Okay, so after a lot of twiddling around I've decided to buy orangesqueaky.com and build myself a proper blog.
I'll be backlogging posts that I've enjoyed the most and will be re-directing, as appropriate.
Kisses.
Sunday 14 February 2010
Happy Valenine's Day
I've never actually been a fan of Valentine's Day. Not in the romantic lovey-dovey, kissy-kissy sense, anyways.
For me, when you love someone, whether it is family or friend or girlfriend or boyfriend or husband or wife or legalized same-sex partner, you shouldn't wait for one day to show it. You should try to show a little every day and do special things for no other reason than you want to. Not because you are forced to.
So I guess, for me Valentine's Day is just this little reminder that I should be nicer to those I love and do a bit more to show it. If I were in the US, perhaps I would kick of this resolve and purchase Valentine's candy on February 15th at anywhere from 50 - 75% off. Nothing says "I love you" than a 3 pound chocolate bar from the Chocolate Bar that says "I love you." But, nothing says "I love you a whole lot more than I would've on Valentine's Day" than three 3 pound chocolate bars from the Chocolate Bar plus a side of those chocolate rock things that are really good.
I love you all in bulk. Happy Valentine's Day.
For me, when you love someone, whether it is family or friend or girlfriend or boyfriend or husband or wife or legalized same-sex partner, you shouldn't wait for one day to show it. You should try to show a little every day and do special things for no other reason than you want to. Not because you are forced to.
So I guess, for me Valentine's Day is just this little reminder that I should be nicer to those I love and do a bit more to show it. If I were in the US, perhaps I would kick of this resolve and purchase Valentine's candy on February 15th at anywhere from 50 - 75% off. Nothing says "I love you" than a 3 pound chocolate bar from the Chocolate Bar that says "I love you." But, nothing says "I love you a whole lot more than I would've on Valentine's Day" than three 3 pound chocolate bars from the Chocolate Bar plus a side of those chocolate rock things that are really good.
I love you all in bulk. Happy Valentine's Day.
Wednesday 10 February 2010
Manic-Depressive England
I've run two half marathons in England.
My first, the OFFICIAL London Marathon half-marathon at Silverstone, consisted of me freezing to death, being pelted by ice (twice) and climbing... beaten... back onto a bus with the smallest medal I've ever owned and a t-shirt three times larger than I am.
My second, the Sony Run to the Beat, got temperatures close to my homeland of Texas and got me a men's shaving set as a thank you gift.
Apparently, I need to be taller and male.
I actually have nothing against running in England. I have nothing against the odd swag (the Silverstone Half Marathon was the only time I saw men lining up in queues to go to the bathroom and women zooming in and out of the loos.) I can go a lot further when the temperature isn't close to boiling eggs. But for some odd, odd reason when it comes to the actual race day I've experienced the most extremes in climate.
Yes, yes, I know - I'm on an island. But this is an island that can't decide. It was cold but mild this morning, then suddenly, a snow blizzard, then suddenly ... sun. It's like riding some wild weather roller coaster that I never chose to be a part of.
Times like these I miss home with it's consistent HOT setting. But then again, I'd have nothing to blog about, now would I?
My first, the OFFICIAL London Marathon half-marathon at Silverstone, consisted of me freezing to death, being pelted by ice (twice) and climbing... beaten... back onto a bus with the smallest medal I've ever owned and a t-shirt three times larger than I am.
My second, the Sony Run to the Beat, got temperatures close to my homeland of Texas and got me a men's shaving set as a thank you gift.
Apparently, I need to be taller and male.
I actually have nothing against running in England. I have nothing against the odd swag (the Silverstone Half Marathon was the only time I saw men lining up in queues to go to the bathroom and women zooming in and out of the loos.) I can go a lot further when the temperature isn't close to boiling eggs. But for some odd, odd reason when it comes to the actual race day I've experienced the most extremes in climate.
Yes, yes, I know - I'm on an island. But this is an island that can't decide. It was cold but mild this morning, then suddenly, a snow blizzard, then suddenly ... sun. It's like riding some wild weather roller coaster that I never chose to be a part of.
Times like these I miss home with it's consistent HOT setting. But then again, I'd have nothing to blog about, now would I?
Properly Planning a Perfectly Proportionate... Fundraiser
So I've babbled on and on about hosting all sorts of events. But what I've never done is tell you the best way to go about planning. Here's the skinny:
Your event should never cost more than 10% of what you think you can fundraise.
Read this twice: YOUR EVENT SHOULD NEVER COST MORE THAN 10% OF WHAT YOU THINK YOU CAN FUNDRAISE. If you plan to spend £100, then you should shoot to raise £1,000. Even if your not concerned about what you spend, you'll find yourself rather disappointed if that £500 you spent on salmon cakes only equaled £100 in donations.
Have a list of guests. Invite them. Invite them again. Call and remind them to come.
Send invites. Email them. Call them. To have a good event you just need a bit of persistence. Don't harass, plan. Let people know a month or two out, then send an invite, then call or email to see if they are coming (if they haven't said yes or no.) Sometimes contacting them will bring a donation or two more even if they can't attend but want to support you.
Stay away from the drippy or messy foods.
Really, you need to be focusing on your guests not scrubbing the carpet. Ideas are:
Get paper, plastic, or rent your dishes (there are places that will take them back dirty - really).
Again, focus on your guests not the mess. You can find high-end things that can hit the recycle bin without you crying over them. Alternatively, there are party stores that will provide all sorts of pretty things at a reasonable rental cost. Or you can ditch the plates altogether and get yourself some nice serving items.
Have a donation bowl, tin, or something right where they walk in.
This is for your charity, and you should be proud of it. Wandering around after people have had a few glasses of wine for money may work against you, so just have people "check-in" and drop their donation right at the door. (PS - See if your charity will send along balloons, stickers, or little give-aways like badges or pens. It makes it look a bit more professional.)
Be sure that you gather everyone to thank them and give a donation pitch.
They've come for you and your cause. Make sure you take a moment to stand up and tell them how much it means for them to be supporting you and your charity.
Have fun.
This isn't supposed to be stressful. So pick and plan an event that you can handle and enjoy!
Your event should never cost more than 10% of what you think you can fundraise.
Read this twice: YOUR EVENT SHOULD NEVER COST MORE THAN 10% OF WHAT YOU THINK YOU CAN FUNDRAISE. If you plan to spend £100, then you should shoot to raise £1,000. Even if your not concerned about what you spend, you'll find yourself rather disappointed if that £500 you spent on salmon cakes only equaled £100 in donations.
Have a list of guests. Invite them. Invite them again. Call and remind them to come.
Send invites. Email them. Call them. To have a good event you just need a bit of persistence. Don't harass, plan. Let people know a month or two out, then send an invite, then call or email to see if they are coming (if they haven't said yes or no.) Sometimes contacting them will bring a donation or two more even if they can't attend but want to support you.
Stay away from the drippy or messy foods.
Really, you need to be focusing on your guests not scrubbing the carpet. Ideas are:
- Cheese + Crackers + Fruit
- Pre-Packaged, Pre-Cooked items you can pop on a nice plate or in a stove
- Self-Contained themes like: Pasta Party, Pizza, Taco Bowls, or and evening of Desserts
Get paper, plastic, or rent your dishes (there are places that will take them back dirty - really).
Again, focus on your guests not the mess. You can find high-end things that can hit the recycle bin without you crying over them. Alternatively, there are party stores that will provide all sorts of pretty things at a reasonable rental cost. Or you can ditch the plates altogether and get yourself some nice serving items.
Have a donation bowl, tin, or something right where they walk in.
This is for your charity, and you should be proud of it. Wandering around after people have had a few glasses of wine for money may work against you, so just have people "check-in" and drop their donation right at the door. (PS - See if your charity will send along balloons, stickers, or little give-aways like badges or pens. It makes it look a bit more professional.)
Be sure that you gather everyone to thank them and give a donation pitch.
They've come for you and your cause. Make sure you take a moment to stand up and tell them how much it means for them to be supporting you and your charity.
Have fun.
This isn't supposed to be stressful. So pick and plan an event that you can handle and enjoy!
Target. Diversify. Cultivate.
If there is one thing I hate, it's asking the ether to donate.
"But," you say, "I have 542,371 followers on Twitter! If everyone donated £1.00 to my cause I would have £542,371.00!"
And it would work, if you were an uber-celebrity or you had a major amount of media behind you.
Chances are you don't have close personal relationships with 542,371 people. Chances are even further that if you got a hold of 542,371 email addresses and sent them an impassioned plea for them you would be seen as... wait for it... wait for it... a SPAMMER.
So chunk the idea that volume = instant goal. What you need is a targeted plan that covers a variety of ideas and cultivates your donors.
And by cultivation I mean "builds a relationship." You're not selling wrenches, you're promoting a cause that you have an emotional attachment to and are actively doing something for.
Let's play pretend!
You've sat down like a good girl/boy and made out your list of potential donors. It looks like this:
1. The affluent group (affluent in my world can give £50 or more).
2. Your work colleagues who you see almost every day.
3. Your friends who you gather with on Fridays.
4. Your friends from overseas.
5. Your Facebook/Twitter friends.
To throw marketing/sales speak - These are your target audiences. You need to sit down and think of ways in which to reach them. Ideas can be as such:
1. Affluent: Wine tasting at your home/Asking in person/Taking a group to dinner.
2. Work colleagues: Bake sale/Raffle/Asking in person
3. Friends: Spare change/Pasta party/Give up a beer for your cause
4. Overseas Friends: Email/Blog/Video/Call everyone over a set period
5. Facebook/Twitter: Donation Posts/Videos/Blogs/Fan Group
Once you pick your ideas and set them into motion there is a futher, final step: CULTIVATION. Reality is not everyone is going to pick up on your cause and throw money at you. You need to build relationships and seek engagement. Sometimes people can only provide moral support, and that is just fine, so long as you treat every single person you approach with respect and kindness. They are doing something for you, so always show appreciation - if it's £1.00 up to £1,000.00. Trust me, it makes good personal and good business sense.
So remember: Target. Diversify. Cultivate. Sticking to one thing (or hoping for one big one) won't get you to your goal. Sticking to your cause will.
"But," you say, "I have 542,371 followers on Twitter! If everyone donated £1.00 to my cause I would have £542,371.00!"
And it would work, if you were an uber-celebrity or you had a major amount of media behind you.
Chances are you don't have close personal relationships with 542,371 people. Chances are even further that if you got a hold of 542,371 email addresses and sent them an impassioned plea for them you would be seen as... wait for it... wait for it... a SPAMMER.
So chunk the idea that volume = instant goal. What you need is a targeted plan that covers a variety of ideas and cultivates your donors.
And by cultivation I mean "builds a relationship." You're not selling wrenches, you're promoting a cause that you have an emotional attachment to and are actively doing something for.
Let's play pretend!
You've sat down like a good girl/boy and made out your list of potential donors. It looks like this:
1. The affluent group (affluent in my world can give £50 or more).
2. Your work colleagues who you see almost every day.
3. Your friends who you gather with on Fridays.
4. Your friends from overseas.
5. Your Facebook/Twitter friends.
To throw marketing/sales speak - These are your target audiences. You need to sit down and think of ways in which to reach them. Ideas can be as such:
1. Affluent: Wine tasting at your home/Asking in person/Taking a group to dinner.
2. Work colleagues: Bake sale/Raffle/Asking in person
3. Friends: Spare change/Pasta party/Give up a beer for your cause
4. Overseas Friends: Email/Blog/Video/Call everyone over a set period
5. Facebook/Twitter: Donation Posts/Videos/Blogs/Fan Group
Once you pick your ideas and set them into motion there is a futher, final step: CULTIVATION. Reality is not everyone is going to pick up on your cause and throw money at you. You need to build relationships and seek engagement. Sometimes people can only provide moral support, and that is just fine, so long as you treat every single person you approach with respect and kindness. They are doing something for you, so always show appreciation - if it's £1.00 up to £1,000.00. Trust me, it makes good personal and good business sense.
So remember: Target. Diversify. Cultivate. Sticking to one thing (or hoping for one big one) won't get you to your goal. Sticking to your cause will.
Monday 8 February 2010
Illness caught me.
So on Sunday I got up.
I went to the computer and planned out a 6.5 mile running route.
This running route was designed to take me back by my house "just in case."
I climbed upstairs.
Set out my running gear.
I look at the bed.
"Geez, I'm tired."
I climbed back into bed.
I woke up at 4PM.
Sometimes you can outrun the illness, sometimes it catches you. I got quite a bit of sleep yesterday and the bike into work didn't feel so awful.
We'll try running in tomorrow.
If that doesn't work, we'll try walking.
Set backs are set backs but they still suck.
I went to the computer and planned out a 6.5 mile running route.
This running route was designed to take me back by my house "just in case."
I climbed upstairs.
Set out my running gear.
I look at the bed.
"Geez, I'm tired."
I climbed back into bed.
I woke up at 4PM.
Sometimes you can outrun the illness, sometimes it catches you. I got quite a bit of sleep yesterday and the bike into work didn't feel so awful.
We'll try running in tomorrow.
If that doesn't work, we'll try walking.
Set backs are set backs but they still suck.
Saturday 6 February 2010
4 miles.
Today I ran this many: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=3458286
The whole time I was much more thirsty than normal. But it was good to be out, I didn't have to wear all my winter gear, and I didn't feel like dying the moment I got home.
I hope this is my only set back as I move forward. Really do.
The whole time I was much more thirsty than normal. But it was good to be out, I didn't have to wear all my winter gear, and I didn't feel like dying the moment I got home.
I hope this is my only set back as I move forward. Really do.
Friday 5 February 2010
How you representing?
So if you want to think of fundraising from a purely business perspective you should think in two terms:
1. Donations.
2. Exposure.
For those England fundraising types, you've probably gotten packets that give you several very good ways to do #1. Many of them will also give you #2, except you may stand there and think, "Why on EARTH do I need to do something to expose this charity?"
Simple. Because exposure brings awareness and awareness brings more awareness and ... more donations.
"But..." you reply, "this is a well known charity. This shouldn't be hard to raise money for."
That's where you are wrong.
When you commit to fundraising it is always good to commit to some level of exposure as well. A business wouldn't open a shop without a sign. A dentist wouldn't set up practice and then not tell anyone where they are. That is why you'll see charities with commercials, posters, and cheerleaders at the race.
People need to know the charity exists in order to support (or seek support) from it. You probably wouldn't have known about your charity without a personal experience, a friend who got help from it, a campaign on television or in the news that touched you, or even an advertisement seeking runners. Exposure is important and as vital as any donations you get.
So...
It's just a reminder that despite my own goal, there is a bigger cause out there.
1. Donations.
2. Exposure.
For those England fundraising types, you've probably gotten packets that give you several very good ways to do #1. Many of them will also give you #2, except you may stand there and think, "Why on EARTH do I need to do something to expose this charity?"
Simple. Because exposure brings awareness and awareness brings more awareness and ... more donations.
"But..." you reply, "this is a well known charity. This shouldn't be hard to raise money for."
That's where you are wrong.
When you commit to fundraising it is always good to commit to some level of exposure as well. A business wouldn't open a shop without a sign. A dentist wouldn't set up practice and then not tell anyone where they are. That is why you'll see charities with commercials, posters, and cheerleaders at the race.
People need to know the charity exists in order to support (or seek support) from it. You probably wouldn't have known about your charity without a personal experience, a friend who got help from it, a campaign on television or in the news that touched you, or even an advertisement seeking runners. Exposure is important and as vital as any donations you get.
So...
- Wear your t-shirt or running jersey whenever you can. I wear my t-shirt for the National Autistic Society on Friday, and my jersey on my long runs.
- Carry a few informational pamphlets and your collection tin wherever you go. It will remind you to talk about your charity and maybe get you some support.
- Let local media outlets know what you are doing. Many radio stations and charities have Twitter accounts and don't mind retweeting people looking for donations. News groups will sometimes do profile pieces on people doing charity work of all kinds.
- Blog. (Um, duh.) Tweet. (Double duh.) and Fan your group on Facebook. (TRIPLE duh.) Heck, add a support ribbon to your avatar.
It's just a reminder that despite my own goal, there is a bigger cause out there.
Thursday 4 February 2010
Withdrawal.
I haven't run since Sunday.
SUNDAY.
I haven't run.
It's turning me crazy.
Well, there's a lot of things that contribute to my crazy, but I would like to highlight one of those: My current lack of running.
I'm sick. Straight up. Had a fever yesterday and everything. Today, I'm on cold meds but feeling antsy. Nothing today made me very happy. I am not myself without my running shoes. Just not. It's part of me and who I am and I hate, hate, hate being sick.
As if to taunt me there are about 20x more runners around. Yes, I know, we've got half marathons and marathons coming. Lots of people in England run. As this is an island, this means we can't spread out - so I see them everywhere. I half expected them to run through my office, chatting about wick-away and if they were wearing enough spandex.
My bright side is that I did get to do a mental dump today on work tasks with a colleague. This, at least, relieved me somewhat. But I feel it. That itch, that ache. That odd need to just go out and sprint for no reason other than I can.
But it won't do me any good if it means I get worse. So I will sit and simmer, and hope I can direct the negative feelings I have about not running into something - anything - positive.
SUNDAY.
I haven't run.
It's turning me crazy.
Well, there's a lot of things that contribute to my crazy, but I would like to highlight one of those: My current lack of running.
I'm sick. Straight up. Had a fever yesterday and everything. Today, I'm on cold meds but feeling antsy. Nothing today made me very happy. I am not myself without my running shoes. Just not. It's part of me and who I am and I hate, hate, hate being sick.
As if to taunt me there are about 20x more runners around. Yes, I know, we've got half marathons and marathons coming. Lots of people in England run. As this is an island, this means we can't spread out - so I see them everywhere. I half expected them to run through my office, chatting about wick-away and if they were wearing enough spandex.
My bright side is that I did get to do a mental dump today on work tasks with a colleague. This, at least, relieved me somewhat. But I feel it. That itch, that ache. That odd need to just go out and sprint for no reason other than I can.
But it won't do me any good if it means I get worse. So I will sit and simmer, and hope I can direct the negative feelings I have about not running into something - anything - positive.
Wednesday 3 February 2010
Head full of cotton.
My head is full of cotton.
My throat is full of it too.
Because of this cotton existence,
I can't put on my running shoes.
Can't put on my left one.
Nor can I lace my right.
Can't go running in England's gloom.
Or the cold of night.
I guess I could be let down.
I'm wearing a sweatshirt that is blue.
My head is full of cotton.
Can't put on my running shoes.
My throat is full of it too.
Because of this cotton existence,
I can't put on my running shoes.
Can't put on my left one.
Nor can I lace my right.
Can't go running in England's gloom.
Or the cold of night.
I guess I could be let down.
I'm wearing a sweatshirt that is blue.
My head is full of cotton.
Can't put on my running shoes.
Tuesday 2 February 2010
Big monies asking.
So now that VMGiving is passing me around to super great people who are working for their charities, I thought now and again I'll post some of my old fundraising tips up for people to use.
I'll jump into it: It is HARD to ask for big money.
It is easy to break it down, and so that is what people do. But to hit (and exceed - nothing like good excess for fundraising) you have to go out, be humble, and ask for some dough.
A few blogs back I talked about making up a Fundraising Pool. This is where you look through everyone you know, list them, and think about what area of donation they fall into. If you are lucky and you have a few successful friends they would fall into your category called Major Donors. These are people you ask with utmost care, ones that you should take the time to tailor your ask to.
Time to think.
Are they a person who will give so long as you ask?
Many good friends and business colleagues are like this. If you approach, be passionate and honest, they will often back you up. All you have to do is approach, open your mouth, and try. If you are nervous find someone willing to play act with you so you don't feel as if you are jumping straight into cold water.
Are they someone you'd like to do something for?
If you find yourself stuck on straight asking, why not think of an event to center around your friend or friends? Hold an exclusive dinner where you cook a big feast, or uncork some special wine for a night and ask a suggested donation amount. Sometimes it loosens you up a bit and makes it easier to ask for bigger bucks.
Are they someone who can help promote your cause?
Sometimes it is more than money, these people can be the bringers of smaller donations that really add up. Business owners may put a collection tin out front and make a big deal out of your efforts. Others might join in to sponsor your running shirt, giving advertising dollars to a worthy cause. Still more may help you with smaller events like raffles and bake sales.
Remember: Don't be afraid. Be creative, flexible, and confident.
I'll jump into it: It is HARD to ask for big money.
It is easy to break it down, and so that is what people do. But to hit (and exceed - nothing like good excess for fundraising) you have to go out, be humble, and ask for some dough.
A few blogs back I talked about making up a Fundraising Pool. This is where you look through everyone you know, list them, and think about what area of donation they fall into. If you are lucky and you have a few successful friends they would fall into your category called Major Donors. These are people you ask with utmost care, ones that you should take the time to tailor your ask to.
Time to think.
Are they a person who will give so long as you ask?
Many good friends and business colleagues are like this. If you approach, be passionate and honest, they will often back you up. All you have to do is approach, open your mouth, and try. If you are nervous find someone willing to play act with you so you don't feel as if you are jumping straight into cold water.
Are they someone you'd like to do something for?
If you find yourself stuck on straight asking, why not think of an event to center around your friend or friends? Hold an exclusive dinner where you cook a big feast, or uncork some special wine for a night and ask a suggested donation amount. Sometimes it loosens you up a bit and makes it easier to ask for bigger bucks.
Are they someone who can help promote your cause?
Sometimes it is more than money, these people can be the bringers of smaller donations that really add up. Business owners may put a collection tin out front and make a big deal out of your efforts. Others might join in to sponsor your running shirt, giving advertising dollars to a worthy cause. Still more may help you with smaller events like raffles and bake sales.
Remember: Don't be afraid. Be creative, flexible, and confident.
A little ahead, a little behind.
There is a sore throat thing going around work. So I'm sitting here mildly medicated and a bit irritated as - of course - this interferes with my marathon training.
I was lamenting at elevensies the passing of the half marathon as my hard race. I was wistful, almost teary-eyed, at the thought of running ONLY 13.1 miles. Oh the joy of getting my first Duck from Disney all those years ago....
But then...it hit me. I'm ahead a bit on my training! So with this knee needing a bit of RNR and my throat, I've decided that this weekend I celebrate the halvsies once again. Yes, the joyful, relaxing halvsie. Best to put my mental mindset on something that is now a light and frothy, a refreshing little multi-mile joggy.
Sometimes it is good to be a little ahead so you can be a little behind. It helps at the times like this that happen in every persons race journey where marshmellow clouds float through your head because it is mildly stuffy. Yep, I think I'll hold slightly on that 17-miler.
Please sponsor. Thank you. Fluffels.
I was lamenting at elevensies the passing of the half marathon as my hard race. I was wistful, almost teary-eyed, at the thought of running ONLY 13.1 miles. Oh the joy of getting my first Duck from Disney all those years ago....
But then...it hit me. I'm ahead a bit on my training! So with this knee needing a bit of RNR and my throat, I've decided that this weekend I celebrate the halvsies once again. Yes, the joyful, relaxing halvsie. Best to put my mental mindset on something that is now a light and frothy, a refreshing little multi-mile joggy.
Sometimes it is good to be a little ahead so you can be a little behind. It helps at the times like this that happen in every persons race journey where marshmellow clouds float through your head because it is mildly stuffy. Yep, I think I'll hold slightly on that 17-miler.
Please sponsor. Thank you. Fluffels.
Monday 1 February 2010
Brief Devation.
I'm not using Conn's for appliance service anymore.
I do not expect people in the US in normal US jobs doing normal US things to have a US citizen call them and say, "Hey, I'm renting out my place and the dryer is broken. I need someone to fix it, but they need to call/email/smoke signal me back so I can pay for it. I AM NOT LOCATED IN THE US. DO NOT BE FOOLED BY MY US ACCENT. I SAY BIN NOW INSTEAD OF TRASH CAN."
9 times out of 10 they don't get it. Here, I get the confusion when US people call UK phone numbers and get US people answering them. It's weird. It takes a bit of explaining. But when you try and try and try and try to tell US people you are NOT in the US, they somehow, some way, don't believe you.
So Conn's put me on hold forever and a day (HELLO? I AM PAYING FOR THIS CALL!), and not only that, they don't even know what is wrong with the dryer. They just complained that no one was there to pay the bill. And when I call them, trying, PLEADING to pay a bill they seem confused.
"You have a US accent, why are you calling from England?"
"Because I am US born and raised. I've lived here a little over a year. Sometimes I say shed-ual instead of schedule but not always, though Lord knows I won't call a toilet a ur-i-null. Can I please pay a bill for a dryer which is located on 100% God Bless American soil?"
"Why are you paying for a dryer in the US?"
"Because, oddly enough, I own a place there which I rent and thereby must fix things on occasion."
"Oh. This is with an American card, right?"
grumble...cuss under breath....
I try to think that my fellow Americans have an international mindset. But sometimes I don't think they see outside of their cubical.
Sigh.
I do not expect people in the US in normal US jobs doing normal US things to have a US citizen call them and say, "Hey, I'm renting out my place and the dryer is broken. I need someone to fix it, but they need to call/email/smoke signal me back so I can pay for it. I AM NOT LOCATED IN THE US. DO NOT BE FOOLED BY MY US ACCENT. I SAY BIN NOW INSTEAD OF TRASH CAN."
9 times out of 10 they don't get it. Here, I get the confusion when US people call UK phone numbers and get US people answering them. It's weird. It takes a bit of explaining. But when you try and try and try and try to tell US people you are NOT in the US, they somehow, some way, don't believe you.
So Conn's put me on hold forever and a day (HELLO? I AM PAYING FOR THIS CALL!), and not only that, they don't even know what is wrong with the dryer. They just complained that no one was there to pay the bill. And when I call them, trying, PLEADING to pay a bill they seem confused.
"You have a US accent, why are you calling from England?"
"Because I am US born and raised. I've lived here a little over a year. Sometimes I say shed-ual instead of schedule but not always, though Lord knows I won't call a toilet a ur-i-null. Can I please pay a bill for a dryer which is located on 100% God Bless American soil?"
"Why are you paying for a dryer in the US?"
"Because, oddly enough, I own a place there which I rent and thereby must fix things on occasion."
"Oh. This is with an American card, right?"
grumble...cuss under breath....
I try to think that my fellow Americans have an international mindset. But sometimes I don't think they see outside of their cubical.
Sigh.
Recognition and Lots More Running.
So, yay, VMGiving is Retweeting me! I may even get a bit of recognition in their fundraising blog! How cool is that?
It's nice to get a little bit of recognition now and again. People can scoff all they want at people tweeting and facebooking away about the miles they run, but we do it for a reason. Running, unlike many sports, isn't team enabled. Your competitor is always you. Yes, I know, people run in groups and for charities, but in the end it's your time. Not your team's time, not your charities time.
Your time.
So that's why loads of people don't run. It's hard, it's monotonous, and it's you against you. Someone is always BOUND to be faster, put in a better PR, and finish looking glorious instead of like they've been run over.
Thus, we runner's go for our little solo happy achievements and use tools to find encouragement to continue to race ourselves. I ran 14.65 miles yesterday through surprisingly good winter weather for England. I tweeted it. Sometimes when I tweet people tweet back "Good going!" or the ever-present English, "Well done!" And I smile and feel good about myself. I'm not out to make people feel bad because they aren't running (I am, matter of fact, a surprisingly terrible runner) but so that people know:
Yes, I'm actually training for a marathon. I'm taking it seriously. I'm raising funds. And my knee feels stiff.
Okay, so the last one might count as TMI *but* I'd rather people know I'm human and not super-human. Though, I think if I became super-human I'd really want to tweet about that.
Moving on.
I did make it through my run yesterday, but with a lovely and surprising stiffness showing up at about the point where my brain said, "Um. So hey and stuff. Did you know you've never actually ran this far?" It's in the knee that got injured in my only car accident - in which my own car hit me. (I was outside of it, swear.) Did I cry? No. I'm still actively working on researching ways to cope with this. It doesn't hurt that much, but I don't want to make it worse. So a rethinking is happening.
In related news I can say that Oxford has AMAZING canal and river walks. Now that the water has gone down I spent quite a lot of my jogging near the river. Peaceful and people happy to move out of your way (unlike running near the shops). I'm trying to see if I can create a run in which 90% of it is out on these paths. Definitely gets me distracted from the fact that I'm running this insane amount of distance.
So this week is going to be a lot of reflection on my current status so I can work on improving. I'm also going to hit the Virgin Money Giving forum and try to motivate people to raise for what they believe in. I encourage anyone who has any ideas to get on as well.
Peace out.
It's nice to get a little bit of recognition now and again. People can scoff all they want at people tweeting and facebooking away about the miles they run, but we do it for a reason. Running, unlike many sports, isn't team enabled. Your competitor is always you. Yes, I know, people run in groups and for charities, but in the end it's your time. Not your team's time, not your charities time.
Your time.
So that's why loads of people don't run. It's hard, it's monotonous, and it's you against you. Someone is always BOUND to be faster, put in a better PR, and finish looking glorious instead of like they've been run over.
Thus, we runner's go for our little solo happy achievements and use tools to find encouragement to continue to race ourselves. I ran 14.65 miles yesterday through surprisingly good winter weather for England. I tweeted it. Sometimes when I tweet people tweet back "Good going!" or the ever-present English, "Well done!" And I smile and feel good about myself. I'm not out to make people feel bad because they aren't running (I am, matter of fact, a surprisingly terrible runner) but so that people know:
Yes, I'm actually training for a marathon. I'm taking it seriously. I'm raising funds. And my knee feels stiff.
Okay, so the last one might count as TMI *but* I'd rather people know I'm human and not super-human. Though, I think if I became super-human I'd really want to tweet about that.
Moving on.
I did make it through my run yesterday, but with a lovely and surprising stiffness showing up at about the point where my brain said, "Um. So hey and stuff. Did you know you've never actually ran this far?" It's in the knee that got injured in my only car accident - in which my own car hit me. (I was outside of it, swear.) Did I cry? No. I'm still actively working on researching ways to cope with this. It doesn't hurt that much, but I don't want to make it worse. So a rethinking is happening.
In related news I can say that Oxford has AMAZING canal and river walks. Now that the water has gone down I spent quite a lot of my jogging near the river. Peaceful and people happy to move out of your way (unlike running near the shops). I'm trying to see if I can create a run in which 90% of it is out on these paths. Definitely gets me distracted from the fact that I'm running this insane amount of distance.
So this week is going to be a lot of reflection on my current status so I can work on improving. I'm also going to hit the Virgin Money Giving forum and try to motivate people to raise for what they believe in. I encourage anyone who has any ideas to get on as well.
Peace out.
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