Small Hands, Big Ideas

I’m back. And as soon as I got back, that same night, at 4:00 AM the Way Below Status Quo (#the3some) of Andi, Ash and Colin stumbled into my apartment for their Boulder arrival. Yes, my life never stops going.

We’ve had an amazing time, they met with local startups Kapost and Everlater, co-worked at some of the best coffee shops in Boulder (ahem, Atlas) stopped by Lijit’s HQ, ate tapas at The Med and last night in their honor, the delicious Happy Noodle/Bitter Bar hosted a party with special cocktails and dishes for them. Thanks to all who participated and met with them (as mentioned above) by being so welcoming to those traveling through Boulder and wanting to learn about the community. Finally, thanks to Miss Joni Klippert. She’s a powerhouse and moonlights as an event planner.

• The Simply Luxurious Life: The Perfect Travel Wardrobe
• Doniree.com: Input-Output and a Calm Presence
• The Wall Street Journal: Eating to Live or Living to Eat?
• The Huffington Post: The 15 Biggest Bestsellers EVER After the Bible

I love Sunday Suppers: http://sunday-suppers.com/ delicious food blog and recipes – good for your weekend cooking.

I’ve been a member of Brazen Careerist (since January 2009 to be exact) for some time now – I’ve seen it go through many transitions, updates and releases. I totally support the network, the community and know many people who work there.

So naturally, when I heard on July 20th, my fellow blogging friend, Rich DeMatteo helped to launch and release an eBook in coordination with Brazen Careerist, I was stoked.

“What I Know About Getting A Job?” is free and you can download it here. The eBook is filled with the top digital HR influencers compiling their stories, experiences and beliefs.

I really love how the eBook is manageable, the length is just right – it’s 21 pages but those 21 pages are true and relevant. Each page and story is interesting and that is saying a lot (versus so many eBook’s that are 100+ pages and drag on and on…)

Here are some snippets that stood out to me:

The key is to build a network before you need a job. If you wait until you’re looking, you’re already behind the curve. -Chris Ferdinandi

A high IQ doesn’t compensate for low EQ. Your Emotional Quotient–your willingness and ability to relate and connect–is important to your company and your career. -Steve Roesler

Unfortunately, the trick to getting a job is actually surviving the job search and realizing that it’s just a job. If your life lacks meaning, a cubicle and a tacky ‘business casual’ wardrobe from the local mall won’t add depth and value to your life. -Lori Ruettimann

The best thing you can do for your career after your education is to get a strong set of mentors. -Penelope Trunk

Do yourself a favor (job searching or not) download this eBook, print it out, keep it by your bed for late night reading inspiration and/or bookmark it for safe keeping. It’s worth it.

Currently, at this very moment, I’m sitting on the beach probably sipping a margarita (if I can hang with the Florida heat) with my family and the man, for a real vacation, with serious unplugging in our row of beach cottages. I do this once a year (a serious, unplug vacation that’s longer than a long weekend and I highly recommend it).

The goodness from this week:

• The Netsetter: 50 Netsetters You Should Know About (A great list of prolific people in their niche, doing it up)
• The Green Light Distrikt: Getting Social In the Boulder Sustainability Scene
• The Huffinton Post: TEDWomen Launches: New Conferences To Focus On Innovation By Women and Girls (Very excited about this, great idea)
• Inc.: 30 Under 30, Top Young Entrepreneurs
• Nerdy Nomad: Short Skirts and Learning to Say Yes
• Zen to Fitness: Simple Posture and Detox… (A little healthy guidance never hurt anyone)

Announcements:

• I finally launched a “Best Of” page for Small Hands, Big Ideas. Through analytics, comments and my own personal taste, I compiled the “Best Of” top posts over the last two years. Hopefully this will help you go back in time, navigate and get started if you’re new here. Feedback? E-mail me.
• The threesome of Way Below Status Quo will be in Boulder next week. If you’re in the area, RSVP to the events (all free) we have planned for them here. Furthermore, Andi (of the threesome) designed and uploaded (within 12 hours) new buttons for me, in my sidebar. She’s amazing. Check her out!

Finally, this video is too bad-ass to not post. Shout out to Jenny Blake for this Cupcake Cannon:

Note: My cousin, Tu Spatafore recently traveled around the world by himself, for 8 months. I was moved by his trip, his frequent updates to the family stateside and his overall experience, so I wanted to have him share it here. To preface, I understand quitting your job and traveling the world isn’t for everyone, but it can be for some people. Furthermore, his story may inspire you to do the same or something similar in nature. If not, don’t go for it. I’m simply recounting a beautiful story of risk, challenge and traveling in your 20′s.

1) Tell us what drove you to take this trip around the world?

In 2009 I had a great job as a Petroleum Engineer working for a smaller private Oil and Gas Company in Southern West Virginia.   Two years in the workforce, I had done well for myself but at the same time I wasn’t ready for the 9-5 Corporate America lifestyle.  I started to lose interest at work and my performance was slowly becoming apparent.  I spent more time in the office researching the world and places of interest.  I’ve always had this notion of traveling the world and seeing different cultures since my first worldly experience during my college years.

My dream quickly became reality after 2009 mid-year economic scare which cause many companies to revaluate and restructure in order to survive the crisis.  Although I made it through the first cut in July, I couldn’t survive the second cut in September. Normally, losing your job would be terrifying but for me it was the best thing that could have happened at the time.  I had no responsibility and with the money saved and a reasonable severance package I was ready to live out my dream.  Within two weeks of losing my job, I had my Itinerary and plane ticket, I was ready to the dream.

2) Where did you go and how long were you gone?

Before I left the states, I had a set itinerary of mainly Australia and SE Asia.  However, in between my travels I made a few changes.  I left LA on the 15^th of November to Fiji then followed by Australia.  After Australia it was Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, India, Hong Kong, and back to LA.  In 8 months I visited 10 countries.

Tu in Laos

3) What are some tips you have for others about traveling solo and backpacking?

I was a little hesitant at first traveling alone but it turned out to be one of the best experiences of my life.  If you’re out-going and sociable then you’ll never be alone.  I was able to meet many life-long friends from all parts of the world and even had a travel mate through parts of my journey.

As for tips, I have many.  First and foremost, buy a lonely planet (the bible for travelers) and it’s not a bad idea to look over your place of interest.  It’s ironic I did neither, no lonely planet and no research.  I more or less had an open itinerary and wanted to be spontaneous, and base my travels from other people’s experiences.  Another useful tip is research VISA requirements. Some countries allow 30 day tourist visa at the border while others require you to apply in advance.  If it seems too good to be true then most likely it is.  Don’t be a sucker and prepare yourself for the unexpected scams.   Be aware of anything low cost or free, e.g. cheap tours, tuk tuk taxis, temple entry, border entry, and prepare yourself to bargain.  Best way to shop is to watch a local shop and see what they pay.  Have a price in your head and don’t be afraid to walk away, eventually they will give in.

4) What surprised you about the trip? Anything unexpected happen?

I was surprise by the number of young adventurous backpackers who all have the same mind set of traveling the world.   It’s almost a way of life for young European, Canadian, and Australian who before committing to universities save up money to travel. Be prepared for unexpected fees.  Something you have no control but there are steps you can take. For instance, the more information you can gather from other travelers about your next destination, e.g. airport transfer, bus station transfer, visa requirements, etc.. And review luggage allowance before flying.

Tu in Thailand

5) How did you save money and what are some frugal tips for traveling light and not spending a lot of  money?

Luckily I had a good job that paid well and with no bills it was easy to save.  Since graduating from college, I was fortunate to have company housing with my first employer and with my second job I lived with relatives.  Your budget depends on the country, for example, it’s much easier to travel and live well in 3^rd world countries.  South East Asia and India are your best bet for budget traveling, Australia is more expensive then the states.

If money is holding you back from living the dream then don’t worry.  Most popular destinations offer work and free stay.  There’s a program call woofit where you can work in organic farms, they pay well and some offer free stay. Another program call couch surfing where friendly locals allow you to stay at their couch for no cost.    For more information, check out the websites below:

• http://www.wwoof.org/
• http://www.couchsurfing.org/
• http://www.airbrokers.com/ (around the world ticket)

6) Would you recommend this trip to others in their 20′s? If so, on what accord (e.g. if they hate their job, etc.)

I would highly recommend it for all those who are looking for an adventure or for those who aren’t ready for the world like myself.  It will be a trip of life time, you can buy a nice car or put a down payment on a house but those are things you can have any time in your life.  Traveling the world will not only open your eyes but will make you a better individual when you do decide to settle down.  You’ll have those memories for a life-time.  It’s never too late to pack up and leave.

One of my favorite quote is by Mark Twain, “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails.
EXPLORE. DREAM. DISCOVER!”

7) What was your favorite experience from traveling abroad?

The best part of traveling was meeting other backpackers and sharing travel stories. One of my most memorable experiences was on the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne to Adelaide, Australia. It was a three day and two night adventure along the most scenic and exciting routes in the world. What made the experience was the small group of 14 who mostly were Europeans with the exception of one American, myself. It was a unique group and we had a lot of wild and fun moments. Each country was different in it’s own way; it’s hard to find a favorite. I love them all and look forward to my next worldly adventure.

Tu in Fiji, rough life

Yes, yet again, I have another visitor-one of my best friends and roommates from college is in town from Boston. You know what I really like to do since I have many visitors (especially in the summer) I have a guest book. It’s a really fun idea because it allows you to look back at who has stayed with you and relive memories. I encourage them to doodle, draw a picture, include an inside joke or write where they’re coming from. Try it out – it’s something I will keep with me forever.

Back to our programming:

• Illuminated Mind: How To Be Resourceful
• BetterCloser: Sales Is Personal, Why Isn’t Your Lead Generation
• Life After College: The Sweet Sting Of Rejection
• Generation Y Journey: 5 Things I Wish I’d Known When I Graduated (guest post from Sharalyn Hartwell)

Have you heard of Tasting Table? If you’re a foodie like me, you will appreciate their features covering: Food, Wine, Cooking, Recipes and Restaurant Personalities.

This week, I was asked by one of my former internship sites, KelliherSametsVolk, to contribute to their internship blog to tell them (as an alum) where I am now. Check it out, Tales Of Interns Past.

After attending a financial planning event (at a wine lounge, mind you) the point that struck me the most was about finding and understanding your financial values. Those values are what you will spend your money on, no matter what because they fulfill you as a person and continually make your life worthwhile. You can read the post I wrote on my financial values here, but in addition to the monetary value, I started to think what are the things and people that are worth your time?

What in your life, is worth your time? No matter what – no questions asked and you will always fit it in.

We reach dips, lulls and highs throughout life and in those moments I’ve found solace in knowing the things that were worth my time, were there. This also is true in times when you feel you’re so busy you don’t really breathe.

For instance, I’ve already had four separate out of town visitors in the month of July and one more on her way tomorrow. Amongst the whirlwind of life and work, I made time for yoga, reading (even if it meant one page), some time with a glass of red wine and the people closest to me, planning trips to get away (travel frees me) and finally, delicious food.

Me: caught, mid-dream in silence

It meant I woke up before 6:00 AM to make it to yoga before work to get some time alone, to stay centered and to exercise.

I went to bed earlier than normal to have my eyes rest on the page of soft paper instead of a glaring computer screen.

It meant I had to plan (even a week or two in advance) a date with my peoples, my boyfriend, my friends and family with that bottle.

I bookmark ideas for trips, make a Google Doc of ongoing places I want to travel to and create travel alerts for flights. My energy and effort is toward travel, it helps ensure it happens–>I book flight(s).

Finally, I made sure to still eat. Delicious, indulgent food that makes my toes curl and my eyebrows raise.

Those are my things. My values. Amongst the insanity, I put extra effort because I knew it was necessary and what I needed. Simple things really and you know what, they’re always in my ‘back pocket’ as my go-to’s, folded into my life. Thankfully.

What are your things? What is worth your time?

Tomorrow, I will be attending the SavvyBlogging summit up in Breckenridge as Lijit is sponsoring their luncheon and I will be presenting. We will be headed to the mountains for some work, play and meeting some of the amazing blogging community of SavvyBlogging.

Doing It Right:

• The Writer Babe Series: A Conversation With My Younger Self (Maybe She’ll Listen)
• The Quick Base Blog: Take Ownership of Mistakes
• Matador Network: How To Tap Into Your Most Powerful Beliefs
• Smile Like You Mean It, Caitlin McCabe: Something Bloggers Can Learn From Artists About Perfection and Transparency
• ItStartsWithUs: Every Life Has a Story

I have this thing that when I start something, I feel accountable to continue it and not give up…until given reason. Blogging has become one of those accountable pieces in my life.

Blogging feels good. I enjoy it, I learn from it and always am discovering something new from other bloggers. There is one piece of blogging publicly that interests me, and that’s: accountability.

Photo Credit

Ever been stood up on a date? Ever had a friend say they were meeting you for coffee, but they never showed? Not a good feeling.

People may read a blog for years or maybe only for a week, but if they like what they read, they’re going to come back. As a reader, we might develop a relationship with the blogger or draw inspiration and knowledge from their thoughts.

What happens when they don’t show up to blog?

I’m not going to lie, I’m a little bummed.

Personally, I feel this innate sense of accountability to blog. I’m not obligated (if I was, I would stop blogging, obligation isn’t fun) but I do feel like it’s on my weekly, current to-do list and I like that.

I put effort into blogging and I’ve met numerous friends and deep relationships through blogging. I’ve learned from bloggers and blogging. I’ve argued, agreed, gained knowledge, laughed and cried into my blog. Don’t get me wrong, I’m busy, but when I receive e-mails and letters from readers I remember, it’s now not only my mom reading my blog and that humbles me so I naturally, want to keep going and keep learning.

To clarify, I’m not writing for others. I am writing for myself, but just like the annoying girl at the cocktail party who only talks about herself, doesn’t listen, doesn’t ask anything about you or give anything in return – who likes a blogger who dips out, doesn’t listen or doesn’t give back?

I understand personal issues, deciding it’s time to stop blogging and/or generally feeling frustrated with blogging – then stop. I’m sure there will be a time when my priorities are rearranged and I will stop blogging. I’ve gone through many waves where I wonder, “Should I stop blogging?” Or, “I don’t feel moved, I don’t feel like blogging.” There are days when I even feel like I want a blog post to appear, poof, but the page is empty, the cursor blinking at me. Maybe the struggle keeps me going. Undoubtedly, that will come and go and maybe someday, I will stop altogether. Who knows.

In (close to) two years of blogging, I’ve somehow conjured up 2-3 posts a week on average. I’m not sure if I can keep that up forever, but I’ve settled into a rhythm. For example, since I started Friday Linky Love, over a year and a half ago I haven’t missed one. When I go out of town, it’s usually on a Friday, so I make sure to write and schedule the post in advance. I feel this strong desire to keep giving back to the bloggers and authors that I feature and it has become a tradition, one that I do not want to break.

We all blog in our own way – that is what makes writing individualistic and interesting. It is all of our choices, our writing and our blogs, but if you’re in it now, be in it, stay in it. Show up to blog, be accountable and feel good about what you’re writing. Furthermore, if you don’t feel good about it or aren’t having fun, why bother?

So for me, I created my blog and until the day I stop enjoying it, I will keep showing up.

What about you? How do you choose to blog? What works for you? Do you feel obligated to blog? Do you not care about how often you blog? How has it changed for you overtime?