Connected and Ready to Edit

I connected the site to the editing software yesterday.  I am really excited to get this project up and running as that October 31, 2011 deadline looms ahead. 

On one hand it seems like plenty of time, but on the other, it is a daunting task (for me anyway) to learn PHP and mysql from books and web videos. 

I love the challenge, but that doesn't make it any less scary. 

Other than that, there is not much to report.  The latest read was a book sent to me by Gotham Books called life, on the line by Grant Achatz and Nick Kokonas. 

I loved the determination in this book.  I love rags to riches stories and while this book kind of lacked the rags issue, Grant faces a huge challenge with *spoiler alert* facing cancer that could end his career and his life which, seems one in the same with him.  I gave it 5 stars on Goodreads, because although there were obvious character flaws - that is the point of autobiographies -  to allow the author's personality to show and shine the light on the good as well as the bad.

My review on goodreads.com:

I enjoy reading about people who know what they want and their reactions to the challenges they face in getting there. This book reads like a good fiction story. The payoff is that you can actually visit the places in this book when you have finished reading.

I suppose there are big egos here, but I still see the people involved as human beings. It was an interesting read and I would recommend it to anyone. The only thing I did not care for was the fact both guys made it seem like they would raise their standards for critics and I am not naive enough to believe this doesn't go on in nearly every restaurant. It just wasn't becoming. Service should be good enough for everyone - these customers are paying a high price to eat there. But still, I've added eating at Alinea to my mental life list and I wish the authors continuing success in all endeavors!

 Love & Gratitude,
Erica Nicole

The 50th Post

I have just returned from an amazing weekend getaway with my husband of six years.  We are relaxed and ready to take on the world once again. 

We did not discuss or think about work or projects much, but as soon as I woke up this morning, my brain was spinning on new additions to the site and what my next steps are going to be. 

I have been exercising and eating better foods for a month and a half or so and even did free (hotel provided) exercise videos every morning of our getaway which I think shows dedication. 
I have realized that no matter what happens, I must stick with my exercise and nutrition because it's what I want to do and be.  I have put becoming a nutritionist out of my mind because I refuse to be a fat nutritionist.  And personal trainer?  I've thought about doing it since my early teens, but again - fat personal trainer?  That is hilarious. 

So the sessions I have with my personal trainer and the nutrition class I am debating about taking to get a leg up on the whole thing...all serve to not only improve my own health and body, but also to help me in my career. 

All of these goals have much to do with my Small Goalz website and I am extremely excited to have this project to work on while I work out and get healthy and begin to take my tests and classes to become what I want to be. 

My Small Goalz program has had a lot to do with this coming to fruition and I cannot wait to introduce it to the public.  As I said before - no matter how it is taken once I reveal the site, if only one other person uses it regularly and sees it as helpful - I will be beyond joyful. 

No good movies or reads lately to speak of - I did read Overnight Socialite recently and I do NOT recommend it at all.  It had potential, but fell very flat.  I don't think I can recommend Birdie Clark as an author in general if I judged by this book, but I have not read her other titles so I'll withhold judgment for now. 

Love & Gratitude,
Erica Nicole 

Favorites

So - it's time to have fun with this post.

Favorite movie:  Tombstone with The Dark Knight coming in at close second.
Favorite color:  dark reds
Favorite band:  Green Day
Favorite type of music:  I like everything from Disturbed to Eminem to Merle Haggard
Favorite song:  That's the Way Love Goes - Merle Haggard
Favorite play:  Wicked
Favorite tv show:  Of all time I'll go with ER I guess.  I don't really watch much tv anymore.
Favorite boardgame:  aggravation and monopoly
Favorite sport:  baseball, softball - I'm getting very interested in tennis and anything to do with skating
Favorite video game:  a few months ago I would have said WoW, but I'm going to go with Age of Empires
Favorite app: Pocket Frogs
Favorite hobby:  researching my family tree
Favorite dance:  swing, square, cha cha, polka - I don't dance now but I took a ballroom class in high school and these were my faves
Favorite website:  Stumbleupon.com
Favorite social network:  I have deactivated all of those accounts.  I get so much more done - very freeing.
Favorite book: Pillars of the Earth
What are you reading now?:  I just finished Water for Elephants.  I am currently reading several books - from technical to chick lit. 
Favorite dessert:  Too many... but if I have to choose one...warm brownie or lava cake with vanilla ice cream and strawberries.  Or my own chocolate covered cherries  Red Velvet Cake is high on the list too - see what I mean?  Too many!

Sorry to be a sellout with this post ha ha.

Love & Gratitude,
Erica Nicole

Baby, It's Cold Outside

How about this weather? 

I've been cooking and baking and stocking up for this lovely little winter storm.  I kind of hope our power does go out as warned because then the treadmill wouldn't work.

Today's blog is actually not on the weather...cheer up.  No it's going to be some links to some pretty amazing business articles.  If you don't have a business or never plan on it, these tips can still help you at your own job and with life in general.  Reading stories on how a little known business rose to the occassion and conquered - what person doesn't benefit from an underdog story? 

First up, an article from Entrepreneur.com - perfect story on knowing your audience.  Foiled Cupcakes based in the Chicago area investigated and sought out their target audience:
Rise of the Cupcakes Article

Second, and of course this one strikes a chord with me, a woman who builds and creates her own website that has become very successful - her interview:
Successful Website

And last, but certainly not least - an article on MOTIVATION from Matthew Weller from the Los Angeles Business Journal.  This article is directed more toward teachers of younger students, but applies to ourselves personally and possibly useful when dealing with some employees. 
Motivation Article


Happy Winter!

Love & Gratitude,
Erica Nicole