Put that glass down

Too much of a good thing is bad. But what about very, very, very little of a bad thing?

It's common knowledge that excessive alcohol consumption can lead to major health issues. But recent research from Oxford suggests that women who consume even relatively low amounts of alcohol (think a glass per day) have a higher risk of developing cancer. Yikes. In fact, researchers found that moderate drinking accounts for about 13% of breast, liver, rectum and upper respiratory/digestive tract cancers among women.

Here's the CliffsNotes summary: "In developed countries, where women typically consume low-moderate amounts of alcohol, we estimate that for every additional drink regularly consumed each day, there would be about 15 extra cases of cancers of the breast, liver, rectum and mouth and throat diagnosed for every 1,000 women up to the age of 75. Most of this excess risk is due to breast cancer."

The study was conducted among middle-aged women and researchers found that the risk of cancer increased as alcohol consumption increased. No surprise there. But the major takeaway is that just one daily glass of alcohol increased a woman's chance of developing cancer. Just one glass!

Keep in mind that the study was conducted among women who drink daily, so there is no evidence to illustrate that weekend warriors (i.e. women who drink moderate to high amounts of alcohol on Friday and Saturday nights) have the same increased risk of developing cancer. That said, I would suspect that the correlation still exists. (Plus, let's not forget about additional SERIOUS risks when a large quantity of alcohol is consumed, like drunk driving and lowered inhibitions.)

Scary stuff.

Staying positive when life throws you lemons....

Today I got word from a third employer that the job I interviewed for was put on hold. Major bummer....especially since this is the third time I have been faced with this kind of news.

Staying positive in this job market is a monumental task, but I haven't given up yet. Given that a lot of you are probably going through the same hell that I am suffering through now (or if you're not, some of you probably will be soon....although I hope not!!!) I thought I would share some of the ways I am keeping my head up during this recession.

- Set a schedule: I try to apply for jobs, work my network, etc. for at least 6 hours a day -- sometimes it's closer to 10, and sometimes it's closer to 2. But I have a general schedule in mind that I try to stick to.

- Focus on new professional interests: Since I got the axe, I've spent a lot of time developing this blog, Tweeting, growing my LinkedIn network, learning Google analytics, etc. Landing a new post is about more than just sending off resumes and emailing your old contacts. It's also about developing new skills and investing in yourself. Use this time to grow professionally.

- Make some moola: I have been babysitting and freelancing to make some extra cash. It's not much, but it helps keep my wallet a little fatter. (Or, more appropriately, a little less anorexic.)

- Excercise: This is the one silver lining to my losing my job -- I've dropped 5 lbs! Woohoo! Since I have so much extra time now, I am able to hit the gym more frequently.

- If you have the cash, travel: I am a pretty lucky cookie. After all, I was able to spend close to a month in South America without any job or income. I know that most people don't have this luxury, but at the very least, try to get away for a short weekend. To save cash, stay with friends, eat in, and just chill and relax. (Note: traveling can mess up the exercise benefit I spoke about before. Remember this post?)

- Get help: You can't do this alone -- you need a support network. Thank God I have a great family, awesome friends, and a fab therapist. If you don't have a support network behind you, get one. Go back to church. Reach out to old colleagues. Join a professional networking group. Trust me -- there are a ton of people out there who are willing to help you. You just gotta ask.

- Take a break: You don't work non-stop when you're employed, so you can't job search non-stop. You gotta give yourself a break. This is especially true during the weekends. Hang out with your friends. Treat yourself to a cheap dinner out. And have a glass of wine :) Trust me, it will help you relax. (Or at the very least, help you sleep!)

- And most importantly -- be patient. This one has been really hard for me, especially since this is my first job search where I have interviewed for positions and not gotten offers. Until recently, I had NEVER interviewed for a job that I didn't get. You gotta remain upbeat and give yourself time -- everything will work out. Or at least, that's what I am telling myself...

GOOD LUCK!

Worst Billboard Ever

The Most Dangerous Billboard EVER.














Check it out: this is a billboard on I-10 (right near my house!) that encourages you to text RODEO to 52257 in order to win free Rodeo seats. Only problem? It's a billboard. Which means people will read it when driving. Which means people will text while driving. Great......

I wonder if Miller Light will pay the texters' deductibles when they run off the road....

No more vino!

I went out last night...my first Argentine night out! It was a lot of fun but I am SOOOO tired and SOOO exhausted. While the falls of Iguazu are awesome, the town itself if pretty lame. My drinking partner and I downed a couple of 3 dollar cosmos and diet coke and shared traveling stories...and before I knew it it was 2 AM! And drinking diet coke was not a good idea since I couldn´t get to sleep until about 3:30.

No more to post today since I am just traveling from Iguazu to Mendoza. My flight connected in BA, but the trip to Mendoza is delayed, so I ventured into BA for a late lunch and hot chocolate at Cafe Tretoni, a very famous Argentine cafe. Yum!

Heading back to the airport soon. Will get in to Mendoza at about 10 and will probably crash.....

Thoughts on BA, Part 1

Hey folks,

So here I am, wrapping up my third day in BA. The city is incredible -- the European influence is hard to miss, and you guys know how obsessed I am with Europe.

The last couple of days have been a whirlwind. I've taken a Spanish lesson (although you would never know it...), eaten 2 ice cream cones, bought some gifts at the San Telmo "feria." taken in an art museum (the MALBA), hung out in one of BA's most stylish eateries (Bar 6 in Palmero), drank about 2 bottles of wine, and walked 'til I wanted to collapse (which I promptly did on my apartment's couch!) I have been very fortunate to have some friends of friends in town, so I have been tagging along with various people over the last few days. Although I do travel well alone, it is nice to not have to eat alone EVERY night!

Definite plans for the next couple of days include a traditional steakhouse, a city tour, Recoleta cemetery and coffee with an MHC alum. (When you travel alone, you have to reach out to EVERY connection possible!) Potential plans include a quick trip to Colonia, lots of shopping and a tango show – the shopping and tango show depend on what happens with the job situation (fingers crossed I get it!).

Internet is acting up, but photos will come soon! I promise!

PS – I heard that BA was no longer the discount traveler’s paradise that it used to be. Um, maybe if you compare it so the middle of Africa! I have been THRILLED with the prices thus far. Case in point – a trip to the grocery store today put me back 40 pesos, or about $11.50. What did I get for this? Let’s see – a bottle of NICE wine, cookies, three yogurts, a bunch of fruit, AND a few diet cokes. Dinner last night at a fancy Palermo spot was 60 pesos – or about $17 – for a HUGE meal, bread, bubbly water, and two big glasses of wine. Houston guys and gals (I MISS Y'ALL!!!), can you imagine going to Dolce Vita and walking out of there with a $17 bill??? Um, yeah, I think not.

Miller High Life

So my interviewer asked me today -- "what is a campaign or marketing initiative out right now that you think is really great?" Um, where to start? There are so many! But one came to mind right away...Miller High Life. Random, I know, especially since I am NOT the target audience. You'll see why when you check out a commercial here:



(To be honest, the radio spots are better, but I couldn't find one online. Ok, not entirely true, but I am too lazy to figure out how to post it.)

So why do I like this campaign? Well, the writing is brilliant, the main character is absolutely hilarious and...

The timing is ABSOLUTELY perfect.

The entire campaign is built around the idea of "Living Well By Living Smart." In other words, screw the flat screen TVs and the label-heavy clothing and the fancy new clubs. Miller High Life is about enjoying the little things in life -- like a nice cold beer -- and not spending a fortune doing it. Um, I don't know who Miller's fortune teller is, but she's a freaking genius. Given that everyone and their uncle has gone from riches to rags in less than two months, the entire premise of the campaign is spot on. It is totally in tune with today's disastrous economy.

So it's funny, entertaining AND relevant? That's advertising perfection.

Oh yeah, and one more thing: the ads work. EDUCATED, INTELLIGENT, AND EMPLOYED GUYS ARE DRINKING IT. Seriously. I've been to two parties in the last month and BOTH were stocked with Miller High Life. Are you kidding me? You mean the cheap, watery beer people used to chug at underage frat bashes is now being served at sophisticated house parties? I kept waiting for the Miller High Life Delivery man to storm in and take the beer away, but he never came. Maybe next time....