THE BLOG OF ETERNAL STENCH: April 2009

To Tweet or Not to Tweet?

Twitter: Is it

the question?

As a four month veteran to the tweeting world, I can hardly call myself a newbie anymore. Forced into yet another social media outlet by suggestion, curiosity kept me coming back. For some of you, you just don't get the appeal. It's understandable. But have you seen it work?

I've been fortunate to have been taken in by a small community (and growing) in the Twitter-verse. The awesome folks at Blellow are all Tweeters and are extremely active, promoting the company, networking, etc. Plus my brother and his fiance tweet. If my close personal friends do, than I've yet to share their twitter names, but discussions during our hang outs have never eluded to this fact. But the biggest shock to them all? My mother tweets. And that's not it. She's got two accounts (pick your jaw up from the floor, darlings, it's not at all ladylike).

So let me guess. You don't think your life isn't interesting enough to share anything about yourself. Or, you think Twitter is just a place for me to inform you that I just gorged myself on a double-meat, double-bacon, double-cheese concoction from a local dive. Well, it can be. But more often it's not. I have, in fact, tweeted once about my dinner. It was burnt. It was humor. At least to me that is.

But Twitter can be so much more. Especially for businesses. It's a way to reach out (for free) to a community. Especially if your entire community is the web. Blellow, for instance, uses Twitter to drive peeps to their website. You can see their more targeted tweets by visiting their Twitter pages:

@Blellow
@BlellowSean
@blellowvj

Aside from just driving people to their website, they also give back by providing tips, tricks, and job resources to any/all of their followers.

What about celebrities? They are crawling on Twitter. Recently, Ashton Kutcher became the first tweeter to reach the glorified 1,000,000 follower status. Alas, I'm not one of them. However, I do follow the likes of Anthony Bourdain (No Reservations), Andrew Zimmern (Bizarre Eats), Samantha Brown (Great Weekends), Lance Armstrong (duh) and Dhani Jones (from the Travel Channel show Dhani Tackles the Globe). And guess what, Dhani follows me? But why?

It's simple. I RT. RT?!? What's a RT? RT = ReTweet. It's basically copying and pasting someone's post, but giving them the credit. RT @koenigkc (insert message). Well I've RT'ed enough of Dhani's posts and the others that they took notice. As well as other travel sites as well. Which has led me to some interesting/fascinating/bizarre websites/articles/other twitter sites. I'm also followed by the Travel Channel (which to me, is kinda cool).

Your bank may even be tweeting. I know for a fact USAA does. I mean, the information comes a lot faster than that monthly newsletter. And for your 'greenies' out there, it's a lot more environmentally friendly as well.

But online buddies are one thing and face-to-face is another. But many people offer/host TweetUps. I've been to one that Blellow hosted in the not too distant past. It's fun and interesting and a great way to meet new people.

I'm sure Twitter is used in many more ways than the ones I've just mentioned. But, I'm sold. And I'm definitely on the bandwagon. I know social media is the wave of the future, and if companies don't get on the bandwagon, they're going to be left behind.

By the way, I tweet here.

End of My Rope

I need prayers this week. I've put my resume in to a few different places, and I'm really praying that I get an interview with a company that I've been working for, indirectly.

Please, please, please.

I'm at the end of my rope, I think. I've been super emotional lately (no, I'm not pregnant) and if you've noticed, my blog posts haven't exactly been 'peppy'. I think it's all starting to come down on me. Though, I'm trying to not let it happen.

Crossing fingers.
Kissing rabbits foot.
Tossing salt over my left shoulder.
Chanting.
Praying.

Perez Hilton is a Joke

Warning: Typically I tell you when I post a political blog. Well, I think this is less about politics and more about class. Be forewarned.

If you've been hiding under a rock, you've missed the huge fuss that arose out of Sunday's Miss USA pageant. If you want to know more, check out this video.

Well, I can't hold my tongue on this one any longer, not that I really have. I am so irate over this entire thing. To start, this contestant was the only one that received such a controversial question, in comparison to the other 4 contenders and I absolutely think that because she was representing California she was set up for this question and by no other than Perez Hilton, a gay rights activist and celebrity webloger.

Perusing articles online yesterday I had read that the Miss USA pageant does not ask politically controversial questions to contestants. Oh funny, how did this one get through the cracks? If this was the case, then why did no one interfere immediately after the question was posed? Controversey sells, ladies and gentleman, and now the Miss USA pageant has gotten more press and noteriety than they have in the past 10 years, no matter if it's good or bad.

The issue, to me, is not about gay marriage. That was the question, yes, and no matter how you feel, you are all entitled to your own opinions. That is the beauty of America. Differences.

But here's my biggest issue. I went on to this Perez Hilton's website to check out his video in which he refers to Miss California as a 'dumb b****" - and I ended up perusing more of his articles to see exactly his 'style'. I saw pictures in which he drew a penis in place of a microphone, drew nipples onto a picture of a big chested celeb and many more along those lines. Oh, yes, yes, please let's get this man (??) to judge a beauty pageant for goodness sakes, because he is the epitomy of class and beauty. Right. Why didnt we do this sooner? WHO could of possibly thought to use this guy!? Trump? Shame on you!

And then the second biggest issue is this. There is no right and wrong answer. There is never a right and wrong answer to ANY Miss USA question. No one asks them what the square root of 144 is. There is no definite. So what is the big deal!?!?! She answered how she felt. That's what you wanted, that's WHY you ask a contestant an answer. To see how they answer, to see how they hold themselves.

Well guess what? She did. It just so happens she didn't agree with Perez Hilton (and also 99% of Hollywood turns out). But so frickin' what? It was HER answer. And if you don't like her answer, you should of NEVER asked her the question. I was floored when he came on talk shows afterwards and said "She should of answered like this...." and proceeded to map out how exactly she should of stated her reply. Are you kidding me? Put the shoe on the other foot.

It's not about agreement and conforming. Again, the issue isn't about your stance on gay marriage. The ISSUE is that he wanted her to answer one way, he already made up his mind, and she didn't and now she's a dumb b**** because of it?!? Utterly ridiculous. I absolutely feel bad that the gay community has this idiot championing their causes. Get someone classy, someone level headed. Stop feeding fuel to this guys fire. Perez Hilton just sent women's lib back several generations by making such a statement. Way to be 21st century... Oh and by the way. I had something else you can add to your site:

Still Having to Get Used to this "Neighborhood" Thing

To give a quick backstory, our builder pulled out of our neighborhood at the end of 2008. This has left numerous lots empty and many unfinished plans have gone up in smoke. Sort of. Most of the story I'm fixing to tell revolves around one aspect of our neighborhood. The amenity center.

I will not doubt that when Jeff and I bought our home in late 2007, we were excited about the proposed amenity center that our builder said should be up around summer 2009. The plans are cool. Water park, observation deck, sports fields and of course a playground. But, we all know the economy is pathetic right now and when building slowed, it was obvious things were going to pan out.

Needless to say, the amenity center has not been built (and we are quickly encroaching on that summer 2009 mark). As a matter of fact, that property that's supposed to be the site of our amenity center is currently grazing land for some ranchers herd of catlle right now. But, you know, that's the risk we took. We built in a neighborhood that didn't have an established park already in place. So, shame on us and shame on the other 149 home owners if they are peeved as well.

So, to get to the point, we attended a special Home Owner's Association meeting last night in which the San Antonio honcho for our builder showed up, the area honcho for the development company showed up and the reps for our HOA Management company attended. I'd yet to attend an HOA meeting, but this could hardly be called the norm I imagine.

Things started out civily, the builder read our questions that we submitted and answered them in the most truthful manner. I'll give him props for that. Then this 'homeowner' stood up and practically SHOUTED to the builder "YOU LIED TO US! YOU LIED TO US ALL!" - Honestly, you would of thought he was trying to win an Oscar with as much drama and acting he put into his speech. He was HEATED. I tried not to giggle or laugh, but it was difficult.

It's understandable to be passionate about something. But screaming in front of a crowd of about 80 people, in my opinion, is not the best way to be heard, nor does it make you look good.

The problem with last nights assembly is that most of the homeowners wanted to hear the answer they were looking for, but they didn't get it. The builder gave answers, it's just not what they wanted to hear. Again, don't get me wrong, I want that amenity center too. But folks, it wasn't built when we got here, it was merely a promise. The builder did in fact say that the plans are still to build it. But of course, the market is going to have to pick back up. We all know that.

There was more screaming/shouting/yelling/heated discussions from other homeowners. I think my biggest issues was with our HOA Management company. They stink, and that's an understatement. I would of like to hear more questions grilling them and their role in our neighborhood than to of spent time with all the direct yelling towards our builder.

What an experience. It was interesting to say the least. I'm not sure if public confrontation meetings are my cup of tea, but hey, I understand the necessity to get the ball rolling.

Spring Has Officially Begun

Jeff's brother, Rick, and his family came in to town this weekend. We had a great time and it was so good to see the girls. Elise wasn't walking last time I saw her and now she is motoring! Clara is full of spunk and has a huge personality. It's so neat to see them growing up. I only wish we lived closer. Here's a few pics of our weekend trip to Sea World. The rest can be seen on my Flickr site.

Lauren & Clara

The Houston Koenig's

Jeff & Elise

Happy Easter!

Posted pics from A. Kathy's here.

Melancholy

My social life is pretty non-existent these days. With the exception of a attending a softball game last weekend and an upcoming bbq with friends this weekend, things are pretty bleak.

Spring brings an abundance of activity. Running, biking, picnics, sports, tubing, camping, etc. But everything costs money and that's where I'm at an impasse. I don't want to spend money, but by not spending money I'm becoming a hermit and anti-social. Which is causing damage on the psyche if you know what I mean.

I want to go to Floore's or Gruene Hall and watch a live band. I want to go tubing down the Guadalupe. I want to go camping/hiking at E-Rock or WHEREVER. I want to take a vacation with my husband. Just him and me to somewhere new and exciting (maybe here or here or even here). I want regular hangouts with friends. I want to go dancing. And not to go grind up against some sick-o stranger, but I want to go dancing, because well, I love to dance.

I feel old. And my lack of activity is not helping.

Melancholy Colleen is no fun, huh?

White Braids

I've been noticing an increase of white hairs on my head over the past year. They're oh so subtly weaving their way into the blond/brown/dingy color that is my hair color. Too bad they're not coming in, in a cool fashion, like Rogue from the X-Men (nerd alert).

I'm not vain enough to concern myself with these few hairs yet. So what? A few is a few and it sure beats the other aging alternative - balding.

But this white hair got me thinking. When I was a kid, there was this woman at church who had the most beautiful hair, and it was completely white. At that time I'm sure she was grandma age and yet she defied the typical - the granny bowl cut. You know what I'm talking about. Permed, teased and sprayed.

If that's what I have to look forward to in old age, than no thank you! But this woman's hair was gorgeous and thick. I distinctly remember her wearing it in braids a lot. They were beautiful.

I knew that I wanted hair like that in my golden years. And if all grays according to plan (tee hee), hopefully I'm on the right track.

Of course the disclaimer on the white-haired woman and her style is this. Every Christmas she used to wear this Christmas Tree hat on upon her head. I remember also thinking, "I hope I never turn into THAT!" Ha!

5 Things I've Realized Since Becoming 'Unemployed'

1. Laundry no longer stockpiles till the weekend.
2. My house is noticeably cleaner.
3. As a direct result of watching more HGTV, I've a bigger desire to decorate now that I have no money, than when I did.
4. I have not seen the inside of a Target in about 2 months.
5. I've gained some weight.

Adam Lambert for Idol!

Okay, so I'm guilty of being an American Idol fan. So sue me. But, after last nights performance (actually after the Smokey Robinson episode three weeks ago) my vote is 100% behind Adam Lambert. SERIOUS talent. Awesome originality. Check him out!

Adam Lambert Tracks of my Tears

and last night's performance was awesome!!!

I like the screaming. Maybe it's my obsession with the 80's and all the hair bands. But, it's kinda my thing.

If you're an American Idol fan, who are you backing?

Weekend Project

We probably shouldn't be doing too many weekend projects considering my current unemployed status, but we couldn't resist the $34.98 price tag on these Red Oaks at Home Depot. And, our backyard, as with all cookie cutter homes, was in desperate need of some trees! Jeff did a fantastic job putting them in! Now, let's just cross our fingers that they take.

Bandera Guest House

The parents of an old high school friend run a B&B out on their property in Bandera (I think you are seeing a theme to my blogging lately). Anyway, she was making a website for their business and asked if she could use some of my Bandera pics that are in my Flickr photostream. Sure! No problem. She put the site up earlier this week and my pics are front and center!

http://www.banderaguesthouse.com/

As a side note, I didn't take the real estate photography. Just the shots around Bandera.

Bandera ISD on Twitter

Bandera, TX.
Nicknames: Bantucky, BFE, Cowboy Capital of the World, and subject to many jokes that revolve around sheep and incest.

Not the place you would first think of when thinking about technology, would you?

As a recent Twitterer, I've been expanding my Tweet list of people that I follow and lo and behold I stumbled upon Bandera ISD. Tweeting. *mouth drops open here* Really?

My group of close friends are from areas far more sophisticated than Bandera, Texas and THEY aren't even twittering. You've got to be kidding me! Bandera ISD?

I was impressed. And I Tweeted as much. And Bandera ISD responded. And what's more is that they keep their posts up to date and relevant. I am so proud.

Kudos to the Communications Department at Bandera ISD for keeping up with the times!