Gift Card Galore

I didn't sleep well last night. I was worrying a lot about a lot of little things that really aren't significant in the grand scheme of things. I woke up for my run - first run since I've had food poisoning all week. Felt good to get outside in the fresh air with my iPod and just go.

I live in downtown Phoenix and I run through a park that is on Central. There are many people that sleep there and a few that live there. 2 in particular have become friends of mine and we chat, say good morning and have light conversation. They are are very nice and as the weather has gotten cold I have worried about them. I brought them breakfast and hot coffee last week, figured I would do that each week.

Today I talked to them and learned that one of them has been in downtown for 38 years, I am still trying to figure out his whole story. I learned that he has 4 blankets and where he sleeps at night because he prefers this over chaos in one of the shelters. The other one, I don't have his whole story. He came walking back as we talked. He goes every morning and gets coffee from Krispy Kreme for a $.27 refill - today he learned that they raised their coffee price to $1.25 a cup and they cannot afford it anymore.

I smiled and told them to have a nice day they told me the same. I felt bad. I was worrying about small stuff but as I looked at my bed I sleep in every night and took my hot shower I realized that nothing is that bad. I decided that I would go to Kripsy Kreme today and buy them a gift card to use for coffee and stop and the sandwich place next door and get one from there too.

Then it started me thinking. Kristi told me she has gift cards that are 2 years old that she will never use - I have a few friends that told me that. So I decided to start asking anyone if they have a fast food gift card that they will never use - I have a few in my wallet. Every week or so I'm going to give them to my homeless friends in the park so they have the ability to get something warm to eat and drink.

Downtown is a community and we look out for one another. So if you see someone where life has served them up something not so sweet maybe a gift card would help - it's actual food not money or bringing food. If you have some and want to mail or drop them off to me let me know! I will make sure that they get in the hands of someone that needs and deserves it. I'll even talk them in to letting me get their picture.

I wrote a check the other day for St. Mary's Food Bank and I know that will be put to good use for families but I enjoy seeing what I can do as a direct impact. I always told myself that as soon as I had a little to give that I would give it and now I'm getting that opportunity.

So dig in your purses, wallets, dresser drawers and junk drawers - find those gift cards and lets put them to good use!

To Success,

Angelina
NThreeQ Media, LLC
Phoenix Graphic Designer

Better not Bitter - so appropriate

I came across an article the other day talking about facebook and relationships. As a website company we push and push and push for social media and facebook pages and fan pages but if you are in a relationship - what does it do to that?

A society driven so much by technology that we become socially unaware of how to communicate with people - we text or email and phone and face to face conversation becomes obsolete. And then what happens when the dreaded - I was deleted feeling comes over you. You broke up or things just didn't work out and then all of a sudden you aren't facebook buddies anymore - and it hurts your feelings.

Astounding right? We use social media to stay connected to people - see what they are up to, promote our business, say what we are up to and generally stay connected 24 hours a day. Remember when the news started coming on 24 hours a day? It used to just be 2 or 3 times a day - now it's 24 hours a day.

We are social creatures by nature - and human beings with feelings. So here's what the article suggested - either you and your mate are not connected to one another on facebook or you don't visit one anothers page. If something bothers you talk about it - but really don't give them a reason to. Ultimately don't let facebook rule your personal life - only your business. I have said it in the past there is barely separation between the 2 however this is case where it's possible.

The biggest thing is really, if you get deleted I promise you it's not the end of the world. It is always difficult to lose a friend but then again there is always a reason to. And if you did the deleting - well I hope it was worth it. Hey, I've deleted and been deleted - quite frankly the amazing part is, is live goes on.

My fortune cookie said today that "The difficulties in life are supposed to make us better, not bitter." So appropriate.

To success,

Angelina
Phoenix Graphic Designer
NThreeQ Media, LLC

A super hero

I'm dedicating this blog to my good friend Kristi. Who, after 11 years still knows how to drive me crazy but pick me up off the concrete crying only to make me feel like a super hero again. She told me I was her super hero last night, when I was having a moment of feeling sorry for myself because even at the top of my game - it's still lonely and nothing is ever perfect. But perfection really is in the eyes of the beholder and Kristi and I have learned over the years that we accept each other for who we are - we don't always agree and we definitely get angry at each other but at the end of the day - when the tears flow - words aren't necessary.

Everyone should have a Kristi in their life and here's why. She never sugar coats anything for you - but will be there when you screw up. You can literally tell her anything and she will annoyingly tell you how to turn it in to a positive. She knows how to not dwell on the bad and to appreciate the life that has been given to her. She'll tell you to go change or she's not going out with you - but you better believe she would have to go change too. She'll defend you at your most vulnerable point or talk to the guy you are dating to put in to words what you cannot express properly.

She's not afraid of love or to go for what or who she wants. She's not afraid to walk up and talk to anyone. She's quite an amazing person.

Among all the wolves and predators that are out there in the big bad world. I have learned to only let those in that truly deserve it and then never let them go, including family. They are truly the only advice that you should listen to and take because they are only looking out for what's in your best interest and nothing else.

To success,

Angelina
NThreeQ Media, LLC
Phoenix Graphic Designer

A wolf in sheep's clothing

remember the days of being a fresh graphic artist/webmaster and thinking that I knew everything. And then coming to find out I still had so much to learn. I never wanted to let anyone in or listen to what they know how to do. But seriously, hands down if you are smarter or know skills I don't I will listen.

It's funny too - when you meet other graphic artists you can tell the ones that are new to the business and the ones that have been around for awhile. The new ones look at you as competition, they flex their guns and knowledge and treat you not very nice. The old ones - well we figure out who is good at what. What projects we have going on and how we can work together to get even more work. No 2 designers have the same skills - some are good at grunge or edgy some are good a corporate or professional some are right in the middle. Some claim to be it all, graphic artist good at all and web programmer good at all too. Well, that's just not so. You are either a programmer or a designer and although you can do both either the programming lacks or the design lacks. Really, you can do more and build more when you aren't doing it all yourself - this is why I have programmers - experts in their own fields and we all work together.

And why am I on this triad about the good designers versus the bad? Well I believe I have a wolf in my circle of sheep. I have this sneaking suspicion that there are some ulterior motives. It's quite interesting - I do enjoy when others doubt me - my knowledge or my skills. I don't enjoy feeling like someone is getting close to me in hopes of who knows what - I'm going with a newbie feeling the need to take me out versus work together with me. Or get close to learn secrets - LOL!

You know, it's not the skills that one has that makes you successful it's the entire package. I guess I've just reached level 5 right? Getting bigger so now it's on to this. This could be fun!

To success,

Angelina
NThreeQ Media, LLC
Phoenix Graphic Designer

Pet Blessing and Benefit Sat Nov. 6th!

As many of you know I lost my German shepherd back in May. I have begun volunteering with a local German shepherd rescue where they will be a part of this benefit where all the proceeds benefit animal rescue. I have had the opportunity to meet 2 great white German shepherds - the most recent is Bryce. He will be with me on Saturday showing his stuff to potential adopters. Come on out, it's a great event with an even better cause.

Date: Saturday, November 6, 2010
Start Time: 10:00 am

Location: New Vision Center for Spiritual Living
18010 N Tatum Blvd. Phoenix AZ 85032 (directions below)

Description
Join us for our annual Pet Blessing and Adoption Fair! It’s a day to celebrate our animal friends. A lot will be happening from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm!

Enjoy:
Blessing of the Animals - Please bring your pet on a leash or in a carrier for the Blessing of Animals by Rev. Michelle.

Pet Adoptions - Rescue Groups with healthy, adoptable dogs, cats, rats and rabbits will be available. This is the time to adopt a new, loving companion. So many have lost their homes and need your love and assistance right now.

Pet Fostering - If you can’t adopt right now, we have a great need for foster families for abandoned pets. A special senior subsidized foster program is also available.

Also Pet Communicator Debbie Johnstone, Animal Chaplains Donna Rae Yuritic and Kris and Craig Haley will be present. Raffle items and animal specific vendors will also be on hand for this event.

Special Drawing - Donate a bag of dog or cat food and receive a free raffle ticket for the drawing for pet supplies, services and other great items.

Directions
New Vision Center for Spiritual Living located on N. Tatum Blvd, between the 101 and Bell Road - across the street from Moon Valley Nursery.