The Accidental Keynote #SoFabCon

I have been home a month since SoFabCon and I still think about Jasmine Banks powerful closing keynote.  Every day actually.  The funny thing about all this is - Jasmine wasn't even the scheduled speaker - it just kinda happened.  Something with US Customs at the Canadian border.  But that's okay, sometimes things happen for a reason and I put it in my mind that we were all meant to hear Jasmine's story.  It was beautiful, painful and inspiring.  She made us cry and she made us laugh by keeping it real.  That cliche about a breath of fresh air - this keynote was it.  Everywhere I look online - blogs and Instagram mainly - I see picture perfect homes, food and families.  I have asked myself is this for real?  Is this real life?  Because I know no one like that.  Jasmine calls this stylized content.  I call it cookie cutter.  The majority of bloggers these days are the same.  Pushing out the same perfect content in the same layouts, following the same formula and not breaking new ground.  Yawn.  What works for them, might not work for you.  Don't follow anyone else's formula.  This blogging thing... it is DIY and open for interpretation!      

When I made the decision to monetize, I struggled with authenticity.  Not because I wasn't authentic but because I didn't want to scare off brands or new readers by keeping it real.  Do I sell out or do I stay true to myself?  The answer:  Stay true to yourself.  Brands, bloggers and your readers want you to BE YOU.  


When Jasmine put this slide up, everyone laughed.

What is your story then?

I used to have another blog and rebranded in April 2012.  In November 2012, I had a breakdown.  I was grateful with all the opportunities that were coming my way but I felt like I was losing my voice.  That breakdown was one of the best things to happen to me.

What is your story now?


And then Jasmine dared us to start a #ThisIsMe movement by writing a love letter to ourselves.  And this is me daring you to write a love letter to yourself.  

Staring Into The Abyss Of Unemployment

Before I left for the SoFabCon conference last week in Arkansas my husband and I received our "layoff" notices from work.  I wanted to go on my business trip with my "everything is fine" mask on and I tuned out the layoff notice.  It was rumored that our jobs were in jeopardy, for a couple months now but I was in denial.    This couldn't happen to us.  Not me or my husband because we are good people, we work hard.  Our current employer lost the contract at Honda Center (Home of NHL Anaheim Ducks) and the building did not want to keep all of us Union employees.  From a business perspective, it made sense.  Dollars and cents that is.  They would let go of all of us and hire new employees at minimum wage.  I have been at Honda Center for 18 years and I always thought the day I would say goodbye would be on my terms.

I went on early maternity leave in January 2012 and shortly after the birth of Omar in April 2012, I requested to take one year off.  My return date was to be September 1, 2013.  I wouldn't have been able to go on early maternity leave and take extra time off if it wasn't for being a Union member.  I wouldn't have excellent health insurance, seniority, vacation pay and a savings plan if it wasn't for my Union.  I'm devastated that I will no longer have Honda Center to call my home away from home.  When there was a lockout at the beginning of the season, we tapped into our savings to survive - we hung in there!!!  I wish Anaheim Arena Management would just give us a little respect and tell us their plans.  I need closure.    

I am in tears as I write this.  I have one post sitting in my draft folder - I have a hard time hitting publish on that one because I come off as mad.  And I refuse to let the powers that be turn me into that person.  I could go into the details of my personal and professional growth of being somewhere for 18 years but it is mentally/physically/emotionally exhausting.  The arena has been a part of me and my family for 18 years.  I loved going to work.  I love my coworkers.  I am very proud to be part of the machine that kept Honda Center going.  I wish it didn't have to end like this.

Today my "everything is fine" mask is off and I'm scared of what is next for us.  #thisisme


Sharing some of my favorite Honda Center memories in pictures ---
One of my favorite posts was about Florence who works for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.  27 years and she is addicted to the lifestyle.  I got to see her a couple years ago and gave her a copy of this picture.  
Two of my favorite coworkers - also Honda Center lifers!  A Ducks game fell on Halloween and we got to dress up!

Ducks Season Ticket Holders during 2007 Stanley Cup Finals!  I remember when she was pregnant and now that baby is in school!

I was there when we won the Stanley Cup!


I will miss you Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim / Honda Center.