StumbleUpon

I've recently discovered yet another online website that takes hours and hours of my free time away from me.. StumbleUpon. With one click on the 'Stumble' button, you're taken to web pages covering a variety of topics. I found myself occupied for hours the first time I tried it. I thought my blog was getting quite out of date, so I wanted to share one of my favorite articles I stumbled upon.

88 Important Truths

Happy 4th everyone!

Blogs.. a week of review

This past week, I've been following a few PR blogs for my Communication 634 class. While I've already been a follower of a few of my friends' blogs, I found this assignment to be an exciting one. In the past, I've only really paid attention to the blogs that were relevant to sports and/or life. Sometimes I like to pretend I'm Carrie Bradshaw, so it was always easy for me to log on and read posts about love and life. Since I love social media, I thought this assignment would open up my eyes a little to what I should be paying attention to: blogs that are relevant in the real world! Since a part of my major (and my interest) involves PR, this assignment really hit home.

The first blog I'd like to talk about is from Lara Kretler. The first thing that drew my attention to her blog was the style and format she used. I like pictures and things that make you smile, so when I saw that baby ducks at the top, I automatically started reading her posts. Some of the other blogs were set up more business-like, and I found myself less interested in those. I also like how Lara Kretler writes. Her blogs are kind of like she is talking to you in person, which is how I like to write. She relates topics that she is covering to real-life scenarios, such as her post "Social Media Saved My Dog Again". I also am interested in reading more of Lara's blog, since she writes a lot about Columbus. She has many links listed that connect to local blogs involving social media and PR. I'm also interested in following some of the blogs she listed as her favorites. Overall, as a blogger/student/lover of social media, I am anxiously waiting to see what Lara writes about next.

Another blog I found particularly interesting was Mashable: The Social Media Guide. This blog focuses specifically on Social Media and new trends. Mashable uses articles from a variety of contributors covering a variety of topics in the media world. One of the reasons I really enjoyed this blog is the fact that I like to be connected with the media world. An article I found interesting on this blog covered the twitter lists we should be following for media involvement. This article, by Pete Cashmore, is titled "15 Social Media Lists to Follow and Expand". I feel like the format of this blog is very hip and up to date with today's standards. At the top of the blog, there is a list of the social media sites with links to be connected to the site. If you're looking to stay connected with the most current news in media, Mashable would definitely be the blog to follow. I know I'll be paying close attention!

Tweets!

During one of my classes this quarter, we were required to sign up for the social media network, Twitter. I've had a Twitter account since May, so this was not a new idea to me. I originally signed up for an account, just so I could see what all the buzz was about. I kept hearing about celebs/companies/organizations tweeting, and I hate not being in the loop. During the time I was setting up my account, I was also an intern at 10tv Sports. I'm now following all of my mentors and producers from the sports department-AND they are following me. I think this might be the most beneficial use of Twitter for college students. If companies and businesses are following YOU, this might be a way you could get an interview or recommendation. I am actually a huge supporter of most social media, including Twitter. I understand why college students might not like the tweeting, but I think it will be beneficial to at least know how to use to use this type of media.

One of my very favorite tweeters, @dzav, is a recent college graduate from Ohio State. He rarely tweets anything relevant, but he is witty and humourous enough to make me anxious to see what he will tweet next. If you are a college studnet or a browns fan, you will thoroughly enjoy @dzav's tweets. Of course since we have the humorous tweets I look forward to, we have to have those tweeters whom I can't stand. I've noticed some of the people I follow tweet about what their eating (three times a day), how they can't wait to see their boyfriend, etc. I just try to ignore the irrelevant tweeting.

I am most intersested in the sports analysts I follow. I've noticed that most of the guys in the sports world tweet A LOT. Some of the tweets are just their opinoins, but sometimes I see breaking sports news before anyone. I love Twitter, and I will definately keep my account up to date and running after my class is over. I even set my dad up an account! I'll try not to stay away for so long next time blogger world!

"To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream, not only dream but also believe". -Anatole France

Relaxing thunder?

There's something about a good thunderstorm that just calms me down. I remember as a kid, me and dad used to sit out on the front porch and watch the storm clouds roll in. Dad always knew which direction the best storms came from, and we would watch the lightning as it got closer. I think that's why I enjoy storms so much now as an adult.

There is nothing more relaxing to me than just laying in bed listening to the thunder. I've always thought thunder was one of nature's way of telling everyone to just take a breather. Kind of like God yelling at us or something.

Enjoy the thunder this week my Midwestern friends. :) Take a minute and just relax.

I hate this growing up thing..

Remember when things used to be so easy? All you had to worry about in a day was what color crayons to use or which sister you were going to play with. It seems like just yesterday I was living at home with practically no worries. ( ok, if you know me, than you know that's not 100% true because I'm always worrying about something, but still)

As of recently, I've found myself worrying more and more about the future, and I just keep feeling pressure to find out what direction my life is headed. I debate with myself whether I need to change my major in college, or should I double major? I stress about finding a job in this terrible economy. Am I really ready to get out there on my own and separate myself from everything I've always known?

My dream has always been to move to Boston.. and hopefully I was going to start that move with graduate school at BU. I just don't think I'm ready for that step yet. I know someday I'm going to have to suck it up and cut myself off from my friends and family, but I just don't think I'm ready for that moment anytime soon. Will I be ready in two years? I sure hope so. I always said I would be the one to make it out of my little hometown. I was going to leave and never look back. Well, I did leave, but I think its ok to look back every once in a while. I'm still trying to move on to bigger and better things, but I've come to realize its the small things in life that make your life worth living.

So, whats the point of this pointless post? Live everyday to the fullest and don't ever take anything for granted. I never realized how much I loved my family until I moved away to college, and now I wish I would've spent more time with them while I was living at home. Cherish the time you have with those that you love. Don't waste your time on people who are never going to feel the same way about you, don't waste effort on friends who are never going to be there for you. It's pretty plain and simple- love those who love you. Yes, growing up is hard. Life decisions are even harder. But in the end, its not about what job you have or where you live. It's about knowing you have people around you who will love and support you no matter what.

Thanks mom and dad for always picking me up when I fall.. and I know you'll always be there to help pick up the pieces.. even if I'm a grown up!

Blinded by the blondes?

One of the things I will probably never understand about men.. why are they so damn attracted to blondes? I have nothing against blondes.. in fact one of my best friends is a NATURAL blonde. But what other attribute makes men's heads spin in such a way? Seriously... a girl could have 10 pounds of makeup on, and her hair could be fake to the max, and a guy would probably still think she was hott.. all because that blondeness makes him stupid.

I was recently in a room with four grown men (30+) and two blondes. I've never seen guys act more ridiculously flirtacious in a professional setting in my life. It was disgusting. Which brings me to another point. What is it with older men hitting on younger women? NEWSFLASH: UNLESS YOU ARE GEORGE CLOONEY, WE'RE NOT INTERESTED. Yet, they keep on pushing, with their relentless pick up lines and touchy-feeliness. Seriously? I know the age of the couger is in full effect, but in my opinion that only applies to older women and younger men. I'm just not attracted to balding spots and beer bellies. Sorry if that makes me "superficial", but I'm not going to please your ego by flirting back with you if I'm definately not interested.

Seriously?

Wow, way to be objective. What a bad example of a reporter. Stay tuned for a follow up video.