I Have Officially Pinpointed What I'm Meant to Do With My Life

As many of you are aware, I tend to dream big.

In the seemingly neverending quest to figure out what the heck I'm supposed to be doing with my life, I've already determined that I'm meant to be a talk show host or a news anchor... anything that involves getting to hear people's stories, let's be honest here.

Although I raise this dream in a slightly joking manner with many people in my life (many = all, in this instance), I'm also quite serious. If there's one thing I've learned in my 20s, it's this: It's great to have a solid career- I am entirely grateful for the career path I've developed to-date. But if you really want to have the most fulfilling life possible, you really ought to take a step back, pinpoint your true interests and passions and determine how you can reasonably pursue those interests by leveraging the skill sets and qualities that you have to offer.

Deep, I know.

Anyway, while I actively discuss my hopes and dreams of becoming a talk show host or news anchor with any/everyone, I feel like I need to take a step back and at least outline some tangible, attainable milestones that can be used to track my progress to this dream goal of mine. (Talk about taking a consultant approach to this whole effort... next thing you know, I'll be creating a Powerpoint slide outlining my step-by-step approach to achieving this goal... a Gantt chart, if you will.)

Just this afternoon, I was watching a couple of DVR'ed OWN shows- one being one of Oprah's Life Class episodes and another being TV Guide's Top 25 Oprah Moments. The Life Class episode was about "joy rising"... it's such an amazing, uplifting episode that really just makes you want to get out there and give anyone in a difficult situation ANYthing they need (including a big, fat HUG). Similarly, at least one of TV Guide's Top 25 Oprah Moments involved surprising individuals going through difficult situations.

It's by watching these snippets that I've more specifically pinpointed what I would like to focus on should I ever have a broader reach/presence (and/or available funding). I think giving people going through tough situations useful, meaningful surprises would legitimately be the ultimate dream job of mine. Honestly, it's hard to describe the sheer joy I get out of watching some of these snippets (either on Oprah reruns or on Ellen). I mean, hearing these individuals' stories of hardships and struggles never fails to put my own "problems" into perspective. And then seeing the pure, unadulterated JOY that they express in their own unique ways when presented with their respective surprises... God, I know these people are complete and total strangers, but my heart still gives a little leap just knowing that, for at LEAST that moment in time, their lives are just that much better.

I have to say, I think Oprah and Ellen have transformed television talk shows in that regard. They have clearly demonstrated their true passion to leverage their means and celebrity for the greater good of society. Actually, come to think of it, I sure hope Katie Couric does similar types of things on her new show (I mean, I'm assuming she would... surprising people with random acts of kindness? If that doesn't scream Kaite Couric, I just don't know what does.)

And that, my friends, brings me to my new dream job/goal. Since the Katie show is still in its infancy, there is so much opportunity for growth and expansion and, quite frankly, I think this type of segment would be so fitting for her show. So that's my goal. To become a special correspondent for the Katie show- specifically, I want to hear compelling stories of people/communities in need and be tasked with the act of surprising people in their homes/schools/local communities/etc.

My heart just went all a'flutter at the prospect. I mean, anyone who knows me knows I get a natural high off of being around people. But to be able to SURPRISE people with random acts of kindness? Seriously, I don't know how I'd be able to contain my excitement. (I'm envisioning my role to be similar to the role of Jeannie (sp?) on Ellen's show or Gayle on Oprah's show.) Hell, I'd even VOLUNTEER to do this kind of thing!!

Oh man, now that I've more specifically determined what I'm meant to be doing with my life, I can't stop thinking about how I'm actually going to make this happen. Baby steps here, people...

My Submission for Ellen's Bad Paid-For Photos

Do you guys watch Ellen?

I sure hope so because... well, because it's just such a happy place. It's such a perfect blend of creativity, celebrity, generosity... and HUMOR. My God, I know Ellen's a comedian, but seriously. The amount I laugh out loud at each and every episode is legitimately unreal.

Anyway, so as some of you are aware, I have a list of things I want to do over the course of the year (not really a new year's resolution list, since I don't believe in resolutions and since I created this list in May, but you get the idea, right?).

One of my goals?

That's right! Going to the Ellen show (well, if we're going for accuracy here, I actually want to be ON the show... but whatever, I'll settle for going to the show as well)!!

OMG- if I end up getting tickets to an episode of the Ellen show when Rosie and Sophia Grace are on, I will ABS-olutely die. Have you seen these girls?!?!?! They are only the most adorable girls EVER- Ellen discovered them through a random YouTube video she found and now they are TOTAL celebrities. For good reason, too... these gals have some personaliTAY.

Anyway, sorry, that was a slight tangent. I get a little overly excited (surprise, surprise). Back to the point of this post... okay, so if you do watch the Ellen show, you are aware of a recurring segment that Ellen has called "Bad Paid-For Photos". Basically, it's an opportunity for people to send in GODawful pictures of themselves from way back in the day that... well, that everyone can laugh at.

I know, I know. Most people shudder at the thought of reliving some of their childhood pictures (I mean, Glamour Shots? Wowza, that's all). But, well, who DOESN'T have a bad photo from back in the day, right?

Right. Since shamelessness is my middle name, I've decided to take my chances and submit a picture for Ellen's "Bad Paid-For Photos". The things I'll do to get on TV, really... sooo, are you guys ready for it?

Voila!

That's right. Hello, third-grade. How I had any friends in the third-grade is fairly questionable, given the hot mess state I was in. I mean, there is NOTHING right about this picture! What in heaven's name were my parents thinking, letting me out the door in this state? And to think... this is what I looked like on school picture day, when more effort than usual was put into my appearance... scary, huh?

Here's the thing- if you know me at all, you know that I care very little about my appearance in general. But this picture? I mean, that's taking "caring very little about my appearance" to a whole new level.

All I have to say is- God bless the inventors of braces and contact lenses. Heavens.

And those BUTTONS?!?!?! Those SHOULDER PADS?!??! I understand it was the 80s and all things wrong in fashion really came outta the woodwork, but really? REALLY.

And finally, let's discuss... that HAIR?!?!?! One, WHAT is that haircut? The bangs aren't even close to being evenly chopped (I forget... I may have done this myself... awesome.), the bottom of the hair isn't close to even (and you KNOW I wasn't aiming for a "layered/angled" look)... and well, again, God bless the inventor of the hair straightener.

And heavens- I can't believe I almost forgot to point out those GLASSES?!?!?! I mean, clearly (clearly) I was a fan of pink... but really? Those pink frames? No words...

Ah, the good ol' days. If anything, I would like to think that this post will give kids hope. Hope that things CAN get better as you age. (Ah, the Maliyacular... deep, isn't it?) I mean, if one individual can go from THIS:

To THIS*:

...Well, at least you know you can go nowhere but up (and by "up", I just mean anywhere north of... well, that third-grade train wreck).

*Although most of you reading this are aware of what I currently look like, I had to insert this "current state" picture per Ellen show requirements, as I'm simply linking to this post for my submission to the Ellen show.

Do You Oovoo?

Have you guys heard of Oovoo before? I certainly hadn't until... well, yesterday.

A couple of weeks ago, my company sent out an "all company" email indicating that, in honor of an all company meeting coming up in a few weeks, we were encouraged to submit videos of ourselves speaking to what the company means to us in three words, ten seconds.

For those of you who know me, all you had to read was the line "submit a video of yourself" and you KNOW I got right ON THAT PUPPY!!! Well, WHAT?! My company is pretty large and spans the country!! Who knows who could be watching and... weeee!!! DISCOVER ME?!?!

Naturally, I'm sure this is the thought process of most persons who would read such an email. All kidding aside, I certainly DID email a couple of my friends who are on opposite ends of the country with the prospect of doing a group video... and, well, thank God they are as shameless as I am, because... wowza! I wasn't expecting such enthusiastic responses! (Okay, this may be a point of SLIGHT exaggeration, but only a SLIGHT one! They really were excited!!I think.)

Anyway! After the respective parties had agreed to this "event", if you will, I went to town trying to figure out the appropriate technologies to utilize for this cross-national video extravaganza. Skype was the first option, but GOD! There are so many additional apps that you would need to download to display video, video record, etc.* F that!

Next up: Oovoo... I know, right? What kind of name IS that? Ironically, I hadn't heard of this thing until just yesterday and now I'm so actively advertising it, it's not even funny. I have only my dearest twinster, Mars Bars (formal name: Maria), to thank for introducing me to this wonderful source of technology. You can video record with up to six people for free! Screw actual person-to-person parties anymore! Oovoo is the new party for the digital age, if you will...

Okay, another slight exaggeration. But whatever- it certainly was the closest thing that came to a party today, when I was in my office, and had the brilliant idea of testing out my very first Oovoo experience with the one and only Maria herself! I was so delighted when Maria responded to my text, indicating her willingness to help me navigate this Oovoo thing this afternoon... not only was it an opportunity to test out this wonderful work of technology but HELLO! TWINSTER REUNION!!!!!

And, oh sigh. What a reunion it was. I literally got SO EXCITED when I saw Maria's face pop up on my computer screen!! And thank GOD I'd moved into a conference room for this, because you better BELIEVE no reunion would be complete (virtual or otherwise) without the standard squealing, giggling, general chit-chatting.

I can't get over how much this delightful experience MADE my DAY!!! I was initially going to post our "test" video but realized a couple of things:

1. I ended up recording essentially ALL of our reunion, rather than just a portion of it (like I had thought), and there is no way you are going to listen to our conversation in its entirety.

2. Since Internet security is my middle name, I wasn't sure about posting something like this video without Maria's consent. I mean, we are fairly shameless people, but within the fine bounds of Internet security. Obvi.

3. Let's be honest, I look like a TRAIN WRECK today! (So I didn't have time to straighten my hair this morning, so sue me.) Granted, I normally couldn't care less what I look like (so long as those pearly whites are preserved haha), but this is different... if I posted this video for all the world to see, who knows when it could come back to haunt me? I mean, for all I know, I could end up on Ellen someday and she'll just showcase this as a "Before She Was Famous" type of dealio. But I digress.

Anyway! I would highly, highly recommend this application if you're not already using something that you are attached to (like Skype). The video quality is fab and SIGH- it's the perfect forum for REUNIONS!!! THANKS, TWINSTER!

*Special thanks to Hazel for assisting in this effort as well. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate your additional Skype research- you are a GEM!