The Little Things In Life

Maybe it's the joy in my renewed motivation to achieve my career goals. Maybe it's the Hope glinting in everyone's eyes as of Jan 20, 2009. Maybe it's that my horoscope for today says: Positive energy is all around you now, and it's protecting you from any bad energy. Maybe it's a combination of these things that has caused me to stop and be thankful for the elements of my life that let me enjoy these pieces of happiness. Or maybe it all started yesterday...

My husband is an agent for New York Life. He frequently meets with people who have had it tough and are now trying to put the pieces together. Last night, Paul met with one such woman, whose story was both heartbreaking and uplifting. Her husband of 61 years had passed away, leaving her with financial matters she didn't understand. Her kids were grown and doing well financially, but couldn't provide insight as to how their father organized their assets.

"He did it all." she said, tears threatening to spill at any minute. She was referring to their money management.

"That's why we're here, ma'am, to help you sort this all out." Paul offered.

And then, as if she hadn't heard him at all, she recollected a memory shared with her husband years ago.

"We were crazy, adventurous newlyweds, not like our friends," she began. "We bought our first house and oh, it was a little old thing, but it was ours. We stayed in that house for 20 years, and my favorite part about it was the entrance hallway. The walls on both sides were covered floor to ceiling of pictures and memories we'd shared as a family during those 20 years. Andy, he's our oldest boy, framed his first baseball uniform, along with a photo of his team. Elen, our only daughter, was quite the artist at the young age of 4... even a piece of my veil was framed and hung.

"We did everything together, my husband and I. We were really two peas in a pod. You hear people saying that their spouse is their other half, but boy, he really was my other half."

Her voice faded at that point, and according to Paul it looked as though there was a light shining in her eyes, one that showed how special and important those memories were to her. How lucky she must feel to have experienced such love, such joy, such satisfaction.

Two hours after the conclusion of that meeting Paul arrived at my office, which is a place he's stepped foot in only once before, long ago. He was carrying the most beautiful flowers I've ever seen; their scent filled the room like none I've smelled before. He kissed me on the cheek, told me I was the most important thing in the world to him, and that he doesn't tell me often enough how lucky he is to have me. He told me the story of his new friend before leaving just as quickly as he'd come.

There's nothing quite like an unexpected visit from the only man who makes me giddy like a young girl time after time- even at the mere thought of him! The thing is, he makes those little gestures all the time and I don't even think he realizes it. We don't have a family yet, but there will come a time when we, too, are hanging our memories on the wall, mingling the precious moments we share alone with the moments when our kids take our breath away.

So, in conclusion to my tangent-filled thought process, each and every time I smell those flowers, or even catch a glimpse of them, I'm reminded to be thankful for those little things in life. I'm thankful for the breath I'm taking, the computer I'm typing on, the phone that hasn't stopped ringing all morning, my little sister on the other line, the work I'm responsible for today, and the husband who is going to help that lady whose world has been turned upside down in the wake of her husbands death.

This appreciation has encouraged me to not take life for granted, and motivated me to reach higher than I've ever reached to where those goals hover. Everyone inspires me in some way, whether it's what to do or what not to do.

Passion is the greatest emotion.

Making it as a Freelance Writer

Although "Freelance Writing" is technically half of my profession, I'm wondering what it will take to make it my full-time career. It takes a lot of self-promoting, and recently I've discovered hundreds of others who are aiming to do the exact same thing. In the midst of this realization, I came across some soul-searching questions. Once I break into the industry, how much monetary potential is there, really? Is an on-line portfolio honestly that important? Finally, is my dream of working from home full-time unrealistic? In this post I'll attempt to explore each of these questions to give not only myself but other writers insight as to how it all works.

A general google search landed me on Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen's blog, where she has skillfully combined two very intriguing topics into one article: Twitter and Freelance Writing. This is part of what overwhelmed me- I realized that there are so many other people out there who have the same intentions I have (boosting popularity of my own blog using social media just to get my name out there); how am I possibly going to set myself apart from the masses? I mean, it can only be done so many ways, and good writing can be found increasingly more often these days, it seems. Before long, agents and editors will have seen it all. What then?

I read on a mediabistro.com discussion board that publishing jobs are in decline and you can't expect to make $50K in your first year out of school like you might be able to in other industries. I'm farther out of school than one year, but I've only recently decided that freelance writing is my destiny. Don't tell me I've missed my chance! So after panicking slightly, I read on. Apparently the only way to survive in this industry is to take writing into your own hands and generate income. *Sigh of relief.* But it still doesn't tell me how. Apparently experienced freelance writers are not incredibly willing to share their secrets of success, unless of course, you want to pay $300 for a class or e-course, which at this point, I don't. I understand where they're coming from, though, because this experience is not easy to obtain, and if they had to work their butts off to find success, why shouldn't everyone else? Through monitoring discussion boards and asking a few questions of my own, I stumbled upon some answers.

Trade magazines. As far as breaking into a freelance career goes, this seems to be a good place to look for work. There is less competition and they often pay the same as other mags. The chance for a steady flow of work is greater because once the trade editors see that you understand the magazine from a business point of view as opposed to a consumer's standpoint they're more likely to hire you again and again. Finally, you don't have to worry about your work being edited 18 different times by an editorial board. At some pubs the finished product isn't at all what you started out with. I found a particularly helpful interview with Pat Curry here.

Now, I'm going to bite my tongue before I reveal the next piece of advice I found partly because I just criticized experienced writers for not giving up their secrets. However in the small market that is Wichita, KS, I'm going to first explore my options in writing for local businesses and then tell you how it goes. Actually, doing it that way will allow me to provide more helpful information anyway. This will be interesting because a sales person I am not. I am much more comfortable behind the scenes (which is why I WRITE), but is there a place in this industry for my personality? I do know that some writers have done business by communicating entirely through e-mail; this is very appealing and convenient for me. Update later. :)

Now, to get to the ever popular idea of social media as a means of networking. Freelancers everywhere want to know if having profiles on Facebook, MySpace and LinkedIn are really that imperative to finding new work. So far, the consensus seems to be that while LinkedIn is strictly professional, networks such as Facebook and MySpace serve a social gratification purpose; that is, not much work actually comes from them. However, if used correctly (keeping personal information to a minimum and befriending only those who might directly benefit your cause) could put you in touch with someone who might someday need the services you provide. As for me, I plan on beefing up this blog a little, utilizing my LinkedIn profile more often, and keeping up with my Twitter friends. After all, you're more likely to be recommended by a friend because people trust people they know. In addition, the whole world is online and while the age-old tradition of face-to-face lunching might be going by the wayside, much networking is done via the web.

Finally, I have wondered if a full-time freelancing career from my home will really pay the bills. It's all about how much time and energy you spend marketing yourself. One freelancer makes $250K writing freelance, speaking, and teaching classes. While I don't necessarily think that's the exact route I'll take in pursuing my dream, it's certainly comforting to know that serious money is indeed possible.

In today's economy, publications everywhere are cutting back. As I explore the ins and outs of freelancing, I'll continue to update on the tricks I learn, the truths I discover, and the hardships I encounter. I'll also be sure to pass along names of those individuals I find particularly helpful along the way. It's a learning experience for all, but I'm bound and determined to reach my goals of freelancing full-time from my home.

A Lasting Memory: Celine Dion In KC

Let me just say this about my Celine Dion concert experience this past weekend: I can't believe I don't have pictures. My friend and I decided (for once) to abide by the rules and not take our cameras into the Sprint Center for fear of having them taken away.

NO ONE EVEN CHECKED!

We were so close- the 13th row; I could see every expression on her face. The worst part is that everyone else seemed to know the rules were breakable and brought their cameras in. I'll forever remember it in my head, but in a frame would be so much better! I broke the bank for this ticket; who knows if I'll be able to have that experience again in the future?

I've idolized Celine since I was a little girl. I think her voice, her personality, and passion is all something to envy. It must be so easy to get caught up in the stardom, but she never seems to do so. Her songs are great fun to sing, and there's a tune for every occasion, truly.

I do realize that I sound like a teenager with an obsession, but I'm really a 24 year old with great respect and admiration.

I did feel a bit giddy when she came out on stage, though. I won't lie. :) After all, who doesn't like to feel like a kid again?

Social Media and Millenials

My dog is trained to get the newspaper from the end of the driveway every morning. But it's more her thing than mine; I then set it on the counter top and forget about it.

There are four years between my husband and I, and in the realm of relationships that might not seem like a lot, but when you look at the generational wall standing between us our media preferences become clear.

I am a Millennial while he is of Gen X. The line is thin, but it is there. I rarely watch the news; I am online constantly getting my information from RSS feeds, blogs, and e-mail updates from my favorite local and national sources. He, on the other hand, chooses to sit down and read the paper in the morning and have the television on in the background throughout his day. I have no need for a hard copy of the paper... everything can be done online and what's more, updates are sent to me as they happen. I know there was a shooting on the other side of town mere minutes after it occurred. Although I have no interest in beat reporting, I have adapted the mindset of "quicker is better".

So on that note, my morning to-do list includes logging on or signing in to Facebook, MySpace, twitter, yahoo e-mail, my blog, and typically mediabistro.com. These remain up on my browser all day long and I'm amazed at how I manage to stay productive at work while continually flipping back and forth, keeping myself updated. There are several uses for these social networking tools, including both personal and professional. I know exactly what my friend Katie is doing right now, but I also know what my editor is working on- helpful in every sense of the word.

The face of media is changing; not only are newspapers on their way to extinction, but media personalities are not what they once were. Thanks to the likes of Facebook, MySpace and Twitter, the general population (or at least those who are tech savvy enough to have an account on these outlets) can see what their favorite (or least favorite) news anchor is doing at any given moment, see who they partied with on New Year's Eve and what they wore to dinner last night. Where as they used to be faces behind a news desk who told us the happenings of the city, they are now people we feel we know personally. On the one hand, this could add to their credibility because we tend to trust people we know. On the other hand, it could take away from their credibility if we decide we don't like who they are off-screen. For me, it makes them seem more approachable and personable; tapers down their "celebrity status". As the popularity of Twitter grows increasingly each day, it'll be interesting to see the social results of knowing what mood your news anchor is in 20 minutes before he/she appears on camera with a genuine (or is it?)smile.

It's not only that social media is blowing up everywhere that has my interest piqued. I'm also devastated to hear the projected fate of magazines. Although I'm tuned in online, I also adore the idea of reading print magazines. The dailies have failed to keep my interest, but the monthlies still have tremendous value to me through their editorial content; which is most interesting of all in my eyes. It's what I like to write, read, and analyze. I like looking at the layout of each page, the quality of the pictures, the font of the feature article, everything. It's a break from the ever-lovin buzz words that are damn near impossible to keep up with anyway.

USA Today mentioned in an article a few years ago that Millennials are famous for multi-tasking, and that is the essence of what we do. We are completely comfortable with chatting on Skype, checking e-mail, uploading new photos to Flickr, and updating our status on Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace while having a perfectly normal conversation on the phone with our unsuspecting mother who, if she ever found out we weren't giving her our undivided attention would launch into an entirely different lecture than the one she's currently spitting out.

There is much more to analyze regarding social media, but I will at least say this: It is time consuming, completely loaded with information and absolutely thrilling. To know that you can reach a mass audience in less than a minute and get your message across through so many different (and ever-changing) outlets is fascinating.

I just love her. I don't think anything else needs to be said.

Staying Home On NYE??

In years past, the idea of staying home on New Year's Eve was preposterous. It meant you were missing out on the most fabulous happenings including pictures that would be passed around and posted everywhere, and you'd be disdainfully excluded from any and all nostalgic conversation regarding smooches at midnight. It was the worst thing that could happen to you.

Back in the day.

The last time I felt that way I was a junior in high school, had broken up with my boyfriend for the first time (he and I would make a habit of doing that down the road) and my girlfriends were everything to me. I was threatened with social expulsion when my mom grounded me for being 3 minutes late for curfew. Our family was in absolute turmoil at that point; my mom had just caught my dad having an affair and the divorce was in full swing. My two younger sisters were just 13 and 9; they didn't have much of a social life yet. But for me, being around people was my outlet and I thought I might crumble up and die without it.

To this day I remember how completely heartbroken I was at the thought of having to stay home. It was a horrible feeling, like being punched in the gut. My mom just didn't understand. As it turned out I survived, but only because my mom was too exhausted to care whether or not I went out by the time NYE actually rolled around.

Then I went through the stage of wanting to be seen by everyone once I turned 21. I simply had to be at a bar that year- this was during my phase of "Anything Could Happen!". I was enthralled with the feeling that came with the beginning of an evening. I was unattached to any one boy, and going to a new place meant new people and exciting new memories. There were endless possibilities: I could make eye contact with someone from across the room and flirt all night long, someone could ask me to dance and that might lead to my obsession of whatever song we danced to, I might strike up a conversation with someone to whom I wouldn't previously had the courage to utter a single word. I might meet the most interesting person who just happened to be at the same place at the same time and would indulge me with stories of their hometown, previous relationships and plans for the future. I might meet my future husband, or my next ex-boyfriend. Anything could happen.

Then I met Paul, and I didn't care where I was on NYE as long as I was with him. We were infatuated with life and each other and that made things incredibly simple. We've since been together nearly 5 years and tackled quite a bit during that time: My graduation from college, several trips around the country, one trip out of the country (China, but that's for another blog entry!), an engagement, a wedding, buying our first house, bringing home our first puppy, a one year anniversary and new jobs.

It's New Year's Eve afternoon, and I've done all I can to convince Paul that staying home together is the best option for us. Guess I've grown up, huh? We've been invited to several get-togethers and parties for tonight, some of which are a little appealing but out of our way and ultimately inconvenient and dangerous. The options we have on our side of town include a chic bar down the street or a get-together at one of my friends' house. Paul's idea of New Year's Eve does not involve staying home and curling up in front of the fire, but being social. The conversation between us has yet to be had. Who will win? Wife who wants to bring in the new year with our puppy between us snuggled warmly on the couch or Husband who wants to bring in the new year smooching in front of a camera while holding up a champagne glass for a party-wide toast?

The Year Comes To An End

So, it's here again. The beginning of a new year always prompts us to set goals and ultimately better ourselves. I don't know about everyone else, but I rarely spend time reflecting on the goals, or resolutions, if you will, I've set in the past. I always feel good around January when I'm motivated and determined to make some headway on my path to sucess, but it's not uncommon to have completely forgotten about that path by April or May. Like the picture describes, I end up spending more time doing that than working toward my goal of being able to run that 7:15 mile. There's also a half marathon goal in there somewhere, along with about 4 books I have in mind. Working full time with a job on the side doesn't leave me much time to be wonder woman. But there I go making excuses again. Maybe it's time I sit down and analyze why these "goals" always seem to go by the wayside a couple months in. Anyone have any ideas to keep this motivation up throughout the year? The only thing I can come up with to act as a constant reminder is to put pictures on my bathroom mirror. But then I'd have to take them down if I was expecting company... I'd love some outside help on this one.