1-year anniversary: Running and Presenting at the Rochester Writers' Conference

This weekend marks a very special anniversary. This weekend, I began running. When I started, I used Couch to 5K app and couldn't run more than 5 minutes without thinking I should call 911.

With each week, I became stronger until one day, I was running four miles. Me, four miles! I just didn't think that would be possible.

The benefits of running have been life changing.  First of all, I feel good.  My moods are less swingy, and I don't feel that deep dip of depression and anxiety as I used to feel.

I also feel stronger. For the first time, I feel less (not completely) detached to the number on the scale.  I think this might be because I feel more confident with what my body is able to do rather than what number it is.  This is HUGE for me.

So you are probably wondering how I am going to spend this anniversary. I would love to say running on a gloriously crisp autumn day or maybe buying some new, cute running gear.

But I am not.

I am spending it in the doctor's office due to an injury I sustained while running.  I was running backwards so I could talk to my new exercise buddy, and I tripped on a curb.  I went down like a ton of bricks, but carried on with nothing but adrenaline coursing through my veins and a strong desire to finish my workout.

But I was hurt and bruised. The pain wasn't going away. So here I am.

And after the doctor examined me, she determined that I did not break anything.  I have bruising and swelling.  She said that I need to be taking Advil and using an anti-inflammatory essential oil.  Phew.

This weekend also marks another anniversary - my first time speaking at the Rochester Writers’ Conference.  Last year, I was so nervous about presenting, but since then, I've had quite a few public speaking opportunities like Live in the D and Listen to Your Mother.  I am hoping to enjoy myself more this time.  

My presentation is about social media branding for writers. However, I am also moderating a discussion about women me writing which I makes me feel a tad bit nervous, probably because I think these women are amazing.

I met Jessica a few years ago, and had a chance to work with her since she a co-producer of Metro Detroit Listen to Your Mother. I am also a huge fan of her blog Four Plus an Angel; she is one of the most beautiful, eloquent writers I know.

And then there is Satori who I also let at Listen to Your Mother.  I also went to her monthly show, Secret Society of TwistedStorytellers.  Talk about amazing!  She is very talented, and I am in awe of her whenever she is on stage.

I am excited to meet Lynne Cobb who writes over at LynneCobb.com.  She has been writing over twenty years, and I am really looking forward to meeting her.

So I am pretty excited about this weekend and feeling kind of proud of all that I accomplished in a year time, if I do say so myself.

Are you celebrating any milestones?  Are you gearing up for a new project or goal?

BlogU14 Wrap Up

I’ve been attending the same big blog conference for years.  I keep saying I’m not going to go, but when no other conference catches my eye, I inevitably end up going.

Which is fine, I have fun and learn a lot; but after a huge year of transition with the move and job and helping the kids adjust to a new school, I just didn’t want to do a cross-country trip. 

I also had been craving a more intimate conference that focused more about the craft of writing, freelance, and the  art of sponsored posts.

When I saw the announcement for BlogU come across my Facebook feed, I became really excited!   It totally fit the bill.

Here are the top 6 reasons (in random order) that I am so glad that I went to BlogU:

Business Strategies for Freelance Writers

I have a deep love for writing.  Whether I am typing away on my computer or scribbling away with a pen, I feel like I am doing what I was meant to do.  So sometimes that feeling overrides the business side of things.  You know, like money, format, finding new freelance opportunities. 

Thanks, Anna from RandomHandprints, Nicole from Ninja Mom! I have a whole new way of looking at freelance opportunities.  The first rule of freelance club: Tell people you are a freelance writer!  It was also extremely insightful to hear what the editors at Huffington Post Parents and NickMom had to say about freelance writing.

I also want to thank Kim from Let Me Start by Saying, Nicole from Ninja Mom, Allison Hart from Motherhood, WTF?, and Alicia Steffann from Naps Happen.  They all helped me feel at peace with my writing process that requires notes, drafts, and time away before publishing.  You all validated my labor-intensive, creative process.  I do not feel so alone now. 

Finding Community

Speaking of not feeling alone, this conference helped to make the big blogging world a little smaller and friendlier.  All 200ish attendees had the same passion for writing and story telling, which was quite refreshing.  You would think it might feel competitive, but it was not (at least for me).  In fact, the keynote speakers Susan from Divine Secrets of a DomesticDiva, Jenn from People I want to Punch in the Throat, Illana Wiles from MommyShorts, and Karen Alpert from Baby Sideburns emphasized the importance of all working together to raise each other up.  I love that!

The Art of Sponsored Posts

I have been thinking more and more about pursuing sponsored posts, but was not sure how to go about it and keep the storytelling aspect intact.  After listening to Illana from Mommy Shorts and Anna from My Life andKids, I am inspired to do more kinds of these posts.  Again, I’m not always business-minded, but these women were able to give some practical advice to help navigate around negotiating and pitching.

The Importance of Graphics

I am no graphic designer, but I love design.  The good part is that I love it; the bad part is that my designs do not always turn out the way I would like.  Thanks to Robyn Welling from Hollow Tree Adventures, I now have a better handle on that!

Being on a College Campus

I loved that BlogU was on a college campus.  It was easy to get around without maneuvering around a city.  I also felt that it was this safe little haven that was inclusive rather than exclusive which can happen when outside events overtake the official conference.

Fun!

The great thing about blogging and social media are the friends I have made.  The bad part is I don’t get to see them in real life all that often.  It was awesome seeing my friend Annie from Real Mommy Chronicles!  I met her five years ago and have been friend eve since!

What else was added to the fun?  A candy bar, delicious cupcakes, and the NickMom Prom party.  I may have been too tired to participate, but I loved seeing everyone dress up!

Thanks so much, Stephanie Giese from Binkies and Briefcases, for creating such an amazing conference!

A Week of Firsts

This week was a week of firsts.  And let me tell you, it has been a flurry of activity.  So , today’s post will be brought to you by Instagram and this awesome new app I am obsessed with called Heyku. 

Marie’s first day of 2^nd grade:

I drove her to school per her request.  I stood in line with her.  Until she didn’t want me to stand next to her.  Until she changed her mind and slipped her hand into mine and whispered in my ear that she was a little nervous.  I would be lying if few tears didn’t well up in my eyes as I left the school parking lot.

The next day she took the bus.  Her first time on a new bus was successful!  I was inspired to write this Heyku:

All was well, until it wasn’t.  Here is my Facebook status that was inspired by the first time Marie got on the wrong bus and the school had a difficult time finding her:

I learned a few important lessons that day. But that is a different blog post.

Because I chose not to freak out and quietly implode after she was delivered home safely, I wrote this Hayku after everyone was safe in bed:

If you have been reading my blog or following me on Twitter or Facebook, you know I’ve been busy putting together a new course on social media. Today was the first day of class.  I had a hard time sleeping since I was nervous so I decided to express myself in a HeyKu.  Naturally.

Here I am on the morning of the first day of class.  

Thanks to the great filters and industrial strength makeup,
you don't see the circles and chin acne that sprouted overnight.

   I actually put on real clothes and drove on the big, scary expressway during rush hour traffic to a building I’ve never been to in a city I don’t know very well.  Oh, and the class went very well, too.

Someone else had a big day today, too. 

Thomas went to his first day of PreK 4.  He rocked the first drop off – like a boss.  He sat right down on the carpet and didn’t look back.  

Of course this could all change next week, but I am thankful that at least the first day went well.  It made it easier for me to enjoy my cup of coffee.  In silence.  Doing whatever I want.  Especially eating a cookie the size of my face without having to share.

How was your first week back to school?  Happy?  Sad?  Mixed emotions?

What Do You Think Thursday* with Skinny Scoop: It’s All About Me

*And by Thursday, I mean Friday.

This week was a fantastic week in the Social Media Stratosphere (which just about makes up for the non-fantastic week in my personal life . . .expect more of this in next week’s post).

In case you missed it, not only did I have a great timefilling in my for my friend’s social media class, but I was retweeted by TheToday Show.  Little ol’ me.  By The Today Show.  In which I have been a fan since I was seven (anyone else out there remember the Jane Pauley and Bryant Gumbel years? *sighs wistfully*)

As if it couldn’t get any better, I had the chance to connect with one of the fabulous women at Skinny Scoop as we chatted about all the wonderful things going on at Skinny Scoop, like this new feature in My Covet List blog.  It’s amazing and inspiring how authentic connections can be made in social media.  It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside, while at the same time, solidly confirms my feelings that I just might be on the right path.

So I decided to do a fun post to celebrate such an awesome week.  Skinny Scoop has a new quick-list feature that allows you to answer fun questions that create a list.  I created a fun Things about Me list.  (You know it’s a fun list when both Madonna and Scott Conant make appearances).

So check it out and be sure to leave a fun fact about you in the comments section.

Things About Me

Have a happy weekend!

Edge of Civility – My Thoughts on Facebook

I love social media.  LOVE. IT.

Obviously, right?  I blog.  I use Facebook and Twitter to promote my posts and connect with readers.

I use Facebook to check in with my close (and not so close) friends and family.

To some, it might seem like I share everything, but that is not true.

As much as I love social media, I am old-fashioned girl at heart.  I still believe that a phone call is the best method to deliver important news to my inner ring of family and friends.

If I am close to you (or as I perceive to be close as in by law or by blood, which my perception might be the root problem), and I find out on Facebook that you are pregnant, a new mom, married, divorced, moving and/or dead, I will be upset.  Probably more like hurt since I have just found out in front of the whole internet that our relationship is totally not what I thought it was.

When it comes to important stuff like that, I still believe a courtesy call is best before making an announcement on social media platforms.  If I have a big personal announcement to make, I like to treat Facebook as a press release to my 170+ friends.  If it’s big and I perceive our relationship to be one that is close in nature, I will call you first to spare you the shock and/or humiliation that you “found out on Facebook.”

I just don’t think that the person I graduated from high school who I never talked to then but somehow are friends now should find out something personal at the same time and in the same manner as my mother, my close friend, or my husband.  

Social media is great, but boundaries and respect and, most of all, manners are essential.  I feel that the Over-Sharer or the Attention-Seeker or Cryptic-Message Sender abuse their Facebook right and are in breach of the common courtesy contract that we as all humans share. (Or should share.  Or what I believe is common courtesy.  Which again, my perception might be the real issue here).

Some people play it too close to the edge of civility where their social media updates are concerned.  It’s upsetting.  . .yet like a train wreck, I cannot look away.

So let me ask you this:

View this question on Skinnyscoop

 Have a great weekend!