Life/Leisure

Shoulda Coulda Woulda | WIRL Project

Should Coulda Woulda

“Dr. Mort, report to emergency. Dr. Mort, report to emergency STAT.” The operator’s nasal voice roared in my head as the odor of disinfectants crawled up my nostrils. It was suffocating. The “Bing” of the elevator was a welcome relief from the chaos in the hall and in my mind. One by one, floor by floor, they crammed me further into to the back. An intern with huge, dark circles under his eyes, pl...

Read More »
Not Just Shoes | WIRL Project

They Aren’t JUST Shoes

A pair of shoes can change the world. Some in different ways. Running shoes can win gold. Sandals can transport memories from a favorite destination. Boots can bring out the sass in anyone. Heels can help kick someone’s ass when the guy at the bar just wont leave you alone. But maybe there is a deeper meaning for what shoes we decide to wear. When I wear heels I feel beautiful. Matched with ...

Read More »
I See My Father In My Son | WIRL Project

I See My Father in My Son

I see my father in my toddler son when he looks at me – they share those same gorgeous blue eyes that can cut glass or melt your heart. Their eyes are filled with love and challenge; the kind of love that only a parent and child can understand. The kind of love that can endure temper tantrums, heal boo-boos, and teach you significant life lessons. Their blue eyes change colors with their temperame...

Read More »
BlogU: A Wealth of Technical Knowledge and New Friends

BlogU: A Wealth of Technical Knowledge and New Friends

First, congratulations to the BlogU15 staff and organizers, nicely done. My husband and I are frequent conference attendees and have had the privilege of working behind the scenes at conferences, there are a thousand moving parts and never any down time for the organizers. Everyone was so kind and generous with questions and responsive to making the conference experience enjoyable. I hope everyone...

Read More »
BlogU Baltimore Uncustomary | WIRL Project

BlogU in Baltimore

As a blogger, I’m constantly looking for ways to improve my corner of the internet. I do as much research as I can online, but I’m a much better learner in a teacher-student scenario. I’ve paid lots of money to attend blogging workshops and branding seminars, as well as purchasing plenty of one-on-one consultation services. I’ve learned something from each of these, for sure, but I really had no i...

Read More »
Stop Apologizing for Being Me |WIRL project

I Stopped Apologizing For Being Me

I have struggled with other people’s assumptions my entire life. I remember being in the principal’s office at the public school we were zoned for when we lived in the country, and her leaning in and asking me “Are you an only child?” I was in her office because a boy had run up to me and grabbed me between my legs when our Spanish teacher was out of the room. I was so embarrassed — it had been a ...

Read More »
BlogU15 | WIRL Project

BlogU Taught Me About Blogging and Powdered Alcohol

This past weekend was one that I had basically been counting down to since it was over last year, Blog U was finally here. This time was made even better by the fact that one of my real life besties was joining me this go round. Nicole and I headed up on Thursday and made it despite the dreary and seemingly never ending rain that fell from Durham all the way to Baltimore. We relaxed a little bit b...

Read More »
Flight | WIRL Project

Why Flying Home From BlogU Nearly Killed Me

Every year I try to attend at least one conference where I will hone my skill of writing, and network with others in the same genre. This year I attended an amazing conference called BlogU – short for University. It is held on the beautiful campus of the all girls college Notre Dame University in Baltimore, Maryland. The panels were made up ‘faculty’ who are all successful in their own areas, and ...

Read More »
Middle School Blog U | WIRL Project

BlogU: Middle Age Middle School

I had the weirdest dream: I’m sharing a couch in a hotel bar with “I Just Want to Pee Alone” NYT Bestselling Author, Jen Mann. Our conversation meanders from our mutual admiration for Hugh Howey to me giving her shit about the fact that her rental car has manual roll-down windows. We then somehow make the connection that I was in the PTA with a book blogger that she follows. The next thing I know,...

Read More »
I Found Myself at BlogU | WIRL Project

BlogU Taught Me About Myself

I’m sure that many others will blog about the amazingness that was Blog U 2015 this past weekend. Blog U was a great conference which packed about a month of information into 48 hours. I got excellent information which will improve TND, help us expand our reach, AND help us chart the next step beyond. I highly recommend it for any blogger looking to up their game. But I’m not going to talk about a...

Read More »