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July, 2008

  1. Teh Internets or Why Rob is Wrong

    July 12, 2008 by Blondette

    Bamboozled by a debate I was not ready to have (no prep time!) I was surprised to see just how impassioned one person could be about the presence of one little bitty “s” at the end of a word. Indeed, I never knew the plural could be so offensive. Even my stepdad, who loathes the use of the word “anyways” [because it should be "anyway" and whenever I said "anyways" he would grimace and correct me. (I also went on a kick of overusing "annoying" and he never failed to comment on that, forcing me to use my synonyms.)] never became as adamant as one man did the other night.

    His main contention was that real technical people would never call the Internet “the internets.” At first, I was offended, thinking myself a technical person. After all, my job consists of a great deal of technical knowledge and dialogue. I’m fluent in the language. If I did not understand our technology, I would not be effective or innovative in my job. And one of the most rewarding parts of my job is brainstorming with the programmers to solve problems and create solutions. But really, when it comes down to it, understanding of technology, query structure, database structure and knowing CSS and PHP don’t really make me a “real technical person.” Or do they?

    Let’s examine the definitions of “real”,”technical” and “people.”

    real: being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verified existence; not illusory; “real objects”; “real people; not ghosts”; “a film based on real …

    technical: of or relating to technique or proficiency in a practical skill; characterizing or showing skill in or specialized knowledge of applied arts and sciences;

    people: (plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively;

    [So maybe he meant to say or did say a "real technical person" as "people" is plural and we know how he feels about plurals (though this one doesn't have an "s" so maybe he didn't know it was plural or wasn't offended because it excludes that scary letter "s.") We'll carry on using "people" for our current argument.]

    Hmm. Well, my existance is verifiable; I am not an illusion, therefore I am real. Technical modifies people, and I am a person within a group which shows skill and specialized knowledge of applied arts and sciences (English, technology, critical thinking), therefore I’m a technical person. So, I’m a real technical person. I also say “the Internets.” (and I even type and say it as “teh Internets.”)

    But, according to someone, that can’t be!

    I suppose he’d have you believe that All Your Base (do not) Belong To Me, Chocolate Rain isn’t funny, parody’s aren’t real humor, and that there aren’t any Mother F*##@% Snakes on the Plane.

    Let’s ask this guy what he thinks- answer

    So, that’s why real technical people do call the Internet “the Internets” and Rob is wrong.

    Category blah blah, tech | Tags: | 4 Comments

  2. This is My Deal

    July 9, 2008 by Blondette

    Being challenged is one of the most fulfilling acts in life. Whether the challenges are given to us, or we create them for ourselves, they always have value.

    I often say my job is like a marriage. You work through the difficult portions because you really love it and find value in the partnership. Steven Covey says love isn’t really a feeling but an action. For the most part, I agree. You’ll never build trust, respect, or camaraderie if you do nothing but tell and never show. Even when I’m weary and want to give up, I find passion in something; teaching, analysis, problem solving. In the beginning of my career, I never set out to work in Internet Marketing specifically. I wanted to be a copywriter(like just about every other Advertising, Marketing, or English major), but as I’ve studied and learned I’ve developed true enthusiasm for all things Internet Marketing- from implementation, research, analysis, strategy, problem solving, testing, working with IT, being IT etc. It’s the same excitement I feel when I make connections. While studying for a final in one of my final college years, I remember the exact moment when I connected several pieces of literature to an idea and a theme. With that connection I had an essay topic and a frenzied need to document it before it disappeared. I still get that feeling-it’s part of what drives me and keeps me moving through the less thrilling tasks of work life.

    That should be true of every aspect of life. We should get through the less thrilling because we have need and because we have fulfillment and passion to fuel us.

    Some people tout being “idea” people and problem solvers, but I really am. I possess an undeniable strength for analysis and problem solving. But then again, we do tend to be good at what we love, and it’s easier to love something that we’re good at. (Readers: do you AGREE OR DISAGREE?!)

    All of this passion and talent aside, learning how to supervise and manage a department has been a tremendous challenge for me. It forces me to work on the things that I am not good at- delegation, confrontation, and did I say delegation? It truly stretches me in ways that make me uncomfortable; yet, I know that if I can learn and persevere I will only be stronger in the end. I went from the girl who knew the job and had the answers to the girl who had to lead the team who was supposed to know the job and have the answers. Subject matter expert to leader. And I welcomed it.

    I don’t feel like I’m a natural leader. Honestly, I know I’m not. I was the kid in school who always knew the answer but remained silent, with hands down. I found much of school boring and I’m an introvert. Indeed, even though I’m a supervisor, I just consider myself part of the team. We all have the same goals. Each member has a role; mine is to support the entire team and work in the team’s best interest. I fail my team if I fail to teach. I fail my team if I fail to be open. I fail my team if I fail to lead by example. I fail my team if I fail to delegate. I fail my team if I fail to be approachable. I fail my team if I fail to listen. I fail my team if I think of myself before the team.

    Ambition was something I thought I didn’t have. I was wrong. I’m extremely ambitious.

    Blogging tonight has been difficult. Partly because I was joined by a kitten and found myself cradling him and partly because I felt myself drifting from my original topic. (the fact that my trackpad died and I have to prop my little mouse on a magazine, which is propped on a pillow hasn’t helped.) I also have to periodically pick up my water glass because Baby Oliver LOVES water-which means he dips his head and feet into my water glasses and knocks them over. My coffee table has kitten-prints from a spill this weekend and my carpet is now wet. Another reason to support my love of hardwood floors.

    I often wonder things like: what’s the acceptable time span between purchasing new bedding, redecorating your bedroom, and then re-doing it? It’s not a need, but at some point I feel it could conflict with my chi until I’m so unsettled in my bedroom that I must make a change. That’s the main reason why I periodically rearrange my living room furniture–doing so makes me feel fresh, alive, and unblocks my chi.

    I like the smell of sweet grass and hay and a stormy sky over a field. Sunshine on my shoulders, the clever use of a song title in prose ;) , kittens, throw blankets, pocket foods, chocolate, red peppers, books, challenges, learning, laughing, and giving you all something to read for a spell.

    Category blah blah | Tags: | No Comments

  3. Approved for Adult-hood

    July 6, 2008 by Blondette

    Adulthood is far lonelier than I anticipated. I’m 27 and I’ve been approved for a home loan. Will I actually make a purchase any time soon? probably not. My price range is not high, partly because I’m conservative. I could go to the top of my range, but I’d have to subsidize with a roommate. I’m very open to the idea; however, what happens when that roommate leaves? What is my contingency plan?

    Lately, I’ve realized the following:

    1. I miss living with other people
    2. I wish I could save more money.

    Well, there is an obvious solution for both. The difficult part is finding person/people with whom to live. (don’t ask me if that’s grammatically correct. I may have a degree in English, but I’m not perfect and this is a blog.)

    Challenges to finding a roommate:

    1. I have 3 cats.
    2. I’m sorta messy.
    3. I work a lot.
    4. I’m quirky.
    5. I don’t know that many people.

    I just finished reading “Plain Truth,” by Jodi Picoult. In this book, a young Amish woman is tried for murdering her newborn baby. I won’t give away the ending (though I had it figured out), but the entire time I was reading I couldn’t help but feel the desire to cook a nice roast with carrots, onions, and potatoes. mmm. Not exactly summer food, but it is family food, and I have a craving for it. The Amish are rooted in family and community. As much as family can irritate, I still find the need for traditional and idyllic gatherings. Anyhow, it reinforces my desire to no longer be living alone. I still need my own space, please do not misunderstand, I just want to have someone to chat with at the end of the day. Someone to cook for (i’ll cook, they can do the dishes.) Maybe I don’t know what I want.

    Category Uncategorized | Tags: | 1 Comment

  4. Dating Lessons from NKoTB

    July 6, 2008 by Blondette

    After more than a decade apart, the New Kids on the Block (NKoTB) have reunited with the impressive single, “Summertime.”

    They’ve come back as a service to all. We ladies are being taught how much our tastes have matured, and the gents are being served up a step-by-step guide to hooking up summer love. So here it is y’all. The NKoTB Guide to Summertime Love. Don’t forget to take notes.

    Lesson 1: Group dance in a inappropriate place. This tells the ladies that you aren’t afraid to take a risk for her love. Throw in pelvic thrusts so she knows you’re a real man.

    Lesson 2: Matching outfits are cool. They show you belong even if you are a rebellious bad boy.

    Lesson3: Keep your weird buddies in the back, in corners, and generally out of sight of all the hotties. Use them as your errand boys if you must. You’ll lure a philly from the pack as an offering.

    Lesson4: No Matter where or what you are doing, pretend there is a dope beat in the background and choreograph all of your movements accordingly. This takes practice- you may need to practice in the bathroom mirror. This is normal and natural.

    Lesson5: While you’re in the bathroom practicing your moves, take advantage of the acoustics to perfect your falsetto. Girls dig a man who can sing higher than them.

    Lesson 6: Ask her if she remembers. She probably doesn’t, but it makes you look sensitive and sentimental. Feel free to make up a memory, but be careful and don’t overdo it. Make it something simple like “remember that time you were walking on the beach in those short shorts?” Don’t forget to chuckle.

    Lesson 7: Have a special talent that differentiates you from your posse: weightlifting/running, ballroom dance, motorcyles, general badassness, or yahting. This tells the ladies that you have an identity outside of the group.

    Lesson 8: Reunite with your former boy band even though you have a successful movie career and are regarded as a sex symbol and serious actor. No, you’re right, it just shows you aren’t embarrassed about your past. Way to do the unexpected! (I’m talking to you Donnie.)

    Lesson 9: Use former song titles and lyrics as pickup lines. She’s probably too young to know any of your old hits! Hey, you’re an environmentalist, recycling is good for the planet. JACKPOT!

    Lesson 10: Make her wonder if you’re really a spy. Wear shades, text group messages, get your old team together, and arrive in a helicopter.

    Lesson 11: Tell her you’ll put her in your next music video. You won’t have to keep your promise because you won’t make another video because your comeback won’t last longer than one summer!

    OH-OH!

    Category humor | Tags: | 1 Comment

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