Robot Culture

I've become increasingly aware of the progression of media in our lives.

This morning, I was bombarded by a wealth of information about the changes taking place in the social realm.
For example, did you know that we are currently witnesses to a cold-war between Facebook, Twitter and Google?

Read the Article!

As each site struggles to become more relevant to users, it makes me wonder when (not if) the day will come when we go through one site to receive all our information. Facebook will have a world news feed (no not status updates), weather features, political debates, email, chat, phone conversations, recipes, blogging features, etc. all within the company's own platform. We will never have to leave!

This worries me.

Thanks to the genius of online marketing, all of the advertisements, daily news, networking suggestions that I see and more are tailored very specifically to me, the user, via the information that I make available, read, and search for.  Don't get me wrong. I have a significant stake in the progression of social marketing. It will influence nearly every aspect of my future career and likely my children's education and how I connect with the world. While this a fantastic opportunity for businesses to grow and marketers, like myself to reach their audience on a much more targeted level, it makes me question how this information will shape us.

In generating media from a users network, do we risk creating a culture that is spoon-fed it's information thereby jeopardizing our generations intelligence? For example, because my LinkedIn profile is filled with resume data that alludes to interests in social media, marketing and event management, all the news stories filtered to my homepage are related to such. What about politics or environmental issues? What about education or world issues? What about information that we don't know we should know?

We are fed content that only perpetuates our niche of interests. What is the likelihood that an individual will actively seek out information contrary to what is currently provided to them? Probably slim to none without a significant catalyst to initiate such a change. Even if a change is initiated, then they just become part of another niche group that largely seeks out A but also has a small interest in B. Eventually, wouldn't we all just end up in little specialized information-demographic groups? 
Specialization over differentiation.

Wouldn't this lead to our media being controlled by those who have the greatest stake in the content?
Are we to become something of a robot-culture that is taught what to think about, what to talk about, and what to do based upon this extreme media marketing?

1984 anyone?

Encouragement

Normally, when I pen a new blog post I don't determine the title until I've finished writing it.
I do this in part because I don't always know what I'm going to write about when I start and also because it requires me to come up with a creative way to tie everything together.
Today, I knew exactly what I needed to call this one.. and bear with me, it's lengthy.

. . .

God must have known that this morning wasn't going to bring good news so he blessed us with a bit encouragement in throughout the day.

The Bad: I woke up this morning only to have my computer go into what is called "kernel panic."

After much research and trying to troubleshoot from support forums online, I kind of went into "Claire panic." We do NOT have the money to fix a computer, restore data, or replace a Macbook. This just was not a great way to start my day.

The Good: When Aaron got laid off we assumed we had health coverage until the end of the month. This was not the case. Unfortunately, by the time we realized this, I had already gone on two doctors appointments (knowing our coverage was about to end). Thankfully, he explained our situation to my doctor who agreed to reduce our bill by 60%! We needed this little act of mercy.

The Bad: I received a letter in the mail from the Texas Workforce Commission the other day that I subsequently ignored and didn't open. (If you've ever dealt with TWC and unemployment benefits, they send you mail like every day so I didn't think anything of it.) Well this particular letter, which I read this morning, informed me that I no longer have any benefits and will not be receiving future unemployment compensation.
Could today get any more frustrating?

The Good: I have two more interviews this week. One is a phone interview for a job with a great company as an events coordinator. (The Little Bad: Its only a 4-month temporary position with no benefits... which is better than nothing at this point. Who knows what it could turn into.) The other job, a marketing/sales position, will take us back to Aaron's hometown. He is pretty much elated that I have an interview there because he really wants to move back and be closer to his friends. Plus he is excited for the upcoming mini-vacation for my interview.

The Bad: I had a migraine today. Not that this by itself would make my day awful, but it certainly does not help. My migraine meds are so expensive (even with insurance) that I wont take them unless I'm practically falling over, barfing, or dying... usually its the latter. I wouldn't wish daily or even weekly migraines on anyone.

The Good: Today ended on a slightly positive note. Actually it was a note that did it. Here's an excerpt from what I received in my inbox a few hours ago..

It reads: 

"As I was reading your blog, I was remembering how difficult it was when I got laid off almost two years ago. God has a way of using us when we least expect it, so I wanted to share that he used your experiences to help me today. I was laid off from [the same company that laid me off] this afternoon, but I am sure it is for the best. There may be other opportunities, but what helped me maintain a positive attitude was seeing you use the time you have had constructively. You're a wonderful writer and incredibly creative. I know God has great things in store for you, and am excited to hear about them when they come."

. . .

Knowing that somehow, between ranting and pouring my heart out, God is using what I write to encourage others brings me such joy. I can't imagine going through this situation if I didn't have a relationship with God to run to for comfort and through which he can reveal a greater purpose for my life. Amidst all the crap that gets thrown our way in this world, there is hope that this world is not my home. In Heaven, I will have a full time job with the ultimate salary! I will be in the presence of our Lord and Savior, praising His name for all eternity.

That's a pretty good ending to a pretty awful day if you ask me.

p.s. We did get to go to Half Price Books today.. This section certainly had my hubby in his element.. and yes, he bought it.

Tough

It's been a tough past few days.
Let me start over.

It's been a fun weekend.
I've been trying to generate more followers through better blog marketing. In my first undertaking, I was featured over on Black Little Button! The result = at least 8 new followers! Plus I was able to find a few more for myself!

On Friday, I was asked to an on-campus interview for a marketing and promotions position to take place in a few weeks! They're even putting me in a hotel! << Super excited!

Saturday was what we will term "ManDay." We (the hubs & myself as well as the bro & sis in law and niecelets) traveled to her parents land where Aaron gets to build a greenhouse, a chicken coop, dig trenches, or whatever other man-project is pending at the time. He always has a lot of fun.
This also means we get to hunt and/or shoot guns. By "we" I mean mostly he and his brother (though I'm a pretty decent shot if I do say so myself).

Well my brother-in-law bought some exploding targets and this was what ensued:

It was a blast!
[haha ... get it?]

Later we watched The Help. If you haven't seen it, you should. I'm sure the book is fabulous, too. It's not for people who want to see stuff blow up and aren't interested in things like compelling story lines or good acting.

And that brings us to this morning. Sunday.
We went to church again today... FINALLY! I still haven't decided if this particular church is where we need to be right now. It's hard to make a commitment right now because for all we know, if we get jobs soon we could be moving anywhere, really.

Anyway, in search of fellowship and in an effort to make a few friends, we went to a study group for young married couples. It's fantastic that this church even has a group focused on our demographic considering most do not.

This brings me to my present state.
I really miss our friends. And I really miss our church.
I feel like we prayed for so long for a group of people we really connected with and just when things started getting really great, life happened and we moved.

I get the feeling this has happened to me before.
My best friend in high school and I didn't start connecting until my senior year. Then I shipped out of town for college.
In college, I was too preoccupied with a boyfriend to make friends. When I finally did, the sorority through which I met them went crazy and I had to get out.
Later, I met some really awesome, Godly couples through a student ministry. Aaron and I married and then we moved to a new city.

And now it's happened again.
I still really feel like I don't know where God wants us.
I keep thinking that He will reveal His plan through a job offer somewhere.
But this hasn't happened, yet.

I know I need to just have faith and trust that He knows what He's doing.
Life is tough right now.
Thats about it.

HOUZZ

Thanks to Pinterest...

pinterest.com/claritasuave

I've recently discovered a fabulous home design website!

 HOUZZ 

I would almost call this a Pinterest for your house. 

You can browse through a wealth of designer photos showcasing fantastic kitchens, bedrooms, living rooms... I'm kind of addicted now. 

You want to do something totally dangerous and time-wasting? 

Look up kids rooms and playrooms!

Photo Credit

What's that?

A stage in the playroom? 

Be still my thespian heart!

. . .

This totally makes me excited about moving into our own place again. 

It's not that I don't love living with my nieces. I actually really enjoy it! 

Little does anyone know that this whole, unemployed-living-with-family thing is really a clever ploy to become the favorite aunt! 

[insert evil laugh]

But seriously, it's nice that the house is big enough for us to have our own space. It's still hard to escape the feeling that there's always people around. 

It makes it hard to be a newlywed if you catch my drift ;) 

One day, hopefully soon, we will be able to rent our own little home and I can go crazy with my ideas!

Till then, keep praying for us please!

I know God has the perfect job for both of us in the perfect town. 

Swap Meet: Black Little Button

Time for a Swap Meet!

Let me introduce you to this sweet girl named Whit who blogs over at Black Little Button!

Photo Credit

Hi. First timer here. Please be gentle. :)




Nah, I'm just kidding! It's so great to be able to do my first blog post with Claire. Yes, I'm a newbie, so I won't make this too awkward. Promise.




So I started my blog last year to share all the ideas I had floating around in my head for my wedding. Turns out I must have been too busy "planning" to be able to share anything at all.

Photo Credit

But it all worked out because just a couple months ago I finally got into my blog, and to be honest, it's been freaken-fantastic!  YOU GUYS/GALS ARE THE BEST! I've had a chance to "meet" so many new people that all share the same interests, even if you are a couple states/countries away. :)




My husband and I currently live in our first apartment together, and I have the hugest urges every week to be some sort of "Susie-homemaker". I love to bake and I've shared a ton of recipes so far on my blog. Go check them out! I also try my hand at lot of crafts/sewing (I thank Pinterest for addicting inspiration every day).

My husband is a 2nd lieutenant in the United States Army, and I couldn't be more proud of him each and every day. He is the backbone that supports our little "family" of two.

Photo Credit

I pretty much just blog about whatever life throws at us, and this first year of marriage is definitely a learning/adapting experience. I'd love for you to come check out, creep even, my blog. Getting to know more fellow bloggers is the best!

Infographics

I am officially a FREELANCER! 

One of my great friends, a former boss, threw me a bit of work this morning!
She was inspired by my Year in Review and for the next few days, I am gainfully employed as a graphic design & marketing contractor. I am so excited and I really want to do a great job for her.

This being my first freelancing job, I had no idea what to say when she asked what I would charge for the project. I literally spent the better part of an hour wrestling with how I was going to generate a fair price for my work without underselling myself or overcharging a friend.

I was about ready to pull my hair out! 

Thankfully, I have some super awesome friends who have been in my shoes before.
They gave me some great tips for pricing:

1. Estimate how long it will take you to complete the job.
Thankfully, she was very specific and helpful with what information I would need to highlight and how she wanted it done. This made it very easy to compare it with my Year in Review card and determine how long it would take.

2. Consider what the person would pay to task a current employee with the project.
If an employee is paid $15/hr and works on the project for three days, thats $360!

3. Research what your peers are charging.
Most of my girlfriends suggested using either a flat rate based upon time estimates or charging by the hour. By asking around, I knew that a fair hourly rate for this type of work was about $20/hr. That seemed so high to me! Since this project was for a friend and is my first official freelancing job, I felt a flat rate would be most appropriate.

I also learned that the type of graphic design I have been working on is called INFOGRAPHICS

Isn't that awesome?
I am totally adoring this style!
I can't wait for my finished product! I really hope I'm worth it and do a good job!

The Waiting Game

I was so nervous about my interview on Friday.
It's really difficult for me to gauge how I did because the questions weren't geared toward my past experience. Granted, the things they were asking me about weren't required skills but I wasn't confident about my answers.
Aaron reminded me that no matter what I said or did, I couldn't keep God from fulfilling His plan for my life. And if God doesn't want me somewhere, then I don't want to be there. There is significant comfort in that.

I just HATE

I'm still waiting to hear back about a position that I interviewed for a couple weeks ago. I have certainly kept up my part of the deal and have done all my follow-up emails. I'm just waiting, waiting, waiting.

I saw Marky Mark on Saturday!
Okay not really. But we did see his new movie, "Contraband."

It was pretty good. In fact, on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 is "I will never have those two hours of my life back," 3 is "Wait for Redbox" and 5 is "Go Right Now!" It's a solid 3.5. No nudity or suggestive behavior. Language and brief violence satisfies the R rating.

Oooh total bonus about not living in a huge metropolitan area... movie tickets are cheap! I mean snacks still cost way too much but it's perfectly reasonable to expect to spend less than $20 at the theater! Love this!

We also got to do a bit of celebrating for my sister in law's birthday at Chuy's. I definitely recommend their strawberry margaritas (in moderation, of course). Aaron and I got to meet all of her good friends and their husbands. It was lovely getting to socialize with new faces again!

Check out this super cute top that I wore to dinner!

I got it on clearance for $15 bucks at Dress Barn! I occasionally like to wander in there. It's a nice little confidence booster, too. I can actually get clothes that are sized for normal women. Most of their clothes aren't my style. But every so often I can snag a great deal like this was.

Anyone else out there secretly a fan of Dress Barn?
Did you go see the movie, too?
What did you think?

Till next time,  enjoy the waiting game with me!

Wish Me Luck

Wish Me Luck!!

I have an interview tomorrow (actually the one originally scheduled for Thursday)!
I'm super excited and nervous and need peace.

Please keep my restless heart in your prayers tonight and send happy thoughts my way circa 3PM!

I'll be sure to let you know how it went!

p.s.
Aaron has an interview the week after next with the same company!
How crazy would that be if it works out!

Link-Up

Okay! 

It's time for me to really promote this blog thing. 

I am ready to link-up, swap, and sponsor my way towards 

my goal 50 followers! 

Email me at thurmonstrosity(at)gmail(dot)com

or

leave a comment below!

Life in East TX

This weekend was surprisingly eventful.

1. I have another round of interviews for a 

very exciting opportunity to take place on Thursday. 

I am super stoked about this position. To be honest, it's kind of a long-shot given that I am... how do I put this... less seasoned(?) than the other candidates. Still I know that God can do amazing things. The fact that I'm even in the running for the job is a huge accomplishment.

2. I went "hunting" for the first time!

It was a lot similar to what I would assume fishing is like. Only it was really cold, really dark, and we couldn't talk for fear of scaring of the bounty of wildlife headed our way. Furthermore, my brother-in-law elected me "Spotter" which is a nice way to say "You don't get a gun." Well, despite my adherence to the No-Talking rule and my diligent Spotters effort, our labors were fruitless. 

3. My baby sister and her team placed 2nd 

at their NCA Cheerleading Competition.

I say baby sister but really she's sixteen. 

Isn't she adorable? Love this girl and am so proud of her!

4. Aaron had his first interview since the move. 

I am thrilled for him! He did a great job on his phone interview and he should hear something by the end of this week. He is so smart and such a hard-worker. It is going to be awesome when an employer realizes that too!

This has been an interesting experience for the both of us and I know we have much further to go. Being unemployed together has given us a lot of time to enjoy each other's company. Still, it may surprise you how stressful it can be. If we want to get out of the house and do anything, it's a minimum of 30-minutes to the outskirts of civilization. 

To retain our sanity, we try to go on a walk every day. He's been teaching me how to throw the football. I have to say, I would be an excellent Powder Puff Quarterback. As long as no one is trying to blitz! 

It's been kind of fun getting acclimated to life here in East Texas. I really cant wait to be settled in though!

Happy Dance

Today I "celebrate" 3 months of unemployment.

Thats 90 days of being at home, 13 weeks of no insurance, 6 would-be paychecks (not including the hubbys), and all but 2 student loans and 1 car payment deferred.  

I feel like that is pretty dismal. It doesn't help that I've been calculating our student loan debt in combination with our car loan and it just seems like we'll never pay any of it off. Don't get me wrong. It's not like we have this huge stack of bills glaring at us. But the basket I keep our bills in does seem a little small for its contents. 

And then there's the dread of having been entirely unsuccessful in securing a job. You might say, "Oh well you've only been looking for three months. Don't be so hard on yourself." Not true. I've actually been looking for over six months to no avail.  I know that we aren't hurting but I'm certainly tempted to include the word "yet" with that statement. 

I've been told that I interview well. That's all fine and dandy but it doesn't mean I get offered a job, just that I'm probably fairly likable. 

Bleh.. < This is how I feel today. 

I should try harder to have a better outlook on my situation. 

I mean I DO have reason to celebrate... 

I had 3 - three - THUHREEE interviews this week and heard some buzz about a third-round of interviews for another position I've had my eye on. 

I'm kind of excited. I feel like things are on the verge of turning around for me and I just need to keep my eye on the prize and focus on the positive. God is going to put me exactly where He needs me and I only need to be ready and willing for Him to do it! 

So I guess I can celebrate.. a little bit.. by myself.. [insert happy dance]!

Yay God!

Interviews are over. Now to work out with the hubby!

11 in Review

Check out our 2011 Year in Review!

I am so excited about it! We received so many compliments on this creative take on a year-end letter.

Growing up, my dad would write a Christmas poem every year detailing in rhyme and verse all the fun things happening in our household. I loved it and we would, and still, beg him to continue his annual tradition. Every so often we will sit down and read past poems to reminisce about our adolescent accolades. I admired it as such a unique way to capture our family's growth.

Being wedded, I really wanted to continue my father's tradition but didn't want to be too repetitive with his idea. When I saw a variation on this artistic-idea I knew this was going to be my thing. I was even surprised that Aaron got involved in the creative process!

Anyway, I hope you enjoy!
I am already looking forward to making one for 2012!

Check out My3Monsters to see her variation.