the happiness project

recently finished reading gretchen rubin's The Happiness Project. I absolutely loved it. although I am not necessarily looking to do my own happiness project (since I feel like I'm kindof at that level of "I really appreciate things in my life and pinch myself every day at how good I have it" happiness that she was looking for), there's always room for improvement.

the resolutions chart that she created was a great idea, and I hope to use that for my own new years resolutions.

among them: to stop gossiping, cut back on junk food and stay organized through my job search and move at the end of may.

Look what happens...

... when you read the directions.

In my forever love of Google, there have been two Google products I haven't been so hot on: Picasa and Blogger.

In general, the reason why I do love Google so much is because so much of how you use their products is intuitive, at least to me. Yes, I spend time poking around Google labs (too much time), so I know how to optimize it for myself, but I still can pretty much figure it out.

Lately, though, I've been reading more of the getting started guides. They're amazing! They tell you all the features and how to use them, even if they weren't originally clear to you! (Imagine that.) Before, I was somewhat considering trying to migrate over to WordPress from Blogger, but to be honest, now that I know how to use Blogger better, there is really no reason. Plus, I have the added benefit of sticking with my one account, which is by far my favorite Google feature. I even started using Picasa on my computer and posting public albums (visible on my website... 'cause I'm a G like that). Honestly, Picasa makes it so easy to order prints, I might actually start scrapbooking again!

Now I'd like to pause to acknowledge the fact that I have presented myself on the internet as a Google-obsessed, scrapbooking nerd. I embrace it. And anyway, with pictures like these, why wouldn't I scrapbook?

I guess what I've learned is: read the directions... and never give up on Google.

My Pizza is Beautiful

My Pizza is Beautiful - Re-Posted from TopRight's Blog, Corner the Market



Domino’s is at it again! The recently launched “Show Us Your Pizza” crowdsourcing campaign gets customers to show the world what the pizza really looks like, straight out of the box. This effort comes shortly after the groundbreaking recipe change, where Domino’s openly discussed complaints and improvements as part of its marketing strategy. True, it’s hard to imagine that “our pizza tastes like cardboard” was ever considered part of anyone’s marketing strategy, but for Domino’s, it really paid off. Let’s be real: Stephen Colbert talked about Domino’s on his show… does it get any better?

With “Show Us Your Pizza”, the assignment is simple: order a pizza, take a picture, and send it to Domino’s. The best pictures will win a cash prize and could be featured in an ad.

Yea, yea. So what? Chances are I’m not going to send Domino’s a picture of their pizza. I don’t even really like pizza. But if I did order a pizza, I would definitely get Domino’s. Why? Because I like feeling like I am at the center of their business model. I like being heard. And most importantly, I like honesty.

Remember the last time you were on the phone with your cell service provider trying to get them to fix your broken cell? “The speaker is broken.” “Ma’am, are you using the device right now?” “No, the speaker is broken.” “Did you try to use the speaker?” “Yes, it is broken.” “Did you turn the phone on before you tried to use the speaker?” “… Really?” “I’m sorry, but I absolutely, positively, definitively cannot give you a new phone. No ifs, ands, or buts. We appreciate your business.” 30 minutes later, after pulling half your hair out, your new phone is in the mail. The truth is, they absolutely, positively, definitively CAN give you a new phone, they just don’t tell you that up front.

Domino’s uploaded a great video to their YouTube channel showing what really goes on in food photo shoots. It’s called “Pulling the Cheese,” but I think a more apt title might be “How Corporate America knocks you over the head with a multi-sensory experience that leads you to believe they have a quality product without necessarily delivering on the promise.” Or something like that. “Show Us Your Pizza” cuts the baloney and skips straight to what actually matters.

I would love to see more companies embrace this kind of transparency. The model is simple: ask, listen, deliver. The best part is, it really works. I may not eat pizza, but I’m definitely drinking the Kool-Aid.

Summer Reading List

Ok, I know I'm a major nerd, but I've totally been reading Peter Walsh's How to Organize (Almost) Everything. Seriously. Before I go to bed.

A friend from work gave me Eat, Pray, Love, and I am eating it up (don't pardon the pun). Can't wait to see the movie. Speaking of... I may be going to see Twilight with Maggie tonight!! Ah, best movie turned book ever made. Given that the movies are about 150 times better than the books. And the movies are pretty bad themselves...

Still trying to get through Unleash the Giant Within. I suppose when I finish it I will have learned how to avoid procrastinating, but for now I'm procrastinating.

Other reading favorites include my blogs that I treasure so dearly: Mashable, Penelope Loves Lists, Unclutterer, LTFH, etc., etc.

Any recommendations?