A Little Kindness Goes a Long Way

I am a self-proclaimed emotional sap. I've mentioned that in my blog before, and I'm sure I'll mention it many more times. I get choked up when I watch the news and see how the Red Wings took the Stanley Cup to Children's Hospital to visit with those poor little kids...and how a 90-year-old man who is finally getting his high school diploma is being honored.

I don't think people realize it, but expressing gratitude and taking the time to display random acts of kindness can make or break a person. We're all stressed...we all work too much, vacation too little and don't spend enough time with friends and family. We don't know how to take a minute to just sit back and relax (c'mon people, I know I'm not the only one feeling this way!). Life zips by you at 80 mph speeds. One day it's 15 degrees in January, the next day it's 95 degrees in the middle of June. So when someone goes out of their way to make me feel appreciated, or I witness this happening to someone I know, it makes my day...heck it probably makes my week! That's how much I appreciate knowing that I'm not taken for granted, and the way I live my life and the things I do for other people and my job/clients does not go unnoticed.

Two very spontaneous and random acts of kindness affected me and L-Pan (only four more days until it's officially L-Weber!) in the past week at work, and I can't express how much of an impact it made on the both of us. Of course we know we are appreciated. I would never work in a setting where I felt I was taken for granted. But according to The 5 Love Languages, I am Words of Affirmation...meaning I need to hear things to truly believe them. This may be my quote unquote love language, but I think it applies to all facets of my daily life. Deep down I may know that I do a good job at something or that I'm appreciated, but it won't really sink in until someone affirms it. I could be criticized for this, but hey I am what I am. So needless to say, the spontaneous expression of appreciation meant more to me than the tangible gift itself.

Being kind to others and caring more about someone than I do about myself makes me who I am. My best friend of 19 years lost her best friend and grandfather this past week. It broke my heart to see her in so much pain, and although I was looking forward to nothing other than dressing in 80's gear (check out the Facebook photos!) and celebrating Lauren's last weekend as a single woman, I took time out of my bachelorette celebration weekend and stood by my friend's side as she buried her grandpa. She told me how much it meant to her, and I appreciate that through her suffering she still expressed gratitude. So even though I balled my eyes out, I was happy to know that my presence alone brought her comfort.

Random acts of kindness and expressing gratitude for others can cure so much. There's even an Acts of Kindness Foundation! I know how much I appreciate the "little things" in life. Because it's really the little things that matter most after all...at least I like to think so.

Who Needs Sleep When There are Events!

Going to events makes me happy. I like being social and I like meeting new people (we deem this "networking" in the PR world). So even though I have little time to myself and people **cough MAL** ask me why I go to events after work, I get more enjoyment from those events then going home and plopping in front of the TV (after all, Grey's Anatomy, Desperate Housewives and American Idol are over..what's left to watch?!) So here are two upcoming events I'm quite excited about.

First off (and thanks to L-Pan's graciousness for giving me the last ticket!), I'll be going to the kick-off soirée next Tuesday evening, June 3, for Chocolate: The Exhibition at The Henry Ford. Museum visitors are asked to "immerse yourself in the story of chocolate." OK, who seriously doesn't love chocolate - or at least have a craving for it every so often? This exhibit is sure to be successful due to its uniqueness and the pure curiosity it will pull out of people who have no idea what the history of chocolate is all about (such as myself). Presented by none other than Panera Bread, the exhibit runs May 31 - September 7. The exhibit is free with general admission to THF. What better excuse to indulge in a bit 'o chocolate coupled with the perfect dose of history to compliment the tasty treats. I'm sold.

The next event I'm quite stoked for is the Metromix Detroit launch party June 5 at the Fillmore. I do heart Metromix and BJ the editor for hooking me up with the Date Night Adventure (MAL and I had a BLAST, check out the photos here.) Metromix Detroit credits itself as "your new daily ritual -- a buffer from the mundane and a guide to the utopia of post-work release." Love the word selection! I'm looking forward to the complimentary drinks, tapas and red carpet photo opps...and hopefully meeting new, fun people.

Did I mention I'm in L-Pan's wedding in two weeks and have another handful of events to attend with the bridal party between now and June 14 (including an 80s-themed bachelorette party in Canada, and no I'm not joking). And exhaustion takes me over...:)

A Triple Dose of Inspiration

"Life is not about you -- it's about what you can do for someone else."
- Johnnie Bass, program director at The Salvation Army of Washtenaw County's Staples Family Center

I had an extremely long and busy week, but what made it meaningful is that I attended three events that were both extremely motivational and inspirational. Now, I'll be the first to admit that I'm an empathetic sap and it doesn't take much to put a lump in my throat! But, the events I attended confirmed the old cliche that love really does make the world go 'round.

My first inspiring event of the week was the Washtenaw Community College Foundation Women's Council luncheon in Ann Arbor. The annual luncheon honors three local "unsung heroes" who quietly add to their community with a "can do" attitude, hard work, creativity and intelligence. Two of the women honored this year, Johnnie Bass and Ginny Johansen, have put forth much time and energy throughout the years to serve The Salvation Army of Washtenaw County. Johnnie has spent the past 12 years of her life helping women and their families who have encountered difficult situations get back on their feet as program director at the Staples Family Center, a 90-day homeless shelter operated by TSA-WC. Ginny spent years on the advisory board of TSA-WC and has dedicated her life to providing education and help to those who need it most. These two women were so humbled and gracious for these awards. They do what they do because they are truly passionate about serving those in need, so listening to their words as they accepted their "unsung hero" awards definitely brought a majority of the audience to tears. It was great to witness a community come together to honor and celebrate the selflessness and hard work of these women, and I was proud to be there on behalf of TSA-WC to celebrate with them.

Event number two -- the Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey circus presents Bellobration. Yes I know, it's the circus..and how the heck can the circus be inspiring? Let me explain. L-Pan and I had the opportunity to travel to Columbus and see the Bellobration circus event (work-related, not purely for our personal enjoyment!) After the show, we got to chat it up with some of the performers in the show. Lauren and I sat with Tina and Brian Miser, the human cannonballs who literally end the show with a bang when they shoot out of a ginormous cannon. What I found to be most inspiring about them is that they are raising their four-year-old daughter Skylar at the same time as they are performing 50 weeks out of every year in the circus. The best part is that they absolutely love it. Most people would find it really difficult, and even somewhat strange, to want to raise children while touring with a circus. But Tina and Brian are no different than any other family. In fact, they have the privilege of spending more time with their daughter than many parents who work 40 plus hours a week. It was amazing to listen to this couple share their life story with us and show us just how normal and genuinely happy a circus family can be.

Final inspiring event of the week -- Forgotten Harvest Comedy Night. The mission of Forgotten Harvest is to relieve hunger in the Detroit metropolitan community by rescuing prepared and perishable food and donating it to emergency food providers. Check out this link for some staggering statistics about hunger in our area. Panera Bread donated more than $56,000 to Forgotten Harvest this past year (as well as a ton of leftover goods) and was also a presenting sponsor of Comedy Night, so I got to sit front and center at the event. There was a silent auction during the event, and if my memory is correct, I believe the auctioneer stated that 95 cents of every dollar donated during the auction would help provide meals to hungry people in our community. I couldn't believe how many people did not hesitate to bid and overbid on items! There was also a portion where the auctioneer invited people to join him on stage and simply donate different levels of money. After 10 minutes, the stage was full. All of those big-hearted people who donated their dollars will have the satisfaction of knowing that every dollar donated that night will provide six meals to our hungry neighbors. Now while my bank account and salary didn't quite allow me to contribute the type of money being donated last night, the graciousness of the audience inspired me.

I've said this before and I'll say it again -- I will continue to play my small part of helping those in need (volunteering, helping students/friends with resumes and finding jobs, ringing bells and donating to The Salvation Army's red kettles). And one day when I'm financially stable enough and student loans aren't hanging over my head, I will contribute even more. Things are rough in our community right now, for many reasons. It's a great thing to be able to say you've helped someone in need -- whether through monetary donations or by volunteering your time. Because as Ms. Bass so eloquently stated, life really isn't all about you -- it's about what you can do for someone else.

My Ode to Mother's Day

There's a part of me that lives at the opposite end of the world -- in southern Chile. My whole entire life revolves around Michigan, but a huge piece of my heart resides in that skinny little country on the western side of South America. I made one of the best decisions of my life during my senior year of college and decided to step out of my comfort zone and study abroad in Valdivia, Chile for a semester.

In honor of Mother's Day yesterday, I really felt compelled to share a part of this experience that truly changed my life forever. I unfortunately have not had the joy of celebrating Mother's Day in the past few years with my real mother, but the day did make me think of my Chilean mother and my second family that lives oh so far away. Viviana, Pedro, Sebastian and Robin...they are as much a part of my life and my family as my real dad and brother are. It's days like Mother's Day that I really miss my Chilean family and wish that I could be there to celebrate holidays with them.

There used to be a fifth member of the family -- Don Robinson, the father of the household. Robinson was someone who you couldn't help but to like. He wasn't very outspoken and was really rather shy most of the time. But he would jump through fire if you needed him. And he loved his family and friends more than anything. He took me in and accepted me as part of his family without thinking twice, and in four short months, I had grown to admire and respect him. Then suddenly, abruptly and without any sort of warning, his life was cut short by a heart attack a few months ago. Viviana and the boys were left without a husband and a father. I felt like I had also lost a father. I was heartbroken that I couldn't make it to the funeral (flights to Chile cost about half of my savings!), and my heart still aches when I think about him. I choke back tears now writing this because I still can't comprehend why he was taken away from this world so quickly. Robinson's death is only about the second time in my life that I've had to question God's reasoning for why life plays out the way it does. But he's gone, and life must go on.

Viviana is doing better as each day goes by, and the boys are getting stronger and learning how to function without the solid rock they always depended on. It's amazing to me that it's almost been two years since I first left for my adventure in a "different land." And when I talk to my family, it's like I never left. They still tell me they miss me and love me. They ask when I'm coming back to visit. Pedro wants to know when we are going to carretear (party!)

So while Mother's Day conjured up somber memories of a time when I used to happily celebrate the holiday, it also gave me the chance to reminisce about the mother and family that's patiently awaiting my return to Chile. Sometimes I get so wrapped up in my life here and work that I go weeks without talking to them -- and it kills me when I realize how long it's been since we've exchanged life stories. I'll never forget them -- the way they opened their door and arms for me, the enormous impact they made on my life, the way they sobbed when I left and the way they waved white tissues as my bus pulled away from the city I grew to love. I hope Viviana had a happy Mother's Day, even though it was her first one without her soul mate.

Love really is an amazing thing...especially the kind of love that stretches across two continents.

Birmingham Welcomes Panera Bread

Panera Bread, best known for its artisan breads and scrumptious baked goods, will officially open its first bakery-cafe in downtown Birmingham at 100 Old N. Woodward on Tuesday, May 6 at 5:30 a.m. (check it out on WDIV during the morning!) To celebrate the opening of this new cafe, Panera teamed up with Children's Charities Coalition of Birmingham. Panera will host a benefit night for the coalition on Monday, May 5 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. It's not technically open to the public, but interested passer-bys will not be turned away! Panera will also donate 10 percent of sales to the coalition during the week of May 6-13, so your money will go to a great organization.

So be sure to stop on by the new Birmingham location! Oh, and don't forget to try one of Panera's new breakfast sandwiches! In all honesty (and not because it's my job to do this), the new b. sands (as I like to call them) are far better than any breakfast sandwiches I've tried in the past. And I have been known to love the Egg McMuffin! :)

Detroit Creatives Unite to Share Social Media Tips/Trends

This afternoon, I attended a social media event titled "Cultivating Detroit's Creative Culture Through Social Media" hosted at Cranbrook. Eric Cedo, CEO of Troy-based BrainGain Marketing (company that publishes MiLife MiTimes) and Brian Boyle, the man behind Issue Media Group (company that publishes Web-only magazines like Model D and metromode) were the driving forces of the free event that brought together social media experts and those itching to learn how to utilize social media in their careers.

I feel like I've got a pretty good grasp on the concept of social media, but I was eager to hear what those who live and breathe social media had to share. I gained a TON of great knowledge and could probably rant on for a few pages, but I'll break it down by speaker and bullet out what I found to be most interesting.

Brian Boyle - Issue Media Group

• Media is now more fragmented and it's harder to make an impact
• Compelling content is key
• Job of Issue Media Group pubs is to share remarkable, untold stories about growth/development/creative talent in various regions across Michigan (great pitching opps for PR pros with cool clients!)
  
• Video is emerging content and it needs to be incorporated in marketing plans
• Make a significant investment in getting content/stories out to people en masse
• Read "The Long Tail" by Wired Magazine editor-in-chief Chris Anderson

Nettie Boivin - BrainGain Marketing (need to add that I LOVE this lady!)

• Social media also relies on the PR fundamental of building relationships
• Content is king
• Bloggers will recognize if you're fake, so ALWAYS be authentic
• Use social media news releases to push your content into the blogosphere through sites likes del.icio.us., Digg and reddit
• Use Netvibes to organize RSS feeds
• Research and comment on blogs before pitching them
• Pitch bloggers through Facebook or Twitter
• Ask bloggers how they like to be pitched
• Check out Mashable.com for 350+ social networking sites

Lori Laurent Smith - Organic

• Widgets are portable applications, focused and serve one main purpose (think Superpoke on Facebook!)
• 69 million adults and 15 million teens will use a social network site in 2008
• Desktop widgets give at-a-glance info
• Widgets allow users to customize Web experience
• Can use widgets to leverage upcoming event "hype"
• One time minimal investment, lasts forever

PHEW! My head is spinning just from writing all that! Becoming a savvy social media guru can definitely be a full-time job, but it's a must-learn tool for anyone involved in the communications industry. I absolutely love it, and I love that D-town has young, creative talent like Eric, Brian, Nettie and Lori who care enough to spread the social media love!

And on a sidenote (maybe I'll write a separate post about this once my post-vacation craziness calms down a bit) -- I was away from the D for six days in Arizona. I had an amazing time, but I truly realized how much I've come to love Detroit and Michigan once I was away for awhile. It's like no other place, and regardless of what people who only read the news say/think, it's a budding garden of creative, young talent looking to make a mark on the world!

Metromix Invites You and Your Sweetie on a Dating Adventure

Metro Detroiters now have a new Web site to scope out for all the uber-cool places in our area to dine, have drinks, hear music, etc. As described on this site, Metromix Detroit is your one-stop local entertainment guide on where to go and what to do in Detroit, from the hottest restaurants and bars, to the latest in events, music, movies, style and TV.

If you and your significant other are adventurous and are looking for a good excuse to have a fun night out, then Metromix's Date Night Adventure is for you.

Here's what you have to do to take part in this mini excursion in your city of choice:

• Grab a digital camera
• Hit at least three places -- one must be a restaurant and other choices should be unique and adventurous (not just going to get ice cream).
• Put your writing cap on and put some words to your adventure. No need to be a pro -- just write a fun caption for each photo you take.

Have I interested you yet? If so, send an e-mail to bjhammerstein@metromix.com and give him a rundown of what your ideas are for the night out. BJ seems like a real down-to-earth guy, and because this is a new initiative, he's looking for any and all suggestions. Of course I already sent in my fav joints in D-town, Royal Oak and Ferndale! :)

Rockin' it Out Country Style at Coyote Joe's

So if it wasn't obvious enough from my post about the Downtown Hoedown, I am quite the fan of country music. I've heard about the country bar Coyote Joe's quite a few times, but never actually took the initiative to make the hike to 22 mile and Ryan -- until Friday night.

I must say that I was quite impressed. I would only (and I stress only!) recommend going there to someone who is a country fan. It's about as hick as it gets, and I loved every second of it! Perks about the place include $1 draft pints on Fridays from 8 p.m. - 10 p.m. and Ladies Night on Thursdays (which includes free line dancing and $1 drinks). Not to mention, it's a fabulous place for people watching! A majority of the people there know different line dances, so it's really fun to kick back and watch...and if you're like me, it will motivate you to want to come out on Thursdays for the free line dancing lessons!

I was pretty much in heaven (please note that the Tigers actually WINNING this night contributed to the glory!) -- then the band came on and made the night 10 times better. They're a relatively new group with a super unique name -- Lady Antebellum. They rocked it out like they've been performing at concerts for years and years. Think Sugarland + Little Big Town. The group's debut album actually comes out this week. The single from the album is "Love Don't Live Here Anymore," and I heart it! The trio will be at the Hoedown on Friday, May 9.

To top off the night, as we (me, Sarah and Lyndsey) were walking out of the bar to go home, we just so happened to walk right by the band standing in front of their tour bus taking photos with fans. Lyndsey had already proclaimed her love for the lead singer (Charles Kelley, Josh Kelley's brother and Josh is married to Katherine Heigl) -- who by the way could pretty much be Ryan Gosling's twin. So I marched us right up to them to get a picture. All three of them were beyond nice, and as you can see from the photo above, we are now Lady Antebellum groupies!

All in all, the night was a blast...and I will definitely be back with the girls to learn the line dances and soak up all the glory of being a country music fan!

Amazing Oral Cancer Survivor Touches Lives, Raises Awareness

**Photo courtesy of Katie Rausch, The Flint Journal

There's a favorite quote of mine that says people pass in and out of your life for a reason, and however long or short they stay, they were meant to make an impact. An amazing and spunky 73-year-old woman from Grand Blanc is someone who's been in my life for a short period of time, but has quickly nudged her way into my heart.

Rather than me going into detail on Beverly Dillon's story, I'd prefer you read it from this
Flint Journal article. I've worked with Bev for about a year now to raise awareness of oral cancer on behalf of Delta Dental of Michigan, Ohio and Indiana. Bev willingly offers her time to help spread the word about oral cancer because she's all too familiar with the disease. Reading her story will undoubtedly touch you, but there's nothing like hearing it firsthand from her.

Bev has a bit of a lisp. It's barely detectable, but it's a constant reminder of the pain and suffering she endured. Yet you won't find her being silent. Bev tells her story to anyone who will listen -- and once she starts talking, she immediately draws you in. Her story is so compelling and heartfelt, that you literally feel the pain that enveloped her during the more than 30 doctor and dentist trips it took before the light finally turned on in someone's head and her oral cancer was discovered.

That's the sad part about oral cancer -- it's often discovered in its later stages. Now more than ever, women and younger people are being affected by oral cancer. Oral cancer previously affected men over the age of 40, African Americans, smokers and heavy alcohol drinkers. To put the icing on the cake, now oral cancer is found to be associated with HPV. And still, many people don't know about it. Read this for more information about oral cancer, as well as information about a test that can detect oral cancer while it's still in its early stages.

According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, about 34,000 people will be affected by the disease this year, and approximately 8,000 will die. Today marks the beginning of National Oral Cancer Awareness Week (April 7-13), so now is a perfect time to become a little more familiar with the disease.

I hope I have the opportunity to work with Bev for many years to come. Every time I hear her tell her story, I learn something new. But the one thing she ALWAYS stresses is that in some ways, oral cancer was a blessing because it made her value life more than she ever had. Bev is always on-the-go, whether it's painting at art class, spending time with her grandchildren or meeting friends for breakfast. She's constantly interacting with people and enjoying life -- all the while finding new hearts to touch and new eyes to open. Bev is determined to raise awareness about oral cancer, and if more people like her start working to spread the awareness, then oral cancer will one day become as recognized and understood as breast cancer.

Next stop on the Beverly Dillon train -- Oprah (we hope!)

If I had my pick of one piece of advice that you can take from this post and from Beverly's story, then it would be this: Request an oral cancer exam from your dentist during every dental checkup.

Big Cat Shows Big Love

I am so amazed by this video that I had to stop everything that I'm doing and write a quick post on it.

Here's the story: The woman in the video found a sick, malnourished lion cub in the jungle. She took him home, fed him and raised him until he was too big to keep in the house. She then made arrangements with a zoo in Colombia to take the lion. The video shows the lion's reaction when his caretaker went to visit him at the zoo for the first time.

This video is sure to make you say "holy crap!" first, followed by a long "awwwwww." OK, well at least that's what me and my sidekick L. Pan did when we first watched it. But seriously -- what an amazing example of love and appreciation! Now if only humans were that appreciative all the time...

** Thanks to MAL for sending along. You know the way to my heart! **