Not so proper
According to the Gallup organization I am empathetic, adaptable, connected, intellectual and restorative. I am a relationship builder, a good listener, and a good counterpart to the “50,000 foot thinkers” of the business world. You want me on your team because I. know. how. to. get. shit. done.
I don’t dream big, but I discover big. I love road trips, Sunday drives and taking the long way home. I could care less about winning a game – I just want to play. I am the cliche, All who wander are not lost.
I love people, but I’m an introvert. Most people that know me today know me as the life of the party, but that wasn’t always the case. Luckily age 40 has been moving in for a while now and, surprisingly, she’s brought along a big ol’ box of confidence with her… along with a pair of reading glasses, bad feet and a stray chin hair.
Professional
I am the “Digital Diva” for the United Way for Southeastern Michigan. I have a real title, but it’s not nearly as fun. I design and manage the organization’s web presence – websites, social media, email campaigns and online marketing. In essence, I am paid to play on the internet.
I also helped design the organization’s original Diversity Council, employee recognition program, core values, performance management system and Alternative Spring Break program. Nonprofit-life suits me well because limited staff and limited resources require that most employees wear many different hats - and I have a hard time choosing just one hat.
To that end, I spent 18 years pursuing an undergrad degree. I studied journalism, graphic design, criminal justice, psychology, social work, human resource management and, finally, ended up with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management. For the record, I was good at all of it – but I am still discovering what I want to be “when I grow up.”
Personal
I am married to Bryan, who is all about winning and driving the shortest distance possible. Probably because he spends his days (and nights and weekends and holidays) driving a train. He is the bird whisperer, a NFL fanatic and a born front man – singing in a never-ending string of local rock and metal bands. I fell in love with him the first time I ever saw him on stage. He claims he fell in love with me the day he saw me dancing in a seven foot, fur-covered, mascot outfit in 100 degree weather at the Dream Cruise with a bunch of little kids. Do with that what you will…
We live in a 100+ year old home in a suburb of Detroit with Cain, the Olde English Bulldogge; Petey, a sweet little Sun Conure; Rosie, a rather spiteful African Grey; and a mischevious house ghost named Carol. Rounding out our family is Bryan’s teenage daughter, Aleah, who is often referred to here as theGirl. She’s the exact opposite of most teenage girls which means she’s calm and I enjoy spending time with her. She lives nearby with her mother.
This blog
This blog started in 1999 over on Diaryland. I used it, mostly, as a place to vent because in 1999 I was much too nice (read: chicken) to vent out loud. The pinnacle of my Diaryland days was a 2001 post in which I labeled my then CEO’s secretary a trained monkey and, for good measure, added a picture of my thong-clad ass in the same entry. Shortly thereafter my position was eliminated at said company and, I suspect, it wasn’t exactly coincidence.
If only I had been one of those people with strategic vision, you wouldn’t be dooced, you’d be ursed. And I would be a whole lot richer.
In 2006 I graduated from an “online diary” to this blog, though it’s still read like a diary for past four years. I’ve archived the pre-2006 posts and some of the more incriminating post-2006 posts. If I was smart I’d probably archive it all and start anew, but I’m just too lazy to filter through the last four years. My intention is to now use this blog as a space to capture the fun of turning 40 and the renewed confidence that comes along with finally discovering and using one’s natural born talents to do good.
The disclaimer
The views expressed here are personal views and should not be construed as official positions of United Way. To catch me being the United Way Digital Diva, mosey on over to www.iLiveUnited.org.
Hello! Found your blog through the fabulous Cecily’s. I am so sorry to hear about your friend and her husband. It’s just–terrifying. I’ll be praying for strength and calm for her.
Turns out you live, well, somewhere in my neck of the woods. Have you checked out the bookstore by Eph McNally’s? My daughter and I love it there. I used to live in that neigborhood and miss it!
I just want to let you know that I had a nice time reading about you..I started to laugh by myself. By the way, I just started my blog and that’s the reason I end up reading yours.. ursamajor was the adress I wanted for mine..I love that constelation!