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So, about owning that name space.

August 29, 2008 by Katie

When I do a Google search for “katie shedd” (as I do quite regularly…yes, I’m just that arrogant), my blog pretty much owns the space. My LinkedIn profile shows up. So does my Naymz profile (that I never update). There are a few rogue Facebook profiles. But, I pretty much own the phrase.

This is great, except, my last post is appearing in the number two spot on Google. And when it comes to self-branding, I don’t want to be known as the one who always talks about being naked. Oops. There I go again. Stop saying that word!

Anyway, I quickly had to produce a post. So I thought I’d discuss why I wrote what I wrote without saying the “n” word.

Basically, I wanted to conduct a little experiment. Headlines are important. In the blog-world, if you say something shocking enough, people are interested. We just can’t help ourselves. And yes, it helped that I used and tagged the word, “n”. David Hassolhoff was just icing on the cake.

It was a cheap trick, but my stats were glorious. Sorry, Mom, if I offended you.

My next post, which really is intended to be about landscaping, is going to require a lot more creativity because I know what you’re thinking…

Landscaping, that’s neat, really neat.

Up next...landscaping

Up next...landscaping

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Did you just picture me naked?

August 27, 2008 by Katie

So, I’ve been thinking lately that I need to come up with more engaging content for my blog. Maybe something a little more edgy. Thus the title. They say that in order to capture your audience you should ask a question. You’re still reading, so it must have worked. It’s also been recommended that one pair a compelling image with a story. (pause) Never mind.

Anyway, back to point. I was looking at my blog stats and it seems my most popular blog post was my “Lessons in Humility” post. Perhaps I need to fall down more often.

Sadly, my most searched for post is “Men in Dresses“. I’ll let you figure that one out.

I could always start a series on the 101 reasons why David Hasselhoff needs to simply fade quietly into the night…

David Hasselhoff forgot his clothes

David apparently forgot his clothes




















You’re right, I don’t need to do a whole series when there are pictures like that floating around the Web…when was posing with dogs, naked EVER a good idea? Ridiculous. But, hey, at least now you don’t have to picture anyone naked.

This post is going down hill quickly.

Anyway, if you have any suggestions on what you’d like me to write about, let me know. If you don’t feel like participating that’s fine. David Hasselhoff isn’t the only washed up Hollywood actor who has “compelling” pictures on the Web.

Just kidding.

Up Next: Katie’s Adventures in Landscaping.

Posted in Personal | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments »

How to Close a Deal…Oh Wait.

August 25, 2008 by Katie

I had the greatest conference call on Wednesday. What’s so great about a conference call, you ask? Well…

We were not more than thirty seconds into the call before the guy started pitching his consultative services. To make matters worse, he refused to answer most of our questions. He said that SEO was simple and that he understood Google. I thought that was a bold statement. He was all about driving traffic with no regard for quality. He even called inbound link strategy death on a stick. But that wasn’t the icing. No, that came at the end of the call.

When asked about his knowledge of our industry, he openly admitted that he hated our profession. I’m not joking. He laughed to himself and then suggested we participate in a “fun exercise.” He asked us to pull up Google and to type in the name of a specific business (possibly a competitor). So, we typed in their name. What did we find? In the fourth spot was this gentleman’s blog. On his blog he ripped into this business telling others to seek services elsewhere. After he had shown us his “victory,” he laughed and said that he had warned them two weeks before. I wanted so badly to ask, “ok, but what happens to us when we make you mad?”

WOW!

…can anyone say loss prevention?

Posted in On the Job | Tagged , , | Leave a Comment »

For Sale, For Sale, For Sale!

August 6, 2008 by Katie

2007 Saturn Vue For Sale



2007 Saturn Vue

2007 Saturn Vue

Indianapolis area – The 2007 Vue has barely been used. It belonged to my grandfather, who passed away earlier this past month.

Only has 6,900 miles. Perfect condition. Has an AUX plug-in for those of you who own iPhones.

Great car for the money and great gas mileage. Up to 27 highway miles per gallon. Serviced at Saturn of Fishers. Call Brad at 317-710-5584

Click Here For Details!

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Thoughts on Brevity

August 3, 2008 by Katie

Original Date – July 24

HGTV is my failsafe. If nothing good is on TV, I turn to the home and garden channel. Well, sometimes I don’t even surf the stations…but that’s not important. For those that don’t know what HGTV is, the station plays a lot of home improvement/design shows.

Last night I was watching House Hunters – neither a home improvement or design show, I know. This is a show that allows viewers to observe the house hunting trips of those looking to buy a home. We see three homes and then the buyer decides which one they prefer. At the end of the show, the camera crew returns to the buyers home months after the purchase to show the changes the buyer has made to the home since the purchase.

As I watched last night I came to probably the same realization that many of you had as you read that last paragraph. Why. Why would you watch that show? Why do you care what homes they buy? Why does it matter?

The reality is it doesn’t matter. Nothing really matters…

As many of you know, this past month my grandpa (Papa Hayes) passed away. He was 85 years of age. On July 1, he lost his battle with congestive heart failure. When I received the news, I had just left church. It was a Tuesday night. I sat in my car, listened to my mom speak over the phone and felt the tears run down my face.

I was sad.

It’s that realization that anything unsaid will remain that way. Forever. Did I tell him that I loved him enough? Did I visit enough? Did he know how much he meant to me?

The viewing was on Friday and the service was on Saturday. I was honored to meet so many of Papa’s former players, students and friends. I was proud to be his granddaughter. I was happy to celebrate his life with others. You can touch a lot of people in 85 years.

The military burial was beautiful. The sound of “Taps” made me cry, but I was at peace.

Mom and I returned home late Sunday night. By Monday, I was exhausted, but ready to get back to work. I seemed to be getting back into the swing of things when it happened. Friday morning, July 18, my cell phone began to ring off the hook. At first, I didn’t answer because I had a lot to do. But, after several calls from different people I became concerned.

Sarah called again and I answered. I heard her crying, unable to speak. She managed to get one word out, “Chiv.” And I knew. Our roommate/teammate/friend was gone.

Suddenly, work didn’t matter. Where I ate lunch, didn’t matter. Meaningless.

Carrie (Chivington) Roeth, a life-long athlete, had been diagnosed with cancer just three short years ago. And on July 18, three days before her 27th birthday, she lost her battle.

Why?

There is no answer. I don’t understand why God would allow someone so full of life to be taken so early. I don’t understand why Justin will have to raise their three-year-old little boy without his wife. It doesn’t seem fair.

I am confused. I am sad. And I am humbled. I am humbled by the brevity of life. Death is a reminder of everyone’s destiny. We are not guaranteed any certain number of days on this earth. How we spend our time matters. Perhaps HGTV isn’t the best use of my time.

Who shall go up into the mountain of the Lord? Or who shall stand in His Holy Place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted himself up to falsehood or to what is false, nor sworn deceitfully. – Psalm 24:3-4

Posted in Personal, Religion | Leave a Comment »

Inspired by $4.29/gallon

June 30, 2008 by Katie

I was recently exploring the Web 2.0 directory when I discovered a budgeting site that I thought might be of good use, especially in light of the insane gas prices.

No, the website won’t pay for your gas, or even discount your gas.  But, it will help you figure out just how much you’re spending on gas (and everything else).  It’s called Budget Pulse. 

The site describes itself as a “simple application to track finances and payment obligations.”

The application is, in fact, quite simple to use.  They use big icons and keep the navigation fairly simple.  The dashboard is easy to digest, as well.  It shows me my upcoming expenses (not so digestable, I know), plus it identifies how I’m doing with regard to my overall budget.  My account balances are always displayed on the left hand side of the page, below the secondary navigation.

But, the layout isn’t the only thing worth mentioning.  The site also allows you to import and/or export your data via Excel or CSV (very convenient).  Plus, you can look at a monthly calendar with all of your data on it, which makes for a nice top-level view of things.  The site also includes news from the major search engines if you’re into browsing financial related stuff.

There are still plenty of features I haven’t yet explored.  For example, it looks like I can invite others to Budget Pulse.  But, I don’t believe there is any social aspect to it.  At least I hope there’s not.  As much as I love my online friends, they don’t need to know my account balances.

Also, one reviewer of Budget Pulse was quoted as saying he liked the RSS option.  Now, perhaps I’m blind, but I can’t seem to find that option.  This would be a great feature, if added.  I could be notified about my upcoming expenses, or if my account balance was dangerously low.

But, even without the notifications, I still like the site.  I recommend you check it out.  You may be surprised to find out just where your dollars are going (not just to Exxon).

 

 

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Exploiting Fear

June 10, 2008 by Katie

You know, I was watching TV the other day and an ad came on that totally disappointed me. I understand that It’s not anything new to see commercials that play to the fears of its audience. For years, the insurance industry has fed worst-case scenarios to the masses. The pharmaceutical industry has taken advantage of the elderly. The diet industry fibs to fat people. This type of advertising is effective. I get it.

But, it doesn’t make it right.

And, I’m not the only one that thinks this way. Today, I read an article that said essentially the same thing. It also discussed the negative effects this type of advertising can have on a brand. Interesting stuff. Plus, it included the lovely video I’ve posted below.

So in efforts to fight the unethical world of advertising…



Posted in On the Job, Personal | Tagged , | Leave a Comment »

Memorial Day Madness

May 28, 2008 by Katie

So, I’ve made a discovery. It’s likely to become an obsession. And it was all prompted this past Memorial Day weekend.

This past weekend I went up to visit my sister. Whenever I visit my sister I can count on two things happening. Number one, I’ll have plenty of cereal choices in the morning. And number two, I’ll be reminded that my body is NOT in the shape that it once was.

This last trip did not disappoint. We walked, we jogged, we sprinted, we played basketball, we played tennis. And, I ate crunchy cheerios for breakfast. By the time the weekend was over, I was sore and bloated.

But, all that soreness sparked motivation from deep within (well, that may just be my little muscles cramping). I’ve decided that I need to get back in shape.

But, I need help. Accountability is critical to the process. So, I decided to look to the Internet for help. After all, it is filled with social networks of people who are willing to hold each other accountable. My discovery was gyminee.com.

The website is pretty cool. You can find workout programs or create your own. You can log nutrition intake for the day (it also has recipes and meal planning). You can weigh in and track goals. You can have buddies. And that’s just scratching the surface.

Right now, I’m earning a “B” in exercise. I’ve exercised four times this week (but, I set up some very unrealistic goals for myself). And, I have an “F” in nutrition. Apparently, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches at lunch are not the ideal way to loose weight.

Have I convinced you to join? If you do, let me know and we’ll become GymBuddies. I don’t really know what that means yet…cause I don’t have any GymBuddies. But, I’m told GymBuddies help members stay motivated. Buddies can view exercise and nutrition progress, post in your journal and/or send private motivational messages.

How great is that??

Posted in Personal | Tagged , , | 4 Comments »

Yes, I was a tomboy.

May 17, 2008 by Katie

So, I was watching 30 Rock a couple weeks ago and I was reminded of my childhood. One of the characters had a toy car in her mouth. She pulled it out, looked at it and stuck it back in. No, I didn’t used to eat toy cars. Yes, it was a very strange scene, but that’s not the point.

It reminded me of some of my favorite toys growing up. I think it was Hot Wheels that had the cars that changed colors in warm or cold water.

I was also reminded of the toy cars that came in the Honeycomb cereal box. Whenever we would go to the store and get new cereal, that next morning was a race to breakfast between my brother, sister and myself. I used to get so mad at Sarah because she could sleep until 2PM if Mom would let her and yet, if there was a toy in the cereal box to be claimed, she would be up before the sun.

I also got to thinking about other toys that I loved growing up. In doing so, I was reminded that yes, I was a tomboy. For example, for Christmas or birthdays it was a pretty safe bet that I would be receiving some sort of sports-related item.

I was also obsessed with NFL Starting Lineups. When I was in third grade I had a double hernia operation. I remember my sister giving me an Ickey Woods starting lineup as a get well present. And yes, I still know the “Ickey Shuffle.”

The first Christmas that we (as in us kids) bought Christmas gifts for each other, Sarah bought me a turbo football (and a very lovely watch that had changeable colored rings).

I had some other key indicators that I was a tomboy. I was against brushing my hair, for example. I also hated wearing tights.

Thankfully, I’m no longer anti-hair brushing. But, I still have an obsession with the NFL. I love my fantasy football. I also still participate in my fair share of sports. But don’t worry Mom, I try to find balance by painting my nails and wearing lots of pink.

Posted in Personal | Tagged , | 2 Comments »

Men in Dresses

May 1, 2008 by Katie

It’s not everyday that I have men willing to pay me to wear women’s clothing.

That’s right. Last Saturday, hundreds of men (well, 80 to be exact) eagerly adorned themselves with some of the most hideous ladies’ apparel I’ve ever seen. And liked it. Why?

Well…I’ll tell you…

I volunteered at a fund raising event to raise money for breast cancer research at Shawnee Golf Course. It was a golf scramble, followed by a raffle and then an auction during dinner. For the scramble, I, along with two other friends, was comfortably seated at the 4th tee.

As groups played the hole, we would request their participation in our raffle. All they had to do was pay us $5.00 and they would have their name entered into a drawing for a set of Maxfli irons that had been generously donated. Oh and they had to dress up like women and get their picture taken. But, they would also get to hit from the ladies’ tee.

Before we began, I didn’t really know what to expect. The first group of four refused to dress up. Only two guys from the second group dressed up. And while the two in dresses tee’d off from the ladies tee, the two other men yelled highly inappropriate things (like va-j-j) at them. I was completely offended and was beginning to dread the rest of the day.

The next group was a young group of guys who turned out to be more than eager to throw on a frock or two, feather boas and Kentucky Derby hats of the 1950s. They posed for their picture, hit from the ladies’ tee and were on their way.

From that point on, the majority of groups participated. It may have helped that the later it got in the day, also meant more beer had been consumed.

I’ve got to say, it was really fun to see how men reacted/behaved when dressed in pink or leopard print. As you can imagine, some were crass, others were a bit rude and some were just plain funny.

One gentleman looked at me after using my shoulder to balance his weight in order to pull up his mini-skirt over his jeans and said, “my balls are showing.” And yes, as it turned out, you could see both of the golf balls he had in his pocket, underneath his mini-skirt. At least he had immediate remorse and apologized for his joke. He would fall under the “crass” category.

Other guys hit on each other. Some even asked if they could keep the dress.

All in all, it was pretty entertaining. Five hours of men paying me to humiliate themselves just can’t be beat. Our raffle ended up raising $400.00. I’m not sure what the entire event brought in, but no matter what, I would consider it a success.

Posted in Personal | Tagged , , | 2 Comments »

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