Updated sangs

Hello few and far between.

I’d like to offer this pictorial to catch you up on recent happenings and offer an excuse for my social media absence. Without further ado…my peace offering:

I got engaged in June 2008.

 

 (Photo:  Brad Cvammen)

I started a new position as the public relations and marketing coordinator with India Gospel League (North America) in July.

 

            

    

I got married in November.

 

I’d say seven months is pretty good life change turn-around. I’m baaaaaack…sung hauntingly, of course.

Here come some sangs, here come some sangs…

Here come some saaaaaangs, here come…you get the picture. I’m getting hitched.

A little more than a month ago my now-fiance’ asked me to marry him on my parents’ boat on Lake Erie. It was dreamy…and there was wine. Woot!

Here we are acting ridiculous in an effort to get rid of our fake smiles during our engagement photo session:

For all the dirt, go to: www.kaitandtrace.com. At the demand (er…request?) of my buddy @SarahWurrey, we’ll have to live stream on November 1,2008 so you can all “be there” with us. Until then, I’ll be trying my hardest to care about things like decorations and poofy dresses!

Love and sangs,

-K

Summer Sangs

Good timing from Jen Zingsheim at Media Bullseye on tagging me for the summer meme (started by Larissa Fair). I needed a happy distraction.

4 things you like about summer

1. The absence of snow, ice and sludge.
2. Reading the newspaper outside in the morning while sipping coffee…in shorts.
3. Baseball games…despite the shoddy performance by my Tribe. Boo.
4. Fishing on Lake Erie with my dad and fiance’ … walleye beware.

4 of your favorite vacation destinations

1. Fripp Island, SC – Let’s hear it for the Sand Dollar Tavern!
2. Undoubtedly some friend’s wedding location…
3. Nashville.
4. Wow…I need to go on more vacations…

4 of your favorite summer foods

1. Handel’s Ice Cream. Might I suggest the Spouse Like a House?
2. Burgers and corn on the grill…with Heather’s Butt Rub.
3. Tom Collins. Does that count? “Tom is delightfully refreshing!”
4. Sadly, SlimFast – I’m getting married in the fall, ya know!

4 concerts not to miss

1. Journey/Heart/Cheap Trick
2. Brad Paisley – I’m a sucker for cheesy country and floral shirts…
3. Tom Petty
4. Jonny Lang, Matt Wertz or Dave Barnes – Yes, I realize listing three in one is cheating.

4 things to avoid during the summer

1. Spending time dreading winter.
2. Arguing…what a waste.
3. Staying pent up…open the windows…take a walk!
4. Large, sweaty crowds.

Tag…you’re it…

Abby Laner
TexAnnie

A PodCamp Ohio Sang

Despite the lengthy gap since my last post, I’ve been busy! Pertinent to today’s post, I’ve turned myself into a booking agent for the Kellys, a band from the Warren/Youngstown area, who has agreed to play at PodCamp Ohio this year. I think it’s best I stick to my day job.

I’m very excited for PCO. It’s the first PodCamp in our area, and I am pumped there are people in the area as geeky as I! I hope if you’re from Ohio (and even if you aren’t) that you’re planning on attending. We’ve got some great sessions lined up and I can guarantee a good time. Check out www.podcampohio.com for the dirt, or listen to this PCO promo from Matt Fuller.

I can’t wait to hang with my only official Aussie mate, Paull Young, displaced OH pal, Denton…and even the pesky Luke Armour. I’m copying the PCO press release below.

Register!

—

Everyone from executives from the marketing, business, design and technology industries to house wives and students will gather at ITT Technical Institute in Hilliard June 27, 2008 for PodCamp Ohio. Anyone interested in learning about, experiencing or collaborating on topics such as podcasting, blogging, new media and social networking will learn from and interact with the experts at this day-long “unconference.”

“It’s all about learning, getting hands on with new media and spending time with folks that make up your online community,” said Angelo Mandato, coordinator of PodCamp Ohio. “By attending PodCamp Ohio, members of the blogging, podcasting, marketing, academic, and business communities will lead the charge toward embracing and effectively utilizing new and social media in our area,” he added.

PodCamp Ohio offers a unique opportunity for attendees to learn, share or grow their new media skills. They can attend informal sessions, created and driven by participants, about podcasts, blogs, digital music, web video and related aspects of new, Internet-based media. The format allows both beginner and expert media producers, as well as listeners, watchers and readers, to participate, discuss and network.

The event is presented by the ITT Technical Institute in Hilliard, OH. The event is open to the public, but registration is required. To sign up or learn more, visit www.podcampohio.com. Experience with podcasting or blogging are not requirements to participate; professionals of any industry, hobbyists and students are encouraged to attend.

Sponsors are still being accepted. If you are interested in sponsoring PodCamp Ohio, contact Angelo Mandato by calling (614) 429-4474 or sending an email to angelo@podcampohio.com.

# # #

First launched in Boston in September 2006, PodCamps have spread to various US and international cities, and have built a stronger community of podcasters, bloggers and other new media enthusiasts. Visit http://podcamp.pbwiki.com to learn more.

Live at Kent State Social Media Bootcamp…YouToo.

Hi all. I’m blogging from Kent State University today where I’m attending the first annual Social Media Bootcamp, YouToo. I’ve run into Luke Armour and lots of old PRKent cronies.

Right now I’m listening to Bill Sledzik and Rob Jewell discuss blogging strategies and WordPress set-up.

It’s incredible to see how much things have changed since my college career all those years ago…eh ehm. (I graduated in 2005.)

There are some great folks here and I’m looking forward to meeting them after the first round of sessions. Luke covers the Who’s Who here.

More to come from PRKent…

-Kait

A KOFFEE Sang.

Oh. holy. cow. If you haven’t the time for Friday shannigans, please click ‘mark as read’ now. If you have any sort of affinity for coffee, please read on.

This email was written by a co-worker this morning after we had some conversations about a coffee-purchasing schedule for our small office. Don’t miss the Swanson amendment at the end of the email. Incredible. Enjoy.

———–

Team,

In a spirit of democracy, non-partisanship and unicameral undertaking, there is going to be established a Coffee Consortium to address the needs of our organization.  Although a loosely-affiliated body of constituents have comprised this effort to date, a formalized policy and procedures is hereby enacted for the group. 

This initiative, the Kerry “Office Fresh and Flavorful Energy Effort”, or ‘KOFFEE’, will establish rules and regulations for the entire coffee consortium in the office.  The KOFFEE will be a deliberative and consensus building initiative, with guidelines established to take into account the various special interests and circumstances which naturally derive from broad-based initiatives such as this.

• Basics – Extensive financial analysis by top officials has indicated it requires about $8.00 (U.S) per capita/ per month to fully fund and maintain the KOFFEE for The Impact Group. This is subject to variations due to seasonal needs, staffing needs, meeting times and visitors, and a general overuse of KOFFEE resources during times of increased stress and early morning meetings. However, the $8.00 threshold should maintain KOFFEE needs effectively going forward. 

• Collection – Each KOFFEE constituents will be assessed their $8.00 on the 1^st of each month, accounting for weekends and holidays, as appropriate.

• As users of the KOFFEE, you are all subject to a ‘User Fee’ associated with this initiative. While not expressly a “tax”, this user fee is in the interest of all participants for viability and sustainability of the program.

Amendments – A KOFFEE Caucus in the East Wing brought to the attention of the Chair of the KOFFEE (me), that there are areas where assessments need adjustment.  The Chair is open to further amendments, but on a needs-based and consensus basis:

• The Richer Amendment – The caucus has submitted the K. “Man, I love Creamer” Richer Amendment.  Mr. Richer will not be assessed more than the $8.00, however, due to his abundant and excessive use of creamer, it will incumbent upon him to actually obtain and deliver creamer to the office each month, according to needs and budget. This amendment has been ratified by the Chair.
• The Smith Amendment – The Chair recognizes that although he partakes on a much more limited basis, he nonetheless, is responsible to contribute accordingly.  However, in accordance with various state and federal laws and age-discrimination lawsuits, the KOFFEE will not require Mr. Smith to with make the initial pot each morning, regardless of his time of arrival. ADA rules may come into account as well due to his borderline ADD/HD and general lack of need for caffeinated items throughout the day.
• The Stulpin Amendment – A. not only provides the first pot each morning, her (ahem) ‘need for order and cleanliness’ in the KOFFEE region of the office often leads her to take inordinate steps to assist in the general upkeep of the area.  She will be assessed her $8.00, but the Chair calls for Honorable Mention for her efforts to maintain order and cleanliness.
• The Polyak Amendment – Hereshallwith, no one shall produce KOFFEE which is so weak that it is transparent to the human eye. It is incumbent all on KOFFEE producers to use sufficient supplies necessary to create a hearty and substantive pot of KOFFEE, not some weak-kneed English Tea-looking substance.  As Mr. Polyak maintains ultimate ownership over all KOFFEE resources, this amendment is not subject to negotiation.
• The Speaks Amendment – Given that Mr. Speaks is largely new to the KOFFEE world, he will not be required to produce any fresh pots of KOFFEE for a period of six months. The Chair has personally witnessed such as effort, and it is not pretty.  Training is imperative!
• The Swanson Amendment – Ms. Swanson routinely has been witnessed as “abundant” utilizer of KOFFEE throughout the day. She shall work in conjunction with Kendal “Man, I love Creamer” Richer to obtain and maintain supplies for all KOFFEE needs in the office. As the Chair occupies space very near KOFFEE resources, the Chair is quite aware of patterns of use and behavior.  And, no, the additional runs to Caribou and Starbucks will not release Ms. Swanson of these responsibilities!

Please submit any amendments to the Chair as necessary for additional guidelines going forward. 

Respectfully submitted,

 

K. “KOFFEE Chair” Smith

A Sweet Peeps of 2007 Sang

It’s been a hectic year. I could easily slip into 2008 plowing ahead with my career, relationships and education. I’d rather take a minute to remind myself where I’ve come from and who has helped me get there. Without further ado, here are the 2007 Sweet Peeps Awards:

Best Decision Of the Year Award was given anytime I listened instead of talked.

Best New Relationship Award (n.) is hard to award (v.). Since there are so many layers of relationships, I’m picking what I feel to be the most unusual…Tweeple, of course! In some way, each of these people have taught me something or given me a hardy laugh…in most cases both! I won’t use this space to delve into the pros and cons of Twitter argument. I will say “Nice to meet you! You’ve been great to know in 2007!” to: Paull Young, AnnOhio, Connie Reece, Sarah Wurrey, Doug H., Jim, Michael Denton, Luke Armour, The Dude, Doug E., Critt Jarvis, Jackie V. and others.

Drinking Buddy of The Year goes to my roommate Laura Dahle, without whom I would have had no one to spend Wine Thursdays with drinking red vino and discussing current Indians stats.

Lifetime Service Award goes to @AnnOhio for rocking the giving. This lady sends more gifts to our troops, writes more cards, gives more advice and more surprises, and hugs more stuffing out of people than anyone I’ve ever (not actually) met. You definitely motivate the people around you to be selfless, Ann…thanks.

High Point of the Year was change. Personal and professional…there was much change in both arenas and all of it caused stretching and change…and it was fun.

Most Proud Moment Award- Affirmation on big decisions from people I respect. Rob Jewell is one of them…check out his blog, PR on the Run.

Kind Act Award goes to Connie Reece and gang for the birth of the Frozen Pea Fund. Read the whole story here.

Low point of the Year was … need I mention the happenings taking place in Boston this fall? Boo.

Holiday Award goes to Megan Bailey, my sister, for locating the PERFECT color green sheets. Really…I’m that excited about them.

Anthem for 2007 was “Faith and Compromise” by Matt Wertz.

Regret Award goes to no one…suckers.

Best Night Out Award goes to the Giftedson family trip to Nashville. I’ve never written so many haikus and re-named pseudo-family members with such vigor! Ladypants, Pounder, Doc Holiday…you know who you are.

Worst Night Out Award goes to standing outside Jacobs Field (”So close! So far!!”) and losing the clincher…Tribe, you’ve caused me much pain this year!

Best Relationship Award goes to the friends that have stuck: Erin, Faith and 3.

Worst Relationship Award is awarded to all Kentuckians. Disclaimer: This is the second year Kentuckians have won this prestigious award. Congratulations!

Best Concert Award goes to the Pre-K class at Hudson Community Chapel. More specifically to the kid who pushed the chin of the cute blonde girl away while screaming “Quit LOOKIN’ at me!!” directly following applause.

Best New Album Award – Jose Gonzalez, In Our Nature; Chris Thile, How to Grow a Woman from the Ground Up; Patty Griffin, Children Run Through and Matt Nathanson, Some Mad Hope. You didn’t think I could narrow this down to only one, did you?

Most Reliable Award goes to the Man.

Best Film Award goes to White Christmas. Watching this with Peg Swanson this year was a highlight.

Favorite quote of the year: “Yes, Courtney…our cab driver would rather have a haiku than payment.” -Uncle Ladypants

Rate 2007 on a scale of 1-10: 9

Plans for ‘08: Running (jogging may be more accurate) the Nashville Half Marathon, moving ahead with a Master’s degree, learning the art of spoiling nephews, taking time to be quiet and listen and becoming more patient.

In the spirit of New Years, reflecting and a little fun, I’ll tag Paull Young, AnnOhio and The Dude! Feel free to take a pass…just be sure you have a good excuse such as holiday drinks or pressing Twitter convos. Or just leave your comments here…what were your best of’s for 2007?

Happy New Year, all!

It’s a retro sang…

A ‘Songs You Should Be Listening To, But Probably Aren’t’ Sang

I’m a huge fan of clever music. I think I share some strange hereditary trait with C.C. Chapman, who clearly has the bug as well. Accident Hash, his music blog, is full of independent goodness. Check it out if you’re feeling musically constipated. (That term is trademarked by moi…don’t even think about it…) This list is a bit mainstream…but makes me happy nonetheless.

If you’re expecting clever insight into the world of public relations and marketing today, please click ‘Mark as Read’ and visit Bill instead. It’s Friday…and I’m coasting into the weekend with this great new playlist:

1. Say – John Mayer
I think this is his new single. It’s listed under Pop on iTunes…which scared me…but I ended up enjoying the heck out of it.

2. Our Finest Year – Better Than Ezra

3. I’m a Sucker for a Kind Word and By My Side – Copeland
If you haven’t seen Copeland live…it’s a must. Killer lyrics.

4. I’ve Got You and Sleepsinging – The Damnwells
Another must-see live band…anyone who can play a steel guitar and NOT cause me to hum “Achy Breaky Heart” wins. Sleepsinging is one of my all-time favorite tunes.

5. You Belong to Me – Elvis Costello
When is the last time you busted out the Costello album? Today’s the day.

6. If You Find Her – Future of Forestry
Ok, this one’s a little sappy…don’t listen if you’re prone to gag or cry in response to anything romantical.

7. Killing for Love – Jose Gonzalez

8. Yes You Have – Leeland

9. Bleed Together – Lovedrug

10. Time is Running Out – Muse

11. Somebody More Like You – Nickel Creek
Not to be confused with Nickelback…I shiver at the thought…

12. Maybe, This Time – OK Go

13. No Bad News – Patty Griffin
You know anything by Patty Griffin is incredible…epitome of talent.

14. Hold You in My Arms – Ray LaMontagne
Ray’s story is sick…if you haven’t heard it, here ya go.

15. The Words We Say – Straylight Run

16. Better Together – Jack Johnson

There it is…get to downloading, push play and work away…

It’s a ‘good tunes for working sang’…

La la laaaa,

…

A Service Sang

This FedEx commercial cracks me up. I know what it’s like to work with someone resembling one of these characters, and I’m sure you do too. Here’s a shocker:  Perhaps our co-workers watch this and think of US! Doh!

Follow through, follow up, respecting someone’s time…all of these things make you desirable to work with. Do you make things easier for the people you serve or add small tasks to their to-do lists first so that you can help them when it’s easier for you?

A Lesson From Mrs. Cell Phone Customer Service:  How To Make Friends With Clients/Co-workers/Heck, Anyone…
Stated simply, I like good service. It makes sense that we continue to utilize and work with companies that provide adequate service, co-workers that are helpful and even keep friends that are easy to be with. The person serving doesn’t have to change my life, just give me what I need without making more work for me. Read:  the complete opposite of the effect these FedEx yahoos are having on their co-worker.

Think of a time you’ve gotten killer service. You know what I mean…you call your cell phone provider because when you push seven, your cell displays two; or you call your mom and the connection makes her sound like Donald Duck. Mrs. Cell Phone Customer Service apologizes for the inconvenience, assures you the problem will be taken care of that day and delivers on her word…no more work for you. That’s good service.

Mrs. CS didn’t have to ask me about my day, crack jokes or make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. All she had to do was NOT add more degrees of difficulty to my life.

Take notes. Make friends.

“If you don’t add to my life…I’m subtracting you.” – @AnnOhio
What is frustrating is when people add to your to do list. My Twitter friend @AnnOhio says “If you don’t add to my life, I’m subtracting you.” I use this policy with vendors at work, Tweeple on Twitter and, to some extent personally when forming new friendships.

Good advice for young professionals is this: Make people’s lives easier. While it’s good to ask questions, do what legwork you can on your own. Go into a work situation knowing more than you need to…it’ll save you from asking someone else to spend their time explaining. Not sure of every detail of an assignment after it’s given? Find what you can, chisel your list of questions down, then ask them. Do more than you’re asked when it’s helpful. They don’t call us the Google generation to be witty…please don’t get me started on the hundr, no, thousa, no TONS of resources we have online. Use them and serve well.

How can I help you?

…

An Update Sang…

Somesangs started as a way to stay in touch with the few family members I have that know the definition of RSS. Recently, I’ve been tossing around the idea of blogging semi-regularly and with purpose. Over the past few weeks, I’ve been making a list of topics as I come up with them and trying to determine whether or not I’d have anything worthwhile to say.

While I haven’t determined with absolution that it’d be worthwhile to more than a handful of people, I DID say outloud: “Kait…since when do you NOT have something to say about ANYthing? So there it is…my decision to embrace my fledgling addiction. Stay tuned.

Talk too much,