I'm Speaking at BlogWell!

Come and join me in Atlanta for the BlogWell social media conference! I'll be sharing insights about creating and embracing a social media culture. Additionally, I'll be speaking about how to leverage the power of social media to build brands.

BlogWell: How Big Brands Use Social Media11/10/09, Atlanta @ Newell
Rubbermaidhttp://www.gaspedal.com/blogwell

Here's a link to my presentation: http://ow.ly/16vbE7

ConAgra Foods, Coca-Cola, UPS, SunGard, Orange Business Services, Turner Broadcasting System, Newell Rubbermaid, and The Home Depot share case studies in corporate social media. You'll learn how to get started, get past roadblocks, and make your social media program phenomenal -- in one afternoon, for just $250.

Get practical, how-to advice on creating great content, getting management buy-in, educating employees, keeping lawyers and regulators happy, simple and ethical disclosure, and engaging fans. You'll ask questions, discover new ideas, and get answers from people who have been there, done that -- all in four hours.

Presented by GasPedal and the Social Media Business Council.

Reflections

I can't believe how fast the past twelve weeks have gone. Cliche? Yes, but so true.

It is nearing 10 PM the night before returning to work after maternity leave. I'm left reflecting on everything that has taken place over the past weeks. A mosaic of memories, emotions and events that will forever change my life. I will cherish all of them always. For both the ups and downs have made this one of the very best, and most special times of my life.

Reflections...

- Surprise, scared, stressed about having my lil lady so early

- Yearning to hold her and having to wait - but, sooo worth the wait and a moment that I'll never forget

- Joyful that she was healthy and strong, though so small. Perfect little feet, hands, face. So sweet and lovely. Joy of latching on, advancing from each NICU room - another step closer to the door

- Sad to not have her visit my hospital room. Waking every day with anticipation of seeing my beautiful little miracle

- Sad and strange to leave without my baby; empty car seat

- Nervous about how long she would have to stay in the NICU. Making NICU my home, not to miss a minute with my little girl. Wanting her to know that she is loved, absorbing the strength from her mommy's arms. Relieved that she came home in less than two weeks

- Coming home!! The exultation!! A joyous day full of blessings

- Family and friends - and all of their outreach and generosity

- Cuddling at home! Just being home a joy. No commutes to see my lil peanut

- Sleeper smiles, squeaks, groans, grunts and all of the sweet little sounds from my expressive little lady. So much to say, right from the start. Telling us everything in her own way

- How proud I've been of my lil man. What a sweet, loving and caring big brother. Wanting her to reach out to him. Giving kisses and wanting to help. Hearing him say, "my baby"

- Learning what each sound means, playing, singing, talking, cuddling, laughing together

- Amazed at how she has grown - from 3 lb. 15 oz. to 9 lb. 12 oz . (with clothes on)

- Sleepless nights, gallons of caffeine - a warm welcome from my old friend the Chai Tea latte

- Recent emergence of cooing and smiles - moments you live for

- Being home to welcome lil man when he got home. Giving kisses and hugs

- Staking a permanent claim on the couch with lil lady

- Rush of emotions two weeks before

- Sadness, nervousness, anticipation about heading back

- Contentment upon looking back upon the time, grateful for the time, the memories and my little girl

- Love - for life, family, friends and moments to come

- Peace - ready to step back into reality

Favorite Quotes of the Week

"Belly buttons turn into babies." - Three-year-old wisdom

"Parenting is a constant jedi mind trick." - Dad