Present Imperfect

The Bends | March 19, 2007

Now that I’ve semi-recovered from SXSW, I want to thank everyone who attended our panel, Ethan and Erin for making me look smart just by sitting next to me, and most of all, Greg for asking me to be on it in the first place. Website’s coming soon, so stay tuned.

If you’ve never been to SXSW Interactive and you care at all about things webular, I’d suggest you sign up for early notification now and get ready to book your badge and hotel come September. I’ve never been to an event where I felt more valued—professionally and personally—by my peers, most of whom are absolute rock stars (only without the inflated egos). Leaving is always difficult, because out here in the real world, you don’t always feel that way. At SXSWi, you get a concentrated dose of admiration and respect. Enough to get you through an entire year.

Well, almost.

Dare to be absorbent. | March 04, 2007

I bought some paper towels at Target the other day. The package was labeled “Expressions!” or “Inspirations!” or possibly “Inspirational Expressions!” Halfway through the second roll, I started reading my paper towels. This is what they have to say:

Dare to be feisty.
Let your dreams guide your steps.
Laughter is life’s sunshine.
Each life needs its own quiet place.
Breathe in the joy of the moment.
Smiles are for sharing, always carry a spare. [My paper towels use comma splices.]
Peace is a journey, not a destination.
Discover the magic within yourself.
Find the wonderful in today.
Let the world surprise you every day.
Gratitude is an attitude of Love. [My paper towels also use inexplicable initial caps.]
Be beautiful, be yourself.
Make a difference.
Dare to live well! [In a feisty way, presumably.]
Bless this Mess!
Good moods are Contagious!
Dance in the direction of your dreams.
Sing a song of Rainbows.
Listen to your heart.
Write yourself a happy ending.

I hate my paper towels and I want to kill them.