A simple walk around my community was enlightening. Auction signs are everywhere. One block in Berwyn, Il had four auction signs. It made me sick and I cried. Then I got mad, mad because this isn't supposed to happen to us!
America needs help. Thousands of people are losing their jobs, losing their homes, insurance, cars and all their precious belongs barely making it day to day. All the money they have goes to food and staying alive. Living paycheck to paycheck. Paying the pink late notices before losing utilities. Everyone needs to look at what they have and revaluate our lives. We need to be grateful.
We need to step up and help our neighbors. My family and I are looking for a family in our community to adopt. My plan is to help with whatever I can. House payments, before its to late, medical care, buying food, cooking meals, daycare and even doing yard work, if needed. I am contacting the Berwyn council and churches in my area. My thought is even the little things could help make a difference.
I am blessed to have a job, a family and a home. I can't change the world but I can help one family in my community. You can too!
Last week, I was playing around with several Twitter applications. I went to Twitterchat.com (don't do it) and I ignored the warning message that stated:
"WARNING: Do not use your current twitter account! It will rebroadcast all your private message and mess up your account! Create a new twitter account for your twitterchat."
I had no idea I was direct messaging the world! Since I had my mobile device turned on my Twitter account ended up receiving over 1, 567 text messages on my phone.
I think I have removed the program but I am not really sure yet. I have turned off text messages and have gained many followers.
Last week, I attended the first Social Media Breakfast in Chicago. I was very excited. I had been waiting for SMB to hit my city!
The event filled up very fast with a waiting list of 30. The topics that were discussed were:
B2B Communications, Business Development, Career Development, Measurement, Non-Profit
There wasn't much of an introduction to Social Meda Breakfasts because the event started a bit late.The tables were split up by topic. The number of attendees were 9 per table plus a moderator. I selected the ROI Measurementt group. Our moderator was Gini Dietrich. Our topic was "What’s the ROI?"
I thought my son was kidding me when he called to tell me he heard someone in our hot tub again.
Our yard is surrounded by a 6 ft fence with two gates. We don't lock the gates. We have flood lights but one of the bulbs has burned out and we just haven't had the time to replace it.
This wasn't the first time my kids have called me saying, mom someone's been in the tub but I find that so weird that someone would do that. This is the case of the Hot Tub Stealers.
We feel it might be some teens a few houses over but we aren't sure yet. They don't turn on the music or the party lights in the tub. They don't harm anything just use the tub and run. My husband and kids are working on setting up a sting operation to catch the tub stealers. Until then, we are changing the water and looking for gate locks.
What a summer first the rock, now the hot tub.... Life is always exciting in Chicago.
The company has a cute catchy name that was easy for me to remember and research later. They state, it's wi-fi on wings.
Think about using Facebook, Twitter or even watching hulu, while traveling. How about catching up on e-mail or just surfing the net. Your device has to be wi-fi enabled. iPhone users will love this service. I am betting many airlines will participant. The price is affordable and I can't wait to try this
What are your thoughts on Wi-Fi in the sky? Will this be the next big thing? How will this change social media? Do you know anyone who has tried this service yet? I would love to hear from you about Gogo Inflight.
I have been thinking about writing this for some time now. I feel blessed to be working with such a talented and giving group of people. But, let me tell you about a few of my LiveWorld Heros.
Jackie Bivins is our Community Account Director. She takes time out of her busy schedule to tutor at TEAM Academy in Newark, NJ.Jackie also became a Court Appointed Services Advocate, mentoring young girl in foster care system who is aging out without having ever gotten a permanent placement.
Ryan Moll is a Senior Project Manager. On June 14, 2009, Ryan will be cycling in his 4th annual Tour de Cure. Its a fund-raising event that benefits the American Diabetes Association.
Mark Williams, Senior Community Manager recently collected money for a homeless person. Mark saw a need and he jumped in to help. I am very proud to be a member of his team.
Chris Christensen, EVP Engineering/Operations recently went with his church group to help build homes in Mexico.
Dave Land, Engineering Director volunteers to help the Boy Scouts.
I am also adding HBO to my hero list. HBO's "The Alzheimer's Project" is something everyone should watch. http://www.hbo.com/alzheimers/
This week is the anniversary of my mom's death. She passed away from Diabetes and Alzheimer's right before Mother's Day. It's a very hard week for me to get through and the timing of this HBO program knocked me off my feet. I was my mom's caregiver and would not have changed a thing. There was a time, I thought sundowning was some new kind of drink. I learned so much those last years. My mom is my hero, she giving me the best gift any parent could. She gave me a passion to live my best life.
Someone has been moving the rock on the corner of my lawn. They have been placing it onto the sidewalk several times a day. I am pretty sure it is kids goofing around, sort of like playing ding dong ditch. Do you remember playing that? I do and yes I did it...
I have no idea who is moving the rock. I will admit its funny to watch my kids and Larry run outside to move the rock back. They moan and groan and can't wait to catch the rock mover!
I am betting there will be a sign on my lawn that say's Don't Touch My Rock soon.
This morning one of my Facebook friends shared this video. I enjoyed it so much, I had to pass it on to all my friends, family and strangers that have added me as FB friends and followers on Twitter. I posted the video in my blog, commented on Facebook and tweeded it on Twitter. I am still laughing about it, thinking I am really a twit....
twit [twit] Show IPA ,verb, twit⋅ted, twit⋅ting, noun –verb (used with object) 1. to taunt, tease, ridicule, etc., with reference to anything embarrassing; gibe at. 2. to reproach or upbraid. –noun 3. an act of twitting. 4. a derisive reproach; taunt; gibe.
BlogHer 2009 is coming back to Chicago. I attended this event almost two years ago and I can't wait to go again.
BlogHer is a community for women who blog. You can find the community here: http://www.blogher.com/
BlogHer's annual conference will take place all day Friday and Saturday, July 24 & 25. Days one and two of the conference will include both general sessions and break-out sessions across multiple tracks:
Identity and Passions The Business of You Politics & Activism MommyBlogging "Geek Lab" - The Tech Track
I have been reading lots of blogs about Social Media, What makes a good community and watching everyone analyze everything possible. I have learned a lot.
I Twitter, Facebook, My Space, IM, text and more. I use twhirl. Blackberry facebook app, Skype and Aim. I connect using wifi and I am always online. (ask my family)
I love posting and blogging about everything. For the most part, my life is an open book. I don't hide who I am. I share special moments and some that are not so special.
It's all about sharing, learning and growing. Isn't that community?
This year, America witnessed history. Of course, living in Chicago added to my excitement. I was one of those lucky people, who had tickets to the Grant Park event.
People started to line up at Grant Park hours before the election was called. The air was electric. Everyone was so happy. They all had smiles on their faces. The park was packed wall to wall. You could not move in the crowd. Everyone just wanted to be there.
I won't go on about politics, I think we all have had our fill of that. Truth is, I would have supported whoever won. No matter what, American was moving forward.
Halloween has got to be my favorite holiday. My house is decked out with decorations and I am looking forward to Trick or Treating tonight.
Val found this great Tourchwood video on YouTube and I just wanted to share it with everyone. I would have loved to been one of these monsters tonight!
We are having a party this year. I have invited friends, family and monsters to come celebrate. My kids are picking up kegs of beer and I have cooked up spooky food. I am sure I will be doing The Monster Mash tonight.
Over the past few weeks, we all have heard about Joe, The Plumber. Well let me tell yeah, I live with Larry, The Sharpener.
Larry is a small business owner, facing many challenges this year. Higher fuel costs is the biggest. I could ramble on and talk about higher taxes, increasing food prices and shrinking 401K 's but I wont.
Everyday Larry comes home with a smile on his face. He is very positive about the future and feels everyone needs to stop whining and get out and vote!
I am going to post a message on my bedroom door that states: Don't Touch My Stuff!
I went to upload photos from my trip to Disney and the wedding we attended this weekend. I can't find my camera adapter. I have no clue who took it.
This morning, I had to search for the house phone again... I found it in the laundry room! AND, I can't find my cell phone changer!
This is what happens when you have teens. They take your stuff and leave it all over. When asked where it is, you get this dumb look. You know the look, the one that says, How am I supposed to know where your stuff is ... or Are you just stupid? Or It wasn't me, I swear I didn't touch your stuff.
Days later, I will find my cell phone charger in someone's room with their cell phone hooked up to it. and I will hear, I told you I borrowed it...
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