New Look

Tonight my blog got a wee bit of a transformation. Every 18 months or so, I look at my blog and think – ugh, I need to hire a designer to do my website and incorporate a nice lovely blog into it. This afternoon, I received 3 emails from various hosts saying that I own 4 domains. I own 4 domains! I’m not even using any of them, nor did I know that I was paying for hosting. Ay. So disorganized. Anyways shortly after, I did that look at my blog and thought.. ugh. Rather than pain myself through the usual build your own free wordpress site, I bought one. It was easy. It’s lovely. And it’s me.

My personal website has been built for ages, I just don’t have the patience to get it live. It’ll be a goal for fall.

I hope you like the new design. And even if you don’t… it’s not changing anytime soon. ;) ❤

pretty in pink

Last week I held Pretty in Pink: A Breast Cancer Awareness Benefit.  The idea stemmed from the breast health battles I had this summer and my continual commitment to Rethink Breast Cancer. 

The event couldn’t have been more of a success.

Thank you to everyone who attended and supported every ounce of the night – drinks and food galore, with a lot of education, and a touch of emotion summed up the night.  Tasha Westerman, a two time breast cancer survivor and avid Rethink volunteer came to speak a the event – all I can say is that she’s an inspirational woman.  A funny, thoughtful, and sincere mother, friend, and colleague.

As my thank you for Tasha coming to speak, I bought 5 copies of her husband’s book, “Stop, Drop, and Smile.“  Those 5 copies will be donated to 5 people currently battling cancer and all that comes with the diagnosis.  One copy is for my girlfriends mom, who has been battling breast cancer.  Another is for a coworkers friend, who has had breast cancer this summer.  The third book is going to a Twitter friend’s mom who has been a huge supporter of this event. I offered 2 copies to the audience, if they knew of someone who would truly benefit from the work.  I have been approached by one attendee who wants to give a copy to their best friend struggling with cancer.  I have one copy left.  If you know of anyone who would thoroughly relish in every word Ryan wrote, please pass on their name.  If the one book remains unclaimed, it will be donated to the Tom Baker Cancer Centre.

Tasha’s blog can be found here: http://tashaengel.blogspot.com/

Ryan’s blog can be found here: http://ryanwesterman.blogspot.com/

I want to extend the following extra-special thank you’s for making Pretty in Pink happen:

• Tasha Westerman – You are spectacular – your whole being.  You are an inspiration to those around you and I am completely blessed to give my friends the opportunity to have you speak.
• Tremaine Lea – You made and contributed to the success of the event. Thank you for being flexible and committed to both the organization and my event.
• Tony Johansen – Couldn’t have done this without you buddy… your mad marketing skillz made event promotion and communications easy!
• Bethany Wall – Thank you for being the door police, collecting cash, “bouncing” bad folks out of the event ;), and truly being a great friend.
• Erik Ross – Thank you for taking event setup on at very last minute notice and for keeping me company until the wee hours.
• Lastly… a huge thank you to Ming.  An unbelievable venue, intimate vibe, and the best staff a girl could ask for.

Thank you to all those who attended the event:

Amanda C., Ahmed, Andrew M., Andrew T., Ashley, Bethany, Brittaney, Bryce, Caitlin, Candace, Charlene, Chris & guest, Crystal, Curtis, Dominic, Erik, Felicity, Fran, Geoff, Gurpreet, Jason P., Jenn De.,  Jenn Du., Jessica, Jody, Joe, Joel, Josephine, Kait, Kat, Kim K., Katie, Kevin, Kristin, Larissa & guest, Leo, Lily, Lindsay, Lisa, Mandy, Mason, Melanie, Micheline, Neil, Nicole M., Nicole S., Rachel, Regan, Rick, Scott, Simon, Tasha F., Trina, Troy, Shelby, Sue, and Zak.

And thank you for the additional donations:

Amanda M., Dawn, Derek, Jason O., Kim M., Kymme, Mark, and Zak.

If you are still interested in donating, please visit my secure site through Rethink Breast Cancer: https://secure.reachout4rethink.org/ParticipantPage-102-17.aspx?L=2&CCID=17&PID=1125&GC=GTv2

To view photos from the event, please visit Tremaine’s website.

As discussed at the event, Rethink Breast Cancer is holding their annual Rethink Romp in Calgary on November 4th.  The theme of this years event is SUPERHEROES! It is always a fantastic night out on the town, for more information visit http://www.rethinkromp.com.

From the bottom of my heart – thank you.  XO

PS – Thank you to Jennifer Dunwoody who recently blogged about the event and Rethink Breast Cancer.

in response to: casting call

Tonight I got home from work and did my usual check on @MarleyLynnG‘s blog, Bright Lights.

Today’s post was a little different than the rest.  Today Marley called out for a soulmate… Now, I have never met Marley.  I’ve followed her blog.  I’ve tweeted her way.  We Facebook.  We offer support to each other.  But have I ever met her?  No.

Her post touched my heart and made me smile.  [Seriously, this girl brings me such joy].

So in response to her blog post, I’m offering the following:

A good communicator?

A good sense of humor?

Enthusiasm for life?

A young ambitious lady?

Loyal too?

Some P action?

Hookups and discounts?

Great wardrobe to borrow from?

[I think we're around the same size too!]

So…

Love, Jill XO ❤

PS – You would be silly not to have this girl in your life.

Follow her. Subscribe to her. Be her soulmate too.

PPS – Disregard how tired I look… the bags under my eyes… and the mood lighting. Monday’s… le sigh.

transparency

I was recently told by a good friend that I am transparent.  I looked at her surprised and said ‘no I’m not’… I don’t want to believe that people may know me better than I know myself, or perhaps know how I think and process situations.  My friend addressed it more as – I am openly public (and most of society is not).  People easily read between the lines when I try to blog ‘vaguely’. I blog, tweet, etc etc like no one is watching – but people are.  I’d be silly to think that no one is reading, this is the internet after all.

So I got thinking about how people have formed impressions of me. I accept and understand that.  But I might as well set everyone up for success.

Dear stalkers ;) … 20 more facts about me:

1. I was born on Salt Spring Island in Beautiful British Columbia.
2. I have 2 younger sisters and 3 older step-brothers.  The Brady bunch one might say.
3. I have a lone grandparent.  My grandpa, Bobby, is amazing.  Everyone who has met him agrees.
4. I grew up being taken care of by nannies (Type A, achievement-oriented momma).  Most of the nannies were from Switzerland, some were awful, some were fantastic.
5. I have been in university, pursuing an undergraduate degree since 2003.  Yes, 2003.  In that time, I did complete a Diploma in HR and 1/2 of the Event Management certificate program, but yes still truckin’ away at the Bachelor of Management (done in December – yay!).
6. I have been working in Human Resources for 4ish years and  I’m currently pursuing my CHRP (Certified Human Resources Professional) designation.
7. I have a love affair with networking.  Yes it is time consuming, but I truly find it so rewarding. I am continually surprised by the amazing people in this world.
8. I am very picky with who I add to each of the different social networking sites.  For more information, read my blog post on “Internet Friends.”
9. I am active in the community and attempt to align my passions with varied non-profit work.  Current initiatives include international work with Junior Chamber International, and youth education with the Canadian Mental Health Association.
10. I love to travel.  Love love love to travel.  Last year I went to Las Vegas and Tunisia, Africa.  This year I have been to Hawaii, New York, San Francisco, and fingers crossed I will be going to Osaka, Japan in November.
11. I have moved 6 times in the last 7 years.  I have a fantastic friend named Aaron who has assisted with all 6 moves – lucky him! ;) My friends don’t believe in house warming’s any more.
12. My favourite type of yoga is Ashtanga Yoga.  Flow yoga in a warm room, no opportunity to get bored.
13. I read anything and everything.  My roommate and I have a smart shelf (self-exploration, business, travel) and a less-then-smart shelf (chick lit).  I read everything from Women’s Health to Malcolm Gladwell to the Shopaholic series.
14. My favourite color is pink.  But for some reason it was blue until I moved to Calgary… now I hate blue.
15. I can be a girlie girl. I love dresses, skirts, tights, and nail polish.
16. Wine is my friend, it might even be my lover. I love white, red, or any fancy blend.
17. Speaking of drinks, I don’t like coffee – I can’t even stand the smell.  I have never had a sip and I never plan to. I love tea, every type except chamomile.
18. I don’t really like sweets. I could honestly do without ice cream, cake, candy, chocolate, etc in my life.
19. I’ve always wanted a broken left arm.  Are you laughing at me?  I think a cast would be fun – especially a pink one!
20. I have been blogging since 2004.  I love to write.  One day I hope to write a book.

To some degree, I’m an open book.

Does this scare me?  Not really.  I’m not scared of anyone reading my blog or learning more about me. Google me… I dare ya.  Yes, I’ve had my run in with stalkers.  Yes, I’ve had people tell me – they “know” me and they think we should be best friends.  Do I entertain these offers? Absolutely not. I’m a small town girl, not stupid.

Feel like you know me? You don’t. Where would the intrigue be if I told you everything? ;)  Yes I work in HR, travel, volunteer, and have a large family.  But there is so much more… ❤