Jenni is taking a trip to Washington DC this weekend, so I got her a pink Flip Video to play with.

Ok, the TRUTH.

I got it for me, for HER to video DC since I used to live there, and haven’t been back for quite awhile. I suppose, if I were single and childless, DC would be my preferred city to live. And since I’m really a country farm girl, I’d have to keep a little place in the country too so I could wander the creek and catch crayfish like my youngest daughter does.

Quality isn’t too shabby – considering it’s a very simple camera to operate. Simply turn it on, aim, and press the red button on the back to begin recording. Press the red button again, to stop.

And, it’s compatible w/my MAC. Yea! No issues there. @$129 US I consider that a pretty good buy.

Anyway, here’s my absolutely horrid bed-head self giving you a “welcome to work” test vid.

I DVR’d Oprah’s show today.

Her series is programmed to be recorded if it’s new – so I didn’t go out of my way to record this particular show. (You can see excerpts at http://oprah.com)

What I didn’t realize is how united, inspired and hopeful the nation feels about Obama being elected.  Especially on this day, Martin Luther King’s observed birthday.

You see, I’m a die hard Republican. I voted for McCain.

Born in an all white community.  Raised in a 99% white community, and daughter of a  KKK supporter from the south, who claimed to be a Democrat.

Fast forward to today.

Never have I heard a nation so ready to serve, until now.  People from every walk of life are setting aside their hang-ups and aggressions to move forward, make life better, and serve one another.

Serve one another.

How beautiful.  Anyone who can move a nation like this, is all right by me!

((((WOW))))

I’ve reached “nerd-vanna!” Absolutely fascinating.  Take 5 minutes to watch this video.

Today, I am overwhelmingly grateful.

Grateful for all of the relationships in my life.  My clients (who rock!) and allow me to buy groceries. My fellow web geeks, neighbors, family, classmates, colleagues, mentors and Facebook/Twitter friends.

Relationships allow us to THRIVE! (I just love that word – THRIVE!)

Today’s world is different that it was even one year ago.  We MUST connect, mesh, be open and give.  Help our neighbors, watch out for one another because, we were never meant to walk this road thru life alone.

I believe… we all have a unique gift to offer in this lifetime, which will bring us MORE joy, if we share it with others.

I believe… we can solve any problem we encounter, TOGETHER.

I believe… we are capable of far more success than we ever thought, by working TOGETHER.

I believe… don’t you?

Abundant blessings,

Donna XOXO

You heard it here FIRST!

McCain said the debate’s on hold…
Obama said he’s showing up anyway…
McCain can’t let Obama have 90 minutes of free airtime…

So I bet McCain sends Palin in as a stand-in!

Could you imagine the fireworks (on both sides?)

QUESTION:  HOW DOES THIS RELATE TO YOUR BUSINESS?

Simple — we business-owners have a LOT to learn from
politicians (from both parties) when it comes to competition.

In politics, competition is RIGHT THERE… in your face.  That REALLY
speeds up the cycle of change.  It makes both candidates better.

In small-business, competition is more hidden (usually)…

So…

I bet you could really improve your business if you FELT
the heat of competition more.

I bet you would be more bold.

I bet you would improve faster.

I bet your TEAM would be more energized.

I bet your affiliates and partners would be more evangelistic.

My recommendation:  Research the heck our of your competition,
not to steal their ideas — but to SCARE yourself into bettering yourself
faster.

Good luck!  Let’s see if my prediction for Friday comes true.  Probably
not, but it would be cool to watch if it did!

Rick Raddatz,
CEO, http://Xiosoft.com

p.s.  If you want to mess with your friends, spread the rumor it’s
already been announced : )

The above message was sent in an email by Rick Raddatz 9/25/09 3:43pm EST.