I was pleasantly surprised to walk out of my house this morning and into less than 100 degree weather. It’s a beautiful day in Baltimore, which provoked a reflective drive to Columbia.
This summer flew by (I swear that’s not an attempt to make up for being an absent blogger!), but it was absolutely a summer to remember.
Maroon PR is fortunate to work with some incredible clients, including several non-profit organizations who really flourish during the summer months. Beginning in July I was given the opportunity to spend time with these organizations at a few of their events.
The weekend of July 23, Ang and I drove up to Camp Erin, Baltimore. Camp Erin is a bereavement camp that Phillies pitcher Jamie Moyer and his wife Karen started after losing a close friend of theirs, Erin Metcalfe to cancer. We spent the weekend with 50 children, all of whom had experienced the loss of a loved one. We watched them learn from each other how to grieve and express their loss through simple things like swimming in a nice pool, to the deeper events like posting a photo of the person they lost on a memory board. It was a remarkable experience that both Ang and I left better people from.
A few Sunday’s later we were part of The Right Side Foundation’s 5K Event at Patterson Park. The event in itself was fun to witness as it brought together athletes from all over the East Coast. The part, though that will stick with me is that from this event, The Right Side Foundation raised a significant amount of money to donate back to distressed children throughout Maryland. Being allowed to witness such a large community of athletes, both professional and non, come together for such an amazing cause is humbling to say the least.
The last “big event” of the summer just ended on Sunday. The Cal Ripken World Series took place in Aberdeen and became home to sixteen 12-U teams from all over the world. Through the week, these young players celebrated their talents, and mourned their losses together. It was a great time for them to bond and grow as both athletes and people. The World Series also allowed for a “Badges for Baseball” event to take place, which brought young kids from the Boys & Girls Club to Ripken Stadium for a morning of clinics, playing and hanging out with Cal Ripken, Jr.
I face the end of the summer as bittersweet. While I look forward to red wine, college football and a great selection of new shoes, it’s tough to say goodbye to a season that taught me so much.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Time Flies When You're Having Fun
...That’s for sure. I can’t believe it’s been a year since I started at Maroon PR.
You already know my reaction to finding out about the job, so needless to say I was excited. Little did I know, however, what an impact working for Maroon would have on me. In only one year, I have developed incredible relationships with my colleagues, been promoted to a role that I adore, met some amazing athletes and learned more about public relations and social media than I did in all my years of college.
Without a doubt, the people that I work with have become some of my closest friends. While in the office, they inspire me to be successful, make me laugh, and support and empower me on a daily (sometimes hourly) basis. Outside of the office, they are good to the jam and who I spend most of my time with.
After nine months as an Associate Account Executive, I was surprised and humbled when John promoted me to Manager of Social Media. In this role I have learned so many things about not only social media, but myself as a professional. I only hope to continue to grow from here.
As for the athletes, I have been so lucky to work for some incredibly giving and kind players. I am still starstruck when they call the office! I never thought I would see the day that our team meetings end with Cal Ripken coming to tour our new offices.
This year has truly flown by and every day has given me another reason to count my blessings. I could not have asked for a better place to come to work every day. Thank you to all who have been a part of my success. Cheers to many more years.
You already know my reaction to finding out about the job, so needless to say I was excited. Little did I know, however, what an impact working for Maroon would have on me. In only one year, I have developed incredible relationships with my colleagues, been promoted to a role that I adore, met some amazing athletes and learned more about public relations and social media than I did in all my years of college.
Without a doubt, the people that I work with have become some of my closest friends. While in the office, they inspire me to be successful, make me laugh, and support and empower me on a daily (sometimes hourly) basis. Outside of the office, they are good to the jam and who I spend most of my time with.
After nine months as an Associate Account Executive, I was surprised and humbled when John promoted me to Manager of Social Media. In this role I have learned so many things about not only social media, but myself as a professional. I only hope to continue to grow from here.
As for the athletes, I have been so lucky to work for some incredibly giving and kind players. I am still starstruck when they call the office! I never thought I would see the day that our team meetings end with Cal Ripken coming to tour our new offices.
This year has truly flown by and every day has given me another reason to count my blessings. I could not have asked for a better place to come to work every day. Thank you to all who have been a part of my success. Cheers to many more years.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Fake Friends Are Real
As most of you know, I have moved all over the country. Whether it be for Docks job, college, or my career I am no stranger to packing up and starting fresh. Moving so often presented a few obstacles while growing up, but it has also offered incredible opportunities.
One of the most recent opportunities (I’m actually currently experiencing) has been traveling (alone) to New York City for the 140 Characters Conference to learn from social media experts how to be even better at my job.
While being here I have heard from Ivanka Trump, Ann Curry, Miss America and several other amazing influences. While they have presented many inspiring ideas, one of the most consistent themes of Day 1, is how twitter has created real relationships for people who may not have ever met.
This speaks volumes to me, because it is more than true in my social media world. Through my personal accounts and those that I manage for clients, I have “met” some incredible people who have helped me in my career, and introduce me to some fab locals in the 410.
Recently, while tweeting something fabulous, I noticed that a fellow tweeter in Baltimore was talking about how he set a goal to make at least one new relationship per week solely through social media. After he tweeted about ABBA, @RyanE1984 wrote: “I've been trying to make 1 new friend, contact, work associate a week for 5 weeks now. Amazed how this has expanded my work/personal life”.
I was really impressed by this, and it made me think about just how many friends and followers I have that I have unfortunately not spent a significant amount of time with, but that I learn from every day. (Cough, cough, let's change this tweeters!)
I’m hoping to hang in Baltimore for quite some time, so I’m not worried about moving (again). I am, though, inspired to re-tweet this idea, and expand my personal and professional network.
One of the most recent opportunities (I’m actually currently experiencing) has been traveling (alone) to New York City for the 140 Characters Conference to learn from social media experts how to be even better at my job.
While being here I have heard from Ivanka Trump, Ann Curry, Miss America and several other amazing influences. While they have presented many inspiring ideas, one of the most consistent themes of Day 1, is how twitter has created real relationships for people who may not have ever met.
This speaks volumes to me, because it is more than true in my social media world. Through my personal accounts and those that I manage for clients, I have “met” some incredible people who have helped me in my career, and introduce me to some fab locals in the 410.
Recently, while tweeting something fabulous, I noticed that a fellow tweeter in Baltimore was talking about how he set a goal to make at least one new relationship per week solely through social media. After he tweeted about ABBA, @RyanE1984 wrote: “I've been trying to make 1 new friend, contact, work associate a week for 5 weeks now. Amazed how this has expanded my work/personal life”.
I was really impressed by this, and it made me think about just how many friends and followers I have that I have unfortunately not spent a significant amount of time with, but that I learn from every day. (Cough, cough, let's change this tweeters!)
I’m hoping to hang in Baltimore for quite some time, so I’m not worried about moving (again). I am, though, inspired to re-tweet this idea, and expand my personal and professional network.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Healthy Competition
Tonight is the night I have been anticipating since March Madness began. Tonight, Kentucky takes on West Virginia for a spot in the Final Four.
As you know, I am both an avid college basketball fan and a Kentucky alum. What you may not know is that several of the faves and the B are West Virginia alum... And that more importantly, Bub is a WVU student.
Unfortunately, the jam is in Florida right now looking at potential law schools so we aren't going to be able to watch the game together. However, that has not prevented us from some healthy bantering. Currently, Bub and Dock are golfing. Knowing that, I have called Bubs phone every hour since 7am and left the same voice mail- C-A-T-S, CATS CATS CATS. This afternoon, I am attending a work event so I won't have my phone with me. It's safe to say, when I return to my phone there will be an equal amount (if not more) voice mail messages, most likely with him yelling LETS GOOOOO MOUNTAINEERS.
I spoke to Dizz this morning, and the last thing she said was "Go Kentucky... And West Virginia! I brought a shirt for both teams, and I will switch each quarter."
Game starts at 7:05 tonight. The faves are going to grab a table at 5:00 (at the local West Virginia bar, of course). I will be the only Kentucky fan in the whole place, but I am OK with that, because I am confident Kentucky will be this years National Champion.
C-A-T-S CATS CATS CATS!!
As you know, I am both an avid college basketball fan and a Kentucky alum. What you may not know is that several of the faves and the B are West Virginia alum... And that more importantly, Bub is a WVU student.
Unfortunately, the jam is in Florida right now looking at potential law schools so we aren't going to be able to watch the game together. However, that has not prevented us from some healthy bantering. Currently, Bub and Dock are golfing. Knowing that, I have called Bubs phone every hour since 7am and left the same voice mail- C-A-T-S, CATS CATS CATS. This afternoon, I am attending a work event so I won't have my phone with me. It's safe to say, when I return to my phone there will be an equal amount (if not more) voice mail messages, most likely with him yelling LETS GOOOOO MOUNTAINEERS.
I spoke to Dizz this morning, and the last thing she said was "Go Kentucky... And West Virginia! I brought a shirt for both teams, and I will switch each quarter."
Game starts at 7:05 tonight. The faves are going to grab a table at 5:00 (at the local West Virginia bar, of course). I will be the only Kentucky fan in the whole place, but I am OK with that, because I am confident Kentucky will be this years National Champion.
C-A-T-S CATS CATS CATS!!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Take Deep Breaths
One of my favorite books, Where the Heart Is by Billie Lets, reads “Our lives can change with every breath we take”. While that statement has always stayed with me, I never realized how true those words are until recently.
Since my last posting (sorry it's been so long) my life has changed in a big way, twice. Both of which happened in only one breath. The first change came in my professional world, the second in my personal.
Professionally, I was given a fabulous promotion. After nine months at Maroon, my boss and the prez called me in to “discuss social media”. In one breath we were talking about our clients and their platforms, the next breath I was being given a promotion. I am now the Manager of Social Media, which has given me incredible opportunities to grow and learn as a PR professional, and I couldn’t be happier.
Personally, I was faced with losing my first loved one. In 25 years, I had never been to a funeral that I remembered, or experienced death. A few weeks ago Dock and Dizz called to let me know that my Grandma was concerned about her health and had gone into the hospital where she’d been diagnosed with cancer. After surgery and complications, she had passed away. The jam flew down and supported each other while saying goodbye to someone we all loved very much.
Both experiences were completely unexpected, and both changed my life in a big way. The first taught me that honest work is noticed and rewarded, while the second taught me to appreciate the immensity of love whole heartedly.
Together, these changes reminded me to take deep breaths.
Since my last posting (sorry it's been so long) my life has changed in a big way, twice. Both of which happened in only one breath. The first change came in my professional world, the second in my personal.
Professionally, I was given a fabulous promotion. After nine months at Maroon, my boss and the prez called me in to “discuss social media”. In one breath we were talking about our clients and their platforms, the next breath I was being given a promotion. I am now the Manager of Social Media, which has given me incredible opportunities to grow and learn as a PR professional, and I couldn’t be happier.
Personally, I was faced with losing my first loved one. In 25 years, I had never been to a funeral that I remembered, or experienced death. A few weeks ago Dock and Dizz called to let me know that my Grandma was concerned about her health and had gone into the hospital where she’d been diagnosed with cancer. After surgery and complications, she had passed away. The jam flew down and supported each other while saying goodbye to someone we all loved very much.
Both experiences were completely unexpected, and both changed my life in a big way. The first taught me that honest work is noticed and rewarded, while the second taught me to appreciate the immensity of love whole heartedly.
Together, these changes reminded me to take deep breaths.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Not What I Expected
Over the past couple of weeks I have had several close friends admit to me that they're the happiest they've ever been. Fortunately I am able to say exactly the same. These admissions got me wondering what is so different about my life now… What changed that made me feel this happy? What defines my happiness?
Now that I have reached the big 2-5, I have taken some time to reflect on my life so far. At eighteen, I was convinced that my happiness at 25 would be defined by a boy (glad I got over that one), or a new city, or a degree, or a job… but that only one of those things would make me happy. What I have come to learn in the last seven years however, is that my happiness is defined not by a single milestone but rather a collection of accomplishments.
What defines my happiness now is that I have so much more than one thing to celebrate everyday. I am surrounded by encouragement and support. I have the most incredible family, friends, career, and home as well as a new faith that things can and will only get better.
As you know, I was terrified of turning 25. A week into it, though, I have come to realize that things are even better than I had expected. Let’s hope the same can be said when I hit 30…
Now that I have reached the big 2-5, I have taken some time to reflect on my life so far. At eighteen, I was convinced that my happiness at 25 would be defined by a boy (glad I got over that one), or a new city, or a degree, or a job… but that only one of those things would make me happy. What I have come to learn in the last seven years however, is that my happiness is defined not by a single milestone but rather a collection of accomplishments.
What defines my happiness now is that I have so much more than one thing to celebrate everyday. I am surrounded by encouragement and support. I have the most incredible family, friends, career, and home as well as a new faith that things can and will only get better.
As you know, I was terrified of turning 25. A week into it, though, I have come to realize that things are even better than I had expected. Let’s hope the same can be said when I hit 30…
Monday, January 4, 2010
New Year's Resolutions
As per tradition, with a new year comes a fresh start. The way most define this fresh start is through their New Year’s resolutions. Generally, like many I casually agree that I will change a few things for the year, and then shortly after February, those promises I made to myself are lost.
Since the last half of 2009 was the most incredible 6 months of my life, I am resolving to compose and keep New Year’s resolutions for 2010. To make sure I follow through, I am going to share my promises with those most important to me. Knowing that I do best in “three’s”, I will start with three this year.
Resolution Number One: Maintain a healthy mind, body and spirit.
I will keep my mind healthy by first not allowing myself to stress out about things I cannot control, whether they be personal or professional. I will let go of my biggest stressor and leave it in the past, and I will rely on friends and family instead of keeping things to myself.
I will keep my body healthy by keeping up with my gym routine (it is so nice to have the faves around for this resolution!) I will allow myself 8 hours of sleep each night, and I will attend regular doctor and dentist appointments.
In order to keep my spirit healthy, I will keep laughing often and loudly (regardless of what people say!) I will continue to give back to those who are less fortunate as often as I am able to, and I will remember to trust that things happen for a reason.
Resolution Two: I will budget, save and appreciate my money.
Through college I was a bartender and therefore when I needed (or wanted) extra money, I was able to work a couple of hours and make however much cash I needed. I also had my tuition, rent, car and bills paid for by Dock and Dizz- so the money that I earned was spent on clothes, shoes, purses, road trips, etc (WHY I didn't save this, I will never know).
Now I am living in the big city, with a career instead of a job and paying my own bills. Making this transition with money has not been easy, and I find myself frustrated often. (Not having any credit these days is almost worse than having awful credit!!) It is time for me to manage my money accordingly.
My Third Resolution: I will continue to learn, appreciate and grow in public relations.
In order to continue in my PR education, I will attend classes, seminars and webinars to learn new things. I will continue asking questions to my mentors, my educators and my coworkers when I am unsure. Lastly, in order to grow as a professional I will appreciate those who allow me to be here by coming to work prepared and excited.
I am looking very forward to making all of this happen in 2010, and I am certain that with the help of Dock, Dizz, Bub, The Jam, The B’s and The Faves, this will be the best year yet. I hope you are all able to say the same.
Happy 2010.
Since the last half of 2009 was the most incredible 6 months of my life, I am resolving to compose and keep New Year’s resolutions for 2010. To make sure I follow through, I am going to share my promises with those most important to me. Knowing that I do best in “three’s”, I will start with three this year.
Resolution Number One: Maintain a healthy mind, body and spirit.
I will keep my mind healthy by first not allowing myself to stress out about things I cannot control, whether they be personal or professional. I will let go of my biggest stressor and leave it in the past, and I will rely on friends and family instead of keeping things to myself.
I will keep my body healthy by keeping up with my gym routine (it is so nice to have the faves around for this resolution!) I will allow myself 8 hours of sleep each night, and I will attend regular doctor and dentist appointments.
In order to keep my spirit healthy, I will keep laughing often and loudly (regardless of what people say!) I will continue to give back to those who are less fortunate as often as I am able to, and I will remember to trust that things happen for a reason.
Resolution Two: I will budget, save and appreciate my money.
Through college I was a bartender and therefore when I needed (or wanted) extra money, I was able to work a couple of hours and make however much cash I needed. I also had my tuition, rent, car and bills paid for by Dock and Dizz- so the money that I earned was spent on clothes, shoes, purses, road trips, etc (WHY I didn't save this, I will never know).
Now I am living in the big city, with a career instead of a job and paying my own bills. Making this transition with money has not been easy, and I find myself frustrated often. (Not having any credit these days is almost worse than having awful credit!!) It is time for me to manage my money accordingly.
My Third Resolution: I will continue to learn, appreciate and grow in public relations.
In order to continue in my PR education, I will attend classes, seminars and webinars to learn new things. I will continue asking questions to my mentors, my educators and my coworkers when I am unsure. Lastly, in order to grow as a professional I will appreciate those who allow me to be here by coming to work prepared and excited.
I am looking very forward to making all of this happen in 2010, and I am certain that with the help of Dock, Dizz, Bub, The Jam, The B’s and The Faves, this will be the best year yet. I hope you are all able to say the same.
Happy 2010.
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