One Hundred

Nearly six months ago, I strapped myself into a stationary bike in the very back row of my first SoulCycle class (that’s a lie, a girl named Jenny strapped me into the bike because I couldn’t do it myself, but that’s beside the point.) Full of anxiety, fear and trepidation I kept a very low profile and worried about how many people could see me embarrass myself as I struggled to keep up.

Last night, I rode in my 100^th SoulCycle class. This time, I strapped myself in (and out) of the bike that has become “my bike” in the front row, without any help. Rather than feeling anxious, scared and trepid I felt excited, proud and comforted. I was humbled at how the staff and riders celebrated with me and empowered by the energy that went into making this a special experience.

It’s no secret that SoulCycle has become a huge part of my life. It’s my place to let go of bad energy and focus on what’s important. I have made some wonderful friends, and acquired so many things. As I reflect on the past 100 classes, there are three things in particular I have learned from my time on that bike that I hope to carry with me forever.

1. Aspire to inspire:

During my first class, these three words really grabbed my attention and since then I’ve tried to live by them. I take this thought with me into my professional life and into my personal life, and have made a valiant effort to leave others feeling inspired and excited.

2. Do something every day that scares you:

Last night, I was asked to ride on the instructor bike in the front of the class. I have had several conversations about not wanting to do this for numerous reasons. First and foremost, it terrified me. The thought of being under the spotlight like that, totally vulnerable (not to mention dripping of sweat in tight clothing with no control of my cleavage) was just too much. And then I did it. I was fortunate that this was a class of people I know pretty well, but it was still terrifying. 

3. Be kind to yourself:

Another instructor ends class often by saying, “be kind to yourself, be kind to one another.” I think all of us know that being kind to one another is the right thing to do, but I’m not so certain we always remember to be kind to ourselves. For a very long time I have been hard on myself. I beat myself up over the small things way too often, and am making an asserted effort to assuage that flaw every day.

During these 100 rides, I have heard some amazing stories, met some courageous and beautiful people and learned powerful lessons that I will carry with me forever. I have watched people grow with each other, support one another and learn together. I am incredibly blessed to be a part of this community and I look forward to 100 more rides.

Props to Dizz on Mother's Day

The thought of being a mother terrifies me. I don’t know if I’ll ever have kids, but being responsible for teaching a child to be kind and loving and humble and gracious and confident and honest and happy is overwhelming. Helping with math homework gives me nightmares.

So today, on Mother’s Day (and really every other day) I need to give Dizz mad props. She has done an amazing job of instilling the characteristics above and others in both Bub and me. While I hate not being with her today, there are three things she’s taught me that I carry with me every day.

• All God’s children got a place in the choir. Those are words from a silly song that she repeats to me as a reminder to be kind to others, regardless of who they are.
• Everything will be awight. I am a pretty sensitive girl, so when I have my stereotypical chick meltdowns, Dizz is my go-to gal.  As someone who works with cancer patients, she is quick to remind me of how lucky I am and that everything will be awight.
• Start in the corner and work your way out. As you know, my family has moved a lot. With that, Dock and Dizz have had to start over in several new homes. When Dizz would feel overwhelmed about that, my grandma would always tell her to start in the corner and work her way through the new home. When I am feeling overwhelmed at work, she tells me the same thing. Start with one thing, and work your way through the list. Seems obvious, but when I have a lot to do I tend to think of all of it at once, rather than one thing at a time.

I know everyone says this, but I genuinely believe I was given the best mom in the entire universe. If I do ever have children, I hope to be even half as incredible as Dizzle has been to me. 

The Life List, Updated

I was doing some reflecting today on my personal goals, professional goals, and life goals and thought I'd update the life list. The bullets that are crossed off are things I've done. I have some work to do, but I'm incredibly fortunate to be at a point in my life where I can make them all happen.

Side note: I stopped and thought a lot about the falling in love bullet. You all know the story. I have decided to give that one a redo. Hopefully if it happens again it won't need another redo.

Original post:

I was going through some old boxes while attempting to clean, and came across a list I wrote when I started college, at 18, of things I wanted to do during my life.

I edited the list a little, as I have made some significant changes to my priorities since then, but here it is - my life list. I'm pretty jazzed to say I've actually accomplished quite a few of these ambitious dreams.

1. Earn a college degree in PR
2. Earn a minor in Spanish.
3. Find a job I genuinely love.
4. Celebrate New Year’s Eve in another country.
5. Learn how to cook.
6. Donate 10% of every paycheck to charity.
7. Become a published writer.
8. Donate to the University of Kentucky.
9. Attend a championship bowl game.
10. Fall in love -- helplessly and unconditionally.
11. Drink beer at Oktoberfest in Munich.
12. Get promoted within a year of my first job.
13. Attempt a camping trip. Without complaining.
14. Have enough money to provide a scholarship for women starting a career in PR.
15. Win money in Vegas.
16. Buy one real Chloe bag.
17. See “Love Actually” at a drive-in theater.
18. See the Statue of Liberty.
19. Tour the White House.
20. Meet a president.
21. Learn how to play a whole game of golf.
22. Learn how to play tennis.
23. Create my own website.
24. Start a blog.
25. Run in a 5K.
26. Be an amazing aunt to Andrew’s kids.
27. Teach a class.
28. Visit Napa Valley.
29. Meet Chelsea Handler.
30. Meet Chad Michael Murray. Or Bryan Greenberg.
31. Visit the equator.
32. Visit every state at least once.
33. Take a vacation with my mom.
34. Attend every important event in Andrews’s life. Prom, Graduation, First day of college, 21st birthday, college graduation, wedding, when his kids are born and all of his kids special events.
35. Own a house.
36. Be able to buy something for my parents they would never buy on their own.
37. Sky dive.
38. Have a kid.
39. Learn how to sail.
40. Take a yoga class. Without laughing.
41. Take a cruise.
42. Donate to Locks of Love
43. Drink wine in Italy.
44. Take a photography class.
45. Be able to afford a spa weekend.
46. Keep in touch with my grandparents.
47. Eat seafood in Maine.
48. Take Andrew to Gatlinburg.
49. Go to a baseball game at Fenway.
50. Visit Martha’s Vineyard for a weekend.
51. Have my mom at my bachelorette party.
52. Memorize one song to play on the piano.
53. Spend too much money on a great concert.
54. Drink every beer at Pazzos.
55. Visit Niagara Falls.
56. Go a year without a speeding ticket.
57. Own a David Yurman ring.
58. Visit the Galapagos Islands
59. Throw out the first pitch at a ball game.
60. Attend the Kentucky Derby.
61. Sing karaoke at a bar in NYC.
62. Visit “Tree Hill”
63. Leave a $100 tip for a college bartender.
64. Meet Kelly Cutrone.
65. Move to a new city for no reason.
66. Never miss the fireworks on the 4th of July.
67. Spend significant time in Australia.
68. Turn 21 in Vegas.
69. Wear Monique Lhuillier at my wedding.
70. Learn how to make dad’s German Chocolate cake and French Silk Pie.

27 Things to do at 27

While I have my Life List, 2012 has me feeling more inspired and motivated than I ever have before. As I celebrate another year, transition into my promotion, and move to Los Angeles I am also going to challenge myself to accomplish these 27 things while I am 27.

1. Decorate all of my new home
2. Save $100 a month
3. Visit Andrew
4. Attend WeFest
5. Attend SXSW
6. Learn the quirky idiosyncrasies of Los Angeles
7. Make Los Angeles my home
8. Find a work/life balance
9. Spend more time outside
10. Go to Disneyland
11. Go to a Lakers game
12. Spend the year giving back. Find a way to donate my time, money or services to a nonprofit each month
13. Run a 5K
14. Spend time cooking (I say this every year…hopefully with all of the amazing farmers markets in LA, I make this happen)
15. Go to a Dodgers game
16. Bargain hunt
17. Be an active member of the LA PRSA
18. Visit Napa Valley
19. Be a “seat filler” at an awards show in LA (this is a real thing. They have extra tickets to the awards shows; I’ll just have to find them!)
20. Visit Seattle
21. Exercise everyday
22. Read 6 non-PR books
23. Keep a full wine rack (it’s typically empty…)
24. Take a trip to Mexico
25. Go to a live taping of Chelsea Lately
26. See Garth Brooks in Vegas
27. Laugh every single day

Cheers to the big 2-7!

Janu...Where'd ya go?

We are 22 days into 2012 and it feels like this is the first time I’ve sat down. While that may sound unpleasant, it has been an incredible 22 days.

At the beginning of the month, the jam and some of the extended jam headed to San Antonio to see my cousin graduate from boot camp. If you’ve never been to a boot camp graduation, they are very powerful. It was a great experience, and I am honored to have been a part of it. After the graduation, we bounced around San Antonio a little bit, including a quick trip to Gruene, Texas where the dance hall scene from the movie “Michael” was filmed. Dizzle bought red cowboy boots and danced on a picnic table. Side note: If you’re ever in San Antonio and you share my affection for tequila, the Iron Cactus makes the best margarita I’ve ever had. (Except for my own, obviously.)

At the end of the weekend, I flew back to Raleigh to unload and reload my suitcase for a trip to the Consumer Electronics Show. I had no idea what to expect out of the show, but I was blown away. I would recommend you add to your bucket list.

After 3 days in Vegas, I headed to Los Angeles to find a place to live and get a feel for the city. Much like CES, I wasn’t certain what to expect during this visit to Los Angeles…

Thursday morning, Dock and I flew into LAX. After we picked up my rental car, which happened to be a convertible (I was determined to drive in California with the top down just once), we put the address to the restaurant in my GPS and made our way. For whatever reason, my GPS thought it would be funny to take us through Korea Town. I don’t know what you may know about Korea Town, but it’s frightening, and I later learned that it is the largest population of Korean’s second to Seoul in the actual country of Korea.

Needless to say, all I could think was “what am I doing moving here?” Then we got to Los Feliz for lunch, and it was beautiful. The food was fresh, we sat outside (in January) and the people were friendly. After lunch, we headed to Glendale where we were staying and unpacked, etc before guac and Margs. Then we headed back to LAX to pick up Dizz. And get a parking ticket. At the terminal.

Friday, we got the lay of the land, driving through every neighborhood that had been recommended to live in and checking out our offices. This tour included driving up and down Sunset Boulevard, Santa Monica Boulevard, Wilshire Boulevard, etc and all I could think about was how much fun it’s going to be to just pick a street, and walk it to check out the shops, restaurant’s, food, and wine. After lunch at the farmers market in The Grove (holy amazing) we went to the place I thought I wanted to live, and… signed a lease. It was that easy. Friday night was another night of great food in Glendale.

Since I had found a place to live on Friday, we got to explore on Saturday. Dock, Dizz and I drove down Santa Monica Boulevard all the way to the pier, and got onto “the one” to drove up the coast to Malibu. (Side note: I had no idea of Pepperdine’s location. Wow.) Driving up the coast was another one of those breathtaking moments, where I had to pinch myself to make sure it was real. We had brunch on the beach (I will have no trouble getting used to freshly squeezed orange juice in my mimosas) and did a little exploring. This is also the part of the trip where I drove with the top down. I felt like Lauren Conrad.

On the way back from Malibu, we stopped at Rodeo Drive. When we walked up from the parking garage, I came face-to-face with Hermes, and this time I’m pretty sure I stopped breathing. Rodeo Drive was, of course, everything you’d expect. I loved it.

To avoid hitting traffic, and driving in the dark, this was when I had to drop D-squared at their hotel (they stayed closer to LAX on their last night). As is typical, I spent the drive back to Glendale crying. Pretty sure I’ll never stop crying when my parents leave. Saturday night, I stopped by my first BevMo! (Beverages and More – everything in LA is abbreviated), bought a bottle of wine, went to the hotel, ordered room service and a movie.

Sunday morning, I woke up and decided to hike up to the top of the Hollywood Hills (no I didn’t see any dead bodies), which was so beautiful. I had never really hiked before, and I was surprised at what a work out it was, and how hard it was to hike down.

After my hike, I met with my LA native friend, and we headed to Venice. I don’t even know where to begin with Venice. All of you have to see it. When we first got there, we walked through several charming boutiques, and looked in the windows of busy coffee and wine shops. And then, she took me to the boardwalk… I really don’t know how to put this in words. Every ten steps, someone wanted to sell us marijuana (it’s legal in LA), muscle beach is a real thing, people had no clothes on, there were fully tattooed men hanging out, piercings everywhere, young kids playing drums for money, the list goes on. I am pretty certain my mouth was wide open the whole walk. And then, just like that, we were at a quaint little wine bar having a glass of cab. I don’t think I’ll ever figure out Venice.

Sunday night, we headed back to Los Feliz for another glass of wine and some apps. Great touristy day.

Monday, I worked from my hotel and then checked out the Glendale Galleria. Where I bought myself a congratulations/happy birthday Michael Kors bag. Tuesday was another working from the hotel day. After work, I decided to go explore UCLA’s campus, which was beautiful. I also tried to stalk to the mansions in Bel Air, but it was dark and people were following me closely, so that didn’t work out. Wednesday, we went to Orange County to visit with a client, came back to West Hollywood and had dinner at The Village Idiot, where I saw Stephen Colletti (third time I stopped breathing).

Thursday morning, I made my way to LAX (at 3am) for my flight back to Raleigh. I knew the second that I woke up that morning that I had fallen in love with Los Angeles, because I was sad to leave. I am so excited to call LA home, I can hardly stand it.

Woke up Friday morning, picked up Dizz, had surgery, and here we are. On tap for the rest of January: Visit from the jam. Turn 27. Going away dinner with my lovely colleagues. Pack up my home. Head to Baltimore for a few days. Move to Los Angeles. Bam.

Alright, February, whatchya got?

Also… good thing I didn’t call this “Bluegrass in Baltimore”

Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish.

One of the jams traditions is to reveal our "highs and lows" from the year ending and share goals moving into the next. In 2012, I have decided that my goal is to stay hungry and stay foolish – per Steve Jobs' advice.

In 2011, I learned who I was. I was able to define myself as an honest, caring, giving person and I am determined to remain the same. I learned more about myself in one year than in the 25 past. That being said, I have been offered the opportunity by my company to move to our new Los Angeles office, and I have humbly accepted. As of February 1, I will be a resident of sunny California.

It's no secret that I have moved many times before, but for the first time, I am doing this for myself. This move inspires significant growth in both my career and my personal life. I am incredibly excited about what Los Angeles has to offer and even more so about living my life to the fullest. I truly believe California will keep me both hungry and foolish.

Thank you to my family, my friends and my colleagues for loving and supporting me through my growth – I am beyond excited for this next chapter.

Cheers to 2012.

Abby

12 Steps to Becoming a Successful Counselor

As a PR practitioner, (and probably with every other job), it is important to take breaks from a day in the office and allow time for professional development opportunities. Whether it be a refresher of the basics, or something you’ve never learned before, I believe the insight allows for a reminder of why I love what I do every day.

On Tuesday, I attended the NCPRSA Public Relations and Marketing Seminar where I sat in a session called “Counselors Are Made, Not Born: How to Grow Into a Counselor, Not Just a Tactician” and acquired 12 steps to becoming a successful counselor. Each of these resonated with me for several reasons. Here they are:

1. Be a student of humans: In order to be an auspicious counselor, we must understand how we think and act as individuals, specifically in a group settings. In public relations, as a counselor, you will be advantageous if you continue to be fascinated by, and study others.

2. Be a student of yourself: Understand what motivates you to assist in finding what motivates others. Be aware of how you interpret situations, as well as how you react to situations. Aspire to be the best version of yourself every day.

3. Be an expert: In your business, in your clients business, in your competition, in all current trends… The more you know, the better a counselor you will serve as to others.

4. Try on someone else’s shoes: In every situation ask yourself “what would it be like to be that person?” Understanding your audience is imperative.

5. Appeal to basic human instincts: Be certain that your guidance is allowing for a solution that keeps everyone healthy, safe, and comfortable.

6. Keep it simple: Confusing your audience does not inspire clarity or reason. Speak clearly, speak honestly and leave them with one thing to remember.

7. Show that you care: Oftentimes, the power of praise is forgotten. Check your ego at the door, be respectful of colleagues, attentive to clients, and never forget to say thank you. It goes farther than you think.

8. Show a “spark”: Whether you’re in a meeting, defining a strategy or solving a problem, present something new and different. Give those you are mentoring something to think about, and more importantly something to strive for.

9. “Be the ball, Danny” (This was presented by men…naturally, there was a sports reference): Too often, we forget to trust our instincts. Successful counselors trust their gut.

10. Learn to ask and to listen: Don’t be shy about asking questions and being inquisitive, regardless of your level or leadership. As a counselor, be patient with those who have questions.

11. Choose wisely: Counsel those who are excited to learn from you. Give them extra opportunities to go out a limb. Pass your expertise down the ladder – watching them grow into a counselor themselves is extremely rewarding.

12. Go forth and conquer: Be confident in your expertise. Be confident in the fact that people trust you. Be confident in the results you produce. You are a mentor, a role model, a counselor – go forth and conquer.

The Small Things

Naturally, I'm a huge a fan of a big surprise. Like when Santa put tickets to Cancun in my stocking, or when Dock decided to buy me a TV for no reason. Recently, though, I've been reminded how special the small surprises are, too.

Living far away from the jam, Dizz is quick to offer to order takeout and have it delivered to my house. The Adele Pandora station through the day is huge. I have a fave that lets me dream big and send totally expensive girly gift ideas to him, always responding with a hint of promise that I may own one of the items soon. "I miss your face" text messages make me smile every time.

I also think that the same sentiments can be shared in public relations. A hand written note goes a long way. Every time. I had to make an unexpected long overnight drive to DC and when I was due back in Raleigh, a colleague called (yes, called on the phone – not a text message!!) to make sure I had made it home safely. Hearing "thank you" at the office always changes a bad day.

The list goes on and on (I'm a lucky girl) but, the point is that small gestures are important. Whether they be for a friend, or in business, I am pleased to have been reminded how meaningful the small things can be.

Side note: Oh hey, October... Where has this year gone?!

Klout for a Cure

As you know, I try to be active in giving back, volunteering and supporting charities that mean something to me. Whether it be Toys for Tots, Relay for Life, Locks of Love or the Race for the Cure, I attempt to make it a point to remain an active champion for a good cause.

That being said, I have recently been challenged to improve my Klout score to 75, and am well on my way. The competitor in me is having a hard time not being there yet, so I have decided to turn this competition into a contribution.

Now through Wednesday (since I will be in the land of no service, Minnesota after that) a dollar will be donated (up to 500) to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, for every "Like" and/or comment on my Facebook status housing this blog, and every unique re-tweet on Twitter in support of the same thing.

While this is meant to be fun, it is also to (hopefully) raise $500 to donate to Susan G. Komen for the Cure in huge hopes of someday finding a cure for cancer.

Thanks in advance!

** Note Susan G. Komen is an IMRE client.

Life Changer

A few weeks ago, there was an event in my world that unexpectedly changed my life. After some reflection following the event, I figured out what's important and what's not. Mostly, how I want to live the rest of my life. Here's what I came up with.

In several capacities this year, I have been reminded of the immensity of love. Through exciting vicissitudes that have been celebrated to heartbreaking experiences that have been grieved, it has been reiterated how powerful love can be, and what a difference it makes.

I vow to love hard. I am going to fall in love with as many things as I possibly can. There are several cities that hold a special place in my heart, however, for the first time this year, I fell in love with a city (Asheville, NC) and I can't wait to find another one that makes me feel that same way.

Smart is sexy. Smart is powerful. I want to learn more. I want to earn my MBA. I want to earn my APR. I want to learn a new language. I want to never have to refer to my AP Style Handbook. And I can. And I will.

Being mean gets you absolutely nowhere. I have had some great days that have instantly turned on me because someone came out of left field with something ugly. It hurts, and I refuse to do that to someone else. I will continue to be kind. I will continue to be grateful. And I will make absolutely certain that people leave a conversation with me feeling better. Feeling good. Feeling appreciated. Praise is power. If someone does a good job with something, I will praise that.

Laughter cures all. You all know my laugh is anything but subtle. I am going to laugh hard and laugh often. I will laugh at all the wrong times. And all of the right times. I will laugh until I cry. I will laugh at things that are completely inappropriate. And I will laugh as loudly as I want without caring what anyone thinks.

I will make a concerted effort to not sweat the small stuff. I will try to not waste my imagination on worrying about what I cannot control. I will try with all of my heart to learn how to be patient. I am flawed. I am very aware that I am flawed. I am sensitive and impatient and I have been since day one. I don't know if that can change, but I promise to try.

I will tell the people I care about exactly how I feel about them. I will tell them that they've changed my life in so many incredible ways. That they've shaped me into who I am. That I miss them, all of them, every single day. That without them, I wouldn't survive. I will remind them how important they are. And I will do this often.

If the day comes, I will strive to be as amazing of a parent as both Dock and Dizz are. I will never, ever make my children feel alone. I will forgive them for their mistakes and flaws. I will hold their hand at the doctors office. Even when they're 26. I will support absolutely anything they find themselves to be passionate about. I will laugh with them, cry with them, suffer and celebrate with them. Every day.

I am saddened that something so painful happened to someone that I love very much, but I truly believe that he was brought into my life for a reason - and that has been confirmed. He taught me who I am.

The Nitty Gritty

I don't typically answer these sorts of chain emails (anymore. Let's be honest, I was a big fan of FB "notes" back in the day) but I received this today, filled out by a friend, and learned a few things. There are a ridic amount of questions - but, should you be interested - here it is. Anything you could ever possibly want to know about me.

Height: 5'8
Shoe Size: 7
Sexual Orientation: Love me some southern men
Age you get mistaken for: Last night at the KP concert, I was asked which high school I go to in Raleigh
Have Tattoos? Yes. This is not something I'm particularly proud of...
Want any tattoos? Sometimes I get the urge for another. But there are no other places on my body I'd want to tattoo
Got any Piercings? Yes. Too many
Want any piercings? There isn't anything left to pierce
Best friend? The B
Biggest fears: Losing my parents
Biggest celeb crush: Andy Samburg
Favorite Movie: Love Actually
I’ll love you if: You make me laugh
Someone you miss: Dock and Dizz
Most traumatic experience: Toronto. Almost didn't make it out alive
A fact about your personality: It's big
What I hate most about myself: My lack of patience
What I love most about myself: My genuine belief that I can find the good in any situation
What I want to be when I get older: Happy
My relationship with my sibling(s): I adore the Bub
My relationship with my parents: They are the epitome of who I want to be. A combination of kindness, humility and confidence
My idea of a perfect date: Any kind of sporting event filled with a passion for the event, and lots of laughs
My biggest pet peeves: The reply all button
A description of the girl/boy I like: Honesty and the patience that I lack
A description of my best friend: The B is everything I'm not. Brilliant, courageous, and 110% confident in every decision she makes
What my last text message says: "Miss your face"
What words upset me the most: "It is what it is"
What words make me feel the best about myself: "I enjoy working with you"
A wish that I’ve wished for repeatedly on 11:11: To win the lottery
What I find attractive in boys. A good sense of humor. The ability to understand my family dynamic
Where I would like to live. I'm diggin Raleigh
One of my insecurities. A lot of people can't handle my laugh. I am insecure about that sometimes
My childhood career choice. I always knew I'd be in PR
My favorite ice cream. Ice cream hurts my belly, unfortunately. I'll only eat it on a "bad night" (ie: when Lucas and Peyton bolted) b/c I think I should. Always regret it
Who I wish I could be. I'm pretty jazzed about who I am
Where I want to be right now. In bed watching crappy TV. Or at the beach, drinking a pina colada
The last thing I ate. Filet Kabobs from Sitti. Delish.
Sexiest person that comes to my mind immediately. Sexy to me is funny. Andy Samburg (again)
A random fact about anything: John Wall is from Raleigh

Your turn!

DIG

A while ago, Dock and I decided to start a business. After our initial planning meeting, we named this business DIG - Draper Investment Group. Basically, the goal of our side start up company is to win the lottery. So, every Tuesday and Friday, it is mine and his responsibility to buy a (hopefully winning) lottery ticket. When one of us hits the jackpot, we will split the winnings 60 - 40. While I am the president of the company, he wins the 60 because frankly, he paid for the first, well, 25 years of my life. I probably owe him a few bucks.

So with this new endeavor, I have carefully selected Raleigh's lucky gas station and frequent this secret spot twice a week to invest in DIG. This morning, when I stopped to buy the ticket for tomorrow's drawing, "Pete" (I'm not sure that's his real name, since he can't speak a whole lot of English, but that's what he's asked me to call him now that we're friends) asked me what I would do with the winnings.

Naturally, during the rest of the drive to work (at my real job) I thought about what, exactly, I would spend all of that cash on. Before investing and saving, I came up with the first six things I would do with my 40%.

1. Pay for the rest of Bub's schooling
2. Buy my Chloe bag
3. Pay off the rest of my car
4. Head to Napa Valley for a week
5. Start a scholarship at the University of Kentucky that pays for a super fun girl interested in PR to go to school
6. Buy a bar so SL and I can make our dreams a reality

What would you do with your lottery winnings?

Motivation

Today has been "one of those days" (gross cliche, I know) and when late afternoon struck, I found myself needing some extra inspiration. Naturally, I turned to the jam. The iPhone offers an app called "Group Me" which allows you to text multiple people at one time. Obviously, we have each downloaded this app so we can text each other at the same time.

I took a quick break today, to go outside and step away from the computer. While doing so, I sent a Group Me text to the jam saying "Left the office for a few to take a walk. Need motivation. Whatchya guys got?" Here were the responses. All one after the other, lasting about 10 minutes:

Dock: Trip to Baltimore on Friday to see rents

Bub: Be happy you're employed, things could be a lot worse

Bub: You get to go to the beach to see your brother in a month

Bub: You're in the south

Bub: You're prettier than 92% of all people

Dock: Smart, great family, ability to read and write

Bub: No birth defects

Dock: College degree, look good in blue, learning to whistle

Bub: Your dad tells really witty and humorous jokes

Dizz: Not married to a leprechaun

Dock: And his children inherited his sense of humor AND his bike riding posture

Note: Watching Dock ride a bike may be the best thing ever

Dock: Your bother is an intermediate horseback rider

Bub: You don't have fat people ankles

Dock: You can tell directions with your fore finger and thumb

Dizz: It's almost happy hour


Welcome to the jam...

Fate

I don't typically blog about my love life, or recent lack there of, however... One of the reasons I was pretty pumped to move to my beloved south has something to do with how I feel about southern gentlemen. That being said, I have a neighbor who is totally southern - Friendly, polite, dresses like a southerner, the whole nine yards. Sounds perfect, right?

It probably could be. Except that EVERY time I see him, I look ridiculous or do something embarrassing. A huge perk at the new gig is that on most days, we can dress casually. As you all know, any time I don't have to wear make-up, straighten my hair, or dress up, I definitely take full advantage. Therefore, 90% of the time I leave in the morning and come home at night, I'm wearing jeans, a t-shirt & a cardigan, no make-up and a pony tail. Inevitably, those are also always the days I see Mr. Happy Southern Boy.

Despite the fact that I rarely put myself together, I am even more of an embarrassment on weekend afternoons. Today, for example, I ventured out to grab some Subway for lunch wearing bright red Parkersburg High School sweat pants that I have cut into "capris", a THE Ohio State University (I know, repulsive. And I still have no idea why there is a THE involved) sweatshirt with a green shirt hanging out from under it, really cute strappy sandals and the Abby bun (all of my hair thrown up on the very top of my head.) Naturally, Mr. Happy Southern Boy was on his way out at the same time.

Two other gems that stand out to me (although, I've run into him looking like a fool many more times than that) include one morning that I was leaving for work, in my car, and he smiled his southern smile. My reaction? Total prom queen wave with matching enormous, exaggerated smile. Secondly, one night coming home from the gym (work out gear, still sweating...) I ran into him while carrying a Sam's Club sized box of tampons. Both mortifying.

So now, it's almost Saturday night. It's 80-some degrees out. I should probably pull myself together, plug in the straightener, and venture out. But, knowing me, I will do all that work just to learn he's out of town.

Milestones. What do they mean?

A friend of mine (who just became a mom for the first time) was sharing stories about different milestones her son has reached. Most of them were things I would expect - rolling over, holding his weight for a set amount of time, reacting to stories… the usual (Side note: I would still really love to learn how to spell the shortened version of usual). One that stood out to me was how excited she was about her 5 month old interacting with his toes. Prior to talking with her about its significance, I would have assumed that interaction would go unnoticed; it wouldn't stand out as a milestone.

Naturally, that led me to reflect on my own milestones. As every girl at 16 does, I had a very defined timeline filled with the obvious milestones. Graduate from high school, go to a great college, fall in love, get a degree, get married, find a job, have some kids, become "the boss" at a young age...

Hellooooo ten years later. While I have celebrated several of those "milestones," it is amazing how much my priorities have changed. What I define as a milestone now, I wouldn't have understood even six months ago.

I truly believe that there were subtle stepping stones (say that three times fast) along the way to help me define what is important, and what can wait. I graduated high school, I went to an amazing college, I fell in love, I earned a degree, I moved to a big city, and I started my first job. This is where I began to understand that change is a good thing, and I can decide what to consider a milestone for myself, and celebrate it however I want to.

I took a big chance at the end of last year, and packed up my life to move to a new city for a new job. I struggled for a couple of months in Raleigh both personally and professionally to establish a routine and a familiarity with totally new surroundings. It was actually pretty recently that I started to feel really good about… everything. And THAT is a huge milestone, in my book.

The relationship I have now with Dock, Dizz and Bub, as you know, is beyond incredible. Milestone. Feeling confident about myself as a professional. Milestone. Finally letting go of someone who loves to disappoint me. Milestone. Trusting myself in the decisions I am making. Milestone. Maintaining a budget. Milestone. (Huge milestone. Going from bartending cash in the pocket whenever I wanted to a paycheck took a while to get used to)

The list goes on.

This move sort of forced me to grow up. Not in a harsh manner, but in more of an accountability way. And with that, I have become hugely self aware of what is important and what is not. (Milestone)

I have no idea what will happen next. What I do know is that I am already excited for it.

Who Do You Think You Are?

Recently, I was asked to review the four work styles, as defined by the American Association of Advertising Agencies, and classify myself into the thinking, feeling, sensing or intuiting category. This activity was familiar to me, in that I recalled exploring these characteristics in college to establish an idea of how I would be as a professional in the future. I also grew up very close to PR, so it shouldn't surprise you that Dock and I have discussed these work styles numerous times.

The difference this time is that I have a few years under my belt. I have gained experience with different types of agencies, surroundings, clients and colleagues. That being said, it was very easy to put my finger on exactly which work style I fit under.

Before I elaborate - take a minute to review each of the four work styles:

Thinking as a primary work style:

Positives:
• Fact-oriented
• Interested in background
• Systematic
• Logical

Negatives:
• Can't think “outside the box”
• Not flexible
• Insensitive/stubborn
• Slow

Behavioral Focus – Organizing; problem solver

Value Orientation – Quality; Being "right"

Time View – Linear (past, present, future)

Office Style – Neat

Feeling as a primary style:

Positives:
• They love people
• Informal
• Spontaneous
• Empathetic

Negatives:
• Just jump into tasks
• "Wishy washy"
• Not detail-oriented
• Too sensitive

Behavioral Focus – Expressive

Value Orientation – Family; Friendship; Loyalty; Need appreciation; Good at networking

Time View – Lives in the past

Office Styles – The holder of office culture; Probably have snacks, live plants and pictures on desk

Sensing as a primary style:

Positives:
• Action-oriented
• Results-minded (Quick results)
• Decisive
• Verbally direct

Negatives:
• Abrupt/aggressive
• Get caught up in the moment
• Impatient
• Competitive

Behavioral Focus – Fast movers; "make things happen"

Value Orientation – Personal achievement; high control of situations; hard to delegate tasks

Time View – Lives in the present

Office Style – Multitasker; Has multiple windows open on computer at once

Intuiting as a primary style:

Positives:
• Loves ideas
• Creative
• Original
• Idealistic

Negatives:
• Dislikes closure
• Not logical
• Don't care for others
• Not goal-orientated

Behavioral Focus – Imagining; Speculating; "In the heads, not in the hands"

Value Orientation – New

Time View – Future thinking

Office Styles - Messy


While I think it's safe to assume there are characteristics of each style that fit into parts of everyone as a professional, if you know me, you know my primary style falls almost flawlessly into Feeling.

Prior to starting a career, I would have deemed myself otherwise, and I do believe that should I re-evaluate after another couple of years, things will most likely change. For now, this was a fun activity that gave me great insight into not only myself as a professional, but also allowed me to understand more about the people I am in contact with on a daily basis.

What is your work style?

They Call it Golden for a Reason

Despite any fears I had approaching the big 2-6 about entering my late twenties, spending it alone in a new city, etc I am surprised to admit that this has been a top birthday week. Between the incredible generosity of my colleagues, the overflowing mailbox and the vases of fresh flowers on my (newly decorated) desk I am humbled by how fortunate I am to have amazing friends and family.

I have also been very lucky to have spent the last couple of weeks in Raleigh to acclimate myself with the city, make my office a comfortable place to spend time in, and set up my new digs. I've checked out some of the restaurants, found a few malls, located all of the closest Starbucks and after a few hours of getting lost, I finally found a liquor store. (In North Carolina, they have weird liquor laws. They sell wine and beer at gas stations, but if you want the hard stuff, you have to search for it.)

In turning 26, the opportunity to spend time traveling has finally presented itself, and the calendar is filling up quickly. Some of these travels include trips to Baltimore for work that also allow me time with Dock and Dizz. Other travel plans include weekend road trips to the beach. (YAY!) In addition, I am extremely excited to have visitors lined up through the next several months.

This weekend, also known as mid-birthday week, Raleigh hosted the All Star Game and downtown Raleigh held their Fan Fest, bringing in concerts, and tons of fun activities for hockey enthusiasts to enjoy. Along with the experience, the weather was in the mid 60's - I don't think I have ever had a January birthday where I was outside without a jacket.

All in all, I am feeling much better about 26 than I ever expected to, and I genuinely believe this is going to an amazing year. I am ecstatic to be spending it in Raleigh, growing in my career and enjoying everything my 'late twenties' have to offer.

Leadership. Or something like it.

This morning I was given the opportunity to meet Paul Maurice, head coach of the Carolina Hurricanes, and listen to him speak on leadership. While his entire presentation was thought-provoking, there was a part that really resinated with me.

As you know, about 6 weeks ago I accepted a new position, made the decision to relocate to Raleigh and have not stopped moving since. While this has been the most exciting time of my life, it's also full of change. Nearly everything about this transition is unfamiliar, therefore a lot of my time is spent learning and listening. Learning new processes, learning new colleagues - adapting to new surroundings all around. That being said, during this morning's discussion, Maurice mentioned 3 things he has absorbed through his career that I wrote down, with hopes I can apply this advice to all that is changing and new. While he recommended these ideas as important in becoming a successful leader, I feel that they're quite fitting in finding success as a professional.

First - Ask questions, even when you think you know the answer.

Second - Display an absolute, undeniable belief in yourself, especially when you're not sure.

Lastly - Speak in public as often as possible, as this is where most people are most uncomfortable.

It's safe to assume that the most obvious reason this portion stuck out to me is because these are three traits that I, personally tend to sometimes lack. While I have always been the person who has the most questions, I am rarely the one that asks. I fear that in asking questions, I am placing burden on someone who has other things to concentrate on.

The second basically defines confidence in your work. As a confident person outside of the office, I absolutely need to find a similar confidence in my new position. This is something prior to this morning I have thought about, and set a goal for myself to become acclimated with the new job & city before March 1, with hopes that will inspire confidence.

As for speaking in public, this varies by situation, but when I get nervous before hand, it's over. I tend to break out into a very attractive sweat, with a bright red face and chest. Clearly, this is something I need to practice more often to overcome.

I really enjoyed this morning, and am looking forward to similar experiences in the future. It's really exciting to be in a community of young professionals who are excited to network, learn and grow together.

And, oh yeah - GO CANES!

Bing. Bang. Boom.

As I begin the transition to Raleigh, and reflect on my time in Baltimore, I am reminded of past moving experiences. Prior to each of these moves, I have established three 'goals' for myself to accomplish while in the new city. (Side note: In starting this blog it's become very apparent that I set a lot of goals, and I work well with three things at a time. I am my fathers daughter.)

While in Baltimore it was important to me to reconnect with the jam, and I absolutely did so. The last two years of having Dock and Dizzle five minutes away has been amazing. I was determined to start my career and grow as a professional, which I have been fortunate enough to do as well. Lastly, I needed to find the confidence that I could be independent. In college, I relied on someone else to influence my decisions and in my two years in Baltimore I found that I'm actually pretty good on my own.

Now, onto the next city... and to a new set of goals. With what I accomplished in Baltimore, I have the base I need to start setting goals that inspire personal growth. That being said, the first thing I look forward to doing in Raleigh is maintaining a budget. Dock has been kind enough to put this together for me - however, Dock has been kind enough to put together about 25 different budgets for me - but they never last. Goal 1, make this budget work.

Secondly, I am going earn certification as a spin instructor. I have enjoyed the classes at the Merritt, and I love how I feel after spinning, but I haven't been good about consistency at the gym. If I am responsible for teaching a class, I will have to get there. Genius.

Lastly, I am going to learn how to cook. I am a month away from being 26 (gross) so I think it's time to stop relying on lean cuisines and Jimmy Johns (at least not every day) and teach myself how to maneuver my way around a kitchen. Honestly this will be the most challenging as I have rehearsed excuses for years, I have no patience whatsoever - and frankly, I am more than happy with turkey & bread.

Goals for Raleigh are set. Now... I just have to pack.

Chapter Six

Minnesota. Wisconsin. West Virginia. Kentucky. Maryland... North Carolina.

After two amazing years in Baltimore, I am very excited to share that I have been given the opportunity to take on a new adventure in Raleigh, North Carolina. Through the month of December, I am heading back to the south.

Although there are several, each city that I have lived in has taught me many things and that remains true for Baltimore. Baltimore is where I began my career in public relations and fell in love with social media marketing. Baltimore taught me to work hard, stay honest and to be independent and confident in my decisions. I learned how to open my heart to the possibility of love and to celebrate every friendship I developed along the way.

I am humbled by the people that I have had the pleasure of meeting. I can't put into words how grateful I am for each of these relationships. Those who have been my colleagues and guided me through the start of my career, you are all incredible and I wouldn't have this opportunity to continue to grow without you. Thank you.

Those of you who I met outside of the office, your graciousness has been influential and more than appreciated. Thank you to all of you for joining me on this journey - for the big laughs, the silly tears and the many, many happy hours.

Fortunately, with this new opportunity and the jam living in the city, I will still be in Baltimore often. I look forward to keeping in touch while I am back in the south (you had to know this was coming eventually!) as well as continuing these friendships during visits.

It should also be known that a flight to Raleigh is inexpensive, takes 45 minutes and I love visitors.