Just Call Me Doctor

So, I'm gonna do this embarrassing thing where I talk about my mom. I do it pretty frequently because I can't help myself - she's pretty neat. Incidentally, my mom says I should stop doing that because it makes me seem like a loser. But then, that's my crime: I love my mother. Lock me up.

Long ago, when I was living in Vero Beach my mom came to visit and I took her to happy hour to meet some friends. She had heard me talk about my friend Rob and was happy to meet him when he approached her. He firmly extended his hand and introduced himself, "Rob Blarbitty, Attorney at Law." My mother knew my friend Rob was not a lawyer, so without skipping a beat she met his ridiculous introduction with, "Eleanor Moore, Marketing Genius."

What she didn't know is that Rob Blarbitty was not my friend Rob, but just some random stranger who was letting her know she could call him "Esquire" any time.

I love this story for two reasons: 1. Eleanor Moore, Marketing Genius??! Are you kidding me? Will I ever be that quick on my feet? and 2. Years later, my mother really has become a marketing genius. And a savvy businesswoman to boot.

I submitted my PR project on Monday, for which I used Moore Better Communication as my focus. One of the press releases' headings is "Marketing Genius Solves all your Web Design Needs." I hope I don't get points deducted for silliness.

Here Lies a Satisfied Woman

WHITMAN, Meredith Hampton, 82, of Richmond, Va., died in her home surrounded by family on Thursday, October 28, 2064. Her husband of 50 years, Paul, preceded her in death by only two days. She is survived by two children, Dr. Oliver Whitman (Kerry) and Daphne Jones (Fred), and four grandchildren, all of Richmond, Va. Whitman grew up in Oklahoma but spent her adult years living in various places along the east coast. She wasted no time making her way to the ocean after graduating from Oklahoma State University with a bachelor's degree in English. She spent most of her career writing feature stories for "Vanity Fair" magazine, interviewing such creative notables as Wes Anderson, Diablo Cody and Ben Folds . After she and Paul married in 2014, they spent two years in Nicaragua with the Peace Corps promoting sustainable agriculture. Whitman considered this her greatest contribution to the world and continued to volunteer in local food sharing and farming groups throughout her life. Friends may offer condolences to the family from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, October 31, at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Whitman, 2605 E. Franklin St., Richmond, Va. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.

Moore Better Communication

Brilliant, isn't it? That's the name of my mom's new web development company. I happen to love it. And while I don't have business cards yet, I am acting as unofficial senior editor. And for the next couple of weeks I will serve as make-believe public relations guru. I've chosen Moore Better for my big class project and I'm excited about building a PR packet for it. Mom, do you offer a benefits package for pretend employees?

Today I will work on the assignment given to us in Wednesday's class. There's nothing like writing your own obituary on a rainy day. Pretty morbid, methinks.

Actually, I'm looking forward to writing it. I think it's an interesting assignment and we have quite a bit of freedom with it. I have the opportunity to write my life, basically. Now I can finally get around to earning that master's degree and serving in the Peace Corps. Oh, and hiking the Appalachian Trail and writing that novel. Wow, who knew life would be so simple and fulfilling?

Back in the Bladdle Again

If "blog" translates to "web log," then "bladdle" is a "web log saddle." Right?

I have been coerced into firing this thing up again, per my journalism writing professor's instruction. Last Wednesday's assignment was to create a blog and discuss our MASC 203 course.

So here I am - reviving the blog I abandoned months ago - a decrepit thing by now, with a musty odor and virtual rats and mold throughout. No need to take up more Internet space, I figured. Reduce, reuse, recycle. You're welcome, blogosphere.

As for the class, I have enjoyed our work so far. It's been nice oiling the old writing wheels again. School is pretty fun when it's not the only thing going on in your life. That said, it has been a little difficult juggling work, school, and a social life, but worth the effort.

While the broadcast journalism writing is a tad easier than print, I feel like I'm more suited for print. Perhaps once I get more acquainted with creating visual pieces, I will feel more at ease with that side of it.

I'm trying to decide what product or brand or sports team or band I want to focus on for my big PR project. It needs to be something I enjoy looking at and working with because I have a feeling I will be spending a lot of time with this entity in the coming weeks.

I have considered using my favorite local band, my mother's web development company, or something generic like, the beach, or vegetables. I have this magnet on my refrigerator that says, "Try Organic Food...or as your grandparents called it, Food." I love that. That could definitely be fun.

Lots to consider.