Spreading the Utterz at Christmas
It’s one thing to have to explain social media to someone at my school or in my peer group; it’s a whole different story when you’re trying to explain it to someone who claims they don’t even know how to turn on a computer or call someone on a cell phone.
And I’m not kidding. My dad’s sister Linda is very open about her lack of computer and “gadget” knowledge. At the same time, though, she has this fun, bubbly personality and is always hugging, kissing and teasing everyone during the holidays. She’s awesome. Linda definitely gets the “social” part of social media already. I was going to attempt an explanation of what I do on the Internet, but decided that I had had too many glasses of wine and not enough hours to come up with an appropriate definition. Plus, too much talking and not enough doing is no fun.
I invited Auntie Linda to make an Utterz post with me. I wasn’t sure if she’d go for it, since she had no idea what I was talking about, but she just threw her hands up and said she’d love to participate. With all the skepticism that exists about social media, it was refreshing to see someone who is admittedly so far outside this space jumping at the chance to join in. She had no idea what I was asking her to do or why I wanted her to do it, but she wasn’t afraid to try something totally new. Maybe she should talk to Millie Garfield and start her own blog! ;D
Below is the Utterz post I made with Auntie Linda where she talks about her famous “red cake” that she made for Christmas this year. It really is bright red cake with white frosting in the middle, and it is a sweet, delicious holiday treat.
Happy Holidays from Me
I hope this Christmas is good to you.
I hope you get many chances to smile and laugh with the ones you love.
I hope you take time to recall the memorable moments you’ve had since last Christmas.
I hope the people around you remind you that you’re amazing.
I hope that your house smells delicious.
I hope you tell someone an inspiring story.
I hope that your children, if you have them, tell you how much they love you, and not just because you bought them gifts.
I hope you tell the people you love most in this world that they ARE a gift in your life.
I hope that despite any setbacks, cramped car rides, weird relatives, burned food, crying children or unwanted gifts that your Christmas is beautiful, and that the good parts, whether they’re big or small, balance out the bad.
These are my hopes this Christmas season, for you and I guess for myself as well. This is a weird holiday for me. I’m not used to spending it alone, and I’m not used to having a broken laptop that I can’t use. (Oh, the pain!)
Last night I was really sad, because I couldn’t find anything good in this holiday, but today I woke up and thought about all the good things and people in my life. I’ve met some truly amazing people this year, and I’ve accomplished so much since last Christmas. I have a lot to be happy and grateful for today. I’m celebrating that.
So, enjoy your holiday, whatever shape it takes. Merry Christmas!
Have a Merry Elfin’ Christmas
Going home for holidays usually means I have a lot of “boredom time” to myself. Shrewsbury, Mass isn’t exactly the most exciting place on earth. (Aside from Sesame Street characters hanging out on random residential street corners, right @jeffglasson and @fittorrent?)
Since I already wrapped my gifts and no one is really around to amuse me, I amused myself by visiting Elf Yourself, the silly holiday app from OfficeMax. Now that this is done, though, I know I’m going to be bored again, so maybe I’ll have to memorize all these sweet dance moves…
You can watch me dancing HERE. Have you “elfed yourself” yet?
Today’s Honey: Common
Music colors my days. As a choreographer, I like music that lets me see movement and feel something at the same time. This takes many forms, and I always like finding new artists and songs that give me something new to feel. Like my good friend Amanda Mooney, I find some great music on television, but I also get a ton of great music from browsing dance videos on YouTube. Of course, right?
So, I want to share with you some musical honey that I think is cool today. I usually don’t like rap music, but I really like Common’s new song “I Want You” and the moody video he created for it. I think Common’s music is a refreshing take on hip hop, and I love how he uses his music to really tell a story.
Rehab for Social Media Addicts
Jeffrey Sass, thank you for another amazing video. Social media addicts, you are not alone.
Let’s Talk About My Awesome Classmates
Inspired by our New Media for PR class, a few of my fellow students have decided to start blogging. I wanted to share their endeavors with my friends on the Web so you could get a chance to see what my classmates are doing. Here’s the rundown:
Maria Thurrell: Maria has such sparkle. She writes for On the PRowl with me, but Maria started her own personal blog, ThruMyGreenEyes. On her blog, she talks about her foray into new media and public relations, and finding a voice in this big, crazy world.
Vanessa Gerard: Vanessa is a smart, savvy, social girl who just so happens to be a phenomenal ballroom dancer. Her blog, Anything that Glitters, talks about her perspectives on ballroom competitions, including the always-popular TV show, Dancing with the Stars.
Danielle Katz: Danielle is a theater buff, and she’s passionate about music and pop culture. Danielle is enthusiastic about everything she does, and her blog, Window by Window, showcases her thoughts on the intersection of social media and entertainment.
Kera Coyer: Kera is very thoughtful. She’s the kind of girl who, when she says something in class, people write it down. Her blog, Interconnection, is a reflective look at social media and social networking issues on the Web and in the news.
Elise Kohen: Elise is always smiling, asking new questions and giving fresh insights in class. Elise’s blog, The Scoop Gal, shows off her excitement about new campaigns and branding that’s happening on the Web.
Stephanie Shih: Stephanie is one hell of a PR student, and she has an interest in politics. Her blog, Exercise Your Right, discusses perspectives on the 2008 election and how transparency and authenticity are playing in politics like never before.
Whaddaya think, friends?
For Elise Kohen of The Scoop Gal, AIM + GMail = <3
I thought Elise’s post about GMail’s new features was too sweet not to clip. As Google adds more and more features to its Web arsenal, more and more “users” and “fans” will probably become “addicts.” Yes, there may come a day where we all end up in social media rehab. Until that day, though, give me more Google.
It’s worth mentioning also that Elise is one of my classmates at BU, and she is both a PR genius and a warm, enthusiastic person. I’m excited to see her new blog grow. Oh, and keep an eye on this girl–she’s going places.
|
Additionally, I am a HUGE fan of 
@Twitter, Thanks for the Tee
Thanks, Biz Stone, for sending me a cool Twitter tee. I’ll definitely be seen out and about in Boston wearing it. Thank you for improving my wardrobe.
wearing my twitter shirt
