Awkward Ingredients

Baseball is back baby. Go Sox!

Christina Grabek — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 13:49:25 +0000

In light of this being the opening week of baseball, I thought I’d take some time to reflect on some of the best times at had at various Chicago baseball games with a little bit of photo reminiscing. Check out these before and afters (sidenote – while I am a White Sox fan, one of my favorite pictures is from a Cubs game and thus I’ve added it as well):

Tailgating at the White Sox game (before).

and the AFTER (using a color focus to emphasize Chicago White Sox colors).

Cubs Rooftop in 2010 (Before)

And the AFTER shot.

Im Getting into this Photo Editing Thing…

Christina Grabek — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 16:14:41 +0000

I am not going to pretend Im such photographer or have any kind of skill in the photography field BUT I have grown quite the interest in doing little changes to pictures and seeing what comes of them. No. I dont have any kind of experience or skill with Photoshop. In fact, I dont understand 90% of the tools Photoshop offers. However, for all those interested in attempting photo editing, I suggest Google’s Photo Editing Software. It is like photography for dummies and Im probably as dumb as they come. Anyways, Ive really taking a liking to all the little tools and have started to find myself getting pretty darn good at each of them as well (sidenote, I am using the FREE version of this software but there are other tools you can use that require a small fee).

Anyways, here is my recent favorite picture before & after:

Before:

After:

While it seems to be a slightly weird picture, the little adjustments went a long way. I think I am going to start embracing my drunken picture taking indulgence more often! Anyways…more to come (in the meantime, you can check out my efforts in photo editing with my Google Photo Album)!

New Year… New MeMe

Christina Grabek — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 17:17:06 +0000

As a self proclaimed lover of the late 90′s early millenium television show, Dawson’s Creek, I have learned to appreciate the show’s detachment from any real high schooler. Dawson Leery, Joey Potter, Pacy Whitter and many more of the show’s elequently spoken characters have a way of leading one to believe that life as a teenager is exactly how their portray it to be.

As I grew up and re-entered the world of Creekside… I learned that this was not-so-true but there was a very real level of entertainment value to what we as youngin’s were watching.

Now…after reintroducing myself to the world of well-spoken, drama-infused adolescents, I have to say my personal interest in the show is within Dawson Leery’s lameness. His facial expressions, over obsessed mindset of teenage angst and eagerness to go against the norm (all the while going WITH it) keep my eyes peeled and my mind focused on what’s to come. Apparently I am not alone in this as both James VanDerBeek and..well..society have there own take on Dawson which has turned him into my newest internet meme, James Vandermemes.

Here, James VanDerbeek aka, Dawson Leery, makes fun of himself in the show and how he plans to make his comeback into the world with regard to his captain douchery in his past.

Here is a short video that explains what is to come:

Vandermemes from James Van Der Beek

On his website you can download GIF’s of his facial expressions to send friend and family to exude the feeling you may be having that day.

Sooo check it out…please! It is going to be a real hit!

When You Think its 2 Steps Forward…It may be 1 step back.

Christina Grabek — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 17:41:05 +0000

If there is one thing I have learned since starting my real world life, is that you can’t please everyone. Yes, I admit that it took me close to 24 years to realize this sad truth… What can I say, I expected more and I expected to be able to. I will admit that I was a bit naive to believe that I could be everyone’s best friend and that no one was going to say things behind my back. Let’s just say I live in the “glass half full” world.

I’ve often relished the thought that I could make friends with basically anyone I met. With an inappropriate comment, a witty impersonation or a condescending yet sarcastic tidbit, I could win someone’s attention and ultimately arouse their friendship. All I wanted was the chance at hopefully a little bit more than just a one time meet-and-greet and the hope that their is a lifelong friendship to come. I grew up with a family welcoming to everyone and anyone, everyone is innoncent until proven guilty. One more pound of pasta for each extra person, its only $.69. More often than not, I’ve had an embarrassingly strong urge to be the people pleaser; the one who would hear you out and give 1233267351231 chances before writing you off completely.

I’ve more recently realized that while this may get me the attention I’m interested in earning, it doesn’t necessarily win me the friendship I am really wanting. In fact, the unfortunate truth is that I most likely have made myself the target for behind the back whispers and unnecessary snarky comments. Why? I still think this is a great question and don’t know if I will ever fully know the answer, but low and behold, some people just can’t be happy and nothing is ever enough.

Before you decide to stop reading this all together, fearing that I am going to unload a truckload of “woe is me” banter, please hold your horses. I have a point. I recently came across this fabulous article on Mashable. I read it. I printed it. And now I make it my goto Bible, when the goin’ gets tough…

Tim Ferriss: 7 Great Principles for Dealing with Haters:

It doesn’t matter how many people don’t get it. What matters is how many people do.

“It’s critical in social media, as in life, to have a clear objective and not to lose sight of that,” Ferriss says. He argues that if your objective is to do the greatest good for the greatest number of people or to change the world in some small way (be it through a product or service), you only need to pick your first 1,000 fans — and carefully. “As long as you’re accomplishing your objectives, that 1,000 will lead to a cascading effect,” Ferriss explains. “The 10 million that don’t get it don’t matter.”

10% of people will find a way to take anything personally. Expect it.

“People are least productive in reactive mode,” Ferriss states, before explaining that if you are expecting resistance and attackers, you can choose your response in advance, as opposed to reacting inappropriately. This, Ferriss says, will only multiply the problem. “Online I see people committing ’social media suicide’ all the time by one of two ways. Firstly by responding to all criticism, meaning you’re never going to find time to complete important milestones of your own, and by responding to things that don’t warrant a response.” This, says Ferriss, lends more credibility by driving traffic.

“Trying to get everyone to like you is a sign of mediocrity.” (Colin Powell)

“If you treat everyone the same and respond to everyone by apologizing or agreeing, you’re not going to be recognizing the best performers, and you’re not going to be improving the worst performers,” Ferriss says. “That guarantees you’ll get more behavior you don’t want and less you do.” That doesn’t mean never respond, Ferriss goes on to say, but be “tactical and strategic” when you do.

“If you are really effective at what you do, 95% of the things said about you will be negative.” (Scott Boras)

“This principle goes hand-in-hand with number two,” Ferriss says. “I actually keep this quote in my wallet because it is a reminder that the best people in almost any field are almost always the people who get the most criticism.” The bigger your impact, explains Ferriss (whose book is a New York Times, WSJ and BusinessWeek bestseller), and the larger the ambition and scale of your project, the more negativity you’ll encounter. Ferriss jokes he has haters “in about 35 languages.”

“If you want to improve, be content to be thought foolish and stupid.” (Epictetus)

“Another way to phrase this is through a more recent quote from Elbert Hubbard,” Ferriss says. “‘To avoid criticism, do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing.” Ferriss, who holds a Guinness World Record for the most consecutive tango spins, says he has learned to enjoy criticism over the years. Ferriss, using Roman philosophy to expand on his point, says: “Cato, who Seneca believed to be the perfect stoic, practiced this by wearing darker robes than was customary and by wearing no tunic. He expected to be ridiculed and he was, he did this to train himself to only be ashamed of those things that are truly worth being ashamed of. To do anything remotely interesting you need to train yourself to be effective at dealing with, responding to, even enjoying criticism… In fact, I would take the quote a step further and encourage people to actively pursue being thought foolish and stupid.”

“Living well is the best revenge.” (George Herbert)

“The best way to counter-attack a hater is to make it blatantly obvious that their attack has had no impact on you,” Ferriss advises. “That, and [show] how much fun you’re having!” Ferriss goes on to say that the best revenge is letting haters continue to live with their own resentment and anger, which most of the time has nothing to do with you in particular. “If a vessel contains acid and you pour some on an object, it’s still the vessel that sustains the most damage,” Ferriss says. “Don’t get angry, don’t get even — focus on living well and that will eat at them more than anything you can do.”

Keep calm and carry on.

The slogan “Keep Calm and Carry On” was originally produced by the British government during the Second World War as a propaganda message to comfort people in the face of Nazi invasion. Ferriss takes the message and applies it to today’s world. “Focus on impact, not approval. If you believe you can change the world, which I hope you do, do what you believe is right and expect resistance and expect attackers,” Ferriss concludes. “Keep calm and carry on!”

I personally try and strive for the “living well is the best revenge” method. Let’s be honest here, it feels great. When someone makes a jab at who you are as a person professionally or not, nothing feels better than having tangible proof of their misguided opinion.

I’d like to close with one more thought on this subject. Have you ever heard the phrase “all press is good press?” Let’s think about it in this context. You find out that you are being talked about. Your feelings are hurt and you don’t know what to say or do because you didn’t ever intend for that to happen. Well look at it this way, they are talking about you, you must be making an impression. It could seem that others are perceiving you as one thing, but don’t take it at face value. Be who you.

It’s Been A While..

Christina Grabek — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:17:52 +0000

I know it’s been a while folks but I’m back. I will initiate our reunion with a popup that I received this afternoon:

Which of the above images best describes the occupation below it? Is it the Social Worker doing the Downward Facing Dog ,the Marketing Specialist attempting Warrior Pose or the Health Data Analyst in the splits?

I have brought this issue to the attention of my followers, as I am starting to see a real disconnect between image use and what is actually being advertised online. For example, I recently came across this Facebook Ad targeted at me. The ad was:

I wouldn’t see this image and think, “Oh an ad for laser hair removal.” In fact, I’d be thinking, “Why in the ech e double hockey sticks is a chick shaving her face with a razor and shaving cream, ” or “Is this an ad for hermaphrodites and some kind of therapy program?” I am just merely perplexed at the thought process that went behind the creative mind of one Facebook Advertiser. Moreover, how could you present something like this to your client, TAKE it seriously, be TAKEN seriously and ultimately get approval? Maybe I am being a bit harsh or overly critical, but seeing as I AM part Facebook Advertiser, this comes across as something innate for me to comment upon. Not to mention, I am a girl and would never shave my face…simply put.

Have any of you seen a Facebook, Google, PopUp or something along those lines and wondered to yourself what the heck was running through the mind of that guy or girl when he or she posed this type of campaign? Gimme your feedback.

A Word From Taylor (Part 5)

Christina Grabek — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 21:58:44 +0000

Time to share the resume-of-the week with my readers, courtesy of none other than, Ms. Taylor:

Siha
17b rail road 17011
Mobile : 31580

Email: sinad

PROFILE
An intelligent, well presented Capable of working and assume additional responsibily.

EDUCATION

2005-2007	College (hotel Management Diploma)
2004-2005	english certificate
2003-2004	High School (baccalaureat degree)

QUALIFICATIONS
Grade A: data entry, French.
Grade B : English language, general Tourist studies, Management and Marketing

Experiences :
Analyze Financial data
Analyze operational or management reports
Manage daily operations

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
In-House: Microsoft Word

PERSONAL DETAILS
Date of Birth: 07 June 198
Marital Status: Married
Health: Excellent

LEISURE INTERESTS
Reading, cooking, computer

I am floored….

Ugliest Dress Ever — $32.80

Christina Grabek — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 20:01:23 +0000

“Dazzling halter dress that lets you shine with multitudes of sequins that fall in tiered layers over your body. Exposed back zipper, satin halter tie. Non-padded bust. Lined.”

My description: NON dazzling halter dress that lets you look like a cheap hooker with multitudes of sh*tquins that fall in tiered layers all over your body. An exposed back zipper and satin halter tie make this the ideal dress for hanging from a ceiling an having a party happen around you. Non-padded bust. Lined.

This is the ugliest dress I have ever seen. They should be paying ME $32.80 to even be looking at it on their website (I will keep the company anonymous).

What’s Worse “Party in the USA” or “Fireflies?” — How to Handle the “Daily Grind.”

Christina Grabek — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 16:05:03 +0000

I am highly ridiculed by my friends because they seem to think I do NOTHING at work all day. Let me set the record straight, I work all day and I work hard. However, I do have those occasional moments at work where I need to let go of the stress and simply be an immature chick in my twenties – I can’t help myself.

Here are a few ways my coworkers and myself have found to be quite successful when we need a quick escape from the pressure and/or angst of the real world:

1) Miley vs. Owl City – It is highly debated around the office which song has the worst lyrics between Miley Cirus’s “Party in the USA” or Owl City’s “Fireflies.” As I find the words and rhymes to be a bit amusing while being downright redonk, others (cough cough Luke) actually LOATHE the rhyming tones. What are your thoughts?

(Read full conversation by clicking here).

Need more proof that this is HIGHLY debated…okay PROOF!

2) Stupid Twitter Trending Topics: I love my job, my coworkers and our day-to-day witty banter. As “experts” in the Social Media industry, we find ourselves dorkishly amused by things such as:

Ashley: there are so many iPad jokes on twitter
Ashley: you know they unveled the new apple notebook
Christina: yeah
Ashley: its called iPad….and iTampon is now a trending topic
Ashley: wtf
Christina: hahahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!!!!!! thats so funny!!
Ashley: as is “MaxiPad”
Ashley: wow
Christina: that is actually awesome
Christina: im waiting for it to be iMenstrualCycle
Ashley: HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHH
Christina: iOvulation
Ashley: hahahahahaahhaha
Christina: iBoner
Ashley: iMPregnant
Christina: iAbortion
Christina: hahaah iCoatHanger

3) The Christian Bale Freakout – if you haven’t heard of the Christian Bale Freakout I would like to give you the BEST remedy for the workday blues.

I chose to embed the “Christian Bale Freakout REmix” because the techno music in combination with the actual Christian Bale Freakout make for a great video. Also, Barbara Streisand herself makes a brief cameo toward the middle…if that helps.

How do you pass the dull/”I Wanna Kill Myself” moments at work? Do you simply bend over & take it, or do you have a special remedy? I’m open to any suggestions if you so happen to have them (leave a comment below).

A Word from Taylor (Part 4)

Christina Grabek — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 16:41:20 +0000

"What in the F?"

It’s been a while, but I have a new post for the “A Word from Taylor” portion of this blog. Sometimes I really wish I had her job as she comes in contact with some of the SMARTEST people in the entire world (by smartest people I mean intense ri-tards).

The most recent cover letter she sent really gets me scratching my head as I am pretty sure that spellcheck/autocorrect is standard on 100% of computers ever since the new millennium.

Also, as a side note, Taylor is a female and considering that her name could be used by both males and females, wouldn’t you save your own @$$ by greeting with a last name/shouldn’t you greet with a last name for professional purposes? I mean…come on.

“Mr. Taylor,

I receive your email, and thank you, I attach the resume, and I hope go through, I’m really interesting in the position. You can call me monday anytime is my day off so I can answer any question you have.
Have a wonderful weekend.”

I am actually speechless here. Monday just got a heck of a lot better.

How To Lose a Guy/Girl in 10 Facebook Status Updates

Christina Grabek — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 18:27:22 +0000

I know I cannot be in the minority by stating that Facebook statuses are not the place to be shouting your love and lucky life from the rooftops. Although there are a number of people out there who generally are happy for those who are happy (make sense?), I’m going to bet that the other 97.5% of Facebook users, specifically those you are friends with, do not give a rat’s @$$ about your relationship, children and/or amazing life!

You think I’m a hater. Nah, not so much… actually I am a pretty happy person. In the day-to-day I laugh a lot, make new friends and have a pretty good time, but you do not see me parading my “quote unquote happiness” regularly, do you? Seriously though, if you are with me during these occasions you know I’m happy, so there really is no need for me to tell those absent — I mean, you missed out but I think you just need to realize that for yourself. With that in mind, I’d like to pose a question, thought and/or general wonderment to my readers out there — what do you want to say to the girl(s) and/or boy(s) in response to what I have posted below? (NOTE — a barf bag isn’t available via awkwardingredients.wordpress.com so I ask you to provide one for yourself before the reading of said post.):

Things you need not EVER say on Facebook and set as “Publish” within photos:

1) “I’m a lucky girl or boy..”

2) Leave out any type of happy/kissing/blushing/in-love emoticon from pictures –these are a real indication of your level of annoying.

3) “My stud, sexy man/lady, best husband/wife ever (aka BHE/BWE), amazing girl/woman and/or boy/man, my favorite, hubby/wifey, the wind beneath my wings, etc” as the caption for your photo.

4) It’s not funny or cute when you talk about a place you went on vacation and refer to it as “Where We Went All Day Everyday” and then trying to pretend like you’re a badass because it was the hotel bar.

5) Above all else, never ever post ANY pictures of you kissing and/or laying in bed with each other. This creeps everyone out and really really makes you a life suck. (Note: Posting a kissing picture here or there among your wedding album is okay).

With these ideas in mind I’d like to link you to a list of “Eighteen People You’re Scared Of on Facebook.” These are not limited to those like I have outlined above, but nonetheless worth a good once over.

I’d like to close with another thought about relationships. Please do not post anything like I have described here especially if your relationship has really only been blossoming for a number of months. You are clearly blinded by love and no offense, there is a good chance you won’t make it. Ladies…men don’t like obsessive acts or emo behavior. It’s weird. And men…women don’t like a dude who makes Steve Urcle’s obsession with Laura on Family Matters look like a an episode of The Jersey Shore and the way Pauly D treats his nightly hookups. Its awkward and uncomfortable.