I’ll be teaching a workshop this Friday, April 23rd from 3:30-5:30pm, as part of my Spring Social Media series at Bright Sky Press.

This week’s session will focus on Managing Your Digital Life. It’s one of my favorites to teach! I’ll show you tips on how to manage RSS feeds, email, calendars, social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook.

I’ll show you how to link sites together, and streamline activities on the web, making more time for you to be able to stalk Justin Timberlake, or what have you.

Have no idea was an RSS feed really is, but too afraid to ask? Have no fear, I’ll explain the technology in a way that will have you wondering how you ever lived without it. Or, why anyone would want to?

Sick of updating your Twitter account AND your Facebook account AND your Facebook fan page. Stop the madness! I can help.

The class is $40 and includes an after-workshop happy hour. Putting the social back in social media. Aw, yeah.

The workshop fills up quickly, so please RSVP here before the class.

Hope to see some of you there!

Managing Your Digital Life Workshop
Friday, April 23rd, 3:30-5:30pm
Bright Sky Press Book Shop (5416 Chaucer, right behind Ruggles in Rice Village)

Politics. Design. Social Media.

That’s pretty much how my day has gone so far.

(That, and me trying not to freak out when meeting design idols like Joslyn of Simple Lovely. And she is just that, simply lovely.)

In other news, I may never leave this place.

I was invited by the organizers of ALT to take part in a pre-conference workshop called Politicopia, led by Utah Senator Steve Urquhart. Myself, Laura Mayes, Colin Delany, David All and Ric Cantrell spoke to local Utah politicians and campaign teams about new media tactics and trends. The experience was amazing, and I learned a ton from my fellow panelists, all brilliant political new media strategists. It’s exciting and inspiring to see how other states’ legislatures are utilizing these new media tools.

After the workshop I wondering into the lobby of the Grand America Hotel where the conference is taking place this weekend, to meet up with some speakers and attendees of ALT. Holy hell. This hotel. Is incredible. Think, Versailles meets holy freaking radness. There’s a parlor. IN OUR ROOM. Straight up roylaty, y’all.  Here’s a pic from our balcony. Oh, there’s two balconies. Natch.

Tonight there’s a speed networking event and a “Hollywood Glam” mixer. Thankfully, between Laura and I, we packed enough for a small Paris Hilton army.

More later.  And yes, I’ve been singing Band of Horses all day.

2009 was a year filled with ups and downs, and disorder, and rebuilding, and many wonderful lessons. As I’m sure there will be all of that in 2010, as well, I begin the year with a feeling of calm, confidence, and optimism. I’m constantly blessed with being surrounded by amazing people and projects that give me dream opportunities, and I’m super excited to share a few of the things I’ll be doing in 2010. Still pinching myself on some of these.

Alt Summit – I’m presenting! (in unrelated news…I’m dying…of excitement)

Pretty much a design junkie’s dream conference. Set in the beautiful town of Salt Lake City, UT smack dab in the middle of the Sundance Film Festival. Oh, and did I mention all of my design idols are speaking? I didn’t? Well, THAT is the best part. (Unless, I track down Justin Timberlake at Sundance. In that case THAT will be the best part.)

Um, Apartment Therapy? Hell yes. Design Milk? oh yeah, they’ll be there. NOTCOT< check!  Design Crush, {frolic!} and Design*Sponge. Yep. I know, right? Breathe. Oh yeah, and that guy who created the Mastercard “Priceless” campaign. I can’t think of a better word to describe this experience. Oh, joy! (yeah, she’ll be there, too.)

I’m HELLA honored (I know, hella is classy) to have been invited by Kirtsy to present a pre-conference social media workshop with Laura Mayes. After I realized I wasn’t dreaming, panic set in that I’d instantly turn into a babbling idiot when faced with the purveyors of lovely that grace my Google Reader daily. Let’s hope I can at least keep up with them on the slopes. Did I mention the Sundance party we’re going to? I didn’t? Back to pinching myself.

Running away with the Sun

During a packed performance last night at Houston’s Continental Club, Texas blues rock favorites, Runaway Sun, made a major announcement. They have recently been selected to play in New York City as part of the Best Buy Live at Best Buy Music series on March 26th. Following an amazing year that included the release of their first full-length LP, and being nominated for a Houston Press award for Best Blues Band, the Texas foursome is preparing for a Southeastern U.S. tour this Spring.

Lead vocalist and guitarist Andrew Karnavas is wrapping up recording a solo album at Sugar Hill Studios, before he embarks on a few solo shows on the way to the NYC performance. And I’m going with him! ROADTRIP! We plan to drive through Nashville, Charlotte and D.C. on the way to New York. If you’ve got peeps in those areas, let them know we’re headed that way!

WordCamp comes to the HTX

If there’s one thing I’m more passionate about than design and music, (or Justin Timberlake), it’s technology. And if blogging is my sickness, then WordPress is my drug of choice. Created by Houstonian Matt Mullenweg, WordPress is an open-source blog publishing platform that beautifully organizes all the posts, comments, and sidebar content that you see on this blog, and thousands of others. I’m a huge WordPress groupie, as are most who use the software. It’s hard to not fall in love with beautiful code. Especially when you don’t have to look at it.

We’ve just confirmed that my company, co.lab, my sister design company, Primer Grey, along with fellow WordPress enthusiasts will be hosting Houston’s first WordCamp later this year. PG and I are passionate about technology education and are friggin’ excited (official emotion) to host this incredible user group. We’re working on details and will share as soon as we lock down a date and location. Visit http://wordcamphouston.com or follow @wordcamphtx on twitter for breakin’ news. Yes, breakin’! We’re from Texas, y’all!

FTW, 2010. Bring. It.

{December 3rd: Article. What’s an article that you read that blew you away? That you shared with all your friends. That you Delicious’d and reference throughout the year.}

This year at SchipulCon, was when I first heard Ed Schipul’s prediction of where branding was headed. This time, It’s personal.

Ed has been writing and talking extensively about the Era of the Personal Branding and what that means for consumers, employers, and companies. On October 8th, he summarized his research in a blog post on the Houston Chronicle’s The List. Read it here and decide for yourself if you agree or disagree.

The Kirtsy Book is here. Come seek help for your Kirtsy problem, too.

Check out this incredible book trailer, created by the amazing Katherine Center:

I’ll be at ACL fest in Austin this weekend for a much needed getaway, and I’m totally beside myself just thinking about seeing Them Crooked Vultures on Thursday night. Must. clam. down. Holler if you’re gonna be out there, and i’ll c.u.t.here! Peace, Love + Sound, Peeps! Speaking of, I’ve got a gCal for upcoming shows that you can access here. Have at it. Soon to be one for events as well. Stay tuned. c.u.there, peeps!

{Tuesday.29}

The Architecture of Social Networking

Facebook, Twitter, Wiki, Blogs, Forums, LinkedIn, and everything else you’ve ever wondered about. What is social media, what it means to you and how you can use it.

Panelists:
Filo Castore, AIA LEED AP
Fayza Elmostehi (Schipul – The Web Marketing Company)
Jeromy Murphy, AIA

{Wednesday.30}

Robert Ellis + the Boys at Mango’s

Craving your country fix? Stop by Mango’s for some pre-ACL celebration as Robert Ellis and the boys infuse this local music joint with some honky tonk blues.

{Thursday.01}

Elizabeth Irvine Lunchtime Lecture Series

I recently finished a site redesign for Elizabeth Irvine. Beth is an amazing mentor and friend. She’s most definitely positively impacted my life in the short time that I’ve known here. She’ll be doing 2 lunchtime series this fall the first one in October is focused on creating balance and well-being. In November, she will lead lunchtime meditation at Bright Sky Press. Stressed out? You seriously need this like I do!

Thursdays in October: 1, 8 and 15, 12 noon – 1 p.m
COST: $100 for series, $40 for individual lecture. Lunch provided

click here to register

Three Simple Ways To Create Balance in Everyday Life

Thursday October 1, 2009 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.

Beth shares ideas of how to relieve stress and replace it with balance and well being. How do I deal with the frustration of mundane tasks day after day? What can I do to have more energy and clarity? What are three things I can do to improve my diet? Do I really enjoy what I do?

For more info on all her workshops, visit http://www.elizabethirvine.com/engage/workshops/

Divergence Vocal Theater Presents: Autumn Spectre

6 – 9pm | First Cumberland Presbyterian Church (2119 Avalon Place) | facebook invite | $20

I’ve recently found out about Divergence and met the lovely Misha Penton. I’d be here if i weren’t in Austin. Check it out!

Boundary-defying performances featuring historic and new opera, art song, piano works, theater, dance, and multimedia arts. Contemporary staging, a progressive attitude to repertoire selection, and an exciting fusion of interdisciplinary arts characterizes our non-traditional approach to opera and classical vocal works. Artistic Director: Misha Penton.
www.divergencevocaltheater.org

An ethereal October eve of contemporary art song in English, piano & harp works, with sitar music, film, butoh inspired dance, & shadow play. Music of Dominick Argento, Philip Glass, Meredith Monk, Jake Heggie, Benjamin Britten, and more…

Friday, October 2nd, 8pm
Saturday, October 3rd, 8pm

For more information and tickets: http://www.divergencevocaltheater.org/performances.html

Join us immediately following the performance for a meet-the-company after-party.

Opera in the Heights: Il Tabarro + Pagliacci

7:30pm | Lambert Hall | www.operaintheheights.org| facebook invite

Final Performances Thursday, Friday, Saturday

Kicking off it’s 14th season on September 24th, Opera in the Heights! adventurously takes on the unique double bill of Il Tabarro with Pagliacci, two unforgettable stories paired together to heed the tale of unfaithful women, jealousy and revenge which result in their untimely death.  Could these be the desperate housewives of a century ago?

Opera in the Heights! is a professional regional opera company that exists to provide a stage for emerging performers and to bring affordable opera to the greater Houston area. All operas are presented in the original language with English surtitles in Lambert Hall, 1703 Heights Blvd. located in the Houston Heights, with easy and convenient parking.  Experience these traditional productions in an intimate, historic setting, where the audience can enjoy the performance up close!  Ticket prices start at a mere $10 per performance, with the best seats in the house for only $45. Restrictions apply, call 713-861-5303 or visit www.operaintheheights.org for more information. See you UP CLOSE!

29-95.com Presents Buxton at the Continental Club

10pm | Continental Club | www.operaintheheights.org| facebook invite

2995 continues their free concert series at the Continental Club this week with one of my fav local bands, Buxton. Listen to some of their tracks here. Or just show up. It’s free. duh. You won’t regret it.

{Friday.02}

C2 Creative presents Hous(e)ton: the photography of Shannon Duncan and Ben Desoto

7pm-9pm | Caroline Collective (4820 Caroline) | www.carolinecollective.cc | facebook invite

Please join the C2 Creative community in opening their newest show at Caroline Collective Friday, October 2nd from 7pm to 9pm. The show features work from local Houston photographers Shannon Duncan and Ben Desoto.

The works collected here from the talented Houston Artists Ben Desoto and Shannon Duncan speak about home, house, and Houston – home to us all. Each artist has chosen to explore the shadowy axioms of house, home and Houston. That’s not to say in a derogatory manner, but to say from the inverse. Each of their subjects is shown without house, or home. Their work shows us the oft-overlooked side of our fair city. Shannon’s works painstakingly reveals the beauty in the everyday mundane detritus of urban life while Ben’s work forces us to confront the very human realties of homelessness. Each set however has an optimism that far outstrips the meager realities of the objects or people shown. Together each artist elevates the inverse, the shadows of our homes, houses and Houstonians to a place of touching poignancy. And together each photographer reminds us that every great image, and maybe every great story, starts with a negative. Light refreshments will be provided.

Horsehead Theatre presents Red Light Winter

8pm | Frenetic Theater (5102 Navigation) | www.horseheadtheatre.org | facebook invite

I’ve been hearing so much buzz about this performance, I can’t wait to make it out to see this. Naked people, sex on stage, and Amsterdam. I’m so there. Warning: this performance is not for the easily embarrassed or squeamish. OK, see, now you’re intrigured and you’re gonna go, right?

September 24, 25, 26; October 1, 2, 3 & 8, 9, 10
All shows at 8:00 pm

General admission price: $15 first weekend; $20 second & third weekends; Student price: $10 per ticket per student ID & must be purchased at door;
Tickets available now at http://horseheadtheatre.org/tickets and will be available at the door.

Horse Head Theatre Co. presents Red Light Winter as its premiere production running September 24 to October 10 at Frenetic Theater. Written by Adam Rapp, Red Light Winter has not been seen in Houston before. Horse Head Theatre hopes to bring an exceptionally new and engaging theatre-going opportunity for Houston audiences by creating a completely designed experience. Horse Head Theatre’s goal with all of its shows is to create a theatrical presentation that reinvigorates the soul and reawakens the human spirit. Horse Head productions begin and end with ceremonial rituals and create opportunities for audiences to break the traditional code of theatre etiquette.

The story of Red Light Winter centers on misplaced affections between long time friends Matt and Davis, and an enigmatic Amsterdam prostitute, Christina. All three characters have flaws that they are aware of but do nothing to change. Because of this, emotions are propelled in a tragically wrong direction, creating an end sequence that rips out your heart with rage, disgust, pity, and complete stupor.

A few things you should know about RED LIGHT WINTER:
• Don’t expect a traditional theatre experience.
• Red Light Winter audiences will not sit in standard theatre chairs in rows. You are encouraged to sit, stand, lounge, spread out and move around any time you’d like during the course of the show. There will be no intermission.
• Red Light Winter contains nudity, explicit language, drug references, strobe effects and fog. Cigarette smoking will take place on stage during the course of the show.
• No one under 18 will be admitted due to the content of the show.
• Photography or video of any sort is not permitted.
• Drinks and snacks will be available before, during and after the show. Please bring cash for the bar and vendor stand.
• You can party, drink and lounge before and after the show. The Frenetic Theater lobby will open at 7:00 pm.
• Smoking is not permitted.
• Please turn off your cell phones.

{Saturday.03}

Buffalo Bayou Walking Tour

10am-noon | Buffalo Bayou / Architecture Center (315 Capitol) |website | $10-$15

Every 1st Sunday my buddy Jim mParsons leads this fantastic walking tour of Buffalo Bayou. Jim will be the first to remind you I haven’t bene yet. But I still know it’s fantastic if he’s involved.

Architecture Center Houston (ArCH) with the cooperation of Buffalo Bayou Partnership invite you to a stroll along Buffalo Bayou Parkway for an overview of downtown Houston’s history and architecture from it’s beginnings in 1836 to the efforts to revitalize the central city today. ArCH docents will lead you on this 2 hour architectural tour.

WHEN: Every First Saturday of the month – 10am-noon *(weather permitting) These tours will take place every First Saturday of the month. Reservations are not required but appreciated.

WHERE: Architecture Center Houston 315 Capitol Street, Suite 120

FEE: $15, $10 for AIA Houston, ArchiTypes, and Bayou Buddies members. Cash/check only at the door. Credit card purchases must be in advance. Call 713.520.0155 for tickets.

PARKING: Theater District and Hobby Center parking garages recommended due to 2 hour limited street parking.

About Architecture Center:
Architecture Center Houston (ArCH) houses offices of the American Institute of Architecture, Houston Chapter, the Houston Architecture Foundation, a gallery for rotating architecture-related exhibitions, meeting rooms, and a terrace overlooking Buffalo Bayou. ArCH aims to promote awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the ways in which architecture and urban design influence and enhance the quality of life in our community. For general inquiries, please call 713.520.0155, or visit www.aiahouston.org online.

About Buffalo Bayou Partnership:
The Buffalo Bayou Partnership is a non-profit organization that oversees Buffalo Bayou improvements. The Partnership coordinates the integration of major amenities into the Bayou greenbelt and seeks ways to increase community involvement through pedestrian, boating and biking amenities, permanent and temporary art installations, and other natural and built attractions. For general inquiries, please call 713.752.0314, or visit the Partnership online at www.buffalobayou.org.

{Tuesday}

Nightclub Cardio @ Pravada

Literally one of THE best workouts I’ve ever had. A night club atmosphere, pumpin’ tunes, and workout clothes and tennies. Pretty much my dream workout. The lights are down, and people let loose. I’ve been dying to write about this for weeks. I tried this class out earlier this summer and was hooked! Now if I can just find time to make it back!  Due to popular demand, they’ve just added a second day at Pravada (Thursday) and a second location (Bar RIO, 6400 Richmond Ave) that begins September 15th. Tell Jennifer I sent you! 

{Wednesday}

Dress for Success 6th Annual Sizzling Summer Soiree

7-9pm | Tootsies (in Highland Village) | facebook invite

Nancy Levicki and the Women of Wardrobe event chairs Sharron Melton, Lauren Freeman and Shern-Min Chow with Tootsies invite you to the Sixth Annual Sizzling Summer Soiree.

Enjoy hip sips and cool canapes, and meet designer Trina Turk. 10 percent of the proceeds benefits Dress for Success Houston, so you have a great reason to shop!

Event is free for WOW members and $45 for nonmembers. Purchase your tickets to Sizzling Summer Soiree in advance to avoid waiting in a very long line! Join W.O.W. for $75 which includes complimentary admission to all W.O.W. events through next June. Buy your ticket today by calling 713-957-3779. Special thanks to The Capital Grille and TY-KU.

{Thursday}

Thursdays are always nuts.  Get in where you fit in.

5-10PM | Spacetaker Cultured Cocktails benefiting Dance Houston | FREE
Boheme Cafe and Wine Bar (Taft @ Fairview)
This has been THE place to be this summer if you are a non-profit. Or if you like wine. Either will do.

6-8pm | HYPA Summer Cocktail Tour at the Grove (Discovery Green) | FREE
feat. Houston artists Katy Anderson + Patrick Medrano + The Fodice Foundation
HOUSTON Magazine is sponsoring a summer long tour of hip places and pretty faces. This week at the Grove with HYPA. There is an afterparty at Katy + Patrick’s studio. The afterparty + film screening is free for HYPA members, and $35 for non-members.

6-9pm | 310 Rosemont Summer Mixer (1965 W. Gray) | FREE
Fashion and Denim for Women AND Men! Come for a drink. Stay for the new fall fashions. Toast to the end of summer.
I’m not sure about toasting to the end of summer…i’m hanging on with my fingernails. But LOVE this boutique. Check it.

{Friday}

Bright New Media

3:30-5:30pm | Bright Sky Press | 5416 Chaucer, right behind Ruggles | $35

Laura Mayes and yours truly will be leading a Social Media Workshop this Friday at the lovely Bright Sky Press. Stop by to ask all those burning questions about Twitter, Flickr, and Blogging, oh my! From 3:30-5:30 p.m. we’ll have the very informal workshop (Easy, practical social media training) and at 5:30 p.m. we’ll break out the Social Media Social Hour (A very happy Happy Hour where social media shows it social side).

Bright Sky Press is hosting its inaugural Bright New Media social media workshop at the Bright Sky Bookspace . Stop in to find out more about Twitter, Flickr, Blogging, Facebook, and a partridge in a pear tree. More importantly, we’ll talk about why we should care about all this (for business, for pleasure, for smart ways to connect)…and we’ll show you how easy it is to do (it’s really easy!). It all starts at 3:30 p.m. and ends with a Social Media Social Hour. $35 a person gets you all the know-how you need to go go go. We can’t wait to see you then!

RSVP to kara@brightskypress.com

Four Openings at Lawndale Art Center

6-8:30pm | Lawndale Art Center | 4912 Main Street | lawndaleartcenter.org

Yummm. I love me some Lawndale. Check out this Friday’s quadruple opening. Opening Reception August 21, 2009, 6:30 – 8:30 PM, Artist talks at 6 PM. Exhibitions on view August 21- September 26, 2009:

Lawndale Art Center 30th Anniversary Exhibition –
Curated by Clint Willour
Work by Seth Alverson, Dawolu Jabari Anderson, Chuy Benitez, Elaine Bradford, Emily Sloan and Mark Schatz

Me, Mine, and not Yours – Joe Ives and Jahjehan Bath Ives

Paper or Plastic?– Nathaniel Donnett

The Green™ cyber web – Adela Andea

{Saturday}

Planned Parenthood + Riazul Tequila present Party Like a Rockstar

8pm-midnight | Warehouse Live

Whether you wear high heels, Doc Martens or blue suede shoes, come to move those feet and pump those fists in the air – and let your voice be heard!

Live Performances by DJ Alex C – voted #1 DJ by the Houston Press and Houston Chronicle and SKYROCKET! – voted Austin’s #1 cover band.

TICKETS:
Single Ticket ($50) – includes catering by Joe’s Crab Shack!

Be a VIP!
Solo-Act ($150) – one person, Hook-Up ($250) – two people, Groupies ($1000) – eight people, Entourage ($3000) – 30 people
VIP level includes catering by Morton’s the Steakhouse & Max’s Wine Dive with a Champagne Station.
Grammy Gift Bags. Exclusive After- Party from midnight to 2 a.m.

Visit http://www.pphouston.org/rockstar2009 for more information. Purchase tickets here

tumblers, by slightclutter

It feels as if this post is way overdue. On the other hand, it also feels to be entirely immature.

I’m going to cram a lot into this post, so for you ADD readers, here’s the short version:

• Update on Baby Kailey: she’s doing great!
• I moved in with my parents to help with the baby!
• I still have my place, so there will still be a Christmas Tree Viewing Party 3.0!

• I quit my job!

• I’m freelancing! (yes, read above: i quit my job!)
• I’m really, really happy, excited, and scared as all hell!
• Wedding Bells

Whew. That wasn’t so hard?  Now what took me so long to write this post? (Besides painstakingly searching for the exact right image. Which I will always obsess over.)

First things first. I’m doing GREAT.  In the last 4 months I’ve made some of the biggest decisions of my life, and I couldn’t be more excited about everything. The recession be damned! I know it’s a very real thing, but I’ve decided to not participate in it. ;-)

Secondly, there is entirely no way I would have been able to make any of those decisions without the wonderful friends and family who have surrounded me with support and encouragement. I’d be about 2% of a person without you all.

Update on Baby Kailey + Home Again

Before I get into too much detail with my new career direction, I wanted to give an update on Baby Kailey. Many of you have asked about how she is doing, or who that cute baby is popping up on my Flickrstream.  If you didn’t read my original post on Kailey, it’s here. Short version is…since November my parents have had custody of my cousin’s baby girl. She was 2 months old when she came to stay with us, she is now a healthy 7.5 month old.  Mom has since started back at work, and I have moved in to help out with the day to day awesomeness of having a baby around. I swear, everyday I wonder how single mothers do this. There are 3, sometimes 4, adults in this house, and we are all exhausted! :-)

In February, after the awesomely successful Mom 2.0 Summit, I made the decision to move in with mom and dad to help out as mom started back at work. I was a little worried about leaving my place, but I found a friend who needed a place to stay for 6 months, and it just worked out perfect.  I only had to move my clothes, and he lets me visit whenever I want. Thanks, Trae!

I made the decision so quickly, that I really didn’t have time to think about what a big transition this would be.  Barring a few post-college months, I hadn’t lived with my parents since high school, nearly 12 years ago. In one day I went from being an independent, single, urban, museum district-highrise dweller, to a diaper changing, baby-talking, suburban daughter living in my parents house in Jersey Village.  Head spin!

But every moment’s been worth it.  I’ve been here nearly 6 weeks and I haven’t missed my apartment once. Due to an open invitation from Trae. :-)  I’ll never forget what the wise Laura Mayes said to me when I was contemplating this decision: she said to me, “You’ll never regret spending this time with your family.”  And that really stuck with me.  And has continued to. What is 6 months in my life? A time to be there for my family, to spend time with my mom and dad, and most importantly to experience the first year of a child’s life. There really was no decision to make.

Independence Day

After a few weeks of being home, it started to occur to me what a financial benefit this was becoming. I had not intended on moving home for the sake of saving money, but it was certainly an ancillary benefit. I quickly came to the realization that the time was here and now for me to make another decision I had been struggling with for years.

Most of you know me in one capacity or another, and at one time most of you have asked the question, “So what is it you DO?” A question I’ve struggled with answering, usually with a chuckle.  It usualy starts like this, “Well, my day job is _____, but I also do _______.”  About 4 years ago I made a decision that my traditional (well-paid) Oil & Gas marketing career would never fulfill my career passions.  I tried many companies, much to the dismay of my resume and friends’ skepticism. Over the last few years, I’ve reached out for ways to explore my creative passions in the form of PR, event planning, design, and most recently, social media. As a result, I’ve built up a network of amazing people, dream clients, and many, many new friends. It’s always been a means to an end, as I knew that one day I would make the jump from corporate employee to self-employed. And last Wednesday, that day came.

Yep, in the midst of an economic depression turned recession, on tax day nonetheless, I finished my last day at Halliburton. For 3 days now, I’ve officially been self-employed. And I can honestly say, I haven’t been this happy in a long time. And of course everyone says I will eventually say, why didn’t I do this a long time ago.  But I disagree.  This was the right time.  I had to be ready.  All the elements had to be ready. And this was the time.

I’ve have the amazing opportunity to work on some dream projects over the last few months. Starting with the Mom 2.0 Summit, where I met so many amazing folks.  One in particular, author and wife of Houston’s Mayor,  Andrea White. Since then, I’ve been working with Andrea, and with the Bill White for Texas Senate Campaign on social media strategies, and it’s been a wonderful experience.

COLABorate

So that brings me to my plans. The number one question I get these days is no longer “what do you do?” but rather, “so what ARE you gonna do?” And it seems like an easy one to answer. But it’s been difficult.

I’m not a graphic designer, a web developer, or a traditional public relations person.  Both my undergraduate and graduate degrees are in Psychology. Go figure. And most of what I do relies on the collaboration of those within my network.  I can take a decent picture, but I know a helluva lot of incredible photographers. I can open Photoshop and tell you what color looks good next to pink, but I am friends with some incredibly talented designers who can design circles around me. I can Google CSS lines of code, but call some of the best programmers around friends. Where I’ve found my strength lies is in the communication of an idea with a client.  The development of a strategy.  The execution of that strategy with a team of creatives. This is where I excel.  Bringing my network of talented people together. And it’s taken me 10 years to figure that out. So here I am.

I’ll have much more details in the coming months of my newly formed company, COLAB, and about the projects I’ll be working on. For the sake of cohesion I’ve dubbed it “interactive creative services,” which includes PR, event coordination, graphic design, web design, and social media strategy.  Website launched soon, and planning a networking event to officially announce the start of COLAB. I’ll post all the details here on my blog.

So here I am.  Back in my parents house.  In the suburbs. Eating my words. Remember “Midtown Monica”? I haven’t forgotten her. My new found independence, undoubtedly dependent on dependence of my family, who has never once wavered to help me get to where I want to be.

Wedding Bells

Hahahaha, GOTCHA! Knew THAT would get your attention. No, no, I’m not headed for the alter!  Leading a double life for the past 4 years or so can really take it out of ya. So I’m also looking forward to getting back to some of the things that I so love, but haven’t had the time for. Like writing.  I have a few projects I will be working on, that you will hearing more about soon, including more blogging and a few books I am working on.  One book that is super imminent, A Single Girl’s Guide to Weddings. Why so?  Well, as of today, I have 15 this year. Yep. FIFTEEN weddings. I’m in 4 of them. And 3 are out of the state.  Not only do I have 15 weddings. I have 15 bridal showers. and 15 bachelorette parties. Couple’s showers. trips to Crate & Barrel. In all honesty, I LOVE weddings.  No pun intended. I thought this would be a fun way to share my experiences and observations on love, dating, marriage, and (to borrow a phrase from MagsMac) the ultra important debate between taupe and off-white. I’ve attended 3 already this year, and have 3 chapters so far.  Very excited to see where this goes.

I’m still blogging over at Houstonist, and on my design blog, Design Junky, which recently got a facelift, and of course here on Cosmopolitician. Will be blogging for a new fun blog, deets on that soon!

There’s More?!!  Dang.

Thanks for lasting to the end of this post.  I know it was a bit of a marathon, and I promise to be more brief in the future.

I can’t tell you how much all of your support, encouragement and confidence has meant to me. This community is my world and my backbone. I hope this doesn’t sound to Grammy acceptance speech, but there are a few people I REALLY must thank for helping me get to this point.

Maggie McDonald for your huge smile and constant determination, you inspire me;

Laura Mayes who’s infinite wisdom and grace pushed me to quit my job (so that she wouldn’t be alone in her self-employment!);

Ed Schipul for pretty much everything: every token of crazed wisdom, every vote of confidence, and every “what the eff are you waiting for” speech;

And last but the very UNleast, Mom and Dad, who never let me believe for a second that I could fail at anything.  Even when I have. I love you, I love you, I love you (now what day does the maid come?) :-)

Mayor Bill White, image by David Brown

This past Saturday, I had the esteemed honor of putting on a Social Media Workshop for Houston Mayor Bill White, his staff, and volunteers for his upcoming US Senate Campaign. We discussed Facebook,Twitter, and other social media tools.

We gathered at the Houston Technology Center and specifically discussed the importance of new media tools in politics. Admittedly so, not a student of politics, I invited two of the most capable teachers I know, Ed Schipul and Katie Laird, to help present.  Ed and Katie explained the importance of storytelling, how to listen first before engaging, and the art of responding.

You can view their full presentation here.

After Ed and Katie presented, Mayor White got up to share a few words.  I was entirely impressed by his understanding of this medium of communication, and more importantly the need for it in politics.  He went on to explain that what politics can benefit most from social media is the transparency and honesty that comes along with it.  No longer can politicians say one thing to one source, and another to another source.

In the time I’ve spent with both Mayor White and his wife Andrea White I’ve come to know them not only as intelligent, capable leaders, but as eager students who both see the value in community.

Big thanks to all of our volunteers: Julie Pippert, Katrina Esco, Ashley Minor, Laura Mayes, Jenni-Rebecca Stephenson, Grace Rodriguez, Katy Bacon, and Felicity Pereyra.

To David Brown of Spacetaker for playing official photog for the day, and for all of his continued support of Mayor White.

Thanks to the Houston Technology Center for hosting us.

To the city’s best coffee, Coffee Groundz, and to the Kolache Factory, who answered my last minute call via Twitter (while in Colorado nonetheless) and provided us with yummy breakfast.

I look forward to being involved in more of these workshops, and wish the Mayor the best in his campaign for the U.S. Senate seat.  I hope he gets it. Because Bill White gets it.

Sure, I’ve had the occasional post on my favorite Men in Orange, but have never taken on the role of broadcaster of los deportes. So here goes nuthin’.

This weekend is the Shell Houston Open at Redstone Golf Club.  (I do know enough about the tournament to know that it used to be in the Woodlands. go. me.) I dated a golf pro for 2 years and never once stepped on a golf course. Much less attended a tournament. So you guys are in for a treat of epic (newbie) proportions. I’ll probably end up looking like a fool with the lack of golf knowledge I have, but if you are interested  laughing at me, or finding out what all the celebs are wearing, I’m your huckleberry.

I’ll be “live tweeting” (like there’s any other kind of tweeting?) on Saturday from about 1-4pm. You can check out my updates via my twitter stream at www.twitter.com/cosmopolitician.

For more info on the tournament, and I’m sure much more accurate information than I could give, check out the SHO’s adorably-named blog, SHO and Tell.  (See? I just called golf adorable. Oh geez.)

In studying up for my assignment (more like cramming for a midterm), I discovered that the SHO is quite the local philanthropist.  Since 1992 they’ve raised $46 million for local charities, among them, Acres Homes Youth Association, a neighborhood very close to where I grew up. View all core charities here.

Wonder if I’ll get to ride in a golf cart? Sa-weet.