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January, 2010

  1. Old Lady Katie

    January 31, 2010 by Blondette

    You know what, 29 is not old. Thirty is not old. So why the eff am I acting like it is? I set goals based on the fear of the number. I just restarted Weight Watchers because I wanted to get control over my body again and not be fat on my 30th birthday (which is just over 365 days away.)

    I’ve been acting like an old lady. Come home, eat dinner, internet, TV, work, internet, bed. EVERY DAY. You see I have issues with limits and moderation. It’s all or nothing. I also require a level of aloneness and unstructured time. But how does being anti-social help me reach my goals and live a fulfilling life? IT DOESN’T.

    My 80 year grandmother has a more interesting love life than I do. (and no cats)

    So, this year I must push myself to “say yes” and get the f’ out of the house, even if it is a school night. Maybe then I’ll have something to talk about other than work or that cute thing my cat did the other day.


  2. My Take on Taylor’s Swift Success

    January 31, 2010 by Blondette

    When Taylor Swift won album of the year tonight on the Grammy’s my Twitter stream blew up not with a series of congratulations and “yays” but with comments of “blah” “boring” and “why?”

    I like Taylor Swift. I crank her songs and sing loudly. Her song “Shoulda Said No” was my ringtone for most of the year (until I got a new phone.)

    taylor swift at the 2010 grammys

    The Golden Girl Herself at the 2010 Grammys

    So, why did our Miss Swift get so popular? Popular enough to beat out powerhouses like The Dave Matthews Band and Beyonce (and Lady Gaga a recent powerhouse) for the prize of the night at the Grammy’s- well, she’s infectious, real, all-American. She appeals to young and old – little girls want to be her, old pervs want to do her, soccer moms reminisce about the old days when they were her.

    Taylor Swift embodies American ideals of beauty, family, and happiness. Her mom is her best friend? Her dad and brother are at home watching? She’s humble and thankful – genuine. Oh, and she can write songs, play a guitar, and sing.

    Was she the best singer in the category? Nope. But the category was Album of the Year. Her album certainly sold to a crapton of people, her songs got a ton of air time, and home girl had momentum. I don’t recall hearing Beyonce as much on the radio on as many different types of stations.

    I say congratulations to Taylor. And I hope Lady Gaga ditches the crazy act and gets down with her bad self ala Pink and Christina Aguilera.

    Real talent speaks for itself. That’s why Britney Spears is a has-been. (sorry BritBrit!)


  3. How I Can Make a Difference

    January 30, 2010 by Blondette

    QBQ! The Question Behind the Question: Practicing Personal Accountability in Work and in Life QBQ! The Question Behind the Question: Practicing Personal Accountability in Work and in Life by John G. Miller

    My rating: 4 of 5 stars
    My company used to have a book club in which the entire staff participated. Prior to my becoming a full time employee with the company and being included in this activity, they read “QBQ!” The book continues to be referenced by executive management and our Account Service Department is reading the book together. Well, I couldn’t be left out, so I had to buy it and read it for myself. I learned a few of the principles in this book though my own failings earlier in life (okay, within the last 12 years) and truly believe in the power of personal accountability. I take away an even greater depth to some of the basics I’ve already embraced and something I can share as I coach my team at work. No, I can’t change them, but I can share this book. Favorites for me: you always have a choice (I’ve been saying this for years.) Stress is a choice. Think in “I” terms not them. Do not adopt victim mentality. It’s energizing to read a book and flip your thinking.

    View all my reviews >>


  4. My Life as a Glamourpuss

    January 26, 2010 by Blondette

    As I sit at my dining room/kitchen table (pub height), freshly fed a large salad wearing my jammies, slippers, and big fluffy robe entombed, I wonder, is this it? I’ve got a fully charged battery in my laptop and The West Wing on DVD. (Season 3)

    Sometimes when you say you work in marketing and advertising people envision bling, flash, booze, lavish dinners, parties- glamour…real hot stuff. In reality, you’re lucky if I style my hair, put on makeup and don’t stuff my face while talking to you because I have to eat during meetings so I don’t starve. (by-the-way, I’m far from starving and I’d never forget to eat. I’d just miss it.) oh and most nights are spent as described above – the only hot stuff is my laptop when it’s been on for a few hours.

    But, this is what I’ve chosen. I love my work. But…shouldn’t I love something else too?


  5. 2010 Technology Goal

    January 16, 2010 by Blondette

    Boy oh boy is this going to be fun. Third time was a charm on the upload of this video. Vimeo took forever to upload and then my audio was WAY our of sync with my video and actually cut of my video. Viddler missed the audio completely! Alas, I tried the big daddy of them all, YouTube.

    I captured the video on my iPhone and copied it to my computer. I tried recording via my computer webcam, but didn’t like it, so I figured I’d give the phone video a change.


  6. Facebook Would Not Let Me Post This as My Status Update

    January 16, 2010 by Blondette

    In the Year 2000…men around the world will suddenly stop what they’re doing, break into a knowing smile, nod slowly, and hug themselves with an appreciative rush that they were created as men. The severe appreciation will propel them to new research to alleviate the suffering of women everywhere and on January 15th, 2010 a breakthrough will be achieved. They’ll disrupt the space time continuum, launching back to that day in the Year 2000, taking the knowledge with them, and reducing suffering of women worldwide and thus, women everywhere will suddenly stop what they’re doing, break into a knowing smile, nod slowly, and hug themselves with an appreciate rush that men now bear all children.

    * Facebook wouldn’t let me post this as my status update because it was too long


  7. Best Places to Compose a Blog Post

    January 12, 2010 by Blondette

    1. on an airplane
    2. in a waiting room
    3. in line anywhere
    4. during a boring meeting
    5. in the shower
    6. while pooping – extra points if you are experiencing irregularity that keeps you on the can longer
    7. during your commute to and from work
    8. and finally, on your living room floor covered with a throw blanket, with your back inches away from the fireplace

  8. The Shows That Got Away

    January 11, 2010 by Blondette

    Are there shows in your life that you watch only because they’re on? You enjoy them when they’re on, but you’d never seek them out.

    Here’s my list of The Shows That Got Away:

    1. Seinfeld
    2. The Office
    3. Two and a Half Men
    4. CSI

    Shows I <3:

    1. Project Runway
    2. The Big Bang Theory
    3. How I Met Your Mother
    4. Grey’s Anatomy
    5. CBS Sunday Morning

    Shows I like and try to watch:

    1. Castle
    2. The Mentalist
    3. Rare Visions and Roadside Revelations
    4. Kansas City Week in Review
    5. Medium
    6. Bones

    I’m forgetting shows, but there you have it. What shows make your lists?


  9. This Little Life of Mine…I’m Gonna Let it Shine

    January 10, 2010 by Blondette

    I spent many hours watching “This Emotional Life” on KCPT2 (local PBS) today. It was well constructed and interesting, but then again, I’m into psychology and educational television. (When I don’t have cable, I tend to watch lots of public television.)

    Back on track, the show is actually a series in 3 parts (and I saw all 3.) It dives into human social interaction and emotions, balancing theory with case studies and research.

    The good news? You can watch it online. I encourage you to check it out.

    http://www.pbs.org/thisemotionallife/


  10. My Big Mound

    January 3, 2010 by Blondette

    I have a nemisis. It is the giant snow plowed mound of snow to the left (or right) of my driveway. In fact, I hate the plow mounds everywhere. Somehow, I ended up with the largest plow mound on the block.

    Tonight’s idea was so exciting that I can’t sleep until I share it with you. (really, I got out of my toasty bed and am now sitting on the floor in my guest room by the window where I can feel the cold seeping though)

    Yes, I have a plan to repurpose my mound and yours! All mounds be gone! We are going to get bull dozers (or whatever those big scoopy trucks are) and dump trucks and haul the snow away to a field. In that field we shall create the largest snowman ever. Or an igloo. Or an ice cream shoppe.Or an entire city.

    I think it’s a practical approach to Kansas City’s snow removal problem. “We built this city…we built this city on snow snow snow!!!”