Twins.
Now being in Baltimore, the obvious choice would be to follow the Ravens. Don’t get me wrong, I support all of Birdland’s teams, however Raven’s fans have been fans their entire lives and if you haven’t, you’re a poser. Who wants to be a poser? I also refuse to wear purple camo.
I absolutely cannot support the Steelers or the Redskins, so I decided during my first football season in Baltimore that I was an Eagles fan. As for baseball- when I first moved to Baltimore I was fortunate enough to score great tickets to a Phillies playoff game and had an incredible time. Enough said- I am a Phillies fan. You may consider this band-wagonning. I consider it fantastic decision making.
Especially since the Phil’s are about to win number 2.
Since moving out of the Midwest, I have lived in two different states that are both exclusively college sports states. Neither West Virginia nor Kentucky has professional sports teams, which lead me to be an avid Mountaineer football fan and a stereotypical Wildcat Basketball fan.
As for professional teams, after moving to Baltimore I had some decisions to make. My parents and Andrew having all been born and raised in Minnesota are true Vikings fans (they even support the ridiculousness of Brett Favre), and Twins fans. I couldn’t get into the purple and gold (maybe it’s the LSU thing?) and after Kirby Puckett left MN, I was over the Twins.
Now being in Baltimore, the obvious choice would be to follow the Ravens. Don’t get me wrong, I support all of Birdland’s teams, however Raven’s fans have been fans their entire lives and if you haven’t, you’re a poser. Who wants to be a poser? I also refuse to wear purple camo.
I absolutely cannot support the Steelers or the Redskins, so I decided during my first football season in Baltimore that I was an Eagles fan. As for baseball- when I first moved to Baltimore I was fortunate enough to score great tickets to a Phillies playoff game and had an incredible time. Enough said- I am a Phillies fan. You may consider this band-wagonning. I consider it fantastic decision making.
Especially since the Phil’s are about to win number 2.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Pay Attention to the Phone Call
“We do not remember days, we remember moments.” I was reminded of this quote today when Andrew (the younger bro) called to tell me that he had just left his last advisory meeting as an undergrad. Hearing how excited he was provoked thoughts about moments in my own life that I will always remember.
If you know me well, you know I have a terrible memory- so it’s pretty significant that I can report there are 2 moments in my life that stand out as moments I will never forget.
The first being the day I learned I had been accepted to the University of Kentucky. I’d already sent in my application for review, however I had not sent in any letters of recommendation (due to my unfortunate lack of patience). When I received my letters, I called UK to ask that they hold my application for a few days. The girl in the land of basketball and bourbon responded with “We have already made our decision”. With knots in my stomach I asked if she could tell me what the decision was, and although she “wasn’t supposed to”, she told me I had been accepted. This was in the day of landlines connected to the wall. I sat down on the floor, cried and called Dock to share the news.
The second moment is actually pretty similar to the first. It was the Friday of Memorial Day weekend, at 5:00. I was already having a fabulous day because Dock had just bought me a blackberry (nothing like being a daddy’s girl!) The first call I accepted on my new phone was from a number I didn’t know... A number I have memorized now, because it belongs to my boss. It was Mitchell calling to tell me that Maroon PR wanted to offer me a job. While still on the phone with Mitchell, I ran into the living room (I was at the rents' house) with tears pouring out of my eyes and trembling hands, to share the news with Dock. He told me to pay attention to the phone call. After I hung up I sat down and cried my eyes out. This was the job I had been waiting for.
Ironically, my phone is flashing a number I don’t recognize- Let’s hope this is prince charming and moment number 3.
If you know me well, you know I have a terrible memory- so it’s pretty significant that I can report there are 2 moments in my life that stand out as moments I will never forget.
The first being the day I learned I had been accepted to the University of Kentucky. I’d already sent in my application for review, however I had not sent in any letters of recommendation (due to my unfortunate lack of patience). When I received my letters, I called UK to ask that they hold my application for a few days. The girl in the land of basketball and bourbon responded with “We have already made our decision”. With knots in my stomach I asked if she could tell me what the decision was, and although she “wasn’t supposed to”, she told me I had been accepted. This was in the day of landlines connected to the wall. I sat down on the floor, cried and called Dock to share the news.
The second moment is actually pretty similar to the first. It was the Friday of Memorial Day weekend, at 5:00. I was already having a fabulous day because Dock had just bought me a blackberry (nothing like being a daddy’s girl!) The first call I accepted on my new phone was from a number I didn’t know... A number I have memorized now, because it belongs to my boss. It was Mitchell calling to tell me that Maroon PR wanted to offer me a job. While still on the phone with Mitchell, I ran into the living room (I was at the rents' house) with tears pouring out of my eyes and trembling hands, to share the news with Dock. He told me to pay attention to the phone call. After I hung up I sat down and cried my eyes out. This was the job I had been waiting for.
Ironically, my phone is flashing a number I don’t recognize- Let’s hope this is prince charming and moment number 3.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Thank you, Bob.
While searching for my first “big girl” job (aka waiting on John to finally hire me), I did what college grads do in a terrible economy, and accepted any interview opportunity that was presented to me. During the meetings, I dedicated all of my focus to impressing the interviewers and getting the job...whatever it was. I didn’t figure it out until late in the game that taking something out of, and learning from each interview could help me with my career in PR. Fortunately, late into the game is better than missing the goal completely (cough, Hauschka).
It was during the fourth quarter of my job search when it clicked- these people know a thing or two about being a PR professional, maybe it’s time to turn the interview into a conversation. I headed into the next meeting determined to make the most of it, and it’s a good thing because this conversation inspired the three rules I now abide by in my job.
During this meeting, “Bob” told me that to be successful I needed to 1. Be a good writer, 2. Be loyal to the company- the brand, my coworkers, and their mission, and 3. Always be honest.
Living in the PR world, these three ideas support my work. The first, to be a good writer, is why I entered public relations in the first place. I learned early that math, science and I would never be friends- had much better luck with writing and enjoyed it, so practicing was easy. The days that are writing intense are the best days in the office for me, and I am lucky to be working with other professionals who excel in writing (they make the best editors!!)
Being loyal to the company makes total sense and doesn’t require elaboration. The third applies to all aspects of life- Always be honest. While these things may seem so simple, you’d be amazed at how often they’re forgotten.
The search for my big girl job was rough at the time, but looking back, provided me with new knowledge, motivation and ambition. Guess I owe “Bob” some props :)
It was during the fourth quarter of my job search when it clicked- these people know a thing or two about being a PR professional, maybe it’s time to turn the interview into a conversation. I headed into the next meeting determined to make the most of it, and it’s a good thing because this conversation inspired the three rules I now abide by in my job.
During this meeting, “Bob” told me that to be successful I needed to 1. Be a good writer, 2. Be loyal to the company- the brand, my coworkers, and their mission, and 3. Always be honest.
Living in the PR world, these three ideas support my work. The first, to be a good writer, is why I entered public relations in the first place. I learned early that math, science and I would never be friends- had much better luck with writing and enjoyed it, so practicing was easy. The days that are writing intense are the best days in the office for me, and I am lucky to be working with other professionals who excel in writing (they make the best editors!!)
Being loyal to the company makes total sense and doesn’t require elaboration. The third applies to all aspects of life- Always be honest. While these things may seem so simple, you’d be amazed at how often they’re forgotten.
The search for my big girl job was rough at the time, but looking back, provided me with new knowledge, motivation and ambition. Guess I owe “Bob” some props :)
Entering the Blogosphere
After thinking about starting a blog for a while, I decided to dive in and give it a try. Here is my first attempt (closing my eyes when I press publish!) Let me know what you think. Please feel free to leave comments, make suggestions, share your ideas and anything else that comes to mind. Thank you for stopping by. Enjoy.
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