So I’m on a much needed vacation in Amsterdam.  Is there really a better place on earth to get away from it all? NOPE  I just woke up one day a few weeks ago and decided I needed time away.  Away from work and away from the family to a place where I could clear my head and step back for a moment to look at the big picture.

I honestly couldn’t think of a better time of the year to collect myself.  Getting the chance to carefully look over the entire year just before I leap into ‘09 with both feet.  So after a fun filled week of sight-seeing, boat tours through the canals, a fun trip to the redlight district (details omitted), lots of amazing food and time spent with friends, I’m chilling in my hotel thinking over my year.  Where I’ve been, what goals I’ve completed /not completed, and where I see myself next year.  I will say it’s been a hell of a year.  And if anyone told me I’d have worked with some stellar clients over at The Advance Guard, I would have called them crazy.  It’s all gone by so fast and I just keep the balls running to the next and next and I think now taking a minute to stop and breath I’m honestly impressed with what I’ve managed to complete this year, both professionally and personally.

So looking towards 2009 I’ve written a list of last years achievments and next years goals.  I’m thankful for all the amazing people I cross paths with everyday, and toast you all for a prosperous 2009.

…flickr pics should be up soon. 

Teddy is reminiscent of that talking bear back in the 80’s that I always wanted but could never convince my parents to buy me.  So I’ll admit I’ve had a soft spot for him/her (we’re still not quite sure) since the start.

After a geek style transformation by the My Home 2.0 Gurus Alison and Lloyd, Teddy sits on his perch and tweets those he follows.  Cool huh.  ;)

Follow Teddy’s story http://2pointhome.com/teddy

The best part though.  He’s up for auction with all the proceeds going to the Homeless Children’s Education Fund.

It seems when things get busy the first thing that gets put on hold is me.  Taking time to: enjoy family & friends, get outside, post on my blog (obviously), read my stack of ‘waiting’ books, going to the gym, etc. etc.   

In my urge to rejuvenate and reorganize I find myself making list or even just jotting lists in my head.  When in fact doing something off that list rather then always writing it down may in fact be more productive.    

So yes.  I’m here.  Busy busy working - still loving it as much (if not more) then ever.   

On a sad note - my puppy broke her foot after jumping off the bed and landing on her bone. She’s still stinkin’ cute with her paw wrapped up in a cast, and 3-wheeling it around the house.   

Grab this widget.

Trivya Slam, battle of the facebook networks, has been so much fun. Check out the stats! College Rumble, competition of the top 8 network, starts April 1st.

Go Boston!

No I’m not going…..but for all my friends out there that are be sure to catch CC Chapman while you’re in Austin and check what he’s up to. It’s not often you get to call him a newbie, so suck it up while you can.

CC and mdialog, client of The Advance Guard, are capturing the SXSW experience from the prospective of the first timer, aka newbie. Have any advice you’d care to share? Want to post video of your experience? Sign up for mdialog, grab the mloader, and e-mail CC for access to the channel.

Have fun for me too! I’ll be watching to see what yall are up to.

So….always remember ‘Yes We Can’

Amazing and some what disappointing at the same time. The event started at 9pm, so I eagerly took my seat at 8:30 (Oprah refers to it as her classroom, and the login button says ‘take a seat’). Prerequisites for today’s class: print out the new earth companion guide/workbook and download the move media player.

All was well for the first 15min before problems with the video connection began. But the majority of parts I did see were AMAZING!

The opening Post-it commercial did give me a little chuckle. After an inspiring 30 mins of preview material and introduction to the book, a poorly placed post-it ad wasn’t exactly what I was expecting.

I’ve said before with my post regarding Oprah’s youtube channel, that I didn’t feel she quite got social media. Oprah’s all over the place, who knew she had an xm radio show. Maybe social media just isn’t her spot? Well….she (or her people) are starting to figure it out, and I applaud her willingness to try.

With the help of skype, which is now going to be a household name, she conferenced in live questions from people watching the class and as the picture above shows a literal class gathered in an IL Borders. The only element missing, although completely out of the question with this size audience, was live chat.

So there is a good question. How on earth do you prepare for the largest online webinar/conference/class audience in the history of the net?

You can’t. But now that you know what to expect, let’s hope things run more smoothly next time. I sure it’s not my Oprah’s fault (or her people) that things were rough for us viewers, who are these move media folks?

Tonight’s session will be available for download tomorrow at oprah.com. 9 more sessions to go, I’ll post more after next weeks session.

Now interestingly enough I came across a poll on geeksugar entitled Will You Put Up With Commercials For Free TV? Basically a free video on demand service where you can’t fast forward through the commercials. Shockingly 58% said Yes.

I’m interested to see where this goes. Is lovebites the commercial of the future? Will the advertising structure change, offering up more free content? Or a mix of both?

Thank you Tivo for continuing to stir the pot.