Thankful Friday.

On this Friday before Thanksgiving, I would like to tell you a few material things I’m thankful for. In reality, this stuff doesn’t matter. But it’s still stuff I love that makes me happy. The list does not include the big stuff I would always choose over anything else (you know family, friends, faith, etc…I’ve done that post before).

• My cell phone.
• Caramel macchiato creamer.
• Luna bars.
• A great pair of running shoes.
• My eyelash curler.
• Magazines.
• Google.
• My j.o.b.
• Spray tans.
• Greek yogurt.

And for your enjoyment: Me scouting a photo location at work this a.m.
 

 

The Power of Print

We surf the Internet.
We swim in magazines.

The Internet is exhilarating. Magazines are enveloping. The Internet grabs you. Magazines embrace you. The Internet is impulsive. Magazines are immersive. And both media are growing.

Barely noticed amidst the thunderous Internet clamor is the simple fact that magazine readership has risen over the past five years. Even in the age of the Internet, even among the groups one would assume are most singularly hooked on digital media, the appeal of magazines is growing.

Think of it this way: during the 12-year life of Google, magazine readership actually increased 11 percent.

What it proves, once again, is that a new medium doesn’t necessarily displace an existing one. Just as movies didn’t kill radio. Just as TV didn’t kill movies. An established medium can continue to flourish so log as it continues to offer a unique experience. And, as reader loyalty and growth demonstrate, magazines do.

Which is why people aren’t giving up swimming, just because they also enjoy surfing.

*I saw this ad in Real Simple, and it’s hanging by my desk at work. I love it. If you know me, you know I have a slight obsession with magazines. I read them. I keep them. I cut them up. I store them. When I throw them away, it takes a lot of work to make me do it.

Junior League. And the power of of social media.

I had my final Junior League New Member meeting last night. We got our black t-shirts, which is what the Active Members wear. How exciting! I still don’t know my placement for next year, but I should find that out sometime in May. I loved my New Member color group, and I will miss those girls.

Our meeting was at Copeland's, and I had cheesecake for dinner. Yum!

We started a Legacy Project this year for our class, and will donate almost $2,000 worth of books to Children’s House. We labeled them all last night. I’m so impressed with these girls.

Facebook and Twitter Users Get Web site changed

Also, if you want to learn more about the AP change to website, you should read Simon Owens’ article about how Facebook and Twitter users lobbied the AP Stylebook to change “Web site” to “website.” His blog is pretty interesting. Go here now!

AP Style Update: website

For all you communication people out there, AP finally changed its style on website. It became effective April 16.

A new entry on website has been added to the AP Stylebook Online and will be included in the updated text version, the 2010 AP Stylebook, which will be published next month.


The entry says:

website: A location on the World Wide Web that maintains one or more pages at a specific address. Also, webcam, webcast and webmaster. But as a short form and in terms with separate words, the Web, Web page and Web feed.

It's about time! I was tired of explaining to all the techy people why I still used Web site.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ONE OF MY FAVORITE PEOPLE IN THE WHOLE WORLD!

In other news, it's my grandfather's birthday! Happy birthday, Papaw. He is the best grandfather anyone could hope for. He's definitely a role model for me. Throughout my life, I've always wanted to be like him. I hope I can accomplish all he's done throughout out his life. Although, I'm not sure I can ever live up to Dr. John F. Walker! I sure will try, though! I can't wait to see them in a few weeks for my sister's college graduation. And I can't wait for Memorial Day when we all go to the lake house.

He's the best!

P.S. This is the only picture I had with me that had the two of us in it. So ignore me!

Lights, Camera, Action! And a fitness update.

I was a bad blogger yesterday. Sorry! I was out of the office all day on a video shoot. I don’t like to talk about work too much, but I have to tell you about this. I’m making my onscreen debut, and I think it’s so funny. I literally spent all day yesterday in front of the camera, talking. Those lights really are hot! Now, if you know me, you know talking is not a problem for me. But the part I dread is when I have to edit myself. You know when you hear yourself recorded you always think, “There’s no way that can be me. I don’t sound like that…” Well, I have to do that for hours. I’m not going to lie; I had a lot of fun recording. I get to do it again Friday!

Now to the real purpose of today’s blog: A fitness update.

I got the Biggest Loser results Monday, and I’m in third place! However, I don’t think the person in first place weighed in last week. He’s still in first place, but his percentage is now closer to mine. But his will probably go up a lot this week, so I have serious work to do.

Last night, I spent the evening jogging around Lake Fayetteville with the boy. It’s a little more than five miles around the whole thing. We ran about 3.5 of it. I am pretty proud of myself. We even “sprinted” up the hills. Part of the trail is paved, and part of it is through the woods. I definitely tripped on some roots and rocks a few times.

Unfortunately, I forgot my workout pants today, so I can’t do yoga/pilates at lunch. Boo. And I have kickball practice tonight, so that means no gym. Boo.

Happy Wednesday, ya’ll! : )

Communication vs. Communications

You know how some things just bother you? The misuse of communication or communications really, really bothers me. Perhaps that's because communication was my focus in graduate school. Or perhaps it's because I love all things grammar related. I know I'm not perfect. But I really try hard to write and speak correctly. (However, I often write in incomplete sentences on my blog. I know this.)

Sooooooo...here is the difference between the two if you've ever wondered. And if you haven't, at least you learned something today.

Communication: Communication refers to the communicating of information. It's the exchange of information between individuals by means of speaking, writing, or using a common system of signs or behavior. It's the strategy and creativity.

Communications: The technology and systems used for sending and receiving messages, for example, postal, telephone, radio, TV and the Internet. The tactics used to execute a marketing communication strategy, for example, advertising, public relations, sales promotion, events...You use communications to employ your communication strategy.

If you work in public relations, you work in communication. If your work involves a telephone pole or radio antenna, you work in communications.

That's all, folks!

Workin' girls

I work with three other girls who are my age. We work in what our boss calls "the hub." I thought you  might like to see the fabulous women I work with. You can find Meredith's (far right) blog here and Kelsey's (far left) blog here. This photo was taken at our "summer camp" kickoff party.

We're busy at work, but we find time to chat, and we laugh a lot. I didn't realize it until now, but we're all brunette. It's funny because our direct bosses are blonde.

A few facts about the workin' girls:

• Kelsey is getting married in 24 days. And she's a great singer (so I hear). Kelsey knows how to twirl a baton.
• Meredith's boyfriend went to the same college as me. Also, Meredith just started yoga, and she loves it. She was the president of her sorority.
• Brandy used to work on the same account as me. She's awesome. And she has great taste in music. And Brandy likes coffee as much as I do. Brandy has worked here longer than any of us.

Happy Wednesday!