My top 5 Moments in 2008

I love many things about social media, but what I love the most, is that if done right, it not only allows you to share your life with some amazing people, but if you actually look past the superfluousness and geography, you can actually forge a bona fide connection, and some very real friendships are born and fostered. I have shared a little bit of my experiences previously. The beauty is that out of the blue, you can have a tweet, plurk, or facebook status get you out of funk. What is also delightful is that you can also find inspiration from your new found friends. I found it yesterday in my dear friend Alison (Otherwise known as @AlisonL everywhere in the interwebs) Alison never ceases to amaze me in her quest to find beauty in everyday little things, in her ability to find something special in everyone, and how in how she constantly manages to inspire me to think positively. Yesterday was no exception.


She pinged her message, and very shortly after I began to see so many beautiful responses throughout all soc nets. Alison's message and call for reflection had made many be a little introspective in the middle of their hectic afternoons. Myself included. So here I am, about to share my top moments with you thanks to Alison.

Soooo in no particular order, here are my top five moments.

• Podcamp NYC I had only been podcasting for a short time, and while I'll admit I was hesitant to attend such a huge event, but I am so glad I took to leap and did. It was a complete rush to share in my geekiness with like minded people. It was amazing to meet so many people who have inspired me to produce content. It was wonderful to make new friends with some honestly brilliant people. To physically meet some of the friends I'd made online, and even people who listen to my shows. Most of all it was fun with amazing people in NYC! It was not only significant for all those reasons, but because it ignited my passion for New York again. It's what made me "want to be part of it" To quit making excuses and finally follow my dreams!
  
• Running away to spend time with friends. In July, as part of my month long celebration, I traveled to the windy city, and got to partake in the amazing weekend that was the Girls Night in Meetup. It was amazing to again meet friends I'd made online. It was a weekend of fun, good times, and most of all, good company. I'd like to think that was one of the biggest building blocks to a relationship that means the world to me now. My friendship with Kim. Funny how on my new years post she commented that she'd like to get know me better this year. And boy, has she! Later, in the fall. I was longing for something to center me as a lot of changes transpired in my life. I made a completely spontaneous decision to get on the interstate and head to Gainesville and spend time with my sisters. I made the 4 hour drive beginning at 5 pm! I was back at my desk at 9 am the next morning. Let me tell you. It was worth all the sleep deprivation. Sometimes we just need to get away.
  
• The Geek is Chic Podcastathon. This was perhaps my biggest undertaking yet in my new media life. What made this memorable was that from the second I announced it, the support and encouragement I recieved was humbling. It was great to have my friends to bounce off ideas off of, get swag from, and most of all help me stay awake. Being up and in front of a camera and mic for 24 hrs is tough. Let me tell you! I was honored that everyone joined in the fun, that they all opened their hearts and wallets to a cause that is so important to me! I think it's fair to say that we brought some awareness and when it was all said and done, we raised over $700 for Susan G. Komen. Which isn't half bad during these tough economic times.
  
• Gator Football. I love love love love my Gators. I am a proud alumna and I completely bleed Orange and Blue! This season has been amazing. Even with our loss to Ole Miss (by one freeeeeeeeaking point!!! Nope, I'm not bitter.) Timmy Tebow managed to rally the troops and deliver on his promise that no one would play harder, and that no team would work harder. The Gators beat out anyone who they faced on the field by over 40 points pretty much the rest of the way through. Beat the number ranked team, manned up in the SEC of all conferences, and are now heading to the big game. They are playing for the National CHOMPionship, in Miami no less. So I say Let's go Gators. If you're not a Gator, you're GATOR BAIT!!!
  
• Getting a job offer in NYC. So NYC has been a life long dream. I mentioned that Podcamp NYC ignited my passion. The opportunity presented itself, and now in a few short weeks, I will be heading to NYC to head up the New Media Department of the new office for the firm I'm working for. I'm beyond myself with excitement, with happiness. I cannot wait for this new chapter in my life. It's gonna be a life changer, and perfect end to the wonderful memories of 2008.
  

Thanks again Alison! It was truly a beautiful idea. I encourage all you reading to take a second and think about your top 5 moments in 2008.