One of the biggest steps has been in You Tube.

Whether you are are a musician, vlogger, humorist or brand this is the way to connect with you, the viewer.

What are you viewing?

Stuff like this.

And this.

(This is my friend Chris Mann, a finalist from the Voice on NBC, isn’t he yummy?

And this.

And companies like Invisalign know that they can explain more in a few minutes of video than all the written words in the world. Something just makes it feel more personal and you can get involved with the process.

Disclosure:

While I am paid for my time, my opinion is my own and is never for sale.

You Got that?? MY OPINION IS MY OWN.**

I’m a member of the Mom’s Advisory Board, and my son received complimentary Invisalign treatment.

Unfortunately, neither option involves Ryan Reynolds.

Big thanks to Pete for helping me out with this very nerve-wracking day.

Since I’ll be out of commission I’ll replay an old post from a much simpler time.

Why shovels will never replace picture frames as housewarming gifts

“So, what do you think about me digging a hole in the backyard?”

A single look from me apparently left scorch marks on my husband’s forehead.

“WHY? Why would you dig a hole in the backyard?”

“I was thinking I could build a hot tub!”

*silence*

“Peter, you know…they have companies that do that…they call them HOT TUB COMPANIES {I know, you’re staggered by my mad arguing skills. SHUT it, I was tired, this was only day 2 in the house} and they do this thing called ‘building hot tubs.”

“Yeah, but I read on the internet blah blah blah and then I could make blah blah blah and then we would have blah blah blah and beer.”

*silence*

“You know what? You should DO THAT!”

Peter gave me his “Have You Been Drinking Before Noon?” look.

“NO! I’m totally serious, you should absolutely start digging that hole, like, right now. I’ll go get you a shovel. AND THEN? I’m going to check online to buy some cows…I’ll raise them right here in the backyard…then kill them and skin them WITH.MY.OWN.TWO.HANDS. and sew that leather couch I’ve been wanting so bad.”

He smiles at me.

I smile back.

“So…you’re saying don’t dig the hole?”

“Don’t dig the hole.”

I’ve gone out of my way to hatch a plan for her anxiety disorder and she comes to Georgia is a total douche.

Before you kick me in the esophagus on her behalf, give me a chance to explain.

Writing a story is hard.

Whether it’s Lifetime-movie-of-the-week dramatic of spleen-splitting humor, it’s difficult to tell a tale that stands out from the millions of others on shelves.

Then Jenny comes along.

She’s able to take topics that are serious at their core. Then wrap them in her hilarious presentation. They become universal and identifiable. Touchable. Real.

People realize that if this funny, loveable person can be full of her brand of crazy, it’s ok to admit that we all are.

And she’s an excellent writer.

It makes it very hard to be faced with the task of trying to write a tragic topic and infuse your humor in it. Why even bother?

DOUCHE-CABOOSE!

If you haven’t read her book, you are a fool and we’re all mocking you behind your back. DO IT.

If you’re never been to her site, I’ll assume you’ve been in a coma and say SO HAVE I THAT IS NO EXCUSE!!

What I would and wouldn’t be able to do.

What not to expect.

I wouldn’t dress myself this morning.

I wouldn’t help my kids get ready for a day of school.

I wouldn’t be making plans for the 10yo’s birthday sleepover.

I wouldn’t be planning an event for hundreds of people by phone and internet.

I wouldn’t be organizing a non-conference for the first time.

I wouldn’t be writing these words you’re reading right now.

I want to scream sometimes. My frustration. Irritation. Anger.

Then it’s gone.

Left behind is this understanding that I am blessed beyond comprehension.

Whether it is a doctor with a hopeless diagnosis. A family member with discouraging words. Someone who dares laugh at your dream. Your own internal voice that scoffs at your abilities.

They’re complete farkwits at being able to contain the depths of your possibility.

They’re wrong.

Here’s what you can do, you say: