Social Media: You’re doing it right

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Social Media is one of these super weird disciplines where – if you’re at the right company? It’s awesome. It’s creative, nimble, respected and is intelligently integrated into an overall marketing strategy with concrete, deliverable goals. When it’s not done well? Well, it’s the worst.

This? This is done very, very well.

OreoKitKatTwitter

What I Love About It:

1. It’s orchestrated without being TOO scripted. The timestamps show a delay in responses, so it’s possible whomever did this had to get approval for it. This may have gone through some upper-level admin (legal, brand managers, etc.?)  but it didn’t try to get the full, complete tagline in there, or include a coupon offer.

2. It’s to a real person, who presumably was caught unaware. No celebrity promo here. Just someone mentioning their favorite treats.

3. Whomever found the tweet and decided to respond obviously had the ear of not only whomever had to approve it, but also creative resources. Whether they were edited, or given free reign – this was done by a trusted marketing professional, on both sides. This is likely not an intern who is give some vague objective to “get more followers.”

4. It’s win-win-win. Sure, it looks like Oreo took this round, but Kit-Kat gets major points for the first volley, and for playfulness. And LauraEllen is a minor internet celebrity for all the right reasons. And — I bet you she gets some free chocolate! (a girl can dream…)

 

 

Accountability

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weight-loss-tips-hdl-the-good-cholesterol-720x384I hate talking about weight. I hate talking about diets, and working out, and I’ve never been the kind of girl to stand around in front of friends complaining that I look so fat, or that I ate too much salad and now feel bloated. I don’t do it for a few reasons:

  1. It’s unhealthy to discuss weight and food and negative self-talk so much.
  2. I find it super boring.
  3. On some level, I think I’ve hoped that if I don’t mention my weight, somehow no one will notice it.

I’ve struggled with my weight my whole life. I have flirtations with the gym, and I’ve had (non-lasting) success on Weight Watchers. Sometimes I get angry at myself, or I hate the way I look and other times? I’ve made peace with it. I support Fat Acceptance, and have convinced myself that despite my size, I’m healthy.

I can’t really continue this charade.

Despite having been treated for a thyroid disorder for about 10+ years, I’ve never seen an endocrinologist. Not intentionally, not really. I just let my GP handle my medication and check my blood work and never thought twice about it. But, I saw an office, literally the building in front of my subway stop that had both a GP (I clearly need a new one) and an endocrinologist. Score one for the super lazy girl! So, I finally made an appointment with the endo. The good news is that with treatment, all of my hormone levels are okay. She did find two nodules on my thyroid (I had a sonogram), but she says they’re tiny. We’ll follow up in six months to check for growth. But, the good news is that my blood sugar levels are normal, an EKG was totally normal, and my blood pressure is stellar.

The bad news? I’m heavier than I have ever been in my life. And I’ve been hovering at this weight, and I don’t even know how I got this heavy in the first place. Shit, I don’t know how I got this heavy 35 lbs. ago.

I’m really freaked out and unhappy about it. I knew I wasn’t doing the “right” things, but I didn’t realize how far I had slipped from healthy eating and exercise habits.

And worse? My cholesterol is high. Like, terrifyingly extremely high.

Why am I discussing this all now?

I have to do something. And what I’ve been doing hasn’t been working. I can’t handle this all on my own, and yet — I’m totally not motivated to do what I know I need to be doing (tracking, exercising, etc.). But – I’m going to. I have a terrifying family health history, and I want to break this cycle.

Weight is one thing – people come in all sizes and shapes. Fat doesn’t have to mean unhealthy. But this cholesterol number? That’s unhealthy. Yes, I know that skinny people can have high numbers too – but I’m pretty sure this is food-related. And I don’t “feel” healthy.

So, if you are on MyFitnessPal – be my “friend” and let’s motivate one another! And I should probably note that I’ve signed up (a few weeks ago) for the Color Run 5k on July 7th. Whether I actually “run” or just jog/briskly walk — that’s up for debate. But I will finish it, and I won’t be plotzing at the end.

I’ll be checking in again, monthly, to let you all know how much I’ve lost. And I’ll figure out a new GP (I need one anyway) and give you an updated cholesterol number.

Also, and this may be awkward – but if you know me in person? I really don’t want to discuss this face-to-face. So, if you must comment — keep it to the internet. If I want to bring it up, I will!

Adult Report Cards

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school-report-cardsI know this will come as a shock, but I’ve always been a bit of a nerd. I’m also a little insecure (I know, I should have warned you to sit down before all of these revelations…), so one of my favorite things as a kid was … report card time!

A few times a year, I got feedback. I got to read, in black and white, what someone of authority thought of me. I got to see if my strengths and weaknesses were recognized, and best of all? There was always a comment section. Someone had to think and write, usually positive things, what they thought about me. Even just thinking about it now makes me giddy.

Some of the joy came from being a quiet, shy, book-smart nerd and knowing that most of it was going to be positive and that teachers loved me. My grades were generally good – so nothing on the report card was ever a shock, and even when I did poorly – my low grade was expected (I’m looking at you, 11th grade pre-cal).

But once you graduate school (and really – elementary school ….) that kind of feedback falls off. Sure, you still get grades, but those handwritten notes about how lovely it was to have me in the class, and the common refrain of wishing I’d work to my full potential — became a thing of the past.

So, what’s a nerdy, insecure adult to do? What clear-as-day metric can do look forward to?

Performance Evaluations! YAY!!!

I’ve been lucky that,,with one major exception, to always have had good or great managers. I have frequent check ins, and just like that 4th grader – I generally know where I stand. But damn if I’m not still addicted to the report card.

I just had my first performance evaluation at the new job, and it was heaven. I expected it to be positive, and it was, but what I really enjoyed was the perfect mix of a great boss, actual “letter” grades and a copious amount of “Erica masterfully does X, Y, Z” and “Erica is a creative thinker who has already contributed A, B, C” — it was just what I needed.

Even the parts that weren’t so positive were expected (because I have a great boss), and I have a clear path to improvement. Just the way it should be.

So, in between official performance evaluations, and subtle begging for positive, written feedback, I’ll have to content myself with hoping that people are inspired to write me an endorsement on LinkedIn (does anyone else love those as much as I do? God, I’m such a narcissist…), and reading my dog’s daily report card from the dog-sitter.*

Do you love performance evals and report cards as much as I do?

*Yes, I seriously check it every single day. I’m such a proud and pathetic dog mom.

 

Consumption versus Contribution

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I started my new job about 5 months ago. I absolutely love it – and it’s been literally years since I’ve been able to say that, and it just feels so good. But one of the side effects of my new job is that I’m insanely busy. All those little chores that I would do during the day (making doc appointments, etc.) and things I did at work that I wasn’t supposed to do (plan a wedding, dinner reservations, look for better jobs) have all been replaced with 9ish solid hours of honest-to-god, actual work. That also means that my “lunchtime blogging” has to be done at night, and that catching up on my Google Reader on the couch, or while waiting for a bus (my god, unsubscribing from wedding blogs alone has freed up hours of virtual brain space.)

I am a the point now where I’m up to date with most of my Google Reader, but a good chunk of my email that actually requires a thoughtful response gets marked as “read later” and is then abandoned, since I never actually set up a productivity system for that since I never needed one. And I keep up with all of this on my iPhone and iPad – always consuming, but never creating.

I miss blogging. And contributing to comments and conversations on blogs, and truly being a part of the community. Part of it is lack of time, and partly its the tools I have access to – they’re great at getting lots of info at my fingertips, but are hard to write on. And the last thing I want to do when I get home is sit at my desk to type. But I also think part of it is so much of that free time is dedicated to consuming that I lost my ability to prioritize contributing.

I’m typing and posting this from an iPad, which is massively annoying, but I think I have to prove to myself it can be done. I want back in!

Sunday Brain Dump

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For the past few months, I’ve wanted to write. I have ideas for posts, I semi-draft them on my phone and I promise myself they’ll make an appearance. Last week I actually even took the time to start “drafts” for each of the ideas, hoping that they would eventually magically prompt me into writing them.

It hasn’t happened. Why? I’m not sure. Part of it is feeling overwhelmed, and so far behind and that my next post has to  be something big. And the other part of it is that well — this was a “lunchtime” blog and … I’m really, really busy at work. Lunchtime just doesn’t happen. And by the time I get home? The last thing I want to do is sit in front of a computer again. But, Frank just got me an awesome iPad, so maybe that will help?

In any case, instead of these half-formed thoughts sitting in drafts waiting for their Big Moment, here’s a brain dump about what I’m thinking about this week – in no particular order, some of them to be fleshed out later, some to be totally forgotten about..

  • Mom’s awesome recovery from a total left-side hip replacement.
  • A lot about personal finance. My own, and an interesting upcoming project in which I will likely have another blogging project to neglect/obsess/feel guilt over.
  • Designing the above-mentioned blog, and redesigning this one – hopefully with the help of the talented Carolann from Wonderpug.
  • Pinterest – my aspirational soul laid bare.
  • My forays into the world of slow cooking.
  • What I’m going to make for a vegetarian, Valentine’s Day-themed potluck lunch for 6 co-workers for lunch. Suggestions welcome!
  • How I became a somewhat confused and begrudging pro-gun ally and supporter. And why I am so, so, so tired of the whole debate. Both sides. Any sides. Please everyone, please stop.
  • The hypocrisy of outrage resulting from a transgender teacher who was fired from a Catholic school. (The church is against gay marriage and .. being gay in general – but y’all thought they’d be totally cool with someone who is transgender? Pfft.)
  • Is LASIK right for me, or am I giant wuss?
  • I want to make an “Escape from NY/Before I evetually/likely leave/What I take for granted” bucket list.
  • Professor Erica? I’m thinking about finding some sort of conference or even continuing ed program where I can teach social media marketing to beginners/older people/small business owners.
  • The wedding. I want to organize pictures, make an album for myself, an album for mom and an online album. And put something up on the blog!

Okay. Open thread! What’s on your mind?

Suggestible Eating

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I don’t know how normal people figure out what to eat each day, but I know that no matter what I had planned, no matter how virtuous or delicious — all I have to do is read about something — and it all changes. A description of an apple, or someone describing a delicious grilled cheese sandwich, or even a character eating some McDonald’s … it triggers a craving that could last for days. Sadly,  I read a lot more about cookies, pies and fast food than I do about grilled salmon and steamed veggies. I should probably read more fitness magazines, but knowing me, my food craving would be triggered more by the “before” food instead of the “healthy makeover version.”

Anyway, I’ve just finished a pretty good book called The Last Chinese Chef. I don’t know if I loved the book, but I did love the detailed descriptions of authentic Chinese banquets. And one thing they keep stressing is that American Chinese food is nothing like it. Which of course, I knew. But man, it’s killing me. Especially knowing I live in NYC – subway stops away from Chinatown, which has to at least have a close approximation, and yet — I fear that without a Chinese friend guiding me, I’ll never have the experience I crave. The closest I can think of to the kinds of food they describe in the book is a Vegetarian Dim Sum place that I love. So, I’ll go there but … I really need to expand my social circle.

Any suggestions? If you were a white chick trying to order semi-authentic food at a Chinese restaurant and knew you were going to get a watered-down American version anyway — what would you order? Any NYC foodies with a recommendation for a restaurant or want to go for dinner?

 

Interlude

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These must be the golden years. For the first time in what may be “ever” – I’m not currently planning or waiting or working towards something immediate.

Frank and I are married. There’s no waiting and wondering when he’ll propose, or thinking about planning a wedding. No anxious saving for a party, or lists of crafty projects that need to be made. I’m not worried about finding “the dress” or stressing about fitting into it. It’s done – it’s fabulous. The last thank you cards have been mailed, and now I just get to enjoy the pictures when they come in.

I have a new job. One I hope to stay at for a very long time. I’m not wondering where I’ll be working, or how long I’ll have to stay at a job I don’t like. I know what I do for a living, and I know how to do it well. I’m not revising resumes or writing cover letters.

School? An advanced degree? Not really even a thought at the moment. I’m not studying for any tests, or worrying about additional deadlines.

I’m not stressed about money. I mean – I am. I always am. But at the end of the day, there’s money in our accounts. Our financial goals are longer term; retirement, paying off student loans. A new car, a down payment.  I don’t have to freelance, or think about a side-hustle. And if I do –it’s extra –a way to get to a goal quicker, not to fill in a gap.

My family is stable. Obviously, there are issues. Stories about Flo stopped being funny a long time ago. Relations with my littlest sisters are tenuous. My sister is having a rough patch, and I’m worried about my mom’s upcoming surgery and if I can get my other grandmother into assisted living. But – we’re stable. I’m learning to deal with the constant ache that is missing my dad.

The horizon looks bright. We have so much to look forward to – eventual babies, a theoretical house, a potential move, Frank’s graduation and becoming a real dual-income family. I still have goals and plans for growth – professionally, health-wise and other, but I know where I’m headed and have a good idea about how to get there.

Obviously, anything can change in an instant. People get sick, have accidents, lose jobs, divorce – I know all of that. But for now? It’s quiet. This quiet, golden time is almost like a gift.  And I couldn’t be happier.

Calm After the Storm

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We’re doing great. It’s been a long storm – both waiting for it, the anticipation, the preparing and the getting through it. We packed, we battened down the hatches, and we prepped to get through it together. And in the end, there were some rough winds, and a little damage — but we still have light, and electricity and we’re totally, totally fine.

Only part of that was a metaphor.

Eva, Frank and I are safe. I’m working from home, Eva is excited to have us both in the house and we’re going to make a food run soon.We’re totally out of cookies. We are watching the destruction on TV and online and it’s surreal — just a few miles away, here we are – warm and safe, and there are those that lost so much. Heartbreaking.

As I was falling asleep last night in my warm, comfy bed (a new king-size foam mattress — which Eva still manages to take over…), I also thought about how lucky I was to have such a great new job that is a seemingly perfect fit. Not only do I love what I do, and the people I get to work with — I was thinking about some of the potential alternatives I had throughout the year. I could have still been working for a hospital, and I had opportunities both with the MTA and with a popular and awesome airline. And during this storm, any of those would have been … awful.

I’m right where I should be. And I couldn’t be happier.

Express Lane To Happiness

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“Do you want a tour of the cheese section?”

Frank looked at me like I was nuts. No, he did not want a tour of the cheese aisle, nor was he particularly interested in the olive bar. I couldn’t believe it. How could he not be charmed by the olive oil dipping station, or be charmed by the little local touches on the chalkboards. Were these prices on store-made sauce not insanely good? The free samples of shrimp salad not delicious? Wasn’t the little cow-car that collects the carts not adorable?

For the first time ever, it occurred to me that not everyone loves grocery stores as much as I do.

I still have a hard time believing this.

It’s not like I fall in love with every Waldbaum’s or Stop & Shop (though I certainly have my favorites),  but instead I have a slight love affair with my holy trilogy of Stew Leonard’s, Trader Joe’s and Fairway. I suppose if I lived upstate, I’d share my friends’ loyalty to Wegman’s. And I definitely have stepped into a Piggly Wiggly just to check out what’s going on. I make notes when I go to Publix…

I want to say I don’t know how to explain it. I barely even cook (as evidenced by the fact that apparently my stove was out of commission for a month before I realized it …), but there’s something about these higher-end shops that I just fall in love with.

Like most things, I blame my mom. She loves food shopping, and makes a point to take people to her favorite one of all – Stew Leonard’s. She describes it as a mini-Disney World for adults. While I think that may be pushing it, I can see her point. If you have to go food shopping – you may as well make it fun. And for some people, animatronic dancing Chiquita bananas fit that bill. Going food shopping is how I spend time with mom. It’s something we can do over the weekend that’s productive and sometimes fun.

I love these store’s commitment to customer service. I love local touches in my neighborhood Trader Joe’s and that the sign says “5 items or fewer.” I love the selection of cheeses and the olive oil tasting station at Fairway. I love the free samples and lobster rolls at Stew Leonard’s. I love that all three places hire good people and consistently win “best places to work” awards.

And I love the twist on a classic. All of these places want to be where you shop (and spend big money) on groceries. And I love the creativity and thought that goes in to differentiating themselves. Why you should shop there instead of the local supermarket. The commitment to quality, and often to local producers. I like learning about how they motivate employees and what they do to keep prices fair, but continue to grow and flourish in a competitive market — all without resorting to crazy coupon schemes. People don’t shop at these places because they are the best deal — but because they feel like they are getting the best for a good deal.

So, I guess I could see why someone wouldn’t love grocery shopping, and instead get their stuff online or on the way home from work. But … I’m not one of them.

In fact, I would probably expect to see some “highlight” tours of my favorite grocery stores very soon!

Do you have a weird obsession with something that other people  as mundane? What are you nerdy/passionate about?

13 Down and Across

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One of the strongest memories I have of my dad is opening up a fresh “Games Magazine” and doing the word puzzles with him. In the car, at a diner, in the park, by the pool … Games Magazine was a staple of our relationship. When he died, I had the remainder of his subscription mailed to my house. A few months ago, when it expired – I renewed it in my name.

I haven’t touched them. They just pile up on my bedside table, waiting. Waiting for what, I’m not sure. Part of me feels like it’s wrong to do it without him, and part of me knows he’d be horrified that I have all of those great puzzles there and I haven’t touched any of them.

It also occurs to me that I hadn’t done any kind of crossword in about a year. I miss them. So today at lunch, I picked up the newspaper and sat down to a puzzle.

Didn’t go great – but I’ll get in the swing of it again. I’d do better if I had Dad for a consult. Happy Birthday, Dad.

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