Guest Bloggers Wanted

There are so many amazing people in upstate New York who have a success story worth telling! I would love to be able to share this platform with them. I am looking for guest bloggers to talk about their success, tell a story about success or discuss what they have learned about success. 

You don't need to have "blogging" experience-- -just a desire to share your SUCCESS! 

If you can write clearly, have a great message and know how to email a couple pictures and text- then send me your ideas. 

Email jodeekenney@gmail.com  to submit a blog idea for consideration or if you want to learn more about what we are looking for!  

Sunday Morning Routine

Happy Sunday.

I usually start my Sunday up before everyone else.  I make a pot of coffee and plop myself down in front of my computer and begin focusing on my school work. If I'm lucky... I get a delivery like this once my hubby wakes up! This was delicious- french toast made with some soft bread that had raisins  and cinnamon in it!

Last spring I decided to go back to school and get my masters. Impulse decision made on a move I've been mulling over in my head for 13 years. I finally just pulled the trigger. I enrolled and got accepted and dove into the deep end... I took an accelerated summer class! YIKES- I sat in front of this computer ALL.... SUMMER.... LONG.

It's HARD going back as a working parent. I used to say I was too busy to go back to school when my son was just 1 year old. Now I have 3 kids, in 3 different schools, in tons of activities. I also notice my brain doesn't retain or process as quickly as I used to. I've learned work-arounds, 2 are key: get as much done as early as I can- my brain works better, quit at 5:30pm- because by then you aren't paying attention. Listen, there's never a GREAT time to add this level of stress and need for commitment.... but I'm so PROUD I did it!

In fact, going back to school is what is inspiring me to start back up my blog. I intend to take a class in the spring (starting in January) called Participatory Journalism. One of the assignments is to START A BLOG! Hit the button:

HA! So, really I was so excited about it I've just decided to get a head start on things. It is also to help me chill out from my current class, which is a BEAR. I won't name the class... but know TONS of reading, LOTS of writing and MORE writing and RESEARCH is not my idea of fun. Still, I intend to rock it out and get an A. Perseverance. Time to get back to work! Have a great rest of your Sunday!

Cool Kids



 

Were you one of the cool kids? You know what I'm talking about- on the homecoming court, cute, maybe a jock or a cheerleader? I wasn't. I was popular in my own way- but not in the traditional way. I was Dance Line Captain, in the dance club and drama club.... but I also lost a bid to be on the homecoming court and lost some other kind of school crown to a tomboy. True story.

 

So, when I see the cool, cute kids I always declare in my brain "So what! I'm cool/cute/_____(fill in the blank)___ in my own way!" That's the way to do it- right? Celebrate your assets and forget about the rest! Well, it doesn't always go that way. CONFESSION: I get a liTTle blog envy sometimes when I see cool/cute/____(fill in the blank___) blogs."

 

I really love A Beautiful Mess. I mean... REALLY love. It drives me nuts- just how cute they are, their pictures are amazing, their content is rich and they do cool things! And what really stinks- is they have COOL friends too. I mean- how do all the cool people know each other- why can't they share their coolness? That, my friends, is my inner teenager speaking.

 

Adult JoDee knows- I'm just way too busy to be one of the cool people! It must take a lot of work being a cool blogger. Blogging is hard work. I know they make it look easy- but they work hard and I give them a ton of credit! It's like feeding the beast. They feed it a lot! I am just too busy with work, family and training for a triathlon! I check in with you periodically- blab about what's going on in the world and let it be... until the next time. It works for me. The feedback I get leads me to believe you like it too.

 

Oh, and dressing so cool every day?!?It's their way of life! It's gotta be hard! I dress nice for 9-hours a day-- and then I guarantee you- if you see me out in public after work I am in my workout clothes, no makeup, dark circles under my eyes and usually giving the "mommy's-trying-not-to-look-crazy-look" to one of my kids who is acting up. They take turns. It's a Kenney Kids thing. 

 

I give these bloggers... and many more... a ton of credit for being so original.. and hence defining what many people think is cool. I am taking a note from their book... or blog so to speak... and carving my own path to coolness... it's called the "Sleep deprived, News Anchor, Mommy, Wife, triathlete Cool". Do you think I have a chance at being a trendsetter?  Either way- I'd like to thank you for checking in and reading. It really does mean a great deal to me!

 

 

Communication Vacation

I’m back to work and blogging after taking some time off of work. I spent my time reconnecting with my family, which meant a lot of Yahtzee, laughing and hugs. I did a ton of laundry and now wonder how long the bin will stay empty now that I’m back to work.  I reconnected with my scrap booking projects and spent hours finding old pictures I just had to use.

One thing I didn’t do was stay connected. You may have seen me popping in a time or two on my Facebook and Twitter, but for the most part I didn’t really check in. I’m sure I missed a couple marriage proposals, baby announcements and sadness about SU not making it to the championships. And for that- I’m truly sorry. For the most part- I think I really needed it though.

Do you ever feel the need to disconnect? I feel it right around this time of year. The weather is not perfect out but it’s starting to get better and that means I’m more interested in experiencing life rather than reading about it.

Do you remember what it was like pre-social media? Sometimes I wonder if I could go back to the old days. That’s partly why I take the break- to see what it was like. I think in short spurts I really like not being in the know… but I don’t think it’s something I could do for a long period of time. It actually helps me do my job as a journalist. It’s not only fun to stay connected with people- it’s actually a way to get a pulse on the community as a whole. What are people cheering or complaining about? What’s going on? I’ve even received several great tips for stories from people via social media.

So, what do you think? Could you go cold turkey? If so, for how long?