Social Media, who is missing the boat?

In the past few weeks- I've been tasked with looking into how SM can help the company I work for in the areas of channel marketing as well as retention of customers and leveraging our colleagues to reach out to others and "spread the good word". - wow! I couldn't have known the depth or the weightiness of that request- I'm glad I didn't! This article is one that really hits the nail on the head for social media guru's such as Jeremiah- (look left and click on his blog!) and people who are using SM to reach out to others from a grassroots perspective. If only the people who are speaking about and using SM could articulate it and the necessity of it to the leaders of our corporations... We try- and someday- we'll hit the right nail- and drive it right in! I'm lucky. I work for a relatively small company (in the whole scheme of things) and having a constant influx of incoming employees helps with the whole idea of being "connected". We simply will not- (cannot) ignore the importance of social media in the space of business. When you look at companies like Starbucks, McDonald's, and Apple there is a presence that makes them more of a way of life than a company. You're not just getting a cup of Joe at Starbucks- you're buying an atmosphere, and experience. The really lucky ones can accomplish this type of brand presence and its not come by easily. The influx of wi-fi and wireless hubs into the Houston area is staggering! Companies WANT you to come, stay a while and "connect"... Hard to believe- but my favorite little wine bar is one of those places! (Luv you- Corkscrew!) Why, you can even step up to the counter at McDonald's and buy a Big Mac and get your wifi-on while you eat. Seriously- the problems this presents are more than just lack of attention to driving while you whip out your Blackberry whilst getting on the 45 to head downtown from the Heights- (umm.. personal experience??) to getting some guy to ask you out on a date and LEAVE the damn thing in the car while your eating dinner (thanks for that little nugget Chrissy!) I cant IMAGINE dating now! The "need" to know right now- has trumped the idea of a little "mystery"- (Have I mentioned that I'm thrilled that I no longer am in the dating arena?? ;) Attention to details like calling in advance (The Wednesday rule) - have kind of flown out the door with the Tweets ;) Still- I believe that there is value in this new marketplace. I think that although it deafens some folks to the necessity of social grace- (which, inevitably some folks will always possess a deficiency of) it also connects us like no other generation has ever experienced. We're lucky- now lets figure out how to unleash this in the marketplace.

So CLEARLY Brilliant!

"So what, if anything, can businesses do at this juncture? They can begin by searching out people within the organization who understand what’s going on. In almost every case, they’re there. Make friends with them. Make friends with the marketplace again. Start listening. Find your voice. Then start talking as if your life depended on it. It does." WOW! http://www.cluetrain.com/book/

Adorable little Family

Oh little "wee ones" - will you always hold eachothers hands?

Will you always love to steal bubble gum out of my purse- and claim that you "accidentally swallowed it"?

Will you always say "I love you so much that my heart breaks" any old time?? :)

Will you always like pink nailpolish- little belle? and leave it on for precisely 15 minutes after I polish your tiny little nails, then ask me to re-do them?

Will you always try and sneak into mine and daddys bed at 2:45 am- just to "have a snuggle"?

Will you always proclaim- "mama- I AM a big boy- I'm almost bigger than daddy, and someday- if I eat my ve-geee-tables, I'll grow up to go to A&M" ;>

I hope you always will do these things, I hope my documentation of these things serves as a constant reminder of these sweet, precious times with you- my lovely family. I cherish you- (all three of you!)

Each day is another delight- another realization that you are in fact growing and are the family I always dreamt of.

There Aren't Enough Words...

Crushingly, over the past few weeks, there have been several instances of heartbreak for me. Not the kind of heartbreak that collapses you- but the tiny little "tink, tink, tink" of a hammer and chisel that in some cases can bring down a mountain. I had a dear childhood friend recently (a next door neighbor and his dad) that I grew up with, that were senselessly murdered. Its a long drawn out story- but my point is that its amazing what the mind will remember when someone from your past is brought up again. You'll be going along with your busy hectic schedule and all of the sudden- "WHAM"- your mom calls and tells you about something tragic. (She emailed me actually) Heres an exerpt from the notes we exchanged: Obviously- we grew up in the country- so keep that in mind as you read it! ;)

"Ugh- I just got done reading the article about David and "Big David" -- and

I'm really choked up... I can remember fishing with him

on the banks of our stock tanks and he would always catch

grasshoppers (or at least help Lisa and I) and eventually, we'd

end up in the tank swimming and getting yelled at because there were

always snakes sunning themselves and you were afraid

we'd get bit. I can see him in my mind, running around in the

pasture with him when I was little. Thirty acres was the world to us

three. Even more than that was the additional land we would run

around on over their side of the fence. ;) I remember when dad

got so pissed when we went up on the holding tanks for the oil well?

(Im sure that was mine and/or Lisa's idea) I think that was the only time

I remember us ALL getting our asses beat! Dad was having NONE of that! Remember Dot (the truck? was that the name?) we'd all crawl up in her

and I can see David turning the wheel with Lisa and I sitting next to him

on the long vinyl, cracked bench seat that would poke our legs with the

jagged edges and we would pretend we were driving to far away

places... Like Bryan- I suppose? ;) We would climb trees and he would hold my hand to help me up

them and to climb up on "mountains" of brush that daddy would

stack before he burnt it off- we would pretend we were adventurers. His daddy was always pretty quiet- and soft hearted. I

remember being over at their house a very few times growing up -

and although I think I had an idea that Big David didn't have much

(neither did we for that matter!) I could always see his love for little

David. He adored his son- would have given anything for him. I don't

ever remember him yelling at little David for much- just to get inside for dinner

or yelling across the pasture for him to come home at dusk. What

I see in my mind is this wiry little kid with platinum blonde hair that flew

in the air by the end of the summer because his daddy would buzz cut

it at the first of the summer-and it would grow out. I remember him being

able to whistle with grass blades, and Lisa and I never could.

(I think Lisa got some remedial training in that department- because

she eventually learned to do it too I think- but I never did.) He could whistle

with two fingers too- we never could- it always made us jealous- and he

would be patient and still try and teach us how to do it, I can see him smile

this huge white toothed smile, right now, laughing at us. I guess we were

probably about 7 or 8? I can remember him crawling through the

barbed wire fence, mostly barefooted and wandering over to the back shed

when dad used that as a house for his tools and stuff. Remember,

I would wander down there and watch daddy and Little David would

wander over too and just hang out and have the occasional

question about what daddy was doing. He never did have anything bad to say about anyone-unless he was complaining

about Lisa and I (we probably weren't playing nice or something.) I don't

EVER remember him not having a smile on his face. I always thought of him

as an angel.. (And Lisa and I were the devils ;)-- (I mean that jokingly ;)

I don't know that we three played much together after we were past about 10-and

I know he had a much different life than I've had- but there's something to be

said about the children we spend our time with growing up. We grow

up- but those sweet memories are always there. I'll always have good memories

of our childhood. Its unfortunate that his and his daddy's life had to end

so abruptly and so violently. I cant tell you that I wouldn't have handled an

email from my daughter the same exact way. He did what he HAD to do as a dad.

He should always be her hero. I know intimately what I would do to save

my children from even the slightest pain. I wonder what will happen with the

kids now that they are gone? I pray they don't place them back with their mother.

That would destroy everything he stood for in getting them back in a safe place

where he could raise them surrounded by love and safety. I love you- Amydell" Additionally- I got a call from mom that a high school buddy died from breast cancer. She was a couple of years younger than I am. I'm telling you- not because I want to depress you- but because I want you to breathe today- I mean REALLY take a deep breath and whisper sweet songs to your kiddos tonight when you tuck them in. I really want you to hug someone you love and smell their hair and grab their hand when they dont expect it. Tell those you love how much you do love them and really be happy that you had today. Today will be a memory tomorrow and all we really have is today. On another note- just a few weeks away is Fathers Day!! I wanted to post a few pics of the kiddos at their first Astros game last night. It was a fun game- although the 'stros lost to the Cubbys. The kids ate hot dogs and popcorn and drank sodas. Bill and I split a beer. Bryce couldnt figure out WHY the train didnt just chug around Minute Maid Park the whole game. (or just once!) - which incidentally doesnt happen unless a batter hits one out of the park. Me thinks they are a little stingy with the train!!! ;) There arent enough words to explain how much I love this little family, this little life of mine and this great big town, Houston.

My God! 3 Democrats running for election?

Is it just me- or are there three Democrats running for election to the highest elected office in the land?

Swimming Through Space

Today was the day! My wee-ones had their first swim lesson! I was able to find a local gal that is going to teach them privately- at a local pool that doesn't open until after Memorial Day. She is AWESOME! Little did I know at the time- some folks at work had been passing around her info- and she is the "gal-pal" of one of my co-workers! So- it all worked out splendidly! She took the "b's" on - for 10 lessons and arranged to meet me tonight to have their first lesson! She was kind, gentle and happy- but firm- which I think is necessary with two- 4 year olds. She even mentioned that next lesson- we may want to step to the side- and wait in the wings- while she schools them. UGH! Wasn't dropping them off with Mrs. Cooper (Their PK3 teacher) enough- last year? I wanted so badly to be the "hover" parent- but I know that my mom wasn't that way- and I'm pretty sure my mother in law wasn't either- and somehow- B & I survived our childhood- relatively unscathed- so I backed off. So- Here's the video of my princess ROLLING over like a champ-while her brother screams from the other side "GET ME OUT MOMMY!"

This is how Faith first teaches them to float.

This is how she teaches them to kick and blow bubbles.

One lesson down- NINE to go!

I remember growing up- my dad would keep me in the summers. One of the reasons he picked the house he did off Meyer St. was because it was basically a block and a half from the neighborhood pool We all (all 5 of us) would walk to the pool each day (alone) and walk home for lunch, a nap and go back almost always in the afternoon for another swim upon my dads arrival home from work. Those are great memories- I even life guarded at Seabrook pool when I was 17 for a short part of the summer. It was lots of fun. I wouldnt trust my children to walk outside my front door now without supervision- but hey- those were different times I suppose. Seabrook was just a sleepy little fishing town with a bay- (This was WAY before Tillman ever hit the scene and built the Kemah boardwalk. Just the same- I love those memories. Good times, good times!

Dear Laura

How I've grown to love you over the past year and a half. You've befriended me and had countless glasses of wine with me- you've been a confidant and friend. (Thank You!) I know how hard it is to be 25, (you are TEN years my junior my love) and I remember ultimately 11 years ago- how my arrival back in Houston sparked many turning points in my life. Most of which led to extreme failure, after failure- (relationship wise) and it seemed that I would never reach my stride with a man and a job- but I did... There were people who made promises to me- which led me back to Houston in the first place- from a "dead-end career" with Delta- and there were people that I fell madly in love with- that I look back on now- and know could never have loved me back... I led to a lot of loneliness. I say this- because I want you to know that I've been there. You are unique- but you're feelings are not. Everyone my dear- reaches a turning point in their life- that leads to paths which previously were unclear- each a building block to the next. Hang in there! Know and love yourself- know we are here to love you and honor your friendship. ITS HARD to be new in the 4th largest city in the country- and know your place immediately. You will- with time. Get to know yourself. Get to know what YOU like. You may never have another opportunity! When fate sends the person of your dreams to your door- they usually aren't waiting to "get to know you"- they want you to have figured out where you are in life prior to their arrival. - Children and adulthood dont help this evolution much- so take the time you need now to get to know what your dislikes and aspirations are- you may never have another quiet moment in your life to hear yourself talk! (Believe me- I feel this way now!)- Know that you are loved! and certainly not alone! Dell~

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Darlings!

IMG_4987, originally uploaded by amydell.

How can it be? My precious little ones are growing before our very eyes! They laugh- they giggle- they sass- they say bedtime prayers and sing "Jesus loves me-this I know"- and they love cake and cars and bicycles. They cant wait for mommy to get home from "her skyscraper" and they see the word "Reliant" or a logo and say "mommy!!! THATS YOU!!!" -- Happy birthday!!

The Spell is Broken~

Sunday afternoon has long been one of mine and Bills least and most favorite days of the week. We relish the lazy, late hour that we typically rise <7> and curse the fact that its the last day of the weekend! When we lived in our last house- we were so close to a busy street that didnt allow a leisurely glass of wine on the patio while watching the kiddos play on their playground. We've recently reinstituted a standing Sunday afternoon "drop on by" policy with our neighborhood friends- and let me tell you- its the highlight of our week! No time- just later in the day on any Sunday- when its dry and warm out. No pressure and on a lucky day, I may have made a pot of red beans and rice or have something to snack on. This quote reminded me of the recent afternoons spent in the yard! ;) How timely! "The hour is late, the flames are dying down, the embers glow, the glasses require recharging. A guest rises to leave and the spell is broken. Realization dawns that it is another day and we have to face once more the problems of reality. But if I have been able to beguile you for an hour or two into forgetting the pressing problems of today it will have afforded me infinite satisfaction."-Major General Sir Rupert Brazier-Creagh (Ed Preusser's grandfather)

"I" Disease

When I was small- my step dad frequently would ridicule me for using the word "I" too much. Over the years, because of this ridicule, "I" (for better or worse) have in turned used this nugget to judge how self centered people are. In general- there are levels of self centeredness- typically, people who cant or wont pronounce others names properly upon meeting them are put in the lowest rung of general awareness of anyone but themselves. (My name is quite different- so frequently I'll use this as a "listening test" to see if people are even listening.) If I say "Hi, I'm Amydell" and you return a quick "hi, Amy, I'm so & so"- its pretty obvious you're more interested in telling me your name than getting mine right! 2nd on the tiers of self centeredness are women who latch on and refuse to be good friends- or that have no idea what it means to be a good friend. Recently I received an email from someone we considered a friend for a while and every sentence in the email began with "I"-- She is a person my old dad would have diagnosed with chronic "I" disease! What to do about it? Move away from it. There's nothing to gain from being friends with her. Although, I do feel sorry for her!

Grieving the Loss of the "Details"

I don't know if its 35 (shhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!) that's looming in the near distance or comfort in my skin- but I feel better than I have in a long time. Things just seem to continue to go well for me. "Life is what you make of it"- right? RIGHT! Life gives you Lemons, make Lemonade", right? RIGHT! Work- still continues to suck an unbelievable amount of my time!! What "time" was to me a year ago- no longer equates. Something as simple as this blog- for instance- has become the "monkey on my back" ;) I want to write more, I want to journal more, I want to capture each day (if even in a small way) that proves I lived it! There was an article in the Houston Chronicle a few weeks ago by Leon Hale, that captured my "almost 35" year old feelings as if I were 80! He talks about the possibility of being given the chance to be 21 again- and what he'd do differently.

"So what would I do different? First, on my 21st birthday I would begin keeping a journal. Every night I'd record where I went and what I did and with whom, even if the day has been routine and dreary. I would do that until I got old again. Reason this is important to me, I figure I've forgotten at least half the detail of the years I've lived. I've forgotten hundreds of names, places, events, remarks made, kindnesses done, wounds dealt. I grieve the loss of these details. They would be of huge value to me now. They represent a large part of my life, and they're gone. It's like half of me is already dead. "

I am attending a funeral later today- of the brother of a dear friend. 29- collapsed and is gone. Doesn't really equate to me. No mother should have to bury their child. It goes against the laws of nature. All we have is now. So- I'm committing to write more, love more, breathe more, listen more, be outside of the box more, smell and really taste the wine more, hug my kids more, kiss the B's goodnight more (all three of them!) and live. I'm just sorry it took me 35 years to get to this place.

I had lunch with a girlfriend from work and she made a comment that resonates with me. She mentioned some other co-workers that spend much of their time being miserable. (She's been there for 5 years-so she knows quite a few people.) I want no one who knows me to feel that way about me. If you were to remember me, I would want you to say things like- "she lit up every room she walked into", or "she loved her children and her family" or- "I've never met a funnier person"- because isn't laughter what ignites our souls? Its one of the wonderful things that ties us as humans. I'd also want you to say- "she cared about her community, restoring old houses, her kitties, the way she looked, the way she presented herself." or "she cared what I had to say." So, I'll continue to work on those things- in the forefront of my every days and I'll live those things in honor of people who cant, wont, didn't or will never have the opportunity to.

Checkin in Chicken-

HOWDY all! Its hard to believe its been 6 months since my last post! Work is good (great mostly), life is crazy (kids just turned three in May) and I'm busy with life. It really is a life change moving from a work-from-home situation to going back to corporate America. There's politics, there's lots of late nights and little ones who expect me home. They have transitioned very well-- just as kids do, from what I've heard. I read an excellent article today in Newsweek about working mommies and the "diverse" relationships they have with their nannies and children's caregivers. Check it out. Let me know what you think. Let me know how you are! Amydell

I've blinked- and lost 3 months!

Corporate America is keeping me quite busy! I have to say that I'm enjoying what I'm doing quite a bit- although its hard to be away from the kids so much. It is nice to be able to talk with grown ups about things other than eating their mac-n-cheese and poo-poo. I've been working on some pretty major projects and one of them is about to launch this Friday, not that that will allow any down-time. I dont think there is such a thing at this juncture! Too much to learn- too little time to absorb- before moving on to the next thing.

Kids had a great Christmas- and we really enjoyed spoiling them rotten! They each got an electric car and lots of toys. It was probably the most memorable holiday of my life. Thats what holidays are for- making memories and spending time with family.

On that note- my grandmother died about 3 weeks ago. It was very sad. She was 91. She had a grand- long life and lived every minute to the fullest while she still could. Its scary- to get old. Let's not- and say we might... :) I'll pass- thank you!

What else? I've been swatted by my local mothers group for making a comment back to a poster that basically was trying to make any working mom on earth feel bad. Not just working moms either- but also- anyone who works hard for a living and has something to show for it. It was pretty uncomfortable- I wonder if she'll be at the MNO this next week- so I can smack her? FREAKING LIBERALS!

Hope you all are well! Post sometime soon so I'll know you are alive!

Corporate America- Here I come-

Sorry its been so long since I've posted- I've been busy with kids, having my main contract not renew with one of my clients- and finding a new j.o.b. :( So-- as you can tell-- its been quite a few weeks around here. We're adjusting- and I've started a new position with a local energy company that fits my skills and background quite nicely- so it's all good. Regardless- I hope I never have to witness any of our VP's pulling this shite!