Being the Center of Attention Makes Customers Happy

Let's be honest. It's nice to be the center of attention and someone else's top priority. For the past 2ish days I have been just that (or at least I felt like it) by the Microsoft tech support team (specifically Asha T & Haseeb). It all started out as a simple question I posted in their help. (I couldn't get the service pack to download and thus couldn't install Microsoft word on my old desktop computer.) Within hours I received a standard email directing me to some things to try. That didn't work, so I returned to the site and was connected to the live chat with Asha T. My simple little glitch turned into a 4 hour project where Asha worked on my computer, after little resolve, she set a plan of action and on the following day I was connected with Haseeb. Who like-wise diligently worked on resolving the corrupt file I had in my Windows. After 2 days, multiple emails, calling me at home, chatting with me in their chat windows, I can now happily say my case is closed. 

(this is me now)

This was exceptional customer service. And I want to point out why.

Instant and Timely - The whole thing started with an email I received, as mentioned a standard email, but it came within 12 hours of my initial request. When I jumped back into Microsoft and informed them that didn't work, I was able to instantly connect with 'chat.' After hours of working on the problem, and not having great success, it was determined I would be called by another rep between 2-4p EST the following day. My phone rang moments after the clock hit 2p. This same instant and timely response continued through the entire process, not leaving me waiting and wondering and frustrated.

Thorough - I was sent emails recapping conversations/steps taken. I was asked for permission on what needed uninstalled, I was informed what needed done next. The entire time they were running scans, updating settings, I wasn't concerned. While I didn't really know what they were doing from a technical standpoint, I had an idea and thus trusted it was the best step. In essence, they set a plan, they followed the plan and adapted the plan to be successful all the while keeping me informed.

Convenient, Effective, and Efficient - Granted not all customer service programs have this option, but my computer and I never left my house. Because of current technology I was able to share my screen, grant the support control of my computer, and assist when needed. (I actually read a magazine, ate lunch, made some phone calls, all while they worked on my computer.) This was convenient as luck would have it my laptop had to be sent out to be repaired so my desktop is my only computer right now. I couldn't afford (since I work from home) to have my desktop sent out. Effective for the same reason. And efficient because, while it was 2+ days to resolve the entire issue, that's a lot less time than taking my computer to be serviced. Oh, and I must mention, this was a free service provided because I'm a customer!

So what can other customer service, tech support departments learn from my* Microsoft experience? Your customer is only worried about themselves (harsh reality for some), and happy customers write happy reviews, provide happy testimonials, write happy email feedback to managers. Unhappy customers... they do all of the same things just with an 'un' in front of the happy. So make your customers happy, like Microsoft made me. Everyone wants to be the center of attention, and when you're customer is at the center of all of your attention, you're on the right track to keeping, and potentially gaining more happy customers!

*I don't live in such a self centered world to think my positive experience is the same as all Microsoft support customers. The particular technician or customer service rep at a particular business can make or break any experience.

Do I Still Count? 12%

I don't know. I might be a fraud if I count myself as part of the 12%. You can decide below. I'm failing to even maintain my blog... yet maybe it's because I'm doing so awesome with all of my New Year's Resolutions, I simply can't sit still long enough to post...

Or maybe not! Although I must point out, I recognize and promote the need for consistent blogging... I just haven't yet managed to figure out how I can apply that back to my life. Maybe I should look at hiring a blogger.


Without further ado my resolutions:

1. Run a half-marathon. In the entire month of November, I did not run, with exercise and training in mind, even once. I admit it. I'm not proud of it, but I'm past the stage of denial... I think. I don't want to run a half-marathon. I want to be in shape. I want to be healthy. Already this year I've done tremendously better than I have since 2006. I still have some days to try and redeem myself in December. Is a half-marathon going to be checked off my list? Not saying there is NO chance... but I'm not saying there is either!

2. Try new things. I didn't try any new foods in November, I didn't try any overly new habits, I didn't change my hairstyle, I didn't volunteer for anything new. I kinda sound boring for November don't I? I think November was anything but boring and old, it was definitely a whirl wind, likely with at least one thing new, I just can't keep track of the days to acknowledge any!

3. Be better at everything. I think I can confidently say I was better at a lot of things in November. Time management has become a huge one I'm focusing on in December, but other little things I did well with.

4. Find luck. Things have gone well for me as of late, not to jinx myself. I can't say I've officially found luck though. I think maybe I stumbled upon good favor... or something like that!

Of the 4 NYR, November looks to be the absolute worst.  I'm maybe at 2/4 and that's me being generous to myself. I definitely plan to finish 2011 better!


Past NYR updates:
January 1 - 12 percent
End of Jan- 64 percent
End of Feb. - 58ish percent... I bet
End of March - First Quarter. Has to be less than 50%
End of April -  46.8 + or - 2.2... maybe?
End of May -  _____ %.
End of June - 46% Half way!
End of July - I'd like to buy a... 40ish percentage?!
End of August - 32% *
End of September - Craig Adams Percent
End of October - 20% 12 Days Ago

Family.

I went to Penn State. I'm proud of that. Sure it's a love-hate relationship at times, but to me Penn State is, and will always be, family. You all have that uncle or cousin that drives you up the wall, but you'll be there when they need you. Because at the end of the day you can't turn your back on family.


In lieu of the recent (awful) scandal, it's easy for the non-PSU folks to start pointing fingers angrily and ridicule all involved, or to make the jokes and laugh. In no way what-so-ever am I saying that fingers shouldn't be pointed, or that some of the jokes could be funny down the road, but I do ask, what does the finger pointing and jokes solve? There still are victims, there are still chains of command that need clearly defined and followed, there still is the moral and ethical obligations to foster a safe and trusting environment. Pointing a finger and making a joke doesn't solve the greater issue.  I'm not here to offer a solution per-say (although I pray someone within the university is addressing that), however I do want to bring up JoePa who is baring the brunt of the finger pointing, and who is the punchline on countless jokes.


Joe is unarguably a legend.  To a Penn Stater Joe is more than a good football coach. Joe is who you listen to for motivation before game day and the big test. Joe and Sue are who pour money into your education. Joe is the house you go to trick-or-treating. Joe is who you eat Peachy Paterno with at the creamery. Joe is who you joke about with friends as you have a friend of a friend that almost got ran over by Joe downtown. Joe is like your grandfather, great-grandfather more accurately). Joe IS family.


Undoubtedly there was a breakdown in the system. For everything Joe is and has taught us on moral standards, working hard, excelling in life, he had a 'slip up.'  His slip up wasn't a little, brush-under-the-rug-family-secret like so many of us have. The consequences for his actions (or lack there of) have already hit hard, however there are others who have remained in their positions because they AREN'T JoePa. Nobody at PennState is as iconic and legendary as Joe. No one holds the national audience like Joe does and has throughout his career.


One of my favorite classes offered at Penn State was Comm 497G: Joe Paterno Communication and the Media.  In the class we looked at Joe's involvement and coverage in the media throughout his career.  Joe wasn't always portrayed positively and he wasn't always the golden boy. But he was always straightforward.  He always told things like they were, good or bad. And I have no doubt that's how this final chapter will be told as well.  Joe already confessed in a statement last Wednesday prior to his firing, "I wish I had done more." I have no doubt in my mind his sincerity in saying that. Or, that he will do more than just be talk. He can't change the past, but he'll surely impact the future.


For my final project in the JoePa class I looked at Sports Illustrated, and broke down the coverage Joe received from 1960- Nov 2009.  I can finally begin to write the conclusion to my 'edition' of SI. When I do, Stewart Mandel's column that appeared hours after it was announced Joe had been fired, would likely be a highlight in the post-head-coach-Joe coverage in SI.


Joe is family and you can't turn your back on family.  So as Mandel said: 

But while it's hard to see the bigger picture in the middle of the firestorm, it's also shortsighted to think that history will entirely forget the rest of Paterno's 46-year career.  Some may find that taboo to say at this particular moment, when the news of Sandusky's alleged crimes is still fresh and many are still waiting for Paterno to fully address what happened in 2002. People aren't ready to put down the pitchforks just yet, and I'm not saying they should.

 And yet, distance and perspective will eventually create a more nuanced legacy. The record will show that Paterno won more games than any other coach and that his teams annually graduated more players than any other public school. Video clips and photos will forever immortalize his black shoes and spectacles. The library on Penn State's campus, for which he helped raise $13 million, will still stand, and a university to which he devoted not only his entire adult life but $4 million of his own money will continue to educate generations of students.

20 % 12 days ago

I just keep getting later and later.  This is October's update...  


Here's where I stand... My Resolutions:

1. Run a half-marathon.  This just keeps getting worse.  I'm not overly worried because in life you have to set priorities, and while running a half-marathon has been a goal (or a questionable idea thrown around for 10 months now), goals and priorities change and are adapted.  So all of that right there is my justification for my sneakers collecting dust, my watch/heart monitor being MIA, and mapmyrun.com sending me reminder emails to sign into my account...  I still have time.  The year isn't over!!

2. Try new things.  I took a new job staring the beginning of October!  So while it's some things I've done before, it's with a new company, is a new way of doing things, in a new environment, and all around a new thing!

3. Be better at everything. This more or less is becoming my life mantra, while in no way am I getting better at blogging regularly, other things in life I have been.  This new job is a big one for October especially where I needed to constantly be better at everything, to balance my life I've delegated tasks and looked to others for help with accomplishing tasks, instead of attempting to do everything myself.

4. Find luck. Yesterday was 11/11/11 and at 11:11:11 (and while that's not October so likely doesn't belong in this post) I looked at the clock with friends, and all was well.  Luck is what you make of it!  I'll keep searching for whatever that lucky charm, pot of gold, rabbits foot, dream catcher can offer...


Past NYR updates:
January 1 - 12 percent
End of Jan- 64 percent
End of Feb. - 58ish percent... I bet
End of March - First Quarter. Has to be less than 50%
End of April -  46.8 + or - 2.2... maybe?
End of May -  _____ %.
End of June - 46% Half way!
End of July - I'd like to buy a... 40ish percentage?!
End of August - 32% *
End of September - Craigs Adam Percent

Craig Adams Percent

No intro.  I'm clearly late on my update!  I hate that I have my time so planned out, it took me 8 days to figure out when I could squeeze in my NYR update!!!  Things should change soon, by Oct update I bet! ;)

Fun-ish fact for fall.

Pumpkins are not vegetables, they're fruits!  Who knew!? 


Here's where I stand... My Resolutions:

1. Run a half-marathon.  If there were one month and one goal I epically failed at during this NYR stint, it was this one during September.  I'd bet most anyone could have guessed that'd be the case following the end of August.  I'm still torn on this.  But I plan to get back into the running, excercising regime as soon as possible... just don't know when that will be.  I have a half-marathon noted for first weekend in Dec...

2. Try new things.  If there were one month I somewhat went above and beyond on, during September it was this one!  I coached (coach) u10 boys soccer which has been an entire new, and fun challenge.  I've said 'yes' to a lot of tasks, and helped out with a lot of things I want to promote and see change in.  I started a new part-time job, which next month you can read about how it turned into a full-time job.  All in all, lots of new things!

3. Be better at everything. I really think I've made good efforts to be better at everything.  At times in the past month, I've tried to be so much better at everything I've done, that I actually sacrificed me time.   (Which isn't always the best thing to sacrifice.)  But I really feel like I have been better at time management,  patience, and organization.  Two of those three, I don't ever make concrete efforts to be better at, but with new challenges I've been able to improve these skills to make the most of my time and capabilities.

4. Find luck. Luck is a funny thing.  I'm trying to determine if luck exists, BUT in September, timing was everything.  Especially at the end.  And I had some pretty 'lucky' timing.  But still looking... maybe end of October update will have found more luck!


Past NYR updates:
January 1 - 12 percent
End of Jan- 64 percent
End of Feb. - 58ish percent... I bet
End of March - First Quarter. Has to be less than 50%
End of April -  46.8 + or - 2.2... maybe?
End of May -  _____ %.
End of June - 46% Half way!
End of July - I'd like to buy a... 40ish percentage?!
End of August - 32% *

Old friend or just serving a purpose

I did a crazy thing today. I pulled my violin, that's only use in the past 5 years has been as a ladder to help my puppy get on and off my bed, out of its case. It was actually pretty exciting to open it up. It was kind of like a long lost friend, that you knew well, but didn't REALLY put a lot of effort into knowing, but now that you've ran into each other you realize you have a lot in common and could really be great friends. Or in my case, it might serve the purpose of me learning one song I really like and convincing my friends I'm good enough at it so they all learn it, then they let me in their band for one song, and no longer when I say 'I was in the band' do I have to follow that with the clarification of 'the marching band.'  BUT I'm really hoping the later leads to the former, and I form a new found hobby!

I need to rewind and start with a confession. In 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade you took a test to see if you were skilled enough to play the violin. It was a listening test of sorts, and I REALLY wanted to play the violin. In 3rd grade only the top 1 or 2 kids got picked. I wasn't one of them. In 4th grade, I still REALLY wanted to play the violin... so we took the test, and there were a few questions I wasn't sure on... and... I might have looked at the girls test that was next to me. Her and I both played the violin the whole way through high school... She was always a higher seat than me. BUT in my defense, I do know how to play the violin, but there has always been that small guilty piece of me that thinks maybe I wouldn't have got to play in 4th grade if I hadn't cheated.

Confessions over. It wasn't a good 4th grade, 10 year-old-decision, and I've learned from it!

Now, the sad part, (if my guilty admission wasn't sad enough) I didn't apply myself musically in high school because I was an athlete. I played soccer, I ran track a couple years, I tried basketball and rec volleyball.  I went to sporting events.  I played in rec leagues.  Sure I was in the band, orchestra, jazz band, and choir. But in my high school head, music always came second. Soccer always came first. I'm certainly a lifelong participant of sports and continue to coach soccer, but music is a priceless, lifelong skill I regret not applying myself at.

I actually called the 'violin guy' today, and asked him to look my violin over before I start actually playing again, and he was overjoyed to hear I'd be playing again, then I could hear the sadness in his voice when he started talking about how so few adults play anymore.

So to attempt to come full circle, and wrap-up this random music rant and try and provide some justification for anyone reading this. There should be more emphasis on lifelong skills and passions in schools. The Arts are an invaluable learning tool in schools. And the movement has been ongoing to save the Arts in schools. According to Americans For the Arts, kids involved in the arts are:

-4 times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement
-3 times more likely to be elected to class office within their schools
-4 times more likely to participate in a math and science fair
-3 times more likely to win an award for school attendance

So maybe you have an old friend you could dig out, maybe you could give it to your kid, your neighbors kid, the random kid down the street. Maybe you could inspire a kid to not cheat on their 4th grade music test, to apply themselves, and make the most of their musical abilities, so when their 5 years removed from their last high school orchestra concert, their not opening that case for the first time, and writing a blog about how sad it is it took that long...

32% *

School started yesterday, while it's long been gone since I've been in elementary, middle or high school, that day still marks the official end to summer.  I'm a bit sad.  While fall is my favorite season, summer just holds such a  sense of fun and adventure and carefree-ness... So only four months left in 2011.  Wow.

Fun-ish fact for back to school because quite frankly I can't find any more fun facts about New Years...


The plastic things on the end of shoelaces are called aglets.


Here's where I stand... My Resolutions:

1. Run a half-marathon.  I'm so torn with this goal.  The half-marathon I selected to run is Oct. 1. There are a few later in the year that I could still run, but this one was my first choice.  I however, have no real desire to run a half-marathon when we get down to the facts.  Insanity lasted for 2ish more weeks into Aug. and then we opted to go separate ways.  (Basically it was ridiculous and we need to do the first phase again 159 more times to be able to even vaguely not feel like a complete failure when doing phase 2.)  I opted to begin my running regime again.  I ran for one week, that Saturday when I should have been doing 5 miles I was WAY busy.  So I said I'd do it Sunday.  But when it got down to it I realized I needed to stop kidding myself and decide what I'm going to do.  I'm not a quitter.  If I say I'm going to do something I do it.  But why do something you dread doing?  What if what you said you were going to do doesn't affect or make a difference to anyone else in the world?  Heck, my closest friends have been telling me not to do it, they're likely sick of hearing me debate both sides on a regular basis for the past 4 months!  I remind myself that the reason I set this goal was because it motivated me to exercise regularly, to try different workout styles, and that definitely has occurred.  BUT again, I did say I was going to run a half....

2. Try new things.  Overly new, I don't recall, but I would say I took on new responsibilities in the month of Aug., I got more involved and active in the things I already do.  So I'm checking this off as completed for the month.
I did do one new thing.  But it's a secret for now!

3. Be better at everything. Can I just copy and paste and edit #2 response??.... my blog and I'm the only one voting, so I say yes.

I don't recall, but I would say I took on new responsibilities in the month of Aug., I got more involved and active in the things I already do.  So I'm checking this off as completed for the month.

4. Find luck. I found a four leaf clover on the picnic table at work.  Someone else picked it.  Does second-hand luck exist?


*This disclaimer is for the fact that other than the percentages I state at the beginning as having some truth in them are completely guesses, cause lets be realistic people, who has the time or money or notion to track people's NYR for every month?


Past NYR updates:
January 1 - 12 percent
End of Jan- 64 percent
End of Feb. - 58ish percent... I bet
End of March - First Quarter. Has to be less than 50%
End of April -  46.8 + or - 2.2... maybe?
End of May -  _____ %.
End of June - 46% Half way!
End of July - I'd like to buy a... 40ish percentage?!

I'd like to buy a... 40ish percentage?!

I love summer.  New Year's seems so far away.  But 2011 only has 5 months left.  Crazy!

NYR fun fact...

Julius Caesar, in 46 BC, established what has come to be known as the Julian Calendar. It again established January 1 as the new year. But in order to synchronize the calendar with the sun, Caesar had to let the previous year drag on for 445 days.

Here's where I stand... My Resolutions:

1. Run a half-marathon.  Insanity continues.  I must admit, I'm scared.  Starting tomorrow, with August, we begin into the second phase of Insanity.  Workouts are longer and more intense... at least the names make it seem that way!  Four more weeks, then it's back to getting miles and muscle for the half-marathon.

2. Try new things.  I went parasailing!!!!  I was nervous and scared before going, then experienced pure excitement and joy while on the boat and the first 5 minutes in the air, then back to nervous and scared when I heard this noise the parachute was making, then back to pure excitement and joy when we dipped in the water!  So cool! 

I also tried crab dip.  Eww.

3. Be better at everything. Well... I think I became a better person sort of in the past few weeks/month.  I was turned down for a job with the most encouraging and positive support ever from the employer.  This lead me to rethink some things, share some things, discuss some things, and sort of get things off my chest. 

I don't even focus on patience any more, because I really think I've sort of made it a part of me!

4. Find luck. Umm... I think I struck out on this again.  No doubt I got lucky a few times this month.  But I haven't truly found luck yet... if I even know what that means!


Past NYR updates:
January 1 - 12 percent
End of Jan- 64 percent
End of Feb. - 58ish percent... I bet
End of March - First Quarter. Has to be less than 50%
End of April -  46.8 + or - 2.2... maybe?
End of May -  _____ %.
End of June - 46% Half way!

Simple Smile... and a Cinna-mint

I have a question.  Why do we (Americans) have low standards of service?  We love everything done so quickly sometimes that we forget to smile.

Craziest place to have this all come to light today was a Long John Silvers in Lancaster, PA, on the way home from vacation.  After a long drive, and my one complaint being I didn't get to have the infamous Crabber Cove hush puppies seeing as how Crabbers Cove ceases to exist, so I opted for LJS.  Good faithful Garmin, aka Mary, picked a LJS on Manheim Pike in Lancaster, when we actually passed another to get to it.  I noticed something different at this fast food restaurant when I was getting my drink, when one of the workers actually brought my food over to me instead of calling out my number.  I thanked her, nodded to myself thinking 'wow that was nice,' and took my seat.  Friends followed suit.  We were just finishing up our meal when around comes the women that took our order with a basket of cinnamon mints (my favorite), stopping at each table asking how everything was and handing out the mints.  She even joked with my friend about how his meal was from Wendy's!  So simple.  Less than 1 minute of her time at our table.  Entire dining room, less than 8 minutes.  We sat there as she walked away discussing the amazing service.  How for a fast food restaurant it was unheard of!  How the workers there actually were smiling.

Rewind quite a few hours to our departure from the beach and our stop out of town at Dunkin' Donuts, I think I saw maybe two smiles in the packed place from co-workers and customers combined.  We laughed about how everyone leaving was sad vacation was over, and how locals were annoyed the vacationers made the place so crowded.  But service with a smile, some manners, and an extra minute, that's really where it's at.  Kudos Long John Silvers on Manheim Pike in Lancaster, PA, I don't even like fish but I like you.

Yakety Yak

A vivid memory from my childhood, into my teen years, and eventually until my Daddy's passing is that of his music collection.  Stacks of old records, cassettes, CD's and even old 45s.  The collection was always out.  It accompanied us on family vacations, on trips to the grocery store, while he waited for any one of my sisters or I to finish an after school practice, or most commonly I recall walking into the house and seeing my Daddy after a long days work sitting there TV off, reclined in his chair, his eyes closed singing along to any genre of song from any era.  His favorites were the oldies.  My sisters and I grew up singing along to the Temptations, Elvis, The Supremes, The Beatles, and so many more.  Included in there was The Coasters. While sitting on the beach today, their 1958 hit Yakety Yak, came to mind. 

A few months ago I referenced the madness of May that consumed my life.  Looking back to that time and a bit before, you'll notice my posting rate has dropped dramatically with the start of spring/summer.  For a while this frustrated me.   I have/had a million things I wanted to blog about but 'couldn't find the time.'  In May I made a new friend.  One of the first things I said to that friend in an email was "I just looked at some of your facebook pictures from since you've been here, and you've managed to make Clearfield/Pa seem so much more exciting than what I experience on a daily basis!"  That statement spawned a somewhat altered approach to what my life back home post college had become.  Without realizing I began to appreciate things so much more.  Over the next month +, I spent time with that friend trying to show him some of the more exciting, and even simple things that I regularly take for granted.

May has come and gone, but the madness really hasn't.  In May I stopped having 'chores' ... no more 'taking out the papers and the trash.'  As this very second my toes are in the sand, the ocean breeze is blowing my hair, and I'm certain of only a few things.   No chores in life.  When I go to work, I make the most of where I am at and the tasks at hand.  When I work-out, I do it because I want to (doesn't mean I won't complain just a little!).  When I frantically balance work, coaching, applying for jobs, planning my life, blogging, family and friends, I'll continue to do so with a smile.  And if that means I don't blog more than once a month, that's ok....  I love to talk, so Coasters, friends, take this as a yakety, yak... I'm talking back... and I hope you are as well.

46% Half way!

I'm over half-way!!!!  This site I've repeatedly referred to says that after six months, 46% of people are still going strong.  I don't know if strong is the right word, but I'm still going!

I'm actually a bit indecisive on how I'm doing with my NYR.  This post is late, I've blogged less in the past 3 months, I've run around crazy-like claiming my life is madness. (Which it is!) But I like my life, and while my NYR are not being perfectly executed (if execution is even the correct action here), they have actually become a part of my daily life.  I am no longer making a conscious effort to achieve these goals.  I think that's an accomplishment!  However indecision sets in when I see that I've let things shift in my life, and what was once daily activities have become weekly... maybe.  BUT it's summer, I'm happy, I'm smiling... I think that's success enough.


Summer-NYR fact.  People who 'failed' at NYR, or refused to set them, actually tend to set mini summer resolutions often subconsiously.  People get out more, attempt to work on that beach body, even eat a bit healthier!  Watermelon, tomatoes, all sorts of fresh produce scream summer time!


My Resolutions:

1. Run a half-marathon.  During the month of June I can think of one run I went on.  I failed right? Nope! I disagree!  There is more than running that helps prepare for a big run!  My new training method is amazingly awful.  Insanity and Shaun T are killer.  I do have some concern about the fact I will be finishing Insanity only 6 weeks before the half-marathon.  I originally thought I'd try and balance running and Insanity but decided I'd rather do Insanity and follow their schedule.  And trying to run, play soccer occasionally, after Insanity led me to the quick realization that my legs were dead.  So I'm working on this resolution, just in an altered way... a not running way!  AND disclaimer here, I still plan to run a half-marathon but have no true desire to run one whatsoever.  I do keep it as a goal, but am more satisfied with the fact it's got me back to regular intense exercise which hasn't been a part of my regular schedule since high school!

2. Try new things.  I started Insanity in June.  Because of Insanity I also stared counting calories... While my counting has flopped, I did manage to do the 5 meals a day for a solid 2 weeks.... And I got CLOSE to the calorie intake I needed to maintain weight.

3. Be better at everything. I'm going to use this one to reflect on a friend, mentor, coach, extraordinary human being, that passed away a few weeks ago.  While I consistently try to be a better person, and be better at everything I do, Al Siegel was a true depiction of the kind of person I want to be.  While I am saddened by his passing, I am even more inspired to, at the end of my life, have led a life like Al's.  Al cared for people.  He helped people.  He motivated people.  He listened to people.  As his son said, Al gave a piece of his heart to everyone he met.  Al never expected anything in return.  So I've got some big life goals, that I hope will make even a small impact on someone somewhere!  I'm going to be better at everything because of Al and I'm going to achieve those goals!


4. Find luck.  If I failed at any of my NYR this past month, it was this one.  I forgot to look....


Past NYR updates:
January 1 - 12 percent
End of Jan- 64 percent
End of Feb. - 58ish percent... I bet
End of March - First Quarter. Has to be less than 50%
End of April -  46.8 + or - 2.2... maybe?
End of May -  _____ %.

In a van, down by the river.

In the past 3 weeks I've come to a serious life conclusion......... I should be a motivational speaker/life coach. Maybe kind of like this.

Or maybe not quite...

But seriously here are the reasons I think I could be a successful and valuable life coach for someone(s) out there in the world:

1.) I'm an expert decision maker............... of other people's decisions. I look objectively at what the problem is, what the solution is, what the pros and cons are of each option, and what will truly make that person happy. Then I offer my opinion when asked.... just don't let me somehow be a part of the decision or I'll go back and forth for days!  (disclaimer- days might be an understatement... just maybe)

2.) I set clear, concise, attainable goals..... I just have too many for my own life and now am willing to offer them to anyone that needs some life direction. I think high school seniors could be a good audience to target for my initial employment.

3.) I am so inner-driven, self-motivated, and relentless that I am a great life cheerleader for other people! Just don't try and cheer my life on or I get frustrated, as I cheer myself on. And if I'm a life coach, who really would try and cheer my life on?

4.) I LOVE to talk, BUT am also a pretty good listener I like to think! But sticking with the talking part, put me up in front of a crowd and I can talk with the best of them, Matt Foley has nothing on me! .... Well I haven't lived in a van down by the river, but I did work on a river once... Close enough, right?!


Add another life goal to my list.... life coach. Well unless someone else wants this goal, then of course I can give it to you and work on another that's on my list....

_____ %.

I feel like I've epically failed at my NYR as of lately.... part of that is just because my life has been crazy madness. (Madness of May post surely to come... in the not so distant future!)  So you can be the judge of my success/failure... But end of 5 months, I'm still trying.  So I think I deserve some points. 

 Fun facts:

According to statistics from the National Insurance Crime Bureau, more vehicles are stolen on New Year's Day than on any other holiday throughout the year.(1)


1. Run a half-marathon. In the month of May, I worked out/prepared for my half-marathon less than 8 times, and that's probably being gracious.  I can think of 3 instances where I ran.  As mentioned above, May was madness.  No excuses, but I was crazy busy every night.  Now that May is over I'm already back to running (So far I'm 100% for running in June :) )

2. Try new things.  Food is normally where this goes each month, but not this time!  This might be my best kept resolution for May.  I tried lots of new things... sort of!  Some of them were things I've done multiple times, but did them with a new perspective.  I also decided to just go for some life goals.  We'll see how these play out, but I'm doing things I want to do!

3. Be better at everything. Honestly, I am better at everything after May.  I was so busy, I had to be my best to assure success!  Soccer seasons ended, another great learning season as a coach.  And while I didn't want to keep all of my soccer players (just one!) for good, I would like to still have them for a set amount of time each night, then return them to their parents.  Believe me an hour is enough most nights!  I definitely am a better coach because of them.  And OH did I work on a patience this season with a few of them!  One thing in particular I would like to point out.  I went from long, drawn out emails (because I have so many good things to say), to very short emails that are directly to the point.  This will help me in the future... maybe! ;)

4. Find luck.  I've stopped looking for luck, and I think that has made luck find me!  I make my own success and happiness. Right now, I'm the happiest girl in the world!  Probably the most confused as well, but I'm keeping my eye out for the luck and making the most of everything!


So call me a success, or don't.  But I'm still going.  I'm still getting better.  I'm just living a dream, and dreaming a life! 


Past NYR updates:
January 1 - 12 percent
End of Jan- 64 percent
End of Feb. - 58ish percent... I bet
End of March - First Quarter. Has to be less than 50%
End of April -  46.8 + or - 2.2... maybe?

46.8 + or - 2.2... maybe?

I'm not even sure what percentage to make up this time for people still keeping their New Year's resolutions.  I'm still one of them in the success category though.  While the "going strong" from last month might be starting to be questionable, the effort is still there.  But at the end of 4 months, I'm starting to recognize why so many people start to fail.  Aside from the proven reasons, I've found my struggles occur because:


1.  You forget what your resolutions are.
2.  In some cases it really is hard to teach an old dog new tricks.
3.  It's tough to stay motivated when there isn't always visible results.


So for all those that gave up already, shame on you, BUT I understand where you are coming from!


Fun New Year's fact for the month.

In Italy, people wear red underwear on New Year's Day as a symbol of good luck for the upcoming year.

So here's where I'm at:


1. Run a half-marathon. Some days I really hate this resolution.  I only hate it though when I'm actually running.  When I'm weight training it's fine.  But mentally this is tough.  I am competitive, I set goals for myself.  Good things right?  Well not always.  For instance yesterday I set out to do a set distance in a set time.  With a quarter of a mile left I realized I wasn't making the time and I my legs felt like poo.  I got jacked, stopped my watch and walked the rest of the way home.  Really awful reaction that makes me even more mad.  I've occasionally had trouble balancing pushing myself just enough, and pushing too hard. I don't want to cause injuries, so when my body hurts how far do I keep going?  I mean today I feel fine!  I could have pushed harder yesterday.  This run yesterday, it completely ruined the remainder of my day.  Not a good thing and made me realize that after this half-marathon I likely will only run 5 and maybe 10k's.  Things I can do more leisurely and for fun, and really require less training.  You have to really want to run to run distance.  Lately I've found I don't want to...  (Any runners out there with suggestions for motivation when running alone feel free to send them my way, or it is going to be a long 5 months until the half-marathon...)

2. Try new things. I tried pork directly off the pig...  At a pig roast...  They brought it in on a giant charcoal grill. They opened the lid.  I saw a leg and freaked out!  As previously mentioned, I might be a girl from the country, but I'm not a country girl!  For those as disturbed as me by bones and skin, and dead animals in their alive form, just skip ahead to the next resolution...  But it was sort of like a car accident.  You don't want to look but you can't help it.  I went back on a couple occasions and looked inside this grill as they stood there and chopped up this pig.  I saw legs.  Thank God the head was gone.  I looked down it's neck cavity.  It was really one of the more disgusting things I've ever been apart of.  BUT as my boss insisted, I tried the meat... after he made sure there wasn't anything icky (fat, skin, gross stuff) attached to it, and it was surprisingly good.  After much harassment, and requesting my Mom could come clean up some of the pork for me, I even managed to eat a small piece.  While I have no intent to partake in a pig roast any time in the near future, I tried the pork. And for a girl that eats turkey bacon, and has chicken on Easter, I tried something new.  (I also painted my toenails blue! I ALWAYS, for at least 10 years, have them colors from the red/pink family.)

3. Be better at everything. I'm coaching U-8 soccer, which is a new age category for me.  I love it!  AND it definitely helps make me be a better coach.  I'm recalling very easily why I fell in love with the game, and trying my darnedest to assure these kids fall in love with it to!

4. Find luck.  Still working on this...  I hope I found a bit of luck in the job world.  I applied for an internship to attempt to stay current and moving forward in PR while I'm currently working, and was lucky enough after my interview to have my resume/name thrown into a full-time position with the company.  Fingers are definitely staying crossed with this one!




Past NYR updates:
January 1 - 12 percent
End of Jan- 64 percent
End of Feb. - 58ish percent... I bet
End of March - First Quarter. Has to be less than 50%

My story... Stop Diabetes

For a few more days (until April 22nd), T-fal Actifry is donating $1 to the American Diabetes Association for every person that visits stopdiabetes.org and takes the Diabetes Risk Test.  I took the test and scored 'low.'  The irony for those that don't know is I'm a type I diabetic.  However risk factors for the two types are dramatically different.  Type I isn't preventable, it just happens.  Type 2 can be prevented, especially if caught early on.

Diabetes is an issue I can talk on for hours.  I've never felt awkward or uncomfortable discussing diabetes and my life.  Maybe I'm one of the lucky ones, but I hear the stories about people feeling different because of the chronic disease, and I don't doubt their experiences.  However my story is a little different.  Here's my story...


When I was 5-years-old I broke my arm in three places in late August.  Random-freak kid accident where I fell off a swing.  In hindsight my diabetic story starts here, but that's what it is hindsight... not what anyone thought at the time.  When I was 5, I was just another kid with a broken arm.  My arm took a longer time than usual to heal.  I went through multiple casts through the duration of kindergarten, and actually had to learn to write and use scissors with my left hand!  (I'm right handed)  All-in-all, a good six-plus months for my arm to heal. 

Fast forward only a few months to the summer of 1994.  I'm 6-years-old and while on a week vacation at my Oma's (grandma) house I got pretty sick and un-6-year-old like.  While my Oma lives 3 hours away, she decided to schedule me a doctor appointment in her hometown to see if maybe I just had a summer time flu.  At the appointment they discuss running some blood tests, however I ate that morning so realistically the tests might not be accurate.  The doctor sends us home, tells my Oma to keep an eye on me, and if it keeps up to get me in at my home physician.

When my parents pick up my sisters and me at the end of the week it's clear I'm not better.  They call my doctor, tell the office my symptoms, tired, losing weight, can't keep anything down.  The doctors office schedules me for their soonest appointment which is weeks away and instruct my parents to keep me hydrated, give me Gatorade.  (red flags might be going off here for some)  I live on the couch for the weeks up to the appointment, continually drinking Gatorade and continually throwing up.  By the time the appointment rolls around I can't even walk into the doctors office and I weight less than 40 lbs.

Dr. Burke quickly called in the life flight team (helicopter ambulance) seeing that there is something seriously wrong.  While doctors and nurses begin checking every possible cause, my mom suggests to check me for "sugar" as it runs in the family.  One little blood test and they are certain that is the cause.  With a blood sugar level of 811, I'm loaded into a helicopter equipped with a flying bunny to be my companion, yet quickly slip off into a coma.

After 3 days I 'woke up.'  I was terrified, in the ICU at Geisinger Hospital in Danville, and wanted only my Mom and Dad.  I had a great doctor and diabetes educator (Dr. David Langdon, and C.D.E. Jane Evans) there every step of they way to equip my parents and I to go home and face the challenges of diabetes.  I practiced giving shots to an orange, my parents, heck probably even my 2 sisters who were not even in their teens.  I learned the correct way to poke my finger and have it get enough blood but hurt the least.  I learned to measure out foods in my hand and know the value of carbs.  All as a 6-year-old.

While my parents controlled and monitored my diabetes every step of the way, very early on they let me take control of the daily tasks on my own.  Their philosophy was I was the one who had to live with diabetes, I needed to be able to test my own sugar, take my own shots.  I returned to school, missing at least the first month, and found that being diabetic was kind of "cool."  Every day I got to have two snacks at school.  (I LOVE snacks!) I had a watch that would cock-a-doodle-do when it was time to check my sugar.  Every time I had to check my sugar I would go from group to group so the kids could all take turns watching me.  While surely no one envied me, I wasn't chastised by the other first graders.  And luckily that would continue throughout my entire school career.

At the same time, those first few years especially, weren't all fun and games.  There would be days in gym class where I would have to sit out because my sugar got low, or in a few cases in the early years the nurse would have to come get me from class because I was close to passing out. When my sugar was high, I would be sent to walk the halls with a friend and drink water (which usually wasn't something anyone minded!).   But these differences didn't last all that long, and became less and less common after I left elementary behind.

Personality plays a lot into how well and adapted I was, and still am, with diabetes.  In no ways have I ever considered diabetes to restrict or hold me back.  I've played soccer competitively all my life, run, play sports,  went to college, gone on vacations and trips without my parents growing up.  I eat candy (maybe even more than a non-diabetic) and LOVE cake and ice cream!  I can skip any meal I want, or pig out at all-you-can-eat buffets.  I hate sugar free candy, and rarely eat it.  And majority of the time I don't order a diet soda when I'm out.  Technology and medical advancements have come so far, that as long as I can count the carbohydrates in any given food I can eat, or not eat, whatever I want.  I wear an insulin pump that makes my life even easier... I call it my pancreas.  Just on the outside!

So my story isn't a complex-sad one I like to think.  And really I don't even look at it as an overly inspiring and motivating one.  I look at it as a story of a challenge that was thrown at me that I've managed, with help from a lot of people, to minimize and practically eliminate (the challenge that is).  Type 2 diabetes isn't quite the same.  Everyone is different, and treatments differ from one type 2 to the next.  However, the great difference between me and a type 2, is a type 2 can prevent from ever facing the challenge.  If the signs are caught early on, the risk can be minimized. So I encourage you to take the test.  Maybe I make diabetes sound not to bad, but it is still something I wouldn't wish upon anyone... and if I can help keep the diagnosis from occurring for even one person, then I helped stop diabetes.  And if nothing else by taking the risk test, you help contribute $1 to research to find a cure.

Take the test here or take the test on Facebook.



Back to those red flags way up there... Gatorade has a lot of carbs and sugar in it and didn't help the already present symptoms.  I actually refused to drink Gatorade into my teens.

First Quarter. Has to be less than 50%

Three months into the New Year and I'm proud to say I'm still going strong with my resolution keeping (you can be the judge below).  While the percentage of people keeping their resolutions is dwindling, I find it hard to think that even 50% of people are still keeping them.  This site I've referred to before says that after six months, 46% of people are still going strong.

Fun fact:

In ancient Babylonia, one common resolution was to return any farm equipment borrowed from friends or neighbors.

My Resolutions:

1. Run a half-marathon. I haven't hit any physical roadblocks, but I realized something...  you have to REALLY want to run to run more than a few miles any given day!  During March, when the weather was nice (I'm a fair weather runner right now), I got out and got some miles.  For a while it wasn't fun.  But then a running partner appeared!  I've only ran a few times with her, but it's a friend who has always been a good distance runner, so it's perfect for me who was always a sprinter and on distance can't always pace myself.  So that helps majorly!  Also, I hit a breaking point I think.  For those first few increases in miles I was not overly optimistic and really thought I was going to die every time I went out and ran.  Then one day I went out and did 4 miles by myself and my time wasn't bad!  I realized I can run!  So running is definitely going to be common (as the weather clears up), but strength training, and just random outdoor activities are all in play in helping me to get to my half-marathon come Oct! 

2. Try new things. Since I'm late on this recap for March, this is actually probably an April update, but I write the blog and no one is stopping me from including this!  I tried fresh eggs!!  Sounds a little silly I know, but I've always eaten store bought eggs.  I'm not exactly the farm girl type.  So no chickens at my house.  I was talking to a guy at work who has chickens and he told me he'd bring me eggs!  I got 3 dozen, all fresh from the chickens that morning!  2 dozen brown ones, and 1 dozen white ones.  Most of these eggs are HUGE, way bigger than I've ever seen!  I ate an omelet the first night I got them (with  my peppers in it of course), and it was noticeably different tasting than store bought eggs.  I described it to my Mom as fuller.  Not as runny perhaps, and she did say that the yoke is bigger than a store bought.  (after she made fun of me and harassed me for being so excited about these eggs.)  I actually couldn't even eat the full 3 eggs my Mom made the omelet with, but definitely good stuff! For pseudo-pro I've been tweaking my resume, attended a career fair, somewhat the same as before, so probably doesn't fall in the try-new things...

3. Be better at everything. This is actually a hard resolution to monitor! Not because I'm not trying, but everything is a big category!  Patience is continually something I'm working on and I think that is noticeably better, I've also worked on my running form, a lot of random things.  So I'm going to maintain that I'm continuing to improve on everything even if I can't give clear examples.


4. Find luck.  I went to the casino...  I lost $20 on slots, another $15 that was not mine, and $4 to the ATM fee...  I didn't find luck at the casino, that's for sure!  I'll keep looking... with the snow gone maybe I can find 4-leaf clovers??


My previous NYR updates:

January 1 - 12 percent
End of Jan- 64 percent
End of Feb. - 58ish percent... I bet

You can't... But you do... Maybe you can?

Growing up, I was taught that "you can't judge a book by its cover."  And well, in my 23 years of existence, I've decided sometimes you have too, and sometimes you should... but not always.

Quick origin lesson:
Looking at the origin of the phrase I found that the phrase orientated in the US (kind of ironic... just me maybe?).  It was first documented in the journal 'American Speech.'  and has since appeared and been used lots and lots of times.  (somewhat legit source)

This common phrase came up in my life in the past week a lot.  Most recently the good old public library.  I regularly go the library, and sometimes think I'm the only one left in the world that does this.  I've never tried a Kindle, or any of the comparable, but at the same time I've never been drawn to the idea.   I like turning the pages, I like the whole experience of borrowing books, not knowing where they've been or will go, but taking them briefly on my journey! These things are what come back to the "judging a book by it's cover."  I look at the covers when I pick a book.  I look at the shiny new ones, then the worn and tattered ones.  It's always fun to have something new, but the worn and tattered, they must be good I always think, or they wouldn't be that way.  I go back and forth looking at graphic covers and plain ones with just text.  I like hoping I picked the right one (cause I won't just get the other ones on a different trip;) ).  I like judging the books by their cover, then forming my opinion after I'm done...

While you might not feel the same way about books as me, this next situation is more realistic to everyone's daily life.  I went with a friend to get a tattoo (not that part applies to everyone but bare with me!).  The tattoo artist is someone we know (and really good so get your tattoo's done by him!), so on a Friday night we went to the tattoo shop where he works.  Skulls, black crows, horror images adorn the shop.  Seems like a common atmosphere of a tattoo shop.  I had no issues with it, but looked around after an hour or so and observed the decor wasn't my style.  I engaged in conversation with the staff, even some customers!  (I was there probably 3-4 hours.)  I cringed and asked questions to the coolest piercer I've ever met, Joe, about all of his piercings and tattoos.  (I'm a major wimp when it comes to pain.)  Then as I was leaving, I joked with my friend, about how I never thought I'd spend a Friday night at a tattoo shop.  Not for any reason other than I have had no reason too!  The people there were some of the coolest. Their stories, their passion for what they do, it's awesome and admirable.  And I expected nothing less, however up till this point I hadn't put myself in a position to know that for sure.  I didn't judge the book by it's cover exactly, but I'm not naive in that people don't. This book, each other, I think people most often judge. Not always intentionally, but if someone/something is different than us, we automatically form an opinion. For better or worse...

Finally.  The biggest challenge I've been facing is my career search.  While yes I'm working, I still am searching for that PR career.  The hard part I've found is finding entry-level positions.  I've often found myself applying for jobs where I barely meet the minimum years of experience.  The job search I know is ALL about judging a book by it's cover.  There are tons of resources to help you perfect your resume, so your 'book' gets the judges attention.  And there are even more tips on how to dress, what to say in the first :30 seconds, how to even shake the interviewers hand.  These are ways to influence their initial judgement.  One of the most important decisions for a lot of people, and it's all based off the first impression, a piece of paper, and what someone else thinks of them...

The examples of judging books by their cover are probably endless, some good instance and some bad.  A lot of the instances, while we try not to judge, it's almost ingrained in us to.  A sort of survival mode where you have to see where you rank in comparison to your surroundings.  Since everyone forms those initial opinions it becomes not about them, but about not letting that opinion direct subsequent opinions.  I mean really, if the first time you came across my blog you read the title and saw I spelled cake with a 'k' and let that stop you from coming back, you probably wouldn't be enjoying me so much now! ;)

-M

Little of this and that

I don't blog just to blog.  And I don't blog just to get noticed.  I try and blog because I think I might have a relevant/interesting story or opinion on a topic.  One I hope creates conversation somewhere if not with me...

That being said, I haven't blogged in a while, sorry if that disappoints anyone.  I've had some ideas of things to write about, but nothing that jumped out at me as immediately worth anyone's time to read.  But yet here I am writing that statement, making you consider is this even worth your time...hmmm....

So this post is simply a check-in with a short story I wanted to share.  I'm still on the job hunt, and in my last monthly NRY update I put about how I'm attempting to connect with people more, and posted positions only where applicable.  Well I've made another list.  And this one has me really excited!  I was getting a little disheartened with the amount of time I've been able to put into looking for jobs (refer back to My Other Job post from Nov.).  I've skipped two career fairs in the past month because I couldn't force myself to go just to say I went, when in all reality there wasn't a company or job at either that I was interested in.  So back to this new list.  I was going through an old internship list for all fields in Communication, and I wrote (not literally since we type everything... but it sounds silly to say I typed...) down all of the companies in Pittsburgh area that I haven't yet looked into.  I got really excited because I realized there were so many companies that I've overlooked or forgot about!  I also noted other companies in areas outside of Pittsburgh, but I would definitely say my search has been back to being centered there for a few months now.


To wrap up and not keep this going to long, I'm excited for my list!  Such a simple concept!  Now here are some of those topics that I considered blogging about but just haven't gotten to or had enough to say...

Taco Bells crisis diverted - Nice job I thought

NYTimes use of Twitter (Article on NFL negotiations) - this is great considering back in Jan. I questioned the use of twitter handles as a source (A Handle that's Credible?)

And finally, I just want to say how impressed I am once again with Domino's commercials and effective use of PR.  I haven't tried the boneless wings yet (I plan to), and honestly I haven't tried their pizza since they revamped it (I'm told I don't even know what Domino's is since I haven't tried it).  Well their new boneless wings campaign has them asking the customer if they "did it right" on the box!  While who knows how many people really will respond, I love the creativity and simplicity of it!  Kudos Domino's.

58 -ish percent... I bet

So it's 2 months, 59 days to be exact, into 2011.  And I'm guessing that we're down to 58-ish percent of people still keeping their New Years Resolution.  (My percentage has no fact backing this time, as it appears no one cares and researches how people do after 60 days!)   

Fun fact: 

"History books tell us we've been doing this silly thing since before Jesus was born. We can blame it on a two-faced guy named Janus. One source I read indicates that in 153 B.C. Janus, a mythical king of early Rome, was featured at the front of the calendar.

Get it? Janus! January!Janus has two faces - one looking back on past events and the other looking forward to the future. As a result Janus became the ancient symbol for resolutions." -  Arvid Huisman

My Resolutions:

1. Run a half-marathon.  Still working on this one for sure.  I'm eating healthier, strength training 3 times a week (accept for last week where I only did 2!), running, kick-boxing, yoga, indoor soccer and whatever else appeals to me and is suggested!  Definitely setting the goal of running a half-marathon has done more than the typical 'exercise' resolution that so many make.  The few notables/complications have been the fact that after 1 mile of running outside alone I have started to get bored and recall why I was never a distance runner!  Mental toughness definitely will need addressed in the next few months! 
2. Try new things. So I talked about the amazing Smuckers all natural crunchy pb last month and let me tell you this stuff is awesome!  However I have added more things on the food side.  I'm a picky eater.  I don't like a lot of textures.  However I've also realized I don't like foods because I've always said I didn't, and I really have no clue what they taste like!  So peppers were suggested to try, and while I instantly said I didn't like them, I bought a red and green one... for the past 3 weeks I would guess I have eaten peppers on at least one meal a day 6 days of the week!  I also bought walnuts to put in my desk at work as my afternoon snack... and I don't hate them. I never have.  But they just don't taste like much to me... For pseudo-pro I've tried to make the most of my current job and incorporate the skills and degree I do have.  I have started looking at some of the sales/marketing flyers and write-ups, as well as the website, to offer my opinion and suggestions.  I've also come to realize that I've been involved in quite a few green initiatives in the past 5 years.  While not overly making the effort, it just seem to be something I always tend to get excited and drawn to!  Once again I'm attempting to learn about more green initiatives and incentives for small businesses under the legislation that Obama passed.  For real-pro, I've compiled a list.  On the list are people I want to network with.  Not a huge step exactly, but another route in attempting to get into the career I want.  I'm trying to focus on people and places over job postings.  
3. Be better at everything.  I'm not sure of anything that varies much from last month.  I've continued to focus on patience, being concise and too the point in emails/conversation at work.  I'm also looking at recipes to be a better cook!  I got pretty excited after watching Worst Cook in America on the Food Network.
4. Find luck. I found a penny at work!  It was in someone's office so I attempted to give it back to him but he let me keep it.  I looked at the year and it had no significant value to me so I gave it to my boss.  (He asked me when I told him my NYR last month if I would share my luck with him once I found it, so I figured this was my attempt.)  I've also located a few other pennies, but they were all tails up, so I flipped them over and kept walking to help other people find luck hopefully.  As of late, knock-on wood, my luck hasn't been to shabby, but I'm still looking!

My previous NYR updates:

January 1 - 12 percent

30 days in- 64 percent