A few catch up items...

I've never been really good at having free time on my hands. I don't know what to do with myself and I just can't sit still. I always have to be doing something and at the same time multi-tasking. This week has been okay. We kicked the week off with the Christmas holidays. My younger brother, Brad, got Skye and I the Wii version of Guitar Hero lll. Now, we have had the Wii for over a year and I've never before "asked" to play a game. I've always just participated if it was a group activity and it was already in motion. I don't even know how to start up the darn thing. Well, that has changed now and I am addicted. I am still on the easy level, but I think I am in love. We even brought it along with us to Hilton Head to play while visiting the in-laws. I'm not sure they appreciate it as much, but I think I know what to do in my free time now.

Hmm...what else to report? Skye and I went to see National Treasure 2: Book Of Secrets today and let me tell you "It was great!" I typically hate Nicolas Cage movies, but this was very, very good. I encourage you to see it.

Anyways, we head back home to Franklin tomorrow and I am so excited. I am ready to be in my own house again and to see my friends. I am also ready for January. I will write a New Year blog in the next few days. I also need to come up with a new header and design. So come back soon and bare with me.

"Love Came Down At Christmas"

Jars of Clay was a band I used to work with at Provident, but they transitioned over to their own label close to my departure. Tonight I was actually watching one of those trashy tabloid shows on E! and at the end, they gave props to the band and rolled the credits while showing the video below. Kudos to Nettwerk!

Happy Birthday, Mom!

They say that the anticipation of the actual day is worse and I agree. Today is what would have been my mom's birthday. All week I've been dreading it. I even planned on taking the day off so I would be able to deal with my feelings and do something special to honor her. So, it's the 20th. Her day. It's a day of celebrating her life and memory... the good times.

So, today I went out and got my nails done. Right now, this is an indulgence and special treat. But if there's one thing I remember about my mom is that she usually had her nails manicured and freshly polished. It was just her thing. I even did her nails while she was in the hospital. Therefore, I went to lunch at our favorite lunch spot at Merridee's and then got a manicure and pedicure. We would have done this together.

I'm not going to lie. Today also hurts. I have so much I want to share with her and talk to her about; advice I need, a hug. She would tell me that some of my concerns are lame, but also I'm sure in reality, she would make me stress in some ways too. Mothers tend to do that. At least I think the good ones do. They pay attention to details in your life and want to protect your future. They think of the stuff that you need to, but don't. Anyways, happy birthday, Mom! Your are still beautiful and I love you.

P.S. I ate a sweet treat for you.


The last picture taken of my mom and I together....ironically on her last birthday.

I love my Tivo...and The Biggest Loser.

I love my Tivo. Well, we don't really have the Tivo, we have the Direct TV digital recorder, but still, it's practically the same thing. It just doesn't do the cute fast forward noise. Why do I love this device? Because I finally got to catch up on The Biggest Loser finale last night. It's been a busy week, and all week I have had a hunch that Bill would win, but avoided all commercials and conversations about it. It drove me nuts. I didn't want it confirmed until I could watch it on the actual episode.

Now, this is the first season I've ever watched the show. I've had friends that have watched every season and have raved about it. I don't think I respected it until I started working out on my own with a personal trainer. Now, I know that the show goes to extremes, all the contestants have nothing to focus on except for their diet and exercise while they are ON the show, which makes it a bit easier. I would usually have my personal training session the day after the show aired and I would give her the update on what happened on the show. I would tell her that "Geez, they had that girl running on the treadmill at a speed of 12.0! Even with all that weight!" I typically run at a pace of like 4.0 or something. ( I am short and have little legs.) Her response..."That would be so dangerous! They also have a team of medical doctors standing right there waiting if something happens." She also said that she could easily be sued if she tried pulling something like that. Either way, the show is good inspiration for getting to the gym. I was actually more impressed with the contestants on the show that actually got kicked off and had to train at home under real-life conditions.

One of the final four is also from my hometown of Franklin. Rock on Isabeau! You did great and keep up the good work. They even said that she's been spotted at my gym. I think I would be in celebrity shock if I saw her.

Top 5 Reasons why I love The Biggest Loser:
1. Good motivation to get to the gym.
2. Jillian is kick-ass.
3. It's fun to point out all the intentional product promotion.
4. Bob, the trainer, is hot!
5. Watching guys get rid of their man-boobs...good for them!

Who's going to do the Million Pound Match up for next season?

Peyton Pep Talks

A while back ago, I was reading this book called Made To Stick. One discussion that came out of the book club conversation was about marketing and who has had some catchy ideas lately. We threw out a couple good examples such as Apple (Mac vs. PC) and the ATT (Where Do You Live Campaign).

Today I was watching the Titans game and found myself intrigued by the Master Card "Peyton Manning Pep Talks Commercial." I found myself laughing at him describing the male mini-van driver. Mostly because my girlfriends and I had just been talking about how these guys are the worst drivers on the streets...feeling like they have something to prove. Dangerous! Anyways, I got out my laptop and went to the website. You can get more interactive by typing in your name and choosing what is getting you down. It creates a special video for you or you can create one to forward to a friend. When I used to have a few marketing dollars to spend, I thought this stuff might be not worth the time, much less the little money I had, but I do have to say, when you can splurge, this stuff can be fun sometimes.


Go create a pep talk!

Holiday Baby Steps

This Christmas is weird. Once again, I am not getting out the tree. It's just too difficult. The last time we decorated, my mom helped me pick out the stockings and ornaments for the holidays. My family is starting to celebrate the holidays in baby steps. Last year, we avoided the holidays all together and went skiing in Jackson Hole, WY. This year, it is a challenge just to be in town. My mom used to put up two Christmas trees in her house. One in the main living room that was more formal and then one in the bonus room that had all the family traditional ornaments. This week, another baby step. We decorated the formal tree. It doesn't have as much sentimental value, but it did mean something to her. She was all about decorations. Each time I caught myself being lazy about putting the ribbon on just so, I could hear her saying "Now, go back and fix that. Make it right." And I did. I didn't want to do my mom's tree half-assed. (can I say that on here? There's probably a better way, but it's the truth.) And it is also probably the last time we will decorate that house for the holidays. I can picture my dad leaving that house soon.

Anyways, not having a job this Christmas is a double-edged sword. My close friends say, "Awesome. Take time off for the holidays and enjoy it." My mind keeps saying "What am I going to do?" The reality is that nobody is hiring right now. Everybody has checked out for the season. I probably would be...umm, if I still had a job. Not having a job means, tight Christmas. Not having a job means having more time than I know what to do with. I went to a job recruiting agency this morning. Let me tell you, two suggestions were thrown my way. One of which I had already scored an informal interview with last week and second, something completely off the scale. Me=identity theft protection company? Umm...I don't think so. But you know...what else did I have to do today? The quick answer...nothing.

So, when I got back home from my 30 min. outing, I decided to attempt another baby step. HOLIDAY BAKING! Could this be good for a girl that was just diagnosed as pre-diabetic? You would think NO! but you are wrong. I made so much gosh darn candy, I want to throw up and never eat sugar again. I made peanut butter balls, white peppermint bark, chocolate cookie peppermint bark and chocolate-covered pretzels. (My husband loves me right now.) I guess I got ambitious. Friends be prepared to eat. I am dispersing it all, since I can't have this stuff in my house.

Late afternoon I got a phone call. It was my good friends the D'Amicos. They invited me out on a holiday adventure. Why not one more baby step? I'm on a roll. We took at trip out to Twelve Pictures Gallery in Nashville to see Kris' artwork displayed. We then headed out to Opryland to see the lights. I haven't done this since maybe 1990? Geez, I am old because that would have been like 7th grade. I went to sing Michael W. Smith classics with my youth choir out in the atriums. Geez...he's old. Anyways, the lights were nice, people wore tacky Christmas sweaters and I have posted pics of Holland and one of the many light filled rooms.

Bragging on Marc

We checked out this new downtown Franklin restaurant SOL last night with our friends Marc and Christy. Food was good, but did not live up to my expectations and wasn't really worth the late reservation...but the company was great. These are two friends that we definitely don't get to see enough of, so every time it comes together to hang out it is awesome. So, right now I am going to brag on Marc because someone should.

Marc has been working in the music industry for a long time now and has written some very popular songs. Besides writing the corporate hits I am most familiar with, he has been able to keep up his passion for ambient stuff. It's a project called Hammock. They got some good exposure during the last winter Olympics, but just recently they played the art opening for Riceboy Sleeps. Anybody who is familiar with the group Sigur Ros should know what I am talking about. But even more recently, one of Hammock's songs was featured on the ABC television show Dirty Sexy Money. (They want to feature more once the writers strikes are over.) I've come from working at a record label who has a strategic department for this stuff (actually it's just one girl who works her butt off). Anyways, without major label support, Hammock has been able to secure placement right up there with those guys. Kudos to you Marc and Andrew! You have been working really hard and hopefully more and more people will continue to notice.

The bike will not defeat me

Oh my goodness. I really needed a break today, but did I get it? Um, no. I started the day off fighting with my husband. (Indeed, the worst part it all and sorry details will not be disclosed.) All I can say is that there are certain added pressures I feel now that I have lost my job. A pressure of adding extra income, pressure of being optimistic and in a good mood, and still the pressure of getting healthy again and losing weight. 

After reconciling with him, I was off to the mall. Why? Because I have an informal interview this afternoon. Yes, informal, but still encouraging. I knew that my old work attire consisting of jeans and a hoodie sweatshirt would not seal the deal. I NEED TO GO SHOPPING. Geez, I hadn't done this a long time. Mainly because I have not liked my current body type and "I refuse to invest in this weight!" (My trainer loves it that I use this line.) I actually find a decent outfit and meet a former co-worker for lunch today. Yum, Baja Fresh. Things could be looking up. Wrong.

Next stop, the bank. Nobody really tells you how much work it is when you lose your job. There are many things that keep reminding you that YOU ARE NOW UNEMPLOYED! It's like a little kid making a squishy face and screaming "nanny nanny boo boo!" You go through the first step of cleaning out your office. Second step, applying for unemployment. Now, the third step has two parts. The first part is hearing from old co-workers that feel confused and sad your are gone. The second part is wondering why you haven't heard from other certain co-workers. Try figuring that one out. The fourth step is finally determining what your 401k was all about and rolling it over to a new IRA, which was todays bank adventure... and I might add still isn't complete. Now, the fifth step is tricky. It is actually figuring out where to send out your fancy, updated resume. Do you aim for something completely different or do you feel confident in your skill set and go with something safe? Today, I had an interview with something I felt could be a good mix of both worlds. 

So, time crunch. The bank took longer than expected and I need to get home. I need to get dressed in my new duds and print out my resume to take with me. #1 piece of advice, never show up to an interview without a copy. They may not have printed if off or might have misplaced it and you always want to be prepared. So, along with the theme of today's events, I have 10 minutes before I have to go "sell myself." But WHAT? the printer doesn't work? YOU GOT TO BE KIDDING ME! Okay, it's set up again. Thank goodness my husband does this for a job. WHAT? NO PRINTER INK? (cuss words have been edited at this point) Luckily, I make a mad dash to a friend's house down the street, printed it off and raced to the interview. (Insert "Night Rider" theme song here. I know you can hear it.) I made it in time, hopefully scored some points and got invited back to the next round, maybe in January.

 I get home, but what do I need now? I need the bike. This day has built up some frustrations that seriously needed to be let out. I put on my exercise gear and head out the door. It was a good class and I got the release I needed, not to mention, burned a lot of calories. As the teacher pumped out tunes like "Ayo Technology" and "Ridin' Dirty" I kept finding my focal point in the room and saying to myself "I am not going to let this job situation defeat me. I will not let my new diabetes diagnosis defeat me. My mom had it a lot tougher... and she may have not defeated it, but for now her cancer will not defeat me. Meaning, if she could go through all that she did, I can get through 45 minutes of intense cardio. Tomorrow is a new day and lets see what it will bring. Say hello to my new best friend, pictured below.

Good Recipe

I wanted to point a little traffic to my friend Kris' blog. Last week, I found out that I have to eat a "diabetic lifestyle," so he pulled together this recipe for me on a really tough day. It was very good and very filling and worth trying, even if you aren't diabetic.

Naughty or Nice?

I have a little more free time to watch television during the day. I found myself watching a segment today on CNN and their headline news. They did a poll on E-Online with 1,100 kids between the ages of 12-17 voting on which celebs should be on Santa's "Naughty or Nice" list. Kids said that "Being a snob and being mean gets you on the list." Some choices are pretty obvious, but they were giving the kids kudos for "knowing better."

Naughty List:

Britney Spears

Paris Hilton

Lindsey Lohen

the Grinch

Darth Vader

Swiper (From Dora the Explorer)

Beyonce

Nice:

Hannah Montana

Angelina Jolie

It's been a bad week

I'm not supposed to talk about it, so I won't give details. The gist of it, though, I lost my job today. Sucks, I know.  I really don't know exactly why and I don't know what to do. I just keep hearing those ugly words of "your position has been eliminated." I know it's going to be okay. In all honesty, almost losing my friends in a major car collision hurts worse than this. This is the second time this has happened to me (stupid music industry) and inbetween those three years, I have survived a lot more stressful things than a job loss. It's time to re-evaluate and get a new focus. I need to get back to the girl I used to know. Someone who was excited about starting her day. I don't feel like people knew the real me there and they probably won't feel the loss of my presence (insert invitation to the pity party here). Oh well, that's all I've got to say about that. I originally started this blog for work, so we will see if I keep it up, but let me just tell you, it's going to get a lot more interesting from here on out. Promise.

Please pray for Red

Yesterday, the day started out normal. I had a plan to meet one of my bands, Red, at the office to sign some CD covers. They were driving in from a show and their road manager was supposed to call me as they got into town. I never got the call. Instead I got an email later in the morning telling me that they had been involved in a serious collision, on their way back into Nashville.

-"What?" This couldn't be happening. While I am sitting at the office being pro-active, the guy scheduled to contact me was being thrown from the vehicle and dragged along the pavement. Not only is this band on my label, but I am a fan. But first and foremost, they are my friends. I've gone through a heartbreaking loss with my mom. It was the most painful thing I've ever been through. But she was in hospice and we knew the inevitable was coming and in a way were more "prepared." This news was just a shock to the system. My stomach hurt all day just thinking about what might have happened. Later that evening I saw pictures of where the side of the van had been ripped off. The trailer was torn to shreds in the middle of the road. Merch and gear spread all over the interstate. "I can't believe this!" Visions of us all together at each other's weddings, birthday parties and at those hot summer festivals keep running through my mind still. I'm so relieved my friends are safe. Thank you God for looking after them.

Always reachable...

My husband has a way of keeping every paper known to man. Whether it is a post-it note, bill, or magazine from 1994, its somehow stashed on the floor underneath his side of the bed. Well, cleaning up this weekend, I came across a surprisingly not too old copy of MacWorld (Oct. 2007) and I brushed up on some new technology. Google just recently acquired GrandCentral. Once you sign up for its messaging service you will get a "GrandCentral number," a standard phone number that is programmed to ring your cell phone, home number, a vonage phone or Gizmo Project client, or all of the above simultaneously. You will always be reachable, without having to hand out your cell phone number. (good for doctor's offices, retail shops or for you single gals...those freaky guys who have the nerve to ask). While your caller is waiting for you to pick up, GrandCentral plays a standard ring-back tone. If you want to be picky about what your peeps hear, you can upload an MP3 file for them to listen to. (hint..it won't work with digitally protected AAC music files uploaded from iTunes store.) If you choose to ignore those unwanted calls, you can retrieve your voicemails by logging into the website.

Happy Pre-Thanksgiving

I have mentioned before that I used to have a personal blog. This particular blog was set up in order to talk about the industry that I work in, current trends and more. The mindset was in that if we can ask our artists to take time to write (even if it's about granola bars...and yes, we have had someone do that and it was quite good) then we can find time to do the same. Well, I want to do some research and see if people comment more on my "industry" posts or "personal" posts. So, if you read this blog, let me know what you prefer. 

To kick this process off, I've got the perfect excuse. It's the holiday season. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and I am baking my first turkey. For those of you who don't know, the holidays are very difficult for me now. It is now the second year that I have to celebrate without my mom and in all honesty, I just get sad. I don't want to celebrate. Last year, my family had a turkey cooked for us and we just assembled some traditional dishes. I think we barely made it through, but we were tough. I think this year is a little bit harder. You think you are being strong, but then you get hit with the guy at the meat counter who says to you, unknowingly, "Oh..a turkey for the Wormer family..I was wondering why she didn't order one last year!" or all of a sudden you are finding a place at the table for a new guest. Strange. Difficult. I feel fortunate and "thankful" though that I lost my mom at an age when I do understand the meaning of being thankful and traditions. Last night as I was tearing up the bread for the stuffing, I just kept thinking "If only I had helped out more when she was here. I would know how to do this better." But the truth is, she would just be proud that I am taking on her stuffing and gravy recipes and getting the family together. She would want that. So wish me luck as I get up at 6am and attempt my first turkey. It may not be great, but it's a step. 

For those that may need help like me, click here.

Bootleg Content

I am still on my concert high from earlier this week. If you visit Tori's website or know anything about this project, she is portraying different characters. At Monday's show, she came out as one character played a complete set, left the stage and did a costume change. She came back out as the "Tori" persona. Very Cool. You really didn't know what to expect of the show considering the set up of the record, but for that consumer who is still on high, like myself, you can buy the bootleg content from the show you went to. I remember back in the day when Pearl Jam introduced this concept. I haven't bought my copy yet, but still considering. (if only I hadn't spent so much on the tickets!)

My iTunes Pre-Order Experience

So, here is something ironic. I work in "New Media," so one would quickly assume that I am a digital consumer....but I am also a graphic design snob. I have a degree and have worked within the field at a design company in London and also work closely with graphic/web designers. Therefore, I am still in love with the physical product. I like laying across my bed with the new CD, listen and read the lyrics and dive into the world of the artist. This packaging is the calling card of creative juices that went into the album. But I am also transitioning into the world of digital. I get lazy and just want it to download directly to my iPod and go on with my day. I don't have time to really sit with music anymore, if it's not work related. It's either got to be in my car or at the gym...there's no focusing involved.

There are very few artists that I consider myself to be a hardcore fan of. And honestly, only one that I sign up for an email update from. (other than for work.) When I got the email blast that if I pre-ordered Tori Amos' new album from iTunes, I would get the chance to order tickets before the on-sale date. No doubt, I was going for it. So, I sucked it up and downloaded the album. I've listened to it, but haven't fully sat with it. Am I slacking off as a fan? or is it because I don't have my usual lyric pages to follow? I did print out the digital booklet, but soon after misplaced it. And after all 22 pages drank up all the ink in my printer, I'm not going that route again.

I had lost all hope when I FINALLY got the email THREE MONTHS later than they promised about my concert opportunity. I had grown a small hatred towards iTunes and almost bitter towards Tori (which would never be her fault. She has no control.) All is good in the end, because I did get the email in August and on Monday I will be sitting 10 rows, center, back from the stage. The day is finally coming and I am so excited. I just feel I need to do my homework now and listen up alot.

I got bored...

::The last CD I bought was::
Nine Inch Nails Year Zero

::Song playing right now::
Tori Amos "Bouncing Off Clouds"

::Five songs I listen to a lot at the moment::
1. Soulja Boy "Crank That"
2. Interpol "Pioneer to the Falls"
3. Kanye West "Good Morning"
4. Leeland "Opposite Way"
5. The Almost "Say This Sooner"

::Five songs that mean a lot to me::
1. U2 "Gone"
2. Michael W. Smith "How to Say Goodbye"
3. David Gray "This Years Love"
4. Joseph Arthur "Honey and the Moon"
5. Coldplay "Fix You"

::Five songs that get my booty shakin’::
1. Darude "Sandstorm"
2. Madonna "Get Together"
3. Kylie Minogue "Dancefloor"
4. Michael Jackson “Thriller”
5. Lasgo "Something"

::Five songs that rock::
1. Red "Let Go"
2. Foo Fighters "All My Life”
3. Deftones "Change (In the House Of Flies)
4. 30 Seconds to Mars "Attack"
5. Carl Orff “Carmina Burana”

::Five songs that I like a lot but didn’t fit into any of these categories::
1. The Pixies "Where Is My Mind?"
2. The Monkees “Daydream Believer”
3. Tori Amos "Precious Things"
4. Midnight Oil "Beds Are Burning"
5. Travis "Side"

Arcade Fire gets interactive

Click on the picture to watch the video.

Community Building

I recently had to read a book called Brazen Careerist. She writes a blog alongside the book, which really shares some good points. Today's blog is titled "Teaching old tropes new tricks: Community-building with a 21st-century twist." It dives into how "its great time for new ways of thinking about community and how to make life better for yourself and those around you.

Here are five new ways to think about community:
1. Schedule community time because frequency matters.
2. Find your community first, then find a job.
3. Become an influencer by growing a community.
4. Get flexible work by leveraging your community.
5. Use community roots as a way to make a smooth transition.

I believe I am starting to follow some of these suggestions. When I think of #1, I think of my new small group. Since we've been married, my husband and I have had to deal with a lot of "go with the flow" scenarios. My mother's last year in the hospital and her death really made me a non-committal person and I had a one-tracked mind. Family first, no questions asked. But in the stages of getting back to normal (whatever that means), Skye and I decided to finally find a church and get involved with a small group. It only meets every other week, so it's not terribly time-consuming and we really needed to start making friends as a couple. We are such homebodies, so this is new to us as well. But we decided that we were going to put it on the calendar and stick to it. If something else came up, we would really evaluate it to see if it is worth missing, rather than blowing it off so quickly. It is making us stronger as a couple and also I am loving the people in the group. We don't have a set agenda and there is no pressure to speak or do homework, which is nice. You just know that you are going to be around people who care you for about two hours...and maybe watch some of "The Office."

My small group also speaks into #4. ("Get flexible work by leveraging your community.") Most everyone in my small group that I have met has someone that works or has been affected by my industry. In fact, the "leader" or "host" of my group has given me consulting advice on an area of my job that I am ignorant in, but is what he does as a profession. It's giving me a chance to really open up and expand my mind on the worship community. I have also gained a little more insight to his world and about events going on with him as a person.


Mrs. Trunk states in a bullet point for #5 ("Use community roots as a way to make a smooth transition") as "One of the most stifling parts of college is that everyone you hang around is at the same place in life you are. And one of the hardest parts of making a life transition is trading one community for another." I totally recognize this scenario. Moving into my late twenties (I am approaching 30), I quickly found out that I was in a different place than a lot of my friends. Sometimes I feel like I am running in last place in life's big transistions. I was one of the last of my crew to get married...now I feel in last place to have babies, but I do realize that I did so much more between my college graduation and even, say, my first job. I traveled all over Europe and worked abroad. Different opportunities, different agendas...But really, watching my friend's lives, it has given me the chance to view and have the internal debate about my own life choices. I was able to attend a lot of weddings and figure out what I liked/disliked for my own. I am able to watch my friends children grow, see them struggle with hardships, but learn from them. It helps me keep things in perspective.

Anyways, I could go into detail about the others, but these are the ones that spoke out to me first. If you want to read the full blog, click here.

Spirituality Trends

I work for the Christian division of Sony-BMG called Provident Label Group. This info, passed onto me at work, is interesting because I try to market Christian products to consumers. We are seeing an uprising trend to many "Spiritual" answers to mainstream crazes. We have GodTube.com which competes with YouTube.com and Shoutlife.com which is the Christian MySpace. One thing that has always been a turn off is the fact that every time I walk into a Christian bookstore, most all the products are some type of rip off of something mainstream. The worst are the t-shirts, would you agree? I just shake my head and repeat "Why can't they come up with something original?" But maybe the following information is good news. Maybe "having faith and spirituality" will step up and become number one instead of number two. I ask, what is motivating this change? Are people just becoming more comfortable and confident? Or are they just more willing to ask the questions? Either way, maybe it will provide a little job security my way.

A social trend we're currently following with great interest and intrigue focuses on the audience's growing interest in spirituality. Spirituality is not acting as a replacement for religion among teens and college students. In fact, regular attendance levels to religious services has remained steady and even increased slightly among teen and college men over the past two years. Feedback and comments from panelists interested in the concept of spirituality lead us to believe that it is really part of the larger health and wellness macro social and lifestyle trend we've been tracking for quite some time now. Spirituality means lots of different things to different panelists, which it turn makes our jobs a little harder, but based on the latest immersion and Lifestyle Report results, this is definitely a topic on the minds of many young people:
Spirituality Trends

- "Spirituality is cool and popular at my school" - 23% (21% male/25% female)

- "I am interested in learning about products that can help me connect with my spirituality" - 19% (14% male/24% female)

- "I regularly participate in exercises (physical or mental) that help me connect more deeply with my spirituality" - 16% (12% male/20% female)

- "Becoming more spiritual is more important to me than regularly attending religious services" - 31% (23% male/39% female)

- "I consider myself a spiritual person" - 18% (15% male/21% female)

USB Extras on Albums

So, I was reading the Digital Music News this morning and they had a brief excerpt that I have copied below.

"The digital download - and other forms of digital music distribution - are quickly replacing the disc, yet novel, next-generation physical experiments are starting to emerge. Among them is the USB flash drive, an ubiquitous method for quickly storing and transferring data between computers. Just recently, Atlantic Records artists Matchbox Twenty started selling their latest album, Exile on Mainstream, in USB form. The drive, which includes a number of multimedia extras, is being positioned exclusively at Best Buy for $35."

I think this is kind of a cool idea, but $35 seems a little steep. I don't have that much money to fork over to an album that isn't a box set. Those "media extras" would have to be extra cool. Are these extras something that can't be put on an enhanced CD? What is the goal? Trying to save space? Allow more content to be distributed? I'm intrigued though and I think I might head over to Best Buy to see what the fuss is about. I'd like to see how it's packaged, because I am a design snob. Although I am a digital consumer, for those albums I am wanting to pay that much money for, I want packaging, cool art...the whole shabang.

AIM Tunes

I work in a corporate office, so during the day IT and its fun firewall prevent file sharing and downloading. We are just lucky enough to have AIM on our computers. So, I almost got excited when I heard the news that AIM is beta testing a feature through it's service for AIM Tunes. The application deeply searches to find music folders of friends and presents the content clearly. The user can then pick and choose selections from that friend's playlist to be sampled or assembled into another playlist, which can be saved and accessed through another media jukebox, such as winamp or iTunes. Advertisers are on board, and I do think it's cool that Amazon.com does identify the track being played and offers a downloadable MP3 purchase link.

What is Starbucks doing?

Okay, okay....I live in a world of "free downloads." I will be the first to admit, I take advantage of free downloads. But now Starbucks is getting even more determined to make music a part of their coffee ministry. They are offering free download cards at their stores. Bob Dylan one day, Keith Urban the next. Who cares. I know who Bob Dylan is..if I want his music, I'll go buy it. I don't need Starbucks to help introduce me to established artists. Sorry, if you are a music fan and don't know who Bob Dylan is...you aren't a music fan. I think Starbucks is missing out on an opportunity to help young fresh, new artists get new exposure. They have a real chance to make a difference for the music community. I work in the music industry and I don't consider it worthwhile to give away free music for my artists, unless there is a direct need for it. If you are one of those people that "damns the man" on Starbucks being too corporate, but goes in to get one of these download cards, you might want reconsider some things.

Click here to read an article about this.

iTunes Update

Oh my goodness. This is going to be dangerous. They did a new update for the iPhone which includes an iTunes update. It is now officially installed on my phone and I can download songs/albums from any place with wi-fi. By the touch of a button, I can download a song to fit whatever mood I am in.

Back To Blogging

So, my boss wants me to "blog." I did this before...about 10 years ago. I was learning web design and wanted to practice, so I put my life up on the web. So much has changed since I last "blogged." That's right, before it was all for personal use and now it is for my job? WOW! How did I land a career in which I am told to put my opinions and knowledge up for everyone to read on the web?!?! Who knew that this would become one of the best, quickest ways to market new ideas and promotions? Who knew that I would end up in marketing? Like I mentioned before, I was really into web design. I thought that would be where I would land. Now, I just work closely with it.

I work in the "Interactive Media" department at a record label. The best way I can explain it is that I do online promotions, work with online retailers and third party sites to help gain exposure and sales for my artist roster. I didn't stray to far from website design, because I do deal with that. I just don't do the design myself. I hire out the talent and help our artist create and maintain their website. I'm all about content control.

So, back to this blog. I'm supposed understand the world my artists live in. I ask them to blog all the time, so I should be able to find the time to do this myself, right? Therefore, in the future, look forward to posts on what I think is relevant to what I deal with everyday.... Music. Blogs. Books. Media. Design. Geez, wish me luck!

Back From Scotland

So, I went on a much needed two week vacation this month. Skye and I finally took our trip to Scotland and it was absolutely fabulous. We lived out of backpacks, took many train rides, and did a lot of walking, so I hope my metabolism is up and running now!

We started things off by flying into London. We both spent some individual time there before we met, so it was fun taking each other to our old stomping grounds, eating at our favorite restaurants, seeing the musical "Wicked" and shopping. We even got to play tourist and see some things we both still hadn't seen.

We then took the five hour train ride up to Edinburgh. It rained the whole day we were there, which was unfortunate, but we still managed to have a good time seeing the Edinburgh Castle and the Holyrood House, the official residence of the Queen in Scotland. From there we got on the train to Inverness. This was a small town and nothing really to do except take the bus get on a boat to search for the LOCH NESS MONSTER! No, we didn't find Nessie, but it was fun to say we tried.

We then got on a train and headed for the Isle of Skye. Awesome! It took 3 hours by train, an hour by bus and then about a 30 minute car ride to our accommodation, but this was the whole point of the trip. Skye is finally able to say he's been there. We both got to drive on the left side of the road, avoided hitting sheep in the road and traveled to Dunvegan Castle. Apparently, his ancestors used to guard this well known place back in the day. Barely making the ferry back to the mainland, we caught the train to Glasgow this train ride inspired the train rides to Hogwart's in the Harry Potter movies).

Spent the day in Glasgow. We took one of those cheesy double decker tour bus rides, but time was very limited. It was interesting to see the industrial side mixed in with the deep history. We did get the change to see to a very cool art museum called the Kelvingrove Art Gallery. We walked around a bit and then decided to make our way back to London. We had one more day left there before heading back to the US. We utilized this day by finding Abbey Road and Studios, eating at our two favorite restaurants...again, and some shopping. We even went to see 221 Baker Street, of Sherlock Holmes fame. We ended our last night by seeing a play with Orlando Bloom called "In Celebration." Not the best play, but more interesting than watching bad BBC all night.

We got home yesterday evening and we are jet lagged. I am glad to be home, but I still found that I love traveling. I love being on the go and just being off without anybody being able to really reach me. I've had so much on my plate this past year, it was refreshing to finally do something for me and my husband. We needed this time together. I am already sad we had to be a part on Monday, when reality hits and we both have to go back to work. Ugh.

One Year Anniversary

Today is hard. I sit alone here in my hotel room out in Monterey, California and this computer is what I have to vocalize my hurt. Today marks the one year anniversary of my mom's death. I've made it. One year. I never thought I would do it...never wanted to. They say it gets easier, but does it? I think about all the things I have to look forward to and then it hits me hard...my mom is never going to be there to share it with me. I want to have kids, but she will never be there to hold my hand through it. Tell me..."Oh that's just morning sickness" or help me decorate the baby's room. Everything has changed. My relationships with the rest of the family, my outlook on friendships, what I want to do career-wise. It seems kind of ironic that my mom tried to teach me so much growing up, but now at the age of 29, the biggest lessons are learned after she's gone.

I am so proud of my brother Brad. He has got this amazing strength to do all these marathons and bike races in my mom's honor. He's most likely to make his goal of $15,000 for the LiveSTRONG Challenge. The only thing I can do is support him the way she would. I am trying to get in shape to do those types of things. One lesson learned is that the easiest thing you can do for your family is to keep yourself healthy. So, I am working out every day and changing my diet. I've done okay so far, but I am still awaiting those big results. I'm determined and know I will get there. So, if you see me, keep me accountable. I need that.

I don't know who reads this blog. I don't even like writing on here. I do it because this allows me to be vocal without feeling anxiety about boring people sometimes. If they don't want to read it, then with one click of the mouse they can dismiss themselves. But if you have made it here to the end, do me a favor. Call your mom. Tell her that you love her and try not to take the time you have here with each other for granted

Tammy Faye

Tonight I sit here watching Larry King Live. I'm sad. I'm really, really sad. Tammy Faye Bakker is on giving one of her final interviews tonight. She is down to 65 pounds, dying of lung cancer. It was this time last year, I was in hospice watching my own mother die from this horrible disease. I hear how hoarse her voice is and think about how my mom's voice. It was the same exact way. How I long to hear that voice again.... I would give anything.

It's amazing the amount of faith the sick can have. It's the family and friends that feel so doubtful and scared. I know that I've made progress in my grieving process, but tonight I was thrown for a loop. I was just sitting here surfing the channels, casually checking MySpace and all of a sudden find myself in a new headspace. I think it's a sensitive time for me right now and it helps to reflect and to share with people about her memory. My mother was the best woman I've ever known, without a doubt. I miss her.

1/2 Marathon

I put my body through the biggest challenge this past weekend by completing the Country Music 1/2 Marathon. I never thought that 13 miles could be such much work. I went a few weeks ago to Fleet Feet to buy my new running shoes and saw Eddie George there. I was impressed to see that the reason he stopped by the store was because he was going to complete his first 1/2 marathon. They interviewed him in the Tennessean and this is what they had to say...

George said running the half-marathon was more difficult than playing an NFL game, and he expects the recovery to be just as intense. Before Saturday, George said his goal was to run the full marathon next year. He changed his mind after completing the half-marathon. "I think I'll be looking to run the half again next year, and we'll see what happens after that,"George said. "This was really difficult."

I knew several people doing this event, but didn't have anyone along beside me to complain with. There were several times I wanted to give up. I just prayed to God and my mom to give me new feet and help me through it. I think I cried about 3 times wanting it to end. But I just would think of my mom and how much pain she was in this time last year, and knew my swollen feet at the end of the day wouldn't measure up.

I'm proud of myself. I like my medal. I am not a runner and don't pretend to be... I even walked the majority of the distance... Next year, I might try to do it again. If not, it's more than I did last year...(even more kudos to Brad, who completed the full marathon last year and did the 1/2 this year)

Congratulations to Brad, Whitney, (all of Whitney's Friends), Kelley K, Leigh H, Jen W. and even Eddie....