In Which: I post an obligatory response to that Marie Claire Article

Yup- I'm going to do it.  I'm going to walk into the murky waters and write about this Marie Claire Post.  Now before I get started I'd like to set down a few rules about this post and other controversial things I may post in the future:

1. If I believe a post was created just to link bait (which I firmly believe is the case with this Marie Claire Artical) I will only link to the secondary source I found it at. 

• Why?  Because I do not want to reward the provacotive blogger's editors by giving them more traffic. 

2.  If you choose to comment, please keep it respectful.  I don't care if your opinion is different than mine, but name calling or anything of the like will be strictly frowned upon and likely removed. 

3.  I reserve the right to add more rules as need be.  :) 

Alright- now that I've set the rules for this clean fight, let's get started shall we?

So here's the breakdown.  Chick on Marie Claire get's an assignment to chat about Mike & Molly (a tv show that launched this fall on CBS).   Premise of said show revolves around an overweight pair who meet at an over-eaters anonymous meeting.  Now, as an overweight gal myself, I have my own issues with this show.  My issues are that it seems (at least from the previews I've seen) that a lot of the jokes center around the couple's size and not their situations.   Again, I have not watched an episode yet, and am totally willing to give it a shot once I have a chance.  At any rate, the hulabalu comes about because the Marie Claire blogger (who had an eating disorder) unleashes a horrendously nasty diatribe on fat people and how disguisting we are to look at even walking across the room-let alone kissing in public!

At this point, I'm upset. And do you know why?  Well she goes on to talk about self-control and self-love and eating properly.  I understand those were what got your life back in order Ms. MC Blogger, but guess what?  Not every fat person sits on their ass all day gorging out on food, hating themselves, and eating lard out of a tub.

No, instead so many people are fat because of so many reasons. 

But I'm not going to sit here and say that I'm fat because I have a disease (because as far as my doctor and I can tell-barring extensive and expensive testing everything about me is 100% healthy-cholestorol, BP, insulin, etc).  The truth is, I don't know why I'm fat, and that's the most frustrating part about people who throw around fat insults as if I'm purposely choosing to a lifestyle that gives me nothing but ridicule and laughter as I live my life. At least if I was fat because I choose to only eat ridiculously unhealthy food or refused to exercise, I'd know how to do something about my offense to you!

However, let me tell you a little about my life growing up.  I grew up in a household with a stepsister.  We are only 6 months apart in age.  I was always the heavier one, and becuase of that, have always been very mindful of what I ate. (Especially when you have a biological father who would let every woman he dated bully him into saying I was fat and should be on endless diets-which thank god, my Mom stood up to him about.) Even now, I rarely eat fried foods  or overeat (no more than my friends in college who were also skinny), I don't exercise less than they did, and yet I've always been the heavier one.  But anyway- back to my sister.

She was literally stick skinny until she hit puberty at which point she gained boobs and that's it.  I believe now, she's roughly a size 6-8.  We ate the same food, she often ate more than I did.  Particularly where breakfast was concerned.  It would never cease to amaze me that she could wolf down (and seriously the girl inhaled them) 6 pancakes for breakfast loaded with butter and syrup and I could barely eat 2 with a little bit of jam on top.  Meanwhile I was shopping in womens while she was still shopping in the childrens section because juniors was too big. 

Growing up, I never lacked confidence in myself.  I was on the swim team for pete's sake-swimming anchor on the 1000m Medley. I never had any problems going out in public in a swimsuit or shorts.  My only weird quirks were that I refused to wear t-shirts out in public (which was mostly because I didn't want to look like a slob) and I hate short skirts even to this day (but really I'm not a fan of them on anyone-call me a prude).   So to read these women who say that I have a lack of self control and that I don't love myself, just enrages me.  I'm sorry Ms. MCBlogger, I'm sorry that my metabolism for whatever reason, refuses to help keep me svelte and bitter-as it seems you are. But guess what, I didn't ask for you to show faux concern over me.  No one is throwing Gucci your way as a reward for your concern, so back off.

Because, in the end, Ms. MCBogger, while there are people out there with eating disorders, as you seemed to suffer from, some of us-short of starving ourselves, cannot loose weight.  I don't understand why it is acceptable for you to foist your discomforts on me and people who look like me.

Take a look at her rant, or direct quotes, and please tell me that if you inserted any other race in places where she says the word fat-that it wouldn't be treated as hate speech.

So here it is blog world- I'm fat.  I have been since I was about 4 years old.  But that is not who I am.  I work for a tremendously successful company, I actually adore my family, I have great friends, and while I do not have a man yet- I look forward to knowing that when I do fall in love, he won't be someone who is only wrapped up in the fashion magazine's idea of beauty.  I'm smart, I graduated cum laude with 2 degrees, and graduated high school 16 in my class of over 400 including a year without grades because I lived in another country!  And I have this little bit of internet real estate.

It may not be as big as yours Ms. MCBlogger, but at least I do not have to tear people apart for things they may have no control over to make myself feel better.

Here's a link to another blogger who covers the topic so much better than I do: http://www.fatshionista.com/cms/


Sincerely
Jules

In Which: I Discuss WoaWW-Proposals

                                 

So this week's topic for the Words of a Wanton Woman is all about proposals.  And if you read my last post, you'd no I have no practical experience with long term relationships, let alone proposals. The dream variety of experience, however, of that I have plenty.

In Which: Woman's time is discussed...

Ahh Friday- I thought you'd never arrive, you elusive day, you.   So I'm 3 weeks into my commute (well 3 weeks are finished) and this week was the hardest yet.   And really there's so many reasons for that.  I have been staying up entirely too late, I'm PMS-ing a bit, and I'm really trying to understand how to still be myself while I'm at home.

And really, it probably all comes down to the PMS-ing.   I don't think I'm horrible to people when it's that time of the month, but I just really want to curl up in a ball and stay in bed.  Not because of any horribly physical discomfort, but more so because my mood is just so depressed by other people.   So last night, instead of working or even playing around on my blog or on my writing, I slept the entire train rain home, and it was marvelous.   And after that, all I wanted to do was go straight downstairs to my room and just vege without anyone around.  But I got home, and my lovely mom had dinner waiting, my dad was excited because he's always excited when he hears anything about MyCompany on his radio stations, and my little brother had an awesome Junior Year Picture.

Overall, I think I just need to relax a bit.  To chill out.  It is not the end of the world that I am living at home with my parents.  It is not the end of the world, because I could make more money if I wanted.  I could find a better paying job.  But I would sacrifice a great company, a great future in my field, and more importantly my happiness.

Because even on days like yesterday, I'm about 1,000 to 1,000,000,000,000 times happier on a daily basis than I ever was when I was in sales.  And if there's one thing I've determined about myself, is that I cannot do a job that does not make me happy and content.

What do you do, fair readers?  What have you given up to be happier?

Jules-

Meanwhile- the sun is behind a cloud and setting, and it couldn't look more beautiful if it was painted.  Seriously, it looks fake, beams and all.

In Which: My BFF finally gets an interview and Gift Horses are Discussed

Well- here I am settling into my evening commute (did I mention it's roughly 2 hours from door to door?) pulling up the internet through my lovely hacked connection, and I get a phone call interrupting my internet service, and I start to grumble, because if it's the stupid blood bank auto-dialing me again, I may scream.  You all re-call my horrible experience giving blood a few months ago.

Thankfully, it was not.

It was M-my BFF in Texas who is trying to move back up here.

Now M is a great gal, she and L are my bet friends, and between the two of them, they are pieces of my soul.  But L&M went to Texas and left me behind up here (as well as several of our other college friends).  Now that they've been in the great Lone Star state, they realize how alone they are down there, and have been desperately trying to find employment back up here, so as to be closer to all of us fine folks.

It's to the point where they are considering re-signing their lease for more than a month to month contract.  Meaning they would lock in again for at least another 6 months.  That gives me a major sad face.  Anyway- M finally got a call back from an organization she really wants to work for.  First thought was, with all sincerity - Thank you Lord!   I have been praying for her to get at least an interview, at the very least to pull her spirits up, about the entire situation. L is a little more okay with staying in Tejas, so M has been feeling the pressure more.   If you are of the praying persuasion, say a little prayer for her, and if not, send some good karma thoughts her way!

Rant Below (if you only want warm and fuzzies don't click through)-

In Which: I Discuss Words of a Wanton Woman-Virginity

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Perhaps NSFW  depending on where you work-mostly I swear. 

In Which: I start the commuter life

So, today heralded (is that even a word) my first day as a commuter. I officially succumbed to that fate that several of us twenty somethings find ourselves in- I moved home.

I did this for several reasons among which include the necessity of a new car, my little brother, and the absolute desire to not have to look for a roommate (and really that last one is probably the biggest reason).

That said I kind of enjoy the fact that I'll have time to do stuff on the commute home, that I wont have to menu plan, and that my dog will have company all day.

But, I also worry that I'm taking the easy way out. I don't feel like a failure in doing this because I think in the long run its a great way to do some things I really want to do.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.5.8

In Which: I apologize, I rant, and I brag

Wow, I've been such a bad blogger.  Haven't been around for a month.  A lot of reasons for it, some include the mundane.  MyCompany has been keeping me ridiculously busy.  I'm in the process of moving home (so I could -brag warning- buy a NEW CAR) and am generally dealing with the Russian Roulette that is the weather lately.

So, anyway- apologies for being such a bad blogging friend.  Now on to business.

Rant Warning-
I had a business lunch today with some guys who are starting a new social networking site.  Said site only launched about 3 weeks ago.  Now, we've had this meeting set up for over a week, and we were meeting at 11:30 at a restaurant in the city.  So I hauled my ridiculously sick self over to the restaurant thinking this is going to be a lunch meeting.  I get there find the table and am asked to sit down.  I'm given 10 minutes to talk about our partnership, before I'm rushed away by them because they have another meeting to attend.

I'm more than frustrated that my trip to said restaurant resulted in a meeting that was less time than the trip one way.  However- I couldn't get extremely snarky because at the end of the day, they have some pretty big name endorsements and partners that would be overall, a great place for us to market.  So I had to suck it up and pretend that that sort of behavior was acceptable.

Anyway, I just wonder, if I was a guy or older by about 10 years, if this meeting would have gone more respectfully.  I'm so spoiled by MyCompany being a bastion of mid twenty to late thirty year olds primarily who respect each other for the awesome ideas and energy.  I sometimes forget about the workplace bias there is towards those who are younger and think you are worth more than the cost of your suite.

Rant finished.

In Which: I May have kissed a 50 year old (or why wine and I are friends)

So Yeah- You read the headline right. I  went to  a wine centric event the other night.  It was great, on many levels.  I got to try some great wines, got to meet some great people, and stumbled into two great conversations with two very different guys.

Guy A was a young dad, who adored his children.  We had a great time chatting, and talked almost half the night until he had to start heading home.

Guy B was an attorney.  He was also in his 50's.  We got to talking about law and the constitution, and before we knew it, we were closing down the event.  I was going to catch a cab home, but we were still talking so, we walked and sat on a bench, where we talked for another 2 hours.  In this time, I learned a lot about him, and we connected a little bit.  To the point, where we kissed.

Yes, I kissed a 50 year old (or as the BFiC would say Silver Fox). 

In Which: Real Life gets busy

Wow-  my faithful readers, it's been a week since I've updated and I feel like such a spaz.   Let me tell you, last week was one of the busiest weeks I've had in a long time.  I was out every night, and work was ridiculously busy as well.  That said, I'm going to give a quick breakdown of my week, and hopefully I can come back and give you the major details...

In Which:I Try out a blog hop

Do I need socks for this?  Nope-


How it Works

1. Follow the 5 hosts, #1 – 5,  ( leave us a comment & we will follow you back- only leave a comment if you follow please ).
2. Create a blog post about FMBT (you may copy this post if you wish).
3. Follow as many blogs as you would like ( Leave a comment so they can follow you back).
4. When you receive a comment from a new follower  return the favor & follow them back.

http://www.reviewretreat.com/2010/08/follow-me-back-tuesday-810.html

In Which: I decide giving blood is a brilliant idea- until it isn't.

So a little background.  Before today I'd given blood one other time.  My delay in getting it done was for several reasons- some to do with fears (of doctor's needles), but mostly because I just hadn't gotten around to it.

But, about a month before I got my first tattoo (a shooting star on my foot, with the phrase "always there" in German), I decided I better do my civic and karmic duty and give some blood before I became ineligible to give.  

Well today, MyCompany sponsored a blood drive, and so I thought to myself, "Self, what the heck. You haven't given blood in almost 4 years (thanks you tattoo number two- shooting start on my other foot, with the phrase "Have Faith" in Polish), you should do it now!" 


So a gal I work with decided to head down with me, and she was nervous, having never gave blood before.  She was so methodical in how she read every warning that was on the consent form.  I'm thinking no big deal, it'll be great.  I dutifully fill out the form (Which had to remind me 3 times, that I'm not pregnant, nor have I ever been. With my own 20's fears, I almost feared I would also get confirmation with a big smiley sticking its tongue out at me, going nananabooboo you'll never have kids).  

So they do the tests, and I look away from the needle (as opposed to when I get a tattoo and am completely fascinated by the process). 

Well the next thing I know, I'm feel a little queasy. Nothing too bad, but enough that I felt I should let the tech guy know.  So he leans my chair back, and I feel  a little better, especially after he gave me an ice pack.

Did I mention Tech guy was kinda cute?  Well this probably had more to do with the fact, that at this point, I'm steps away from feeling helpless, and he was pretty attractive.  Wish I had a better game...

Anyway, they unplug me, and I thought, wow- I filled that thing quick (only about 8 minutes) and walk out to the waiting room.  I was still feeling the after effects of the queasiness, but figured if I got a sip of water I'd be fine.  So I sat down and this adorable old man, who was volunteering came up to me, and got really close, asking me if I was okay.

Now, my dear readers, this is where I wished someone had taken my picture because I'm sure I looked horrible. And at that moment, I decided giving blood was not a brilliant idea, as my vision folded in upon itself and I felt as if I had been pushed under water. In the recesses of this almost pass out, I felt so ridiculously helpless, and just wanted to cry.  It took all the will power I possessed not to do two things: cry and vomit.  Luckily I did neither, and was rewarded with cold packs, and doting volunteers.  The whipped out one of the donor recliners, and got me back up on one in what must have been minutes.


So, I spent about 20 minutes in the waiting area, just trying to feel a little better.  The elevator ride back up to my desk, definitely was a trying time, and I was worried I was going to faint.  Luckily, I made it back to my desk, to tell you this amazing story.

In Which: I Talk about Inception

Have I mentioned I love Inception?  I know, this isn't a very original conversation.  But I also really enjoy the Old Spice Commercials as well.  I like the Old Spice Commercials, because they are different than so many other commercials out there.  They have a spunk about them, but even more awesome, they don't seem to insult women, in order to sell their product.  Instead, they totally rip on the the Axe commercials of the world. The ones that really boil down my decision to find a man, as wholly related to his body wash (Don't get me wrong, I like a good smelling man).  

Anyway, long story short, I present to you, the best Photo Mash-up.  If it's yours, please let me know, because I can't remember where I found it, and I know it wasn't really credited at the source.

 

Check it out!   Such an awesome little pic to make my Monday awesome!

In Which I Love Vintage Marketing

I'm a sucker for creative marketing, and this takes the case.  The full story is over on Tech Crunch (My Geek Gal idea of a gossip rag)  But I had to post this picture that was on their site, simply because it rocks my world out.

How fun are these? I particularly love that they have the look and feel of the vintage times they come from, including the computer types that were predicted in "future based" shows.   These were apparently put together by a Brazilian Ad Agency (Moma), and they just go to show that vintage is completely in.  But what I think is more impressive, is how these ads really do capture what each of these mediums (Skype, Youtube, and Facebook) help you do.  I could easily show these to my mom or my grandmother and after taking a look at these, they'd know. 

And that, in the end is sometimes the problem with my generation.  We've forgotten how to visually tell in a creative way. My first instinct, to describe these is to show, what exactly these mediums are- after all how would you describe the phone?   The Social Media generation is one that really values the fact that we can just pop on the internet to access information and learn what it means.  We don't even have to be near a computer, we just need to whip out our smart phones.  And while Social Media and instant marketing are great tools that are allowing us to spread information, we definitely need things like this to remind us that marketing can be very creative! These are the things that make me really happy to see.

Keep fighting the good fight, creative marketers across the globe!  Rock On.

In Which: the job is discussed (a.k.a: my job at Mycompany)

So I work for an Internet company, about which, I hopefully will not geek out about too much. Great is my love for Mycompany. There are times, when it is not uncommon for someone to get a singing telegram or a belly dancer for her or his birthday, or for us to get iced, during a meeting. So, what do I do for Mycompany? Well, I work for our marketing and business development department.

Which leads me to my first topic- Affiliate Marketing.

For those of you not in the know, affiliate programs are what keep little blogs like mine, and many others afloat. Great companies like Amazon, Groupon, Netflix, and Soda Stream have affiliate programs that pay “publishers” (hi guys, that’s this blog ) for specific actions you, the reader, take as a result of their advertisement. Now, there are FTC regulations that require publishers to report that they are receiving money for their ads, as well as report when posts are, in layman’s terms “product placement”.


Now, obviously there are many opinions about affiliate marketing. However, I have a few rules that I think about when we talk about our biz dev and marketing.

I start with these two questions first:

• How did you hear about Mycompany?

• What’s the main goal of your website?

I like those two questions, because they get to the heart of why I passionately believe about affiliate marketing. I don’t believe in working with someone who doesn’t know my site I don’t want them pretending to be passionate about Mycompany -(with a few minor caveats- Geek BF David Tennat would be more than welcome to talk about Mycompany even if he doesn’t know who we are, because if that’s as close to him as I’ll get, than it’s good to go, in my eyes). Because, if you (as a publisher), aren’t engaged with the people you are promoting, you’ve completely missed the point of affiliate marketing – to spread the word organically, through trusted sources.

The second question, I like, because it targets what the person is trying to do with their blog. I write this blog for a couple of reasons. I started it, as a way for me to understand my profession from a publisher’s standpoint. I hope to continue it for several reasons, including the need for a geeky outlet, the need for some consistency, and because I miss writing term papers (Please reference #23 on my Geek Card). Would I approve me for Mycompany’s program? Yes, because we’d have this awesome geek rapport going on about Mycompany. Especially when I tell me about the awesome celebratory breakfast we had when Mycompany expanded, or our Cinco de Mayo mandatory meeting!

Oh- you want to hear about those too? Well, children, that’s a story for another day!

Who am I?

I'm Jules, in my mid twenties (literally) and am excited that you stopped my to check out my little slice of the internet.   There's a lot to know about me, which you'll probably find out by reading this blog, but here's a good start: 

I’m a geek gal and pretty much have been most of my life.  I was that girl who raised her hand in every class, knew more about Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman than TRL, and asked for the internet for her 13^th birthday (did I mention “Where in the World is Carmen Sandiago?”).  Now, as a fully functioning 20-something, I want this blog to be about the awkward amongst us.  Those of us, who have no issues spending $100’s of dollars on the latest tech gadget, but cringe paying more than $50 for shoes.   In this blog you will likely not find commentaries on fashion (though I do enjoy sites like gofugyourself), celebrity gossip (unless its about my favorite geek love David Tennant or my German boyfriend Daniel Bruhl), or what Lady Gaga is up to (because we all know she’s a topic on her own).  Nope, instead, you’ll likely find the things I geek out about with my little brother (who tolerates my geekiness, because he himself has a decent dose thanks to me),  the wonderful things I stumble upon on the internet (since I work for an internet company this is not difficult), and how to completely keep yourself socially-awkward at all times.  In short, you’re getting me!