Years ago I designed a laundry "bag" that I wanted. This week, I searched and searched for my illustrations but could not find them . . . not that it matters anyway. I was clearly not moving forward with my idea. But just because I never got my act together doesn't mean someone else can't take this idea and run with it.
I'm sure I'm going to miss some critical details; however, in a nutshell, the premise is this. Across college campuses and in major cities throughout the U.S. (and beyond), people lug giant sacks of laundry to the laundry room. For all intents and purposes, these sacks have not changed much over the last 30 years. In other words, they still pretty much suck. So, in my humble opinion, there is a large, existing market in desperate need for a better mousetrap so to speak. And, in all of its glory, this market has thousands of new entrants year-on-year of college freshman or people who move to the "big city." A built-in, ongoing revenue stream.
And, yes, the current model is broken. When the hubby and I lived in NYC, we would often lug our giant bags of laundry over a block away -- sometimes in the cold rain or snow -- to our neighborhood laundromat so we could avoid spending hours running up and down the stairs in our building to use the few, often broken, machines. We could also avoid competing with the aggressive people in our building who would hover like vultures waiting to pounce on the machine the minute it stopped and place someone else's wet clothes on top of the machine to grow cold. It was dog-eat-dog and defied civility.
However, at the laundromat, we would fold our clean clothes yet be forced to then stack them in these same, grotty old bags only to return home with everything in wrinkles.
So, who cares? I did. Why couldn't someone invent a laundry bag based on the simplicity of the rolling suitcase? It could fit in the closet like a hamper and be expandable (i.e., able to be pulled upright along its spine) as it fills. It could zipper both around the top and down the front. Why? So that, when your clothes were clean, dry and folded, you could unzip the front, take the shelves that were neatly stacked on the floor of this so-called laundry lug, pull them up the spine, latch them into place and voila: a built-in shelving unit that keeps nicely folded clothes wrinkle free.
Perhaps it could be made of a lightweight, waterproof, neoprene material. Perhaps it could have a pretty, inner liner that could be removed and washed. Most certainly it would have external pockets to house a) detergent, b) fabric softener sheets, c) quarters, d) cell phone, e) a book, and f) apartment keys. So many times I was stuck carrying all of this crap while lugging my laundry. Not so easy. I'm not known for my strength.
Lastly, it would also have a handle that allows you to wheel it easily from an upright position. And from this handle, you can hang hangers. Yes, wash your shirts and hang them as you wheel them home -- again, wrinkle free.
This laundry lug sounds expensive. And it should be. I think it's worth every penny. Could it be branded with each college logo and sold for more? Probably. Could it be branded with a laundromat name as well? Sure. But I think there's a more lucrative alternative.
Much akin to the kate spade diaper bag being the hit of the early 90's, this could be the next big kate spade branded product. The kate spade laundry lug. People pay handsomely for perceived luxury names -- including $465 for the "classic noel henry baby bag" that's currently on their site. I think it's due time for another major hit from their collection.
One could argue that anyone who can afford such a luxury is not the same person who is lugging his or her laundry to the laundromat but I would beg to differ. There are a million and one people who carried that diaper bag who should have spent their money elsewhere. They simply liked the brand caché. I believe the same holds true for this audience with one major exception: This product is truly needed!
Please, to whomever is in product development at kate spade, make my year. Although I may not be in your target market anymore, my niece and nephew are! I'll gladly be your first customer.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Sunday, December 30, 2007
My Dream Job
Wouldn't it be fabulous to travel the world, a la Anthony Bourdain, eating amazing meals at all of the consummate (but not necessarily upscale) restaurants in each locale? To spend your life enjoying the best that life has to offer? And make heaps of money in the process?
The fact that Anthony is an avowed Ramones fan is just icing on the cake. As Mr. Burns would say, "I like the cut of his jib."
Given that he already owns that niche, I want to claim the same format but cater to those seeking spiritual adventure. I won't get to booze it up nearly as much (well, on camera that is) but I could take viewers to places where filming is rarely allowed. And not to spas and resorts -- which are always highlighted on travel programs -- but to lesser known ashrams, Siberian shamans, and Tibetan nunneries.
Would I love to visit Bhutan? You bet. But I could also share places closer to home like the Abbey of the Genesee where 30+ contemplative (a.k.a. Trappist) monks reside and offer monastic-style retreats throughout the year. Or Rochester's own Zen Center where my girlfriend and I spent one of the best days of our lives in an introductory workshop on zazen meditation.
I guarantee that in every city across America, as well as villages and towns throughout the world, there is something awe-inspiring to showcase. And I'm just the right person to share it with you! Come on Travel Channel, make my dreams come true.
The fact that Anthony is an avowed Ramones fan is just icing on the cake. As Mr. Burns would say, "I like the cut of his jib."
Given that he already owns that niche, I want to claim the same format but cater to those seeking spiritual adventure. I won't get to booze it up nearly as much (well, on camera that is) but I could take viewers to places where filming is rarely allowed. And not to spas and resorts -- which are always highlighted on travel programs -- but to lesser known ashrams, Siberian shamans, and Tibetan nunneries.
Would I love to visit Bhutan? You bet. But I could also share places closer to home like the Abbey of the Genesee where 30+ contemplative (a.k.a. Trappist) monks reside and offer monastic-style retreats throughout the year. Or Rochester's own Zen Center where my girlfriend and I spent one of the best days of our lives in an introductory workshop on zazen meditation.
I guarantee that in every city across America, as well as villages and towns throughout the world, there is something awe-inspiring to showcase. And I'm just the right person to share it with you! Come on Travel Channel, make my dreams come true.
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Know Your Audience
One of my SVPs at Amex once presented to a large crowd of bigwigs including Harvey Golub who was CEO at the time. He began his presentation by pointing to a large gap between himself and the audience and saying, "What's this? The corporate mosh pit?" No one laughed. He came back dismayed and said, "You should always warm people up with a story or a joke but lesson learned -- know your audience."
I was reminded of this on Christmas Eve when, in the middle of the children's pageant at church, a blinding white light came on overhead. I turned to the guy next to me, who was seated with his family, and said, "Last call." He responded, "Pardon?" and, like a moron, I repeated myself.
Yep, nothing funnier than barroom humor during a Christmas service.
I was reminded of this on Christmas Eve when, in the middle of the children's pageant at church, a blinding white light came on overhead. I turned to the guy next to me, who was seated with his family, and said, "Last call." He responded, "Pardon?" and, like a moron, I repeated myself.
Yep, nothing funnier than barroom humor during a Christmas service.
Friday, December 28, 2007
My Favorite Word
One of my brother's best friends, Tony, is British. I've heard a number of hilarious stories about this guy since he and my brother met but the following observation (paraphrased below) has not only far surpassed all of the interesting tidbits that I've gleaned from William Safire's On Language over the years but also helped me to define my favorite word.
"The English language has so many beautiful plural nouns like a gaggle of geese, a pack of wolves, a litter of kittens, and a yoke of oxen but you Americans have synthesized them all into one comprehensive word. 'Honey, look! There's a sh*tload of deer in the yard.' "
"The English language has so many beautiful plural nouns like a gaggle of geese, a pack of wolves, a litter of kittens, and a yoke of oxen but you Americans have synthesized them all into one comprehensive word. 'Honey, look! There's a sh*tload of deer in the yard.' "
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Merry Christmas!
It all began at 6:38 a.m. and ended less than half an hour of mayhem later . . . Now we have a full day of PlayStation 2 fun ahead of us including Guitar Hero, DragonballZ, Godzilla Unleased, The Simpsons, Ace Combat 5 and, for me, Dance Dance Revolution! Yeah baby. Maybe 2008 will be the year of the DDR weight loss regimen. But first I have to eat and drink my way through continued holiday overindulgence on these Pottery Barn plates from Ruth!
I got sooooo many fabulous jewelry-related pressies from family members that I'm not sure which is my favorite. I now have my sixth (!) Annie Adams necklace and first bracelet from her collection. I also have a gorgeous aqua blue necklace from the Corning Museum of Glass and a set of clear acrylic jewelry (ring, necklace and bracelet) from Volpino embedded with dozens of tiny embedded Swarovski crystals that my sister purchased from my favorite consignment shop, Windsor Cottage. Oh, and I got a sweet Christmas-themed green glass beaded bracelet hand-painted with reindeer and candy canes from my neighbor, Liz.
I should be all set for the next 12 months, at least! Per usual, stunningly adorned . . .
Oh and I now have this gorgeous, chocolate brown Lug Puddle Jumper overnight and gym bag. I either need to begin working out or taking a lot of trips. Hmmm, which sounds more appealing?
I hope everyone has a blessed Merry Christmas, remembers our Savior on this day (and beyond) and makes out like a bandit, too.
In closing, and in stark contrast to the crass commercialism listed above, the impassioned refrain from the most beautiful Christmas song ever penned, Oh Holy Night:
Fall on your knees
Oh hear the angel voices
Oh night divine
Oh night when Christ was born
Oh hear the angel voices
Oh night divine
Oh night when Christ was born
Sunday, December 23, 2007
What I REALLY Want for Christmas
Santa, you listening? I feel like a few "she shoots, she scores" or "two minutes in the box for roughing" or "game misconduct" or "hank-y panky" jokes are here somewhere but it's like shooting ducks in a barrel. The man behind the mask . . .
I just hope John Cusack doesn't mind.
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Something for the Girl with Everything
Yea! Today is my 43rd birthday. And it's a Saturday and I don't have to work. In fact, with the exception of one half-day meeting, some prep time and some catch-up work, I have off until January 2. Whoo hoo.
I plan to sink into the couch for days in my pajamas eating bushels of Fritos and drinking egg nog (with alcohol). And I also hope to finally take advantage of the gift cards I got a year ago for an enzyme facial at one local yoga studio, breathe, and a massage from another fabulous little studio, Blue Lotus.
I also won a $500 gift certificate last spring from our local Ethan Allen that I cannot wait to use. Not sure it will buy anything outright but it could put a little dent on this!
Everything is going my way. Happy Birthday to me!
I plan to sink into the couch for days in my pajamas eating bushels of Fritos and drinking egg nog (with alcohol). And I also hope to finally take advantage of the gift cards I got a year ago for an enzyme facial at one local yoga studio, breathe, and a massage from another fabulous little studio, Blue Lotus.
I also won a $500 gift certificate last spring from our local Ethan Allen that I cannot wait to use. Not sure it will buy anything outright but it could put a little dent on this!
Everything is going my way. Happy Birthday to me!
Friday, December 21, 2007
Feliz Navidad
We recently had a sermon at church that talked about putting a face on your giving. In other words, going out of your way to help someone you may know even slightly (vs. purely donating $ to a good cause) by simply lending an ear, spending time together, asking how s/he is, etc.
It reminded me of a quip that Maura, a woman I went to grad school with, once said regarding Social Security. "I wouldn't even mind contributing to it if I could just receive a card with a picture of a little old man thanking me for paying his heating bill last month."
This year, our family bought presents for an "angel" (i.e., a local seven year old girl sponsored by the Society for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect), filled a shoe box with toys and candy for a third world child via Samaritan's Purse, and contributed 10 thermal shirts to the shoe boxes that our bible study packed for the homeless here in Rochester through the Open Door Mission.
I share this not because I'm proud of this tiny, tiny contribution (especially in lieu of how small it is compared with how much we have) but rather because (even though I know that every little bit helps) the sense of giving pales in comparison with helping someone you know.
In my office building, we have had a series of cleaning people come and go through the years. For a beautiful old mansion, the place sometimes looks downright decrepit. But this year, the landlord hired an awesome woman named Juana to clean and the place has been spotless.
Juana and her husband moved here for a better life, live in one of the toughest neighborhoods in the city, are raising two sweet little boys, work four jobs each and selflessly send a big chunk of their money to Honduras where their families live in poverty.
Last summer, she sent her kids to her sister's house in Honduras so that they could have a few months of fun at the beach while her husband and she worked endlessly. Asking about them always brought tears to her eyes because, as any mother would, she missed them in an excruciating way.
But after working all of her other jobs, she comes in every night smiling. And it doesn't hurt that she's gorgeous: long, dark, wavy hair and big doe eyes. She's literally radiant. When I asked her recently how she was doing, I wasn't entirely surprised when she raised her arms to the sky and responded, "God will provide." When I asked her what she was giving to her kids for Christmas, she shared with me that her kids understand that there will be no gifts or tree and that their happiness should come from the Lord (not Santa). Yeah, let me try that one on my kids. What? Not everyone gets Guitar Hero III just because it's on the list?
But last week, for the first time in months, she didn't seem quite as joyful. When my boss asked her how she was doing, she burst into tears and said that her grandmother was ill. I'm sure Honduras felt really far that night especially since we were receiving a foot of snow.
So my boss and I went nuts. We set a price limit and then exceeded it 2X. We bought a tree, lights and ornaments. We bought toys, a huge Lego set, more games and candy. We filled stockings for the boys and gave Juana a big basket of bath products. Lastly, we wrote her and her husband a card that said, "Nuestro Dios es su Dios" (which given my poor Spanish intended to say, "Our God is your God") and enclosed two gift cards: one to Target for warm hats, coats and mittens and one to Wegman's to cover their Christmas meal.
Over the top. Insane. Yet literally a drop in the bucket when compared to the carnage that will be under our tree.
She was overwhelmed. She told me that her kids kept running around their home asking, "What made those ladies buy us all of these gifts?"
Her response, "God put us into their hearts."
And that right there summed it all up. Yes, it's good to give to worthy causes. But it feels amazing when your heart swells for a family who deserves just as much as, if not more than, the rest of us but has so little.
My boss and I agree: Our giving made us feel happier than it made Juana and her family to receive. So much for selfless acts of kindness. Is there really such a thing?
It reminded me of a quip that Maura, a woman I went to grad school with, once said regarding Social Security. "I wouldn't even mind contributing to it if I could just receive a card with a picture of a little old man thanking me for paying his heating bill last month."
This year, our family bought presents for an "angel" (i.e., a local seven year old girl sponsored by the Society for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect), filled a shoe box with toys and candy for a third world child via Samaritan's Purse, and contributed 10 thermal shirts to the shoe boxes that our bible study packed for the homeless here in Rochester through the Open Door Mission.
I share this not because I'm proud of this tiny, tiny contribution (especially in lieu of how small it is compared with how much we have) but rather because (even though I know that every little bit helps) the sense of giving pales in comparison with helping someone you know.
In my office building, we have had a series of cleaning people come and go through the years. For a beautiful old mansion, the place sometimes looks downright decrepit. But this year, the landlord hired an awesome woman named Juana to clean and the place has been spotless.
Juana and her husband moved here for a better life, live in one of the toughest neighborhoods in the city, are raising two sweet little boys, work four jobs each and selflessly send a big chunk of their money to Honduras where their families live in poverty.
Last summer, she sent her kids to her sister's house in Honduras so that they could have a few months of fun at the beach while her husband and she worked endlessly. Asking about them always brought tears to her eyes because, as any mother would, she missed them in an excruciating way.
But after working all of her other jobs, she comes in every night smiling. And it doesn't hurt that she's gorgeous: long, dark, wavy hair and big doe eyes. She's literally radiant. When I asked her recently how she was doing, I wasn't entirely surprised when she raised her arms to the sky and responded, "God will provide." When I asked her what she was giving to her kids for Christmas, she shared with me that her kids understand that there will be no gifts or tree and that their happiness should come from the Lord (not Santa). Yeah, let me try that one on my kids. What? Not everyone gets Guitar Hero III just because it's on the list?
But last week, for the first time in months, she didn't seem quite as joyful. When my boss asked her how she was doing, she burst into tears and said that her grandmother was ill. I'm sure Honduras felt really far that night especially since we were receiving a foot of snow.
So my boss and I went nuts. We set a price limit and then exceeded it 2X. We bought a tree, lights and ornaments. We bought toys, a huge Lego set, more games and candy. We filled stockings for the boys and gave Juana a big basket of bath products. Lastly, we wrote her and her husband a card that said, "Nuestro Dios es su Dios" (which given my poor Spanish intended to say, "Our God is your God") and enclosed two gift cards: one to Target for warm hats, coats and mittens and one to Wegman's to cover their Christmas meal.
Over the top. Insane. Yet literally a drop in the bucket when compared to the carnage that will be under our tree.
She was overwhelmed. She told me that her kids kept running around their home asking, "What made those ladies buy us all of these gifts?"
Her response, "God put us into their hearts."
And that right there summed it all up. Yes, it's good to give to worthy causes. But it feels amazing when your heart swells for a family who deserves just as much as, if not more than, the rest of us but has so little.
My boss and I agree: Our giving made us feel happier than it made Juana and her family to receive. So much for selfless acts of kindness. Is there really such a thing?
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Christmas "Songs"
Years ago, when I worked as a consultant for a small agency in White Plains NY, we had our holiday party aboard the World Yacht circling Manhattan. On this evening, we all received the final gifts from our Secret Santas and I was pretty pumped because mine had been showering me with fantabulous gifts all month.
I received a Mannheim Steamroller Christmas CD.
I almost feel I could end this post right here except that there are people out there who consider Mannheim Steamroller "music." I'm not one of them. Honestly, I couldn't even make out the tunes of the otherwise famous songs which, when rendered by other "artists," are legible, singable, whistleable, etc.
So I wrapped it nicely and kindly sent it to my brother who fondly re-gifted it back to me the following Christmas with fake, yet compelling, cover art, "Tim and Leigh's favorite songs of the year." Wow. A huge letdown two years running.
I still have this CD just waiting to be unleashed on some poor, unsuspecting loser who secretly loves grand crescendos/raucous elevator music/awful electronica mayhem/polluting noise (a.k.a. total CRAP).
It reminds me of the musical version of our agency's fax machine at the time -- which our boss' hysterical executive admin threw in the dumpster in the parking lot one day with a big sign stating, "piece of sh*t."
Anyhoo, it's the thought that counts, right? I just wonder what the thought was . . .
Lastly, for anyone who noticed my excessive use of "quotation marks," please refer to this site which I now love.
I received a Mannheim Steamroller Christmas CD.
I almost feel I could end this post right here except that there are people out there who consider Mannheim Steamroller "music." I'm not one of them. Honestly, I couldn't even make out the tunes of the otherwise famous songs which, when rendered by other "artists," are legible, singable, whistleable, etc.
So I wrapped it nicely and kindly sent it to my brother who fondly re-gifted it back to me the following Christmas with fake, yet compelling, cover art, "Tim and Leigh's favorite songs of the year." Wow. A huge letdown two years running.
I still have this CD just waiting to be unleashed on some poor, unsuspecting loser who secretly loves grand crescendos/raucous elevator music/awful electronica mayhem/polluting noise (a.k.a. total CRAP).
It reminds me of the musical version of our agency's fax machine at the time -- which our boss' hysterical executive admin threw in the dumpster in the parking lot one day with a big sign stating, "piece of sh*t."
Anyhoo, it's the thought that counts, right? I just wonder what the thought was . . .
Lastly, for anyone who noticed my excessive use of "quotation marks," please refer to this site which I now love.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
What I Want for Christmas
Yeah, I know, too late. I'm sure everyone who buys me gifts already shopped. But I've wanted these for years, tried to do them myself (argh!), and now time's running out because the chillins are getting older.
Maybe I can figure out how to do them over the Christmas break from work . . .
The article on Cookie magazine says to "follow the instructions." I just hope they're easy and don't include stapling my kids' heads to the wall to get them to sit still.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Dreaming of a White Christmas
I love Christmas trees adorned with white lights. In fact, I like anything with white lights. Patios in the summertime draped with white lights. Restaurants aglow with candles and white tea lights.
But I cannot have my own tree lit with white lights . . .
I'll never forget the holiday season almost 20 years ago when my mom first bought her own little house she decided to forgo tradition and decorate with white lights, bows, and minimal ornaments. My grandfather then came to visit for the holidays from NYC, stepped inside our new house and grumbled, "What the hell is this? It looks like we live in a goddamn shopping mall."
Yes Grandpa, my tree in all of its colorful majesty and mismatched ornaments will forever be an annual tribute to you.
But I cannot have my own tree lit with white lights . . .
I'll never forget the holiday season almost 20 years ago when my mom first bought her own little house she decided to forgo tradition and decorate with white lights, bows, and minimal ornaments. My grandfather then came to visit for the holidays from NYC, stepped inside our new house and grumbled, "What the hell is this? It looks like we live in a goddamn shopping mall."
Yes Grandpa, my tree in all of its colorful majesty and mismatched ornaments will forever be an annual tribute to you.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Steroids of Champions
Not only does the hubby have to suffer through Son #2's incessant taunts such as "Rangers drool -- Devils rule," he now has to combat my girlfriend in Maine's recent picture of herself and the Red Sox 2007 World Series trophy. I guess it can't be 1986 forever.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Sapphire Lusty Horn
Apparently, if I were a stripper, that would be my name according to an email I just received from Suzy in FL . . . Hmmm. It's not too sexy but that's probably just as well.
I feel like I fared well given that my girlfriend Kim will now forever be called "Princess Heaven Thighs."
1. Use the third letter of your first name to determine your new first name:
a = Chesty
b = Fantasia
c = Starr
d = Diamond
e = Montana
f = Angel
g = Sugar
h = Mimi
i = Lola
j = Kitty
k = Roxie
l =
m = Princess
n = Heidi
o = Bambi
p = Bunny
q = Brandy
r = Sugar
s = Candy
t = Raquel
u = Sapphire
v = Cinnamon
w = Blaze
x = Trixie
y =
z = Jade
2. Use the second letter of your last name to determine the first half of your new last name:
a = Leather
b = Dream
c = Sunny
d = Deep
e = Heaven
f = Tight
g = Shimmer
h = Velvet
i = Lusty
j = Harley
k = Passion
l = Dazzle
m = Dixon
n = Spank
o = Glitter
p = Razor
q = Meadow
r = Glitz
s = Sparkle
t = Sweet
u = Silver
v = Tickle
w = Cherry
x = Hard
y = Night
z = Amber
3. Use the third letter of your last name to determine the second half of your new last name:
a = hooter
b = horn
c = tower
d = fire
e = thighs
f = hips
g = side
h = jugs
i = shock
j = cocker
k = brook
l = tush
m = sizzle
n = ridge
o = kiss
p = bomb
q = cream
r = thong
s = heat
t = whip
u = cheeks
v = rock
w = hiney
x = button
y = lick
z = juice
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Peace Like a River
A beautiful friend from when I was younger died yesterday at the age of 44. I don't want to wax on about her -- even though I could fill countless paragraphs and the words would flow easily -- because she's far too deserving for a footnote in a goofy blog about nothing.
Although I am not one to discount the value of friendship in general, it does make me think even harder about how blessed I am. I can count my mom and sister as tried-and-true girlfriends along with the girls who I grew up with and 40+ years later still hang out with as often as possible. Just this week, manicures, wine and dinner on Monday night (an early "happy birthday" for me) and back-to-back-to-back haircuts last night. I have crazy friends from high school who I get to see throughout the year, fabulous friends from college and grad school who gather together every couple of years (and email heaps in between), close friends from my days in NYC and DC who travel more than 1X/year to visit (and vice versa), awesome neighbors who I relax with every weekend, the Kismet girls from church (so named because we all connected so readily), my soulful but funny bible study girlfriends, and distant friends/cousins/sister-in-laws who I love and never see but some email frequently as if we were living next door to one another. It bears repeating: I am truly blessed.
But Mary's death made me think harder about the friends who I spent heaps of time with and loved dearly in a different period of my life but with whom I rarely connect any more. Some of these people simply drifted from my life, one or two passed away and others cut the ties in more meaningful (and sometimes painful) ways. Regardless of the way in which the friendships ended, they were all amazing while they lasted and for this I am deeply thankful.
So, although I cried rivers yesterday and will probably do the same tonight at the funeral home, I am even more grateful to be living a life filled with friends, laughter and love. And I'm soooo glad that my gorgeous friend Sallie, who has been in my life forever but who I rarely get to see, is planning to come with me. As always, we're going to need each other.
To quote the old hymn, penned by Horatio Spafford after his three daughters died while crossing the Atlantic, "It is well with my soul."
When peace like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Although I am not one to discount the value of friendship in general, it does make me think even harder about how blessed I am. I can count my mom and sister as tried-and-true girlfriends along with the girls who I grew up with and 40+ years later still hang out with as often as possible. Just this week, manicures, wine and dinner on Monday night (an early "happy birthday" for me) and back-to-back-to-back haircuts last night. I have crazy friends from high school who I get to see throughout the year, fabulous friends from college and grad school who gather together every couple of years (and email heaps in between), close friends from my days in NYC and DC who travel more than 1X/year to visit (and vice versa), awesome neighbors who I relax with every weekend, the Kismet girls from church (so named because we all connected so readily), my soulful but funny bible study girlfriends, and distant friends/cousins/sister-in-laws who I love and never see but some email frequently as if we were living next door to one another. It bears repeating: I am truly blessed.
But Mary's death made me think harder about the friends who I spent heaps of time with and loved dearly in a different period of my life but with whom I rarely connect any more. Some of these people simply drifted from my life, one or two passed away and others cut the ties in more meaningful (and sometimes painful) ways. Regardless of the way in which the friendships ended, they were all amazing while they lasted and for this I am deeply thankful.
So, although I cried rivers yesterday and will probably do the same tonight at the funeral home, I am even more grateful to be living a life filled with friends, laughter and love. And I'm soooo glad that my gorgeous friend Sallie, who has been in my life forever but who I rarely get to see, is planning to come with me. As always, we're going to need each other.
To quote the old hymn, penned by Horatio Spafford after his three daughters died while crossing the Atlantic, "It is well with my soul."
When peace like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Happy Birthday Leigh
My niece turned 18 yesterday. 18. I can't believe it. 18. Her brother is in his freshman year at Brown.
These are the two kids that turned my world upside down.
Throughout my childhood and well into my 20s, I never wanted to get married and I certainly never wanted to have kids. I simply never had that maternal instinct at all. I still am not one to look at other people's babies in strollers at the mall and get all mushy. It's just not my thing.
My best friend while growing up was Southern; her family moved here from Tennessee. She lived to get married and raise kids. Throughout our childhood, she would pepper me with unsettling questions that I had never thought about before: "What if we don't have dates to the prom?," "Will you wake up before your husband gets up to put your make-up on?," (Side note: He's lucky if I shave my legs on a quarterly basis) and "What do you think you will name your kids?" (Side note: We talked her out of Bambi -- her daughter owes me one).
She unabashedly went to college to find a husband whereas I went to postpone working for a few years. She found her husband while at home the summer after freshman year and has gone on to raise two great kids. I met my hubby the January after graduation but waited seven years to get married -- and only then agreed because he was my best friend and I couldn't imagine spending my life without him.
But in 1988 and 1989 something fabulous happened in my life. My sister-in-law and brother brought two of the most beautiful, perfect children into this world and my heart literally exploded. It was after hanging out with them as little kids, going to the Discovery Zone and McDonald's, watching them build sandcastles at the beach, drawing pictures for them ("That's a bulldozer? My mom draws way better bulldozers than that") and reading them stories that I thought to myself, "I think I might want kids . . . but only if I can clone these guys."
I still think the world of them except that they've set the bar a little high for my boys. They are great, great kids. Funny, interesting, kind, intelligent, well behaved, polite and high achievers. To the best of my knowledge, they are not partiers nor are they prone to engaging in the stupidity that was my trademark at their age. They are exactly how I want my kids to be -- in their own ways, of course.
These are the two kids that turned my world upside down.
Throughout my childhood and well into my 20s, I never wanted to get married and I certainly never wanted to have kids. I simply never had that maternal instinct at all. I still am not one to look at other people's babies in strollers at the mall and get all mushy. It's just not my thing.
My best friend while growing up was Southern; her family moved here from Tennessee. She lived to get married and raise kids. Throughout our childhood, she would pepper me with unsettling questions that I had never thought about before: "What if we don't have dates to the prom?," "Will you wake up before your husband gets up to put your make-up on?," (Side note: He's lucky if I shave my legs on a quarterly basis) and "What do you think you will name your kids?" (Side note: We talked her out of Bambi -- her daughter owes me one).
She unabashedly went to college to find a husband whereas I went to postpone working for a few years. She found her husband while at home the summer after freshman year and has gone on to raise two great kids. I met my hubby the January after graduation but waited seven years to get married -- and only then agreed because he was my best friend and I couldn't imagine spending my life without him.
But in 1988 and 1989 something fabulous happened in my life. My sister-in-law and brother brought two of the most beautiful, perfect children into this world and my heart literally exploded. It was after hanging out with them as little kids, going to the Discovery Zone and McDonald's, watching them build sandcastles at the beach, drawing pictures for them ("That's a bulldozer? My mom draws way better bulldozers than that") and reading them stories that I thought to myself, "I think I might want kids . . . but only if I can clone these guys."
I still think the world of them except that they've set the bar a little high for my boys. They are great, great kids. Funny, interesting, kind, intelligent, well behaved, polite and high achievers. To the best of my knowledge, they are not partiers nor are they prone to engaging in the stupidity that was my trademark at their age. They are exactly how I want my kids to be -- in their own ways, of course.
Friday, December 7, 2007
Disruptive Innovations
My boss and I are working with a large, international firm to augment their product ideation and commercialization process. As a result, I have been researching and pouring through myriad best practice documents today to update our library, tools and methodology and ensure we have highly effective practices to leverage on their behalf.
While a number of the documents published contain interesting insights, many simply remind me of Dilbert.
Dogbert Consults: "To survive, you must create disruptive innovations that redefine the market."
Dilbert: "Does that mean the same thing as 'sell things that people want'?"
Which, in a round about way, reminds me of the interview that secured my internship at Xerox during grad school. The posting literally said, "Must be able to interfere across all levels of the organization" instead of "interface." If they noticed the typo at all, most students, for good reason, chose to ignore that bulleted line item. I decided to play it up. "I think you should know, I can interfere in many different areas and be as disruptive as you need."
No sense in being blinded by the obvious.
While a number of the documents published contain interesting insights, many simply remind me of Dilbert.
Dogbert Consults: "To survive, you must create disruptive innovations that redefine the market."
Dilbert: "Does that mean the same thing as 'sell things that people want'?"
Which, in a round about way, reminds me of the interview that secured my internship at Xerox during grad school. The posting literally said, "Must be able to interfere across all levels of the organization" instead of "interface." If they noticed the typo at all, most students, for good reason, chose to ignore that bulleted line item. I decided to play it up. "I think you should know, I can interfere in many different areas and be as disruptive as you need."
No sense in being blinded by the obvious.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
SheHawks
Once again, as a marketing data nerd, I do things that most normal adults refuse to do such as answer all of the impromptu telemarketing surveys that I encounter. I am a member of e-rewards which sends me surveys on a weekly basis and, by answering them, I not only accrue points but also get to see different survey techniques and methodologies which I can potentially utilize for our clients, if and when relevant.
For this reason, I became a member of SheSpeaks a while back. It costs nothing to join and they send you products (free of charge) to test. The only catch: you provide feedback to help the product managers better design future features, functions, etc. Why not, right? I'm always game for free stuff!
So, I'm sharing this with you because I am on "day two" of my new Philips Sonicare power toothbrush and, holy moly, what a shocker. It is possibly the coolest thing that has touched my mouth since Pop Rocks circa 1975. It literally vibrates throughout my mouth which may sound strange but my teeth feel like I've just come from the dentist. I'm an immediate convert.
I am soooooooooo ready for Candid Camera.
But now that I have a $99 toothbrush, I must figure out if I am willing to spend $12 every time I need to replace the brush head. That's a lot of dough . . .
For this reason, I became a member of SheSpeaks a while back. It costs nothing to join and they send you products (free of charge) to test. The only catch: you provide feedback to help the product managers better design future features, functions, etc. Why not, right? I'm always game for free stuff!
So, I'm sharing this with you because I am on "day two" of my new Philips Sonicare power toothbrush and, holy moly, what a shocker. It is possibly the coolest thing that has touched my mouth since Pop Rocks circa 1975. It literally vibrates throughout my mouth which may sound strange but my teeth feel like I've just come from the dentist. I'm an immediate convert.
I am soooooooooo ready for Candid Camera.
But now that I have a $99 toothbrush, I must figure out if I am willing to spend $12 every time I need to replace the brush head. That's a lot of dough . . .
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Fairytale of New York
Given that it was like pulling teeth to get the kids to pose for Christmas pictures this year, the hubby wanted to place this photo on our card. At least they're standing next to one another and, from this vantage point, no one can tell if they're beating each other up or not.
My favorite part of this picture is the fact that it showcases something very special about our tree. Unlike our neighbor's tree -- which is perfectly decorated with beautiful ornaments, every branch covered with beauty, the weight of each piece evenly distributed across branches and the sizes/colors painstakingly rendered for optimum viewing -- our ornaments (many of which are kid-made) are all hanging on the bottom 1/3 of the tree where the little guys could reach.
Martha Stewart may not be proud but I really like it.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Lies Lies Lies Yeah-Ah
This is the time of the year when Santa visits . . .
Two years ago: "Why is Santa's wrapping paper the same as ours?"
Last year: "I thought the elves made all of these toys. Why are these the same toys we see in the store?"
The other day: "Do you remember last year when Santa's note looked just like daddy's writing?"
But, yet, they continue to believe. Perhaps it's because they want to believe in the magic (who doesn't?) but maybe it's because my responses are completely filled with utter, and sometimes elaborate, nonsense.
Last year, I launched into an entire explanation of outsourcing. "Santa has a huge production facility that makes every kind of toy known to mankind and handles the peak demand at Christmas time. But he only delivers toys directly to our homes once a year. The rest of the year, he sells toys to Toys R Us to make money, keep his factory going and feed/house the elves. Just think, even when you get a toy for your birthday, it may have been made by elves."
The downfall to all of this is that the kids assume they're getting whatever is written on their lists.
The little guy didn't ask for a Wii for his birthday because he didn't want us spending a lot of money on it given that Santa could bring it for free the next month. Bless his little heart. Make that: Bless his little broken heart on Christmas morning!
Two years ago: "Why is Santa's wrapping paper the same as ours?"
Last year: "I thought the elves made all of these toys. Why are these the same toys we see in the store?"
The other day: "Do you remember last year when Santa's note looked just like daddy's writing?"
But, yet, they continue to believe. Perhaps it's because they want to believe in the magic (who doesn't?) but maybe it's because my responses are completely filled with utter, and sometimes elaborate, nonsense.
Last year, I launched into an entire explanation of outsourcing. "Santa has a huge production facility that makes every kind of toy known to mankind and handles the peak demand at Christmas time. But he only delivers toys directly to our homes once a year. The rest of the year, he sells toys to Toys R Us to make money, keep his factory going and feed/house the elves. Just think, even when you get a toy for your birthday, it may have been made by elves."
The downfall to all of this is that the kids assume they're getting whatever is written on their lists.
The little guy didn't ask for a Wii for his birthday because he didn't want us spending a lot of money on it given that Santa could bring it for free the next month. Bless his little heart. Make that: Bless his little broken heart on Christmas morning!
Monday, December 3, 2007
Shabby Cheek
If anyone clicked over to the World RPS Society and is as geeky as I am, you may have noticed their tag line, "Serving the needs of decision makers since 1918." So awesome. They take the essence of a typical, hokey tag and use it to poke even more fun at themselves. (At, least that’s what I think, and hope, that they’re doing!)
In a similar vein, one of my neighbors worked at an ad agency that employed the tag line, "Serving you since April 15." Who needs to promote longevity when you have creative license? Especially in this day and age when people care less about how long you’ve been in business than if you can get the job done.
Most companies have no idea how invaluable a strong tag line can be and instead of saying “the quicker-picker-upper” or “feel the rainbow; taste the rainbow” say something like the following: Your widget maker since 1969.
Better yet, when the competition gets strong, they add the term “preferred” to widget maker or stick “partner” somewhere in their lackluster mess. Hmmm, that’ll solve everything. Please, remind me, why should I be doing business with you? Wait, I have an idea. Instead of telling me what you do, go ahead, tell me what you’re going to do for me.
Which leads me to Target’s new campaign: fabuless. Yeah, I get it. I can get fabulous stuff for less money. But, really, as much as I love Target (and I do) it almost states the opposite (less-than-fabulous) to me. Who needs Manolo Blahniks when you can get Mossimo faux-leather boots with synthetic outsoles? Who needs 1000 thread count sheets when you can get the ever-so-snuggly, polyester “bed in a bag”?
But for most of
The comedian Daniel Tosh put it well in a recent comedy show. Quipping about people who can't afford a $600,000, two-bedroom townhouse in
Ouch! But funny nonetheless.
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