Earth Hour tonight!

At 8:30 pm local time turn out the lights!!!

It's only an hour- Don't be lame!!!

SXSWi

South by Southwest has been the most amazing experience. I initially felt judged by my peers for spending a significant amount of money to attend the conference, but I feel like it was such a great investment. I spent five days surrounded by inspiring people, some of whom took me under their wing and gave me advice on how to make the most out of my education and eventual career, others who gave me their business card and said to shoot them an email when I'm job hunting. I met designers, marketing coordinators, executives, authors, small business owners, innovators and more. I connected with people from companies like Razorfish, GSD&M, GamePlan, BBC and Yahoo. I traded business cards with people from all over the country and world. I went to panels on market research, networking, the future of mobile advertising and more. I saw a keynote conversation between Guy Kawasaki and Chris Anderson on the idea of a free marketplace. I attended book readings, most notably the inspirational David Meerman Scott (author of World Wide Rave), who gave me a free copy of his book and said I have a great career ahead of me. Yes, I am saying "I" a lot, but that is why I went to this conference; to grow as a student and professional. I believe I reached that goal. I was offered a summer job in New York City with a great company called Sphere. I made friends with many people from San Francisco, who I am excited to see again when I visit in May. Sure, not all of these contacts will be a catalyst to amazing things, but I have sent out my "thank you" emails to those who gave advice and my "great to meet you" emails to those who were just friendly, and many responded quickly and positively. It was five days of pure craziness; waking up in the morning and going to educational panels, spending happy hour at networking events then going to the industry parties at night. It was such a great experience and I hope to do it again next year. If I do, I made up some tips to remember:

1. Don't try to do everything. As someone said, it is a battle between yourself and the festival, and the festival always wins.

2. Wear comfortable shoes. A lot of standing and a lot of walking downtown to the different events.

3. Bring mints AND lozenges. A lot of talking, too much sometimes. Much need for good breathe. I lost my voice by day 5.

4. Bring hand sanitizer. Lots of hand shaking and finger foods.

5. Drink lots of water. The free beer and open bars everywhere are enticing. Don't give in.

For a Smile...

What if...

random thoughts

• I noticed recently how obsessed I am with highlighting. Not just textbooks- everything. I highlight novels, magazines, newspaper articles... I just can't help but notice a great quote or fact and want to remember it later. (I guess there's no chance I'll remember it if it's not highlighted.) After further self-analysis I realized I've been doing it for years. The other night some friends were laughing because they said I have a quote for every situation. Maybe that's why...?
• Central Texans can't drive. 
• I made a delicious blue crab salad and packed it in little bite size phyllo dough bowls for Mike's grandma's birthday. Delicious.
• When I went to type "crab" I accidently typed "crap." That's funny because on my grocery list the other day I put "1 lb. lump crap." Freudian slip?
• Mike and I each randomly had a Yuengling on Saturday because someone smuggled it in from Kentucky.
• Sometimes I get sad that no one really wants to make an effort to visit me. I am really thankful that Lilly was able to extend her trip to Dallas and stay with me a couple days, but it was just good timing and all passed by in a quick 2 days. I guess it's just so awesome here and I want to show Austin off to people but no one seems too interested.
• Mike bought me a pimp office chair! I had forgotten how wonderful it is to work at a desk but it's so comfortable and makes it much easier to focus. Faaaaaabulous!
• Volunteering has been awesome. I made another great step today with Abby, a tabby who never comes out of a corner. After going to her corner every couple of minutes to pet her and gain trust I wrapped her up in a towel (to help her feel safe) and took her to the other side of the room. I held her for about 5 minutes and then let go. Last time I tried that, sans towel, she ran back to the corner. Today she stayed out for about another 10 minutes and explored! I was so thrilled :) Baby steps are huge, especially in rehabilitation.
• Less than 2 weeks til spring break AKA massive networking week
• My favorite jeans are on the verge of ripping at the knee. I'm not sure if I should be mad about it or celebrate that I am suddenly hip again.
• I got an email about an internship that sounds awesome... 20 hours a week for $10 an hour working for a strategic communications company. I'm thinking of applying but I can't help but feel guilty if I bail out on my student mid-semester. Plus I'm not sure if I can handle 20 hours... 15 would be manageable but any more than that is pushing it unless I could work weekends. I've been swamped enough with my 8-10 hours at work, volunteering and school and after spring break I know school is going to double (at least) in work. Typing this rather than just thinking is making me realize I should just stick where I am. At least I have that temporary additional position at work that will give me 7-10 extra hours a week for a few weeks. I keep forgetting to play the lotto... I need to play.
• I need 3 recommendations before the end of the month. Professional or personal, doesn't matter. I have no idea who to ask and I need them for my scholarship apps :(