Erin Shaw Street

From (Not So) Comfort Inn to The Genius Bar: How I've Kept My Cool

It was a great break to be home this weekend after three days of insane travel. I was really just on the road for two days, but our friends at Delta decided that instead of getting home Tuesday night, I'd be returning Wednesday morning.

This afforded me the pleasure of spending an evening at the Atlanta Comfort Inn without any luggage. Needless to say, I've been recovering from the trauma ever since (it took about three showers once I got home to remove the Comfort Inn soap smell.)

Luckily I got back to Birmingham in time for the 100 degree + temperatures. So this weekend of recovery has also been about staying cool.

Today Nate and I figured a new approach to the situation: The Apple Store. It was his first trip there, and he loved playing in the kids area, aka, computers with Dora. I like to pretend that he's designing a new app in these photos. (Sidenote: not only was it a fun trip for him, the Geniuses were great once again, replacing my wireless iPad keyboard.)

And another week begins ... watching "Mad Men" season premier, drinking cucumber martinis, staying cool.

What's the Yummiest? The Social in The Media, Birmingham Style

Any night during which I can eat fries from a pink paper cup decorated with glitter is a good night.

Tonight was the myscoop.us Yummy Mummy party at the Matt Jones Gallery.

A fundraiser for Jenny's Light, a non-profit that brings attention to postpartum mood disorders, it was a beautiful party. Burger sliders and passion fruit cocktails, and tons of Birmingham women supporting the event.

I was really honored to be named one of five Birmingham women honored at the event (see photo above), and stand alongside truly accomplished mothers.

The best part? Connecting with old friends and new, weaving old ties and forging new bonds. 

It's what we've always done as women, but now, in the digital age, we have more opportunities than ever. In sharing our blogs, our Tweets, and our Facebook posts, we're sharing what women have done for ages over coffee.

Tonight I met women that I've "followed" on Twitter for the first time. Instantly there is a connection, because we've been sharing details of our lives -- the challenges of toddler tantrums, long hours of work, and finding our own voice in that elusive "spare" time.

There's something energetic when you meet virtual friends in real life, and you introduce them to people you've known long before we wrote Tweets and status updates.

So that what was cool tonight. I did like wearing a pretty dress and getting my hair did (what girl doesn't?)

But I really smiled when a good friend said that someone, who I'd never met, voted for me because she could "relate to me."

That's what it's all about.

It's happening around the world, and it's happening in Birmingham. Women (and men folk, too), connecting. I am glad to be part of the revolution. Social media getting social. That is yummy. 

I didn't take home the title -- Carol Pizitz, a grandmother and breast cancer survivor (awesome lady!) did.

But I win every day as a contributing member of Birmingham's digital, real, far reaching digital community.

More photos to come, thanks to my paparazzi Dad (the best). And thanks to my friends for supporting me -- virtual pals, real ones, and a mix in between.

Related Links:

BirminghamMommy.com

Birmingham's Yummy Mummy: For Jenny's Light

Jenny's Light

Now We Know Your Color, Here's How To Help (Facebook, Breast Cancer, and You)

By now you know what color bra all of your friends, family members, and business associates are wearing -- saw them posted this week as Facebook status updates, right?

Women were encouraged to post the color of said undergarment in the name of breast cancer awareness.

Much has been written about the merits of this social media phenomenon, like "Great Facebook Bra Debate: Success or Slactivism?"

I'm not going to decry the whole thing -- it's fine, really. Tell the world what color bra you wear. Maybe it will remind someone to schedule her yearly mammogram or do a self-check. That would be nice.

Breast cancer is a dreadful disease. As are all cancers. In my seven years raising money for the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center (and being the wife, niece, and daughter of people who've had cancer) I know it pretty well.

That said, there's much more that can be done. A few things to keep in mind:

• Educate yourself about when you and your loved ones should get screened. Remember that these are only guidelines and you should always talk with your physician about family history or specific concerns. Check out the American Cancer Society's Cancer Screening Guidelines here.

• Many, many people live fantastic and long lives with cancer. If a loved one is diagnosed find a comprehensive cancer center. This designation, given by the National Cancer Institute, recognizes hospitals with excellent treatment and research programs. Even if you don't decide to get treatment at a comprehensive cancer center, they are important resources for second opinions.

• Ask questions before you give to a cancer non-profit. What percentage of  monies raised are used for research or patient assistance? Does money stay in your area or go to a national organization? If you're buying a product with packaging touting "a portion of proceeds goes to cancer research" read the fine print. It's easy to print a pink ribbon on marketing materials and give very little to charity. Check out "Think Before You Pink"

My personal favorite when it comes to raising money for breast cancer research? The Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama, which gives 100% of its proceeds to scientists at UAB.

There are many others. So change your status, but do some looking -- the ways to make a difference extend far beyond our status updates.

Related Links:

Everything Changes: Dealing With Cancer In Your 20s and 30s

Check Your Charities

Blogging from the Genius Bar (by a Non-Genius)

I'm sitting in the Apple Store as my new Iphone syncs with my PC. Why do I feel like such a dork bringing in a PC to an Apple Store? I feel like wearing a sign that says, "seriously, I am a Mac girl, and if y'all would just lower your prices I'd be there." So the Geniuses are looking at me suspiciously as I sit at the Genius Bar syncing. I think I like real bars better.

I've been dodging bullets lately, but friendly iPhone has not.  After all the places I've been with it in the past year it was the kitchen floor that delivered the final, shattering blow. But there are far worse things, which is what I keep repeating about a lot right now.

And many good things. I'm counting down the days to Thanksgiving in New York -- the first time I've celebrated the holiday there. Can't wait to watch Nate experience the city for the first time. It's a much needed trip.

Last weekend we had fun at Hoover's Moss Rock Festival, where I bought a new Paul Cordes Wilm painting (one that is further transforming the house into the mid-century modern salute to Pop Art). Photos to come at some point.

This one has a distinctively Southern twist -- it's an image of the famous Piggly Wiggly Pig. Not sure where it will be hung, but a place of prominence for sure.

(Also finally got the paint to start painting the dining room gold, which I'm hoping to do before Christmas as to best showcase the Elvis tree.)

Getting to know Alisa's baby Graham during their visit the past few days. Watching our kids play together has been fantastic, if a little surreal, since it feels like she and I were just being goofy kids ourselves a few years ago. Um, try 15 plus. Graham is absolutely adorable and I've loved getting to hug on his cute self, and watch him and Nate interact.

I particularly enjoyed my little rocker educating Graham in the finer points of guitar playing. Alisa and Jeff may never trust us to watch their baby again!

Their visit has been a blessing in the middle of the storms that have been brewing around me. As the leaves turn and we brace for winter, it's friends, family, travel and art that keep me warm.

The Family That Tweets Together ...