Blog – Page 8 – RamblinRandol

Dear Diary July 1997

There’s a slight chance I’m still embarrassed about outing my competitiveness at such an early age, but I’ve come back to share some more! Hopefully you haven’t hit the snooze button yet.

Quick recap: I think Neil is still my bus crush, no clue where Alissa has been. I most definitely out fished my brother and jotted down some good fatherly wisdom.

My entries are growing farther apart, as I assume my need to jot down every thought I had the moment I had it grew exhausting, but who knows. I thought my sign off was ‘Love Shannon,’ but apparently that got old after a few months, too.

If you’re new and have no idea what I’m talking about: I’ve recently discovered all of my old diaries, journals (not sure of the difference, maybe maturity?) slam books and old high school notes. I’m sharing them here for everyone’s enjoyment.

I’m not editing any of the contents from my diaries or reading the entires beforehand. That way we can share in the wonder together.

Here is July 1997.

July 20th 1997
today it was my
Brother and Sister
and me at the theatre! 

July 20th 1997
When I grow
up and when I get a Dog I will name 
it Shep. and
when it dieds
I will get another
dog    I will 
name it lucky!

July 27, 1997
Today my friend
Alissa has a very
lose tooth!

July 27th, 1997
Tom loves
Me!

[empty]
Done

[empty]
I love
Neil!

Ah-yes, the tooth fairy. How could I forget?! My tooth fairy had a name and I wrote her letters. For the life of me I can’t remember what her name was, I used to ask her all sorts of questions.

Where did she live? Was her house made out of teeth? Was that sanitary? Did she like being a tooth fairy? Could she draw me a picture of what it looked like where she lived?

HER NAME WAS MOONLIGHT!

I used to ask the other kids if their tooth fairy was Moonlight, too. Needless to say I never found another kid who shared the same tooth fairy.

Neil was almost a goner, but he crept right back in there at the end. Poor Tom though, he didn’t stand a chance against bus crush Neil. It does say Tom, right? Maybe Tom was my codename for Neil.

PS: I was going to breeze past the awkward naming of dogs and death bit, but something struck me. This has to be the only time in my life I was able to speak (write) about death without an ensuing panic attack to follow. It’s odd (but not) how simple your mind is when you’re younger. I say death so matter-of-factly without knowing its finality.

PSS: Who the hell is Tom? Tom, are you out there? Do you remember me?

Did your tooth fairy have a name? I still must know! Let me know in the comment section below!

Dear Diary June 1997

We’ve technically gotten into a new month on the last post, but it’s officially official this time around.

Quick recap: I’m still crushing hard on my bus crush, Neil. Alissa is my Best friend and hasn’t lost the capital B status, yet. They are both cool and fun. I root for the Chicago Bulls and don’t want Neil to know about it.

I’m showing off my cool numbering skills in the date line and can’t ever end an entry without Love Shannon. It’s important to let oneself know where the diary entry ends, dontcha know.

What will June bring for my tiny 8-year-old self? Why don’t we find out together. I’m not editing any contents from my diaries or reading the entires beforehand. That way we can share in the wonder together.

Here is June 1997.

June 17, 
Kelly cought 
her First Fish! 

June 17, 
I cought 
a Fish
to. 

June 17, 
Mom cought 
her First
Fish to. 

June 17, 
Dad cought
two Fish. 

June 17,
James
cough zero
Fish. It is
o.k.
James

July 2nd 1997
My Daddy seid
a Bad Day
of fishing is
Better then a
good Day at
work

[Dear Diary] It took three tries before nailing down my Dad’s life lesson. If anything, at least I’m thorough.

Way to be a show off, Dad. Two fish?!

Who else enjoys my running tally of caught fish and wanting to remember my little brother caught NONE? How about that little piece of wisdom from my Pops? Super Dad-like.

My Dad’s still good for life quips and I’m still notorious for being a smidgen competitive. To this day I’m embarrassingly proud of the fond memory I have with Dad and brother at the golf course.

At the end of the day my golf score stayed below the triple digits, James’ did not … love you little brother! It’s a shame you can’t see my beat red face smeared with a grin from ear to ear right now, I’m terrible.

Ps: What I wouldn’t give to be out on a lake somewhere again with my Dad and brother. It’s weird, you spend so much time with your family growing up and then all of a sudden, you haven’t lived in the same state for almost a decade and a random text every few months or years is all ya get.

Got any sibling rivalry you want to share, extra cool points if its embarrassing! Share them with me in the comment section.

Dear Diary May 1997 IV

You’re back for more?! Great! Here’s what you’ve missed.

Quick recap: Neil is my bus crush, Alissa is my Best friend and I love to write the word love. It’s very apparent I needed to make sure I never forgot who I held nearest and dearest to my heart …. which was pretty much everything.

My two other favorite words in 1997 were ‘cool’ and ‘ fun,’ everything fit in those two categories. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the world stayed that simplistic?

I’m not editing any contents of my diaries or reading the entires beforehand. That way we can share in the wonder together.

Here is May 1997 IV.

May 28, 1997
Alissa , and Neil are friends!
Neil is cool. 
Alissa is
neat. 
Love Shannon
They are so much fun

May 28, 1997
I Love Love my family! 
<3 Shannon :) :) :) :) :)

June 2nd 1997
Do not tell Neil I love the Bulls o.k.
Alissa
Yes [ ]
No [ ]
Love Shannon
Love Shannon

June 3rd 1997
I am glad the Bulls 
won!
Love Shannon

June 05 1997
I <3 u

Love Shannon

June 15, 1997
Today is Father's
Day! I <3 u!

[Dear Diary] The amount of weight carried in those messy smiley faces is unmeasurable.

What’s funny is I remember always assuming I root for the Bulls if basketball was on, but I hardly remember ever watching basketball. For as long as I can remember it’s always been football, #BillsMafia.

When my brother and I were younger we played this NBA game on Nintendo 64 and I consistently picked the Chicago Bulls. Dennis Rodman, Scottie Pippen and MJ all day everyday. Changing Rodman’s hair was a must.

The dateline has progressed from standard to a mash-up. It’s possible I had just learned in school all the different variations of numbering. What a show off.

Can we discuss the nostalgia attached to the yes/no boxes? They were life! Do kids these days still decide major life decisions based off what was checked? Please, tell me they do!

Side bar–My now husband used the yes/no boxes to ask me out for our first date. He slid a half sheet of paper under my bedroom door one afternoon that read, “will you go out with me? Yes [ ] No [ ]’

I penciled in my own box and checked, “Maybe [ \ ]” I am still kind of an asshole.

PS: If I jump back in to basketball and root for the Bulls, does this make me a bandwagoner or fair-weather fan? I have proof from an 8-year-old, it was her team …

PSS: Speaking of sports, I have a memory with my father watching the Sabres game (losing, typical) and pacing around the house ranting about how terrible the team was playing. I wanted to join in on the angst and began mimicking his pacing and angry slurs at the television. He let me partake in his anger for a few minutes before telling me to knock it off. Damn kids, LOL.

It may seem by 8-year-od self loved the Bulls, but I’ve always been a die-hard Buffalo Bills fan, as painful as it’s been throughout the years (cough-cough, my entire life). Who do you root for? Let me know in the comment section!

Dear Diary May 1997 III

Rediscovering my twenty year younger heart again has been slightly embarrassing yet fulfilling at the same time. Who knew I was such a talkative little tyke.

And my, was my heart filled with such love. I wrote down everything and everyone I cared about to ensure I would never forget.

I’m not editing any of the contents or reading the entires beforehand. That way we can share in the wonder together.

Here is May 1997 III.

May 25, 1997
Today I went to Applebee's to visit Dad. 
I love my Daddy very much. 
Love Shannon

May 21, 1997
Mrs. Sattora is the Best techer in the whole wind world!
Love Shannon

May 23, 1997
I love my family But
I have fun with them very much
They are the Best parents in the whole wind world!
Love Shannon

May 23, 1997
I Love You

May 23, 1997
On May 21, 1997 I told Alissa that I put I Love
Neil. she was being a berat.
But we are Best friends
now. 

May 25, 1997
I <3 u
Love Shannon

May 26, 1997
you are fun!

[Dear Diary] Thank goodness Alissa and I made up after she was being a berat! It’s a shame my bounce back rate isn’t as quick these days.

Has anyone else caught my consistent capitalization of Best? I actually think it’s pretty hilarious. My younger self put a high emphasis on the word. It must’ve had some type of superiority before the word friend.

I also assume I tattled on myself to Alissa about my crush and she teased me. Luckily, I have no recollection of this spat between my former Best friend and happy to report, it did not stop me from crushing on Neil.

It’s also safe to say I was trying to write brat, but also highly probable I was trying to write it the way I was saying it, i.e. beeeeeerat!

My how time flies. Do you remember your first scuff with a friend? What was it over and where did it happen? Let me know in the comment section!

Dear Diary May 1997 II

After a late ‘spring cleaning’ of my dusty and disorganized garage, I came across hundreds of penned pages from twenty year’s past.

Not wanting to throw away my childhood thoughts, I figured the pages could breathe fresh air, here, on my blog. I’m at a point in my life where a little trip down memory lane could do some good.

I’m not editing any of the contents or reading the entires beforehand. That way we can share in the wonder together.

Here is May 1997 II.

May 21, 1997
Today it is my Birthday. 
My Mom is comming in to read a story and pass out dounts.
<3 Shannon

May 21, 1997
Neil is my Best Friend so is Alissa. 
I Like whem very much.
They are fun.
Neil is
cool.

May 21, 1997
Shannon is a good
friend thanks for
the car. from,
              Neil
              your welcome!

May 21, 1997
you are my Best friend.
Alissa is the Best.
She is fun to. I Like
her. She is
cool!
Love Shannon

[Dear Diary] I think I granted access to my super secret and padlocked secure diary. What was I thinking!

It’s a shame donuts don’t have the same appeal to me 20 years later. Instead of having a jolt of glee when someone brings donuts, all I can think about is if the calories are worth it. Oh, to be young and oblivious to calorie intake.

Full disclosure: Neil was my first crush. He rode the bus with me in the mornings and when he gave me a stuffed animal for my birthday, it was love at first gift. His parents had the coolest house on the bus route and they were doctors.

It’s funny what you remember after so many years. I also can’t watch The Santa Clause without being reminded about my bus crush, ironically Neil (Scott Calvin’s arch nemesis in The Santa Clause) is also a doctor of sorts.

PS: Alissa is how she spelt her name, my creative 8-year-old self didn’t create the spelling on her own. I feel like this must be emphasized, because many misspellings are probably in my future.

PSS: How probable is it to find Neil on Facebook with no last name? I wonder if he followed in his parent’s footsteps.

My how time flies. The road ahead is foggy but I can’t help but wonder what is next. Do you remember your first crush? What was their name and where did you meet them? Let me know in the comment section!

Dear Diary May 1997

Slam books, diaries with Garfield and Winnie The Pooh illustrations on the front cover and well creased hand written notes that dictated high school drama, all perfectly preserved in an unassuming grey bin sitting in the garage.

A grey bin that has made it through multiple moves, including several cross country treks.

These paper time capsules have survived nearly two decades without being lost, torn or tossed. What are you supposed to do with all memories that’ve been carefully recorded on lined, time warped pages?

Share them I guess …

I won’t edit any contents of my former self’s thoughts, or pre-read any entries before typing them in to blog format. This way we can share in the wonder together.

Here is May 1997.

May 20, 1997
Today Grandma and Grandpa came. I love them very much! <3
They are fun. They came over to take us out to dinner. 

May 20, 1997
I Love my Grandma and Grandpa very much!
:) :) :) :) :) :) :)

May 20, 1997
Today I had fun with my Grandpa and Grandma
I Love them very much!
They are the best Grandpa and Grandma! <3

[Dear Diary] Everyone’s hearts look like little butts in the beginning, right?

Who loves their grandparents? This girl.

The love I felt upon their arrival was obviously top of mind and needed remembering. If memory serves me right, Grandma and Grandpa S gifted me this purple diary as an early birthday gift.

These are officially my final thoughts as a 7-year-old, and I ‘betcha they never would’ve guessed it would last 20 years later.

My how time flies.

And That’s What It’s All About

Ever wonder how Ramblin Randol came about? Without any further ado, And That’s What It’s All About explains it all.

My attempt to switch it up to improve my blogging consistency. Sometimes I just want to talk, out loud and use my hands.

Welcome to my first vlog post, hopefully you don’t think I sound completely insane. I can’t tell because the voices in my head match, LOL.

I promise to post 1-2 videos each month …. be really mad at me if I don’t do it. Okay?

PS: Cheers to the freekin’ weekend, I’ll drink to that!

Do It For You

“You got my fire burning the last time we talked, and I wanted to make sure I said thank you.”

A few days ago I was talking to a girlfriend who has been going through a rough spot in her marriage and feeling suffocated in the pits of loneliness. Unfortunately we are in different time zones, otherwise it would call for a night of wine and pjs.

Our regular conversations have grown a bit sadder each time she answers the phone. Instead of having a rough day she has rough months and little fights or arguments last just as long.

I listen, offer advice if it’s appropriate and most importantly, reassure her she’s very capable of figuring it all out.

Two conversations ago I got the urge to drive home the idea she needed to focus on herself for a change and do something that was solely beneficial to her. She pressed back saying she wasn’t the same person I knew back in Virginia when both our husbands served, “not as strong or independent.”

Not wanting to push too hard but feeling obligated as a friend to push a little harder to give her some perspective, I did.

” You are that same person, she’s just buried underneath the surface and digging her out is going to be tougher but she’s still there,” I said. “Focus on something that makes only you happy. You’re allowed to do that for yourself.

I think it’s tough to focus on yourself as a woman, we have this overwhelming need to make sure our people are okay–husbands, children, etc. Sometimes we need permission or a consistent reminder it’s okay to do something solely beneficial for ourselves.

She’s also a stay-at-home Mom, and I think it’s safe to say she feels isolated but also terrible she doesn’t feel satisfied with being “just a Mom.”

This is important, and I try to remind my friend whenever I can. It doesn’t make you a bad Mom if you want to do other non-Mom things, same visa-versa. We’re all built different, your needs aren’t the same as Susie Susan’s and it’s okay.

Choose to be happy.

Today I got a phone call from the same friend, asking for help to promote her photography business online. I happily walked her through the steps and answered all of her questions, with a promise to help her whenever she needed.

“What you said finally made sense to me. I’ve been busy the last couple of days beefing up my yearly and monthly goals, thank you.”

She sounded happier, and I was ecstatic to hear it in her voice. It had been too long.

Sometime we just need a push. A little friendly reminder it’s okay to Do It For You.

7 Mind Blowing Hacks to Conquer Social Media Marketing World

Are you agonizing over how to crush your first Social Media Marketing World (SMMW) conference without looking like a total newb?

Save the crippling nightmares for another day. You can thwart FOMO and prevail to the top of marketing mountain with these 7 mind blowing hacks to conquer next year’s SMMW.

1. HANG OUT BY THE SPEAKER LOUNGE – IT’LL BE LABELED

Did Andy Crestodina blow your mind with his Google Analytics session and you must speak with the Google-meister one last time?

Casually hang around the speaker’s lounge to catch one of your favorites before entering the secret layer.

It’s doesn’t hurt to introduce yourself so there’s a name with a face, you never know. One day you might want him/her to remember who actively engaged with them post-lecture.

2. DON’T OVER CAFFEINATE TOO SOON – WATER WON’T POISON YOU

There’s a reason this is number two on the list and strategically placed underneath, “hang out by the speaker’s lounge.” Over caffeinate too soon and you might accidentally pounce instead of casually saunter.

Over 8,000 cups of coffee were consumed during Social Media Marketing World 2017 and honestly it’s a miracle nobody was featured in a RedBull commercial for getting their wings, which isn’t required to get you through the three day conference.

Coffee is a gold-colored liquid made from the heavens, but water is nice too. Give your stomach a break and cleanse it with some high quality H20.

3. PAY ATTENTION DURING LECTURES – YES WE’RE ALL SOCIAL MEDIA/MARKETING PEEPS & ON OUR PHONE CONSTANTLY, BUT IT MAKES A DIFFERENCE

Take it from first hand experience, it’s the oldest trick in the book. Yes, you’re in a room filled with 30-60 people, but they are up on a platform looking down on you and can see who is the weakest link.

Sit closer to the middle of the room on an end seat or at dead center. Smile when the session speaker cracks a joke and shake your head at appropriate times to agree or disagree.

These speakers are the cherry on top of our social media and marketing sundae. They will remember the ones who were paying attention or just playing on their phone, we all know the difference.

4. INVEST IN QUIET TIME – YOU’LL NEED IT

Be prepared to be mentally over stimulated. Social Media Marketing World is a treasure cove for new information, tips and techniques. There is so much information being flung in every direction, it’ll get overwhelming but don’t panic.

Take the necessary time to chill out in between sessions and not talk. There will be plenty of time to network. Explore the San Diego Conference center and you’ll find the perfect rest stop to recharge your batteries.

Check out my favorite chill spots I found during #smmw17

5. PURCHASE/PACK PROPER LUGGAGE

It might seem possible a laptop, notebook, business cards, writing utensils and the snacks you snuck off the table in between sessions will all fit in your regular bag each day, but you’re telling yourself a lie.

After seeing (and being) many conference attendees slumped over to one side trying to lug everything professional they own on one shoulder, you’ll realize what should have been.

Those hipster canvas backpacks were made with a purpose and you can get your arm workout another day.

6. WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES – THEY WEREN’T LYING IN THE EMAILS

You will walk 8 miles a day at least and who in the world wants to trek around all day in a pair of shoes with 6-inch heels or a pair of loafers that pinch your pinky toe?

Business on the top, casual footwear with plenty of support on the bottom. Comic Con is held at this venue, it’s HUGE. Walking barefoot is frowned upon by the end of the day.

7. NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK – NOBODY IS GOING TO BITE YOU, SWEAR

It’s impressive how many speakers and sponsors were accessible after lectures and throughout the conference. Take advantage of being able to speak with the people at the top of their fields.

Same goes with conference guests. Don’t be afraid to sit down at a table, introduce yourself and initiate a conversation. We’re here to meet others and learn, don’t be shy. There’s plenty of time to go mute after it’s all said and done.

These 7 mind blowing hacks to conquer Social Media Marketing World equal a successful conference. So don’t be foolish, get cracking and purchase your ticket today.

5 Covert Quiet Zones at San Diego Convention Center You Don’t Want to Miss

Thousands of social media, marketing, public relations and other media professionals attend the three day conference in San Diego for Social Media Marketing World.

So, where in the world can you find some quiet time to recharge your networking batteries? Here are 5 covert quiet zones in the San Diego Convention Center you don’t want to miss.

5. Super Secret Outdoor Patio with Killer Views

Eat lunch and soak in the previous lecture at this quiet patio space not far from where lunch is being served. A boat load of conference guests will be out on the main deck at tables, keep walking.

Follow the patio until there’s no more patio to be found and enjoy.

4. Squishy Grass and Art

There’s a large patch of well manicured grass at the far end of the conference center, perfect for giving your barking dogs a rest.

Plus, if you need something else to think about other than social media and marketing, sit for a second and figure out this two-faced statue.

3. Gas Lamp District Balcony

The conference center is lined with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the bay and city skyline, depending on which wing you find yourself walking.

It can be difficult to tell because the walls are sheets of glass, but there are doors and they open up to narrow balconies. Pick a favorite side and breath in the fresh air. You can even do a quick face time call between lectures and show off your killer view.

2. Bay Boardwalk

Who doesn’t relax when looking out into the water? Time for reflection? This is the spot you want.

Go down any of the stairs on the back side of the building and head towards the water for a quick bay breeze stroll.

Ocean water and million dollar yachts line the shore to help calm racing minds.

1. Explore, Explore, Explore

flower bed at San Diego Conference Center

Don’t just take my word for it, walk around and find your own secret hideaways. There is nothing wrong with taking a little break from the information overload. Better to be large and in charge than half asleep, drinking coffee at the networking dinner while fumbling through conversation.

Social Media Marketing World is a great experience filled with learning and mingling. Enhance your time with these 5 covert quiet zones at the San Diego Convention Center. You won’t be sorry.