tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44681530523037614212024-03-13T10:20:51.080-07:00Lori Weiss, MBAFrom HEC Montreal to Silicon BeachLori Weisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661280487452353423noreply@blogger.comBlogger236125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4468153052303761421.post-83420103712379405992015-06-04T21:36:00.002-07:002015-06-04T21:36:38.205-07:0030 for 30: Day 4<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial;">I am truly buzzing right now. While it might be from the vegan mocha muffins my boss ordered to celebrate my birthday (obviously another non-<b>raw vegan</b> exception), I'm pretty sure it's because of the amazing interactions I've had today. As a classic extrovert, I gain energy from social encounters and my current energetic state is proof of that.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial;">My day began with a <b>cardio and ab session at the gym</b>, and then I headed to work where I sifted through my email inbox while listening to <b>18 new songs</b> by Florence + the Machine that my friend Lenneal had shared with me.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial;">The excitement of my day began this afternoon, though, when I had a chance to interview rising band <a href="http://www.phasevmusic.com/" target="_blank">Phase Five</a> on Periscope at the <a href="http://www.famousbirthdays.com/" target="_blank">Famous Birthdays</a> office. In doing so, I interacted with <b>5 new people</b> who were inspirational, as they are pursing their musical dreams of stardom. I was particularly <b>inspired</b> by group member <a href="http://www.famousbirthdays.com/people/alex-odon.html" target="_blank">Alex Odon</a>, as he talked about how Celine Dion's (yay - Quebec pride!) transition from French to English motivated him to follow in her footsteps. Before ending the interview, the group also serenaded us with a couple impressive a cappella numbers, adding more <b>new songs</b> to my list (photos below).</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1cxW2yxzdPA/VXEbjZ9ZteI/AAAAAAAAB9k/hrJ4ckYBv_4/s1600/IMG_3692.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1cxW2yxzdPA/VXEbjZ9ZteI/AAAAAAAAB9k/hrJ4ckYBv_4/s320/IMG_3692.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Interviewing Phase Five on Periscope (pictured here with Jeremiah)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N_WFWJE7wdQ/VXEblgF2hHI/AAAAAAAAB9s/UGLLZq8IZoM/s1600/IMG_3693.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N_WFWJE7wdQ/VXEblgF2hHI/AAAAAAAAB9s/UGLLZq8IZoM/s320/IMG_3693.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Phase Five singing at Famous Birthdays on Periscope</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SBlA1d0ScyU/VXEbnuQ5m5I/AAAAAAAAB90/MpDzx1nfMM0/s1600/IMG_3694.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SBlA1d0ScyU/VXEbnuQ5m5I/AAAAAAAAB90/MpDzx1nfMM0/s320/IMG_3694.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Phase Five singing at Famous Birthdays on Periscope</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial;">Once the Periscope ended and we said our good-byes, I was honored to hear band member Jeremiah's feedback to me, as he noted that I was a great interviewer and made him feel really comfortable and at ease. This brings me to my <b>positive affirmation</b> of the day: I am talented. It's so encouraging that I've been getting so many wonderful responses lately to my on-camera work, both at Famous Birthdays and with <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/MissyLori" target="_blank">Unbreakable Missy & Lori</a>. My mom even emailed me today saying, "I keep watching your <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nk4bm4FBCnk" target="_blank">1st episode</a> of Kelly Smith, and I get more of a kick out of it each time I see it. Cool indeed!!"</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial;">After the Phase Five team departed our office and I left work, I wanted to <b>soak up some sunshine</b> while I could, after the quite overcast day. So I walked to the beach and <b>meditated </b>while I basked in the glow of another successful Periscope session.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial;">On my way back from the beach, I realized that I had completely forgotten to ask Phase Five group member <a href="http://www.famousbirthdays.com/people/jayc.html" target="_blank">JayC</a> if he has seen the show <i>Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt</i>. While preparing for today's interview, I had noted that JayC was from Indiana, and must be familiar with the series, due to the titular character's home state being the same as his. So I reached out to him on Instagram and discovered that he is indeed a fan!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial;">I was happy to hear that, since during my prep, all I could think of were two Indiana-related jokes from the show. Upon hearing that Kimmy is from Indiana, the following two lines are said:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial;">1. From Lillian: "In Diana? But I hardly know Diana!"</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial;">2. From Titus: "That explains why you're so basic."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial;">My social interactions continued this evening, as I met up with my friend Steph, who caught me up on the details of her recent engagement, a wonderful <b>story of love</b>. As we sat at juice bar The Hive (<b>a cool new Santa Monica locale</b>), we shared our life updates and <b>strengthened our friendship</b>. Steph also surprised me with a wonderful birthday card and gift, a beautiful orchid pictured below, and told me that she was <b>delighted</b> I was able to reschedule so that we could meet today rather than Tuesday. I expressed my <b>gratitude</b> for the continued birthday wishes, and yet again, I am truly thankful for the talented, amazing, and reliable network of people I know.</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V7EI2ukuZjM/VXEh9G7AnnI/AAAAAAAAB-E/9ksw0V83B-M/s1600/IMG_3695.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V7EI2ukuZjM/VXEh9G7AnnI/AAAAAAAAB-E/9ksw0V83B-M/s320/IMG_3695.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Orchid from my friend Steph</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
With yet another exciting day behind me of doing exactly what I wanted to do (and another <a href="https://instagram.com/unbreakable_MandL/" target="_blank">social media post for Unbreakable Missy & Lori</a> up), I would say that Day 4 was quite a success.</div>
Lori Weisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661280487452353423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4468153052303761421.post-6211460614276770182015-06-03T21:39:00.003-07:002015-06-03T22:06:38.291-07:0030 for 30: Day 3<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Today's <b>positive affirmation</b>: I am loved. My 30th birthday was spent receiving wonderful birthday wishes from loved ones near and far (including messages from friends in South Korea and Russia!). I could truly feel the love from everyone around the world. On this <b>day of gratitude</b>, I am appreciative of all who spent the time to wish me well on this special day.<br />
<br />
When I awoke to begin my <b>30-minute workout</b> (arm day at the gym), I already had messages from friends and family on the east coast. It was a wonderful way to start my day of surprises. But before I discovered what was in store for me, my morning consisted of <b>reaching out to two press contacts</b> regarding <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/MissyLori" target="_blank">Unbreakable Missy & Lori</a>. And in continuation of <a href="http://loriweissmba.blogspot.com/2015/06/30-for-30-day-2.html" target="_blank">yesterday</a>'s conversation with Beth, she sent me the following <b>inspirational quote</b> that made her think of me and my <a href="http://loriweissmba.blogspot.com/2015/05/30-for-30.html" target="_blank">30 for 30</a> challenge: "You get in life what you have the courage to ask for" -Nancy D. Solomon. I also came across a <a href="http://www.shape.com/celebrities/interviews/how-exercise-keeps-ellie-kemper-unbreakable-shape" target="_blank">Shape article</a> about <i>Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt</i> star Ellie Kemper. Kemper's honesty and openness inspire me, and I love that she pushes herself but not to extremes.<br />
<div class="p1">
<br />
The prepared birthday surprises began at 12:50 PM today, as Missy provided me with a time and location to meet her then. I arrived to discover that we'd be doing a yoga/<b>meditation</b> class with a sound bath. Missy handed me a notecard from my girlfriend Nicole that provided details regarding our activity, and Missy explained that she would be spending the day with me carrying out the surprises Nicole had arranged. This first activity was a deep and fulfilling experience, and much needed with my busy schedule lately. While in the yoga studio, I <b>focused on the familiar scent</b> of Nag Champa incense burning, a smell I instantly associate with calm, peace, and meditation.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GIL18AG7vkU/VW_PTJ9UKwI/AAAAAAAAB9M/u4QGOyJPhl4/s1600/IMG_3677.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GIL18AG7vkU/VW_PTJ9UKwI/AAAAAAAAB9M/u4QGOyJPhl4/s320/IMG_3677.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unbreakable Missy & Lori at yoga</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
After the class, we sauntered into the bead store next door and I got to <b>touch a unique texture</b>, a squishy bead (On a side note, when I was five years old, I asked for a bead for my birthday. Just one. 25 years later, my wish has been fulfilled.) I then followed Missy as we walked to the Santa Monica Pier and learned that we'd be taking a ride on the iconic Ferris wheel. The view was absolutely stunning; I revelled in my <b>time in the sun</b>, soaking up the sunshine and landscape. Following the ride, Missy handed me a package where I discovered that Nicole had printed Unbreakable Missy & Lori stickers. I was told to hand them out to passersby as I made my way to my next destination. During this escapade, I <b>interacted with about 10 new people</b>, including a tourist from Prague who was also celebrating her birthday today.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
My final stops were <a href="http://arealtreat.com/" target="_blank">A Real Treat Candy Boutique</a> (one of our filming locations for <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nk4bm4FBCnk" target="_blank">Episode 1</a> of Unbreakable Missy & Lori) and <a href="http://www.realfood.com/" target="_blank">Real Food Daily</a>, where I received lots of vegan goodies. Although my goal was to <b>eat raw vegan for 30 days</b>, today's exception for my favorite treats was well worth it!</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
At the end of my adventures, Missy presented me with her gifts, thoughtful presents (photos, a picture frame, and writing tools) that represented our strong friendship and bond. I feel so blessed to have spent such a wonderful day with Missy and Nicole (in spirit), surrounded by so much love and kindness. I am so honored. Thank you again to all who took the time to wish me a happy birthday. It was happy indeed.</div>
</div>
Lori Weisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661280487452353423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4468153052303761421.post-90440203170041886212015-06-02T21:18:00.001-07:002015-06-02T21:23:38.008-07:0030 for 30: Day 2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I'm exhausted, but I'm going to quickly provide some status updates on my <a href="http://loriweissmba.blogspot.com/2015/05/30-for-30.html" target="_blank">30 for 30</a> challenge because my second <b>positive affirmation</b> is "I am determined."<br />
<br />
My day began with a jog along the beach, checking off my <b>30 minutes of exercise</b>. The morning was further successful, as I discovered that <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nk4bm4FBCnk" target="_blank">Episode 1</a> of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/MissyLori" target="_blank">Unbreakable Missy & Lori</a> had already surpassed my goal of <b>getting 30 more YouTube views</b>! As of this moment, we currently have 699 views and I couldn't be happier (okay, maybe just 1 more view and I could be happier). We also got closer to our <b>30-day crowdfunding goal</b>, with a current standing of 4% funded.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nyWTE1wwaYM/VW55wjK6LsI/AAAAAAAAB8w/EXIfugG5J4o/s1600/11402779_1459714537655535_6302315093550262638_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nyWTE1wwaYM/VW55wjK6LsI/AAAAAAAAB8w/EXIfugG5J4o/s320/11402779_1459714537655535_6302315093550262638_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Singing words of praise for our debut funders of Unbreakable Missy & Lori's Indiegogo campaign</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
At today's work meeting, our boss told us the <b>cool fact</b> that Mark Zuckerberg wears the same T-shirt every day. As my boss and <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/mark-zuckerberg-same-t-shirt-2014-11" target="_blank">this Business Insider article</a> explain, Zuckerberg does it because then it's one less thing for him to think about during his busy day. Let's just say I'm already onboard with this philosophy.<br />
<br />
During my lunch break, I had an opportunity to reconnect with a fellow sorority sister who I hadn't spoken to in almost 10 years! Beth had reached out to me a few days ago asking for my help in making some big decisions, as she thought I would be able to assist her. On this <b>day of gratitude</b>, as we spoke on the phone, I thanked her for thinking of me and provided her with my best advice. She said that my words of wisdom <b>delighted her</b>, and our conversation certainly helped to <b>strengthen our friendship</b>.<br />
<br />
There were two other relationships I was able to strengthen today. One was with the Director of HEC Montreal's MBA program, as we corresponded by email to provide each other with our life updates. The second was through a fortuitous text I received from my friend Harry. He informed me that his new app just launched in the iTunes store. He asked me to help spread the word about his free app <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/linechecker/id992789448?ls=1&mt=8" target="_blank">Linechecker</a>. Seizing this golden opportunity, I agreed to help him spread the word about his app if he helped to spread the word about my <a href="https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/unbreakable-missy-lori-youtube-series/x/8969483#/story" target="_blank">Indiegogo campaign</a>. A deal was made.<br />
<br />
I also reached out to three <b>press contacts</b>, <b>listened to one new song</b> sent to me by a friend, sent one <b>personalized message about Unbreakable Missy & Lori</b>, continued to eat <b>raw vegan</b> meals, <b>wrote for 30 minutes</b>, and did <b>exactly what I wanted to do</b>. Now I will <b>meditate</b> and try to rest to be prepared for whatever surprise Missy has planned for me tomorrow!</div>
Lori Weisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661280487452353423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4468153052303761421.post-41731602646259931882015-06-01T20:13:00.000-07:002015-06-01T20:23:54.392-07:0030 for 30: Day 1<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Today was the first day of my <a href="http://loriweissmba.blogspot.com/2015/05/30-for-30.html" target="_blank">30 for 30</a> challenge, and I am very excited to say that I am off to a great start!<br />
<br />
I started the morning with my easiest task: <b>Work out for 30 minutes every day</b>. Exercising every day is perhaps the only thing that keeps me sane. I love weightlifting and jogging, so I typically do one of the two each day. I included this goal on my 30 for 30 as a gift to myself, one task I would be sure to accomplish each day, as it's the thing that gets me out of bed every morning. This morning, as I waited at the bus stop to head to the gym, the sweet smell of fresh donuts wafted toward me. As I truly focused on the sweet scent, I realized I was accomplishing one of my other goals: <b>Smell 30 scents</b>. I loved having the sweetness surround me, engaging my senses so early in the morning. Curious, I Googled "How many scents can you smell?" The answer: 1 trillion! According to <a href="http://www.livescience.com/44240-human-nose-distinguishes-1-trillion-scents.html" target="_blank">Live Science</a>, "the nose can tell apart at least 1 trillion different odors, and possibly many more." So that certainly accounted for 1/30 of another goal: <b>Learn 30 cool facts.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
By the time I arrived at work, I was already feeling great about my day. During a meeting with my boss, I provided a clear explanation for an internal database update that would help me immensely. After requesting this change, I told my boss about my 30 for 30 project, specifically my goal to <b>provide 30 recommendations for Famous Birthdays</b>. He was elated and said he can't wait to be bombarded with more suggestions from me this month. At the close of our meeting, he told me that he'd brought back hats from his recent trip to Costa Rica. Fittingly, they say "pura vida," which can be said as a way of giving thanks. I thanked my boss for the gift, seizing this opportunity to fulfill my <b>express 30 days of gratitude</b><i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i>goal.<b> </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fs8Pqot8aBM/VW0dvuZKUzI/AAAAAAAAB8M/or436RbjtTk/s1600/IMG_3658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fs8Pqot8aBM/VW0dvuZKUzI/AAAAAAAAB8M/or436RbjtTk/s320/IMG_3658.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Pura vida" hat from my boss</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Later, during my lunch hour, I spent <b>30 minutes in the sun</b><i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i>as I ran an errand and meditated (checking off <b>meditate for 30 days</b>). I also prepared for my <b>listen to 30 new songs</b> task by asking my cousin Dan, Associate Editor of <a href="http://www.spin.com/" target="_blank">SPIN</a> to send me a "best of" list of songs. When I get a chance during this month, I will sift through the list to find some new tunes.<br />
<br />
After work, I rushed home to launch the <a href="https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/unbreakable-missy-lori-youtube-series/x/8969483#/story" target="_blank">crowdfunding campaign</a> for <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/MissyLori" target="_blank">Unbreakable Missy & Lori</a>. With $225 raised within the first 3 hours, we've already met 3% of our funding goal. I immediately posted about the campaign on our social media accounts, meeting my promise to <b>post 30 social media posts for Unbreakable Missy & Lori</b>. I also <b>reached out to (</b>one of the) <b>30 press contacts</b> in an attempt to gain some steam for our campaign and YouTube series.<br />
<br />
I then zipped over to a raw vegan restaurant to meet my former coworker Lex who delighted in my dining choice, as I explained to him that I am <b>eating raw vegan for 30 days</b>. We share a passion for healthy eating, but importantly, healthy living. As we caught up, he told me about his decision to move to the Eastside of LA. One of his closest friends had announced that he and his girlfriend were having a baby. In order to be closer to his friend and the new baby, my former coworker moved. My heart sang listening to this story, and it's a beautiful start in my mission to <b>record 30 stories of love</b>.<br />
<br />
When I finally returned home, I read my girlfriend's blog (she's embarking on <a href="http://96daysofcourage.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">96 days of courage</a>) and I found yet another <b>story of love</b>. It was wonderful to read her gratitude towards her mother on her mom's 50th birthday today.<br />
<br />
As this day comes to a close, I'm reflecting on my gratitude and appreciation for the people, places, and things in my life. I'm especially appreciative of my home in Santa Monica, where I've discovered (more than) <b>30 cool things</b>, but today I'm loving the park near my office and the sheer number of healthy restaurant options. Now that I've <b>written for </b>(well over) <b>30 minutes </b>and I've said one of my <b>30 positive affirmations</b> ("I am strong"), I can safely say that Day 1 of my 30 for 30 has been <b>spent doing exactly what I want to do</b>.</div>
Lori Weisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661280487452353423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4468153052303761421.post-86089225519527770022015-05-31T19:18:00.001-07:002015-05-31T19:21:40.480-07:0030 for 30: Prep<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I can hardly contain my excitement for tomorrow! I'm so eager to begin my June journey and to start my <a href="http://loriweissmba.blogspot.com/2015/05/30-for-30.html" target="_blank">30 for 30</a> goals.<br />
<br />
In order to prepare for my raw vegan diet, I shopped at the local farmers market to select some of my favorite fruits and vegetables that are in season in June. From the looks of my picture below, I'll be happily "eating the rainbow."<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s9_wJ6wGnes/VWu9hHCPhfI/AAAAAAAAB7k/6xbd0MQZ61U/s1600/IMG_3644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s9_wJ6wGnes/VWu9hHCPhfI/AAAAAAAAB7k/6xbd0MQZ61U/s320/IMG_3644.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seasonally fresh fruit and vegetables from the Santa Monica farmers market</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I also tested out a raw vegan version of a dish from my favorite Montreal restaurant Aux Vivres. The dragon bowl at Aux Vivres is made with rice and tempeh, so I eliminated them for this variation and it still tasted absolutely delicious. I also tested two versions of dragon bowl sauce, recipes which I found online, but <a href="https://diglibdig.wordpress.com/2010/10/19/my-obsession-with-aux-vivres%E2%80%99-dragon-bowl-sauce/" target="_blank">this one</a> was the winner. To be honest, I'm not quite sure if soy sauce, nutritional yeast, and olive oil would be considered raw (my guess is no), but I don't think the raw vegan police will come after me. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D1VT5y84Qd8/VWu9knhqRAI/AAAAAAAAB7s/cRAUoTkuH-E/s1600/IMG_3645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D1VT5y84Qd8/VWu9knhqRAI/AAAAAAAAB7s/cRAUoTkuH-E/s320/IMG_3645.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raw version of the Aux Vivres dragon bowl</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Lastly, tomorrow will be the launch of our crowdfunding campaign for <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/MissyLori" target="_blank">Unbreakable Missy & Lori</a>. We already have over 500 views on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nk4bm4FBCnk" target="_blank">Episode 1</a> of our series, and we're thrilled at the reception thus far. For fun, I created a post on BuzzFeed entitled "<a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/loriw4f746c1d5/7-things-that-would-be-different-if-kimmy-schmidt-1linr" target="_blank">7 Things That Would Be Different If Kimmy Schmidt Stayed In LA Instead of NYC</a>." I've never written a BuzzFeed article before, so it was great to try something new. Besides, isn't that what this month of June will be about for me? June cannot come soon enough!</div>
Lori Weisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661280487452353423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4468153052303761421.post-28516922546946471562015-05-28T17:58:00.000-07:002015-05-28T18:08:19.495-07:0030 for 30<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
In less than a week, I’ll be turning 30. To celebrate the
occasion, I had an early birthday party with approximately 30 of my closest
friends and family back home in New Jersey. As if that wasn’t apt enough, the
theme of my party was <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/UnbreakableKimmySchmidt?fref=ts" target="_blank">Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt</a></i>, just like Kimmy’s 30<sup>th</sup> birthday party episode, though
fortunately my fiesta was a more positive experience than that of the titular
character of the new Netflix original series.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WLy382lGuyg/VWe2XNZjpaI/AAAAAAAAB7E/5WFaNmwJPzI/s1600/IMG_3634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WLy382lGuyg/VWe2XNZjpaI/AAAAAAAAB7E/5WFaNmwJPzI/s320/IMG_3634.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt-themed 30th birthday party</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These appropriately synchronous “30”-focused items have
arrived at a pivotal point. To explain, I’d have to back up a bit to note where
the Kimmy Schmidt hype has begun.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Several years ago, while working at Canadian immigration law
firm Campbell-Cohen, my co-worker Matt Cohen looked at me and asked, “Do you
know who you look like?” I’d heard this question before and was usually
satisfied with the follow-up answer provided by the inquirer. I was always
changing my hairstyle and was typically compared to whichever Hollywood
celebrity had a similar look. In the moment of Matt’s inquiry, I was sporting
shoulder-length dark brown hair and bangs reaching my eyebrows. His answer?
“The new secretary from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Office</i>.”
As someone who was familiar with the show but had never seen an episode, I
immediately searched <a href="http://imdb.com/">imdb.com</a> to see if I could find the person he had in mind.
While perusing the cast, my cursor stopped on Ellie Kemper. With her <a href="http://loriweissmba.blogspot.com/2012/12/winter-in-wonderland.html" target="_blank">similar haircut</a>, I was pretty sure I had found the right gal. I posted on Matt’s
Facebook wall with a link to her IMDB page asking, “Is this who you meant?”
“Obviously,” he commented, and I remember his friend Ally Kemper also
commenting something about her similar name.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I still never watched an episode of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Office</i> after that. It wasn’t until the smash hit <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Bridesmaids</i> released in theaters that
Ellie Kemper popped up on my radar once again. While watching her onscreen, I
was satisfied that my doppelgänger had a sweet, funny role and didn’t make me
embarrassed to show my face. Though we no longer had similar hairstyles, other
people were now telling me that I resembled Kemper.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fast forward to 2015. While spending some downtime on
Facebook, I started noticing a few of my friends posting about the new Netflix
original series <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt</i>.
Though I had not yet heard of the show, I was happy to see that Kemper had
nailed a starring role and that my friends’ posts were all positive. Eager to
check out the series, I began watching the show soon during my first available
day. After only four episodes in, and with my upcoming 30<sup>th</sup>
birthday party on my mind, I sort of jokingly posted on Facebook saying that I
should have an <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt</i>-themed
party. Eerily, a few episodes later, Kimmy celebrates her 30<sup>th</sup>
birthday on the show.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now I was enthralled. I had binge-watched the whole first
season and seriously wanted to combine these synchronicities. Since I work at
Famous Birthdays with a lot of web video stars who create viral six-second
videos on <a href="https://vine.co/" target="_blank">Vine</a>, I was inspired by them and thought I could figure out a way to
do Vine videos for my party. The idea wasn’t fully formed, but I started
telling my friends about my thoughts. While telling my friend Missy, we started
discussing creative projects in general that we could do, such as YouTube
videos about things that we’re passionate about. “Missy, I think we should have
a serious business meeting. Let’s set a time to do dinner and we can come up
with some things we can work on,” I insisted. Missy was onboard and I’ll never
forget when we met at Pono Burger on April 1. Missy opened up her notebook and
said, “Okay, so I think let’s not do Vine. Let’s do a web series.” I
immediately looked at her, excited, and with the biggest smile said, “Oh my
god, yes! You are Xan!” I suddenly realized in that exact moment how similar
her wardrobe and look were to Xanthippe Voorhees, one of the characters from the
show. And that is how <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQN6C2cSAGXKf2_S3vVXH5w" target="_blank">Unbreakable Missy & Lori</a> was born.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Missy and I agreed to come to our next meeting with outline
ideas for a 10-episode series. We knew that Missy would do the editing for the
project, but didn’t have any other production roles solidified. However, I went
home that night and just started writing and writing and writing. Although I
had never written anything fictional like this before, ideas were suddenly
spewing out of me like volcanic lava. Before I knew it, I had five episodes
written and was excitedly telling my parents and Missy the good news. Though I
was never convinced of the existence of angels before, I was pretty sure that
my grandmother’s theatrical writing spirit was creatively assisting me with
this project. (Of course, coincidentally enough, my grandmother’s maiden name
is actually Missy’s last name, though Missy and I are not related.)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While Missy and I had originally set a goal for 10 episodes,
before I knew it, 17 episodes were scripted for our LA-based parody of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt</i>. One thing
after another started falling into place as we began production on Unbreakable
Missy & Lori. So much positive energy seemed to surround us as we set to
work.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The synchronicities continued as Missy uploaded our completed
first episode (below) the day of my 30<sup>th</sup> birthday party in New Jersey.
Though Missy was in LA at the time, I had the opportunity to debut
the episode alongside Missy’s parents, as well as mine, in our home state.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Nk4bm4FBCnk/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Nk4bm4FBCnk?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now that Episode 1 has launched, I’m preparing for the next
big things arising on my schedule, which include our 30-day crowdfunding
campaign, as well as my 30-day birthday month of June. On my return flight to
LA, I began thinking about the constant reoccurrence of the number 30. With this in
mind, I set to work on a list of 30 goals for my 30 days of June. The final
list is as follows:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1. Work out for 30 minutes every day.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2. Achieve my 30-day crowdfunding goal.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3. Do 30 creative things for my girlfriend Nicole.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
4. Spend 30 minutes in the sun.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
5. Meet/interact with 30 new people.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
6. Eat raw vegan for 30 days.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
7. Find 30 cool things in Santa Monica.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
8. Meditate for 30 days.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
9. Discover 30 inspirational quotes/stories/things.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
10. Have an Unbreakable Missy & Lori launch party with
30 attendees.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
11. Write for 30 minutes.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
12. Add 30 followers on Instagram.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
13. Get 30 more YouTube views.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
14. Spend 30 days doing exactly what I want to do.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
15. Send 30 personalized messages about Unbreakable Missy
& Lori to friends/family.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
16. Reach out to 30 press contacts.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
17. Post 30 social media posts for Unbreakable Missy &
Lori.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
18. Express 30 days of gratitude.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
19. Explore 30 new destinations.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
20. Listen to 30 new songs.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
21. Smell 30 scents.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
22. Touch 30 textures.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
23. Strengthen 30 relationships/friendships.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
24. Learn 30 cool facts.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
25. Delight 30 people.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
26. Provide 30 recommendations for Famous Birthdays.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
27. Learn about 30 people from West Orange, New Jersey.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
28. Do 30 creative activities.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
29. Say 30 positive affirmations.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
30. Record 30 stories of love.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>1050</o:Words>
<o:Characters>5989</o:Characters>
<o:Company>HEC Montreal</o:Company>
<o:Lines>49</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>14</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>7025</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>14.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve entered each of these goals on a spreadsheet, and I’m
ready to embark on my 30-day journey.<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
Lori Weisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661280487452353423noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4468153052303761421.post-91340257430732663812014-04-12T18:34:00.000-07:002014-04-12T18:34:59.503-07:00Cracking the Code<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
An interesting phenomenon that's been occurring lately is the growing number of women's tech events. I recently spoke to the organizers of the <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/vcs-angels-women-tech-startup-investors-panel-tickets-9367974865" target="_blank">VCs & Angels: Women Tech Startup Investors Panel</a> and <a href="http://www.wonderwomenhacks.com/" target="_blank">Wonder Women Hacks</a>, both of which are excellent ways for women in the LA tech community to meet and interact, so I am eager to promote them within my network. On that note, one of my favorite quotes that I've seen recently is from a very young female programming student who stated, "<a href="http://codeorg.tumblr.com/post/81593199113/sotw3" target="_blank">Girls should code because they are just as good as boys!</a>"<br />
<br />
As I peruse tech job postings, one of the things that I tend to notice is job title. A particular favorite of mine is "Evangelist," which you can find on Buzzfeed's "<a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/h2/fbfp/siliconvalleyhbo/the-worst-startup-job-titles-ever" target="_blank">The Worst Startup Job Titles Ever</a>."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
This past week, I've had an opportunity to go to Hearst Castle, attend my friend's first photography exhibit, go to my third happy hour at the YouTube Space LA, and volunteer with Yogurtland for the Richstone Easter Bunny Breakfast (photos below). I am so fortunate to have spent time with the families involved with the <a href="http://www.richstonefamily.org/" target="_blank">Richstone Family Center</a>, even to just bring some fun and cheer to the adorable children who are in challenging situations.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fA9sZdbrFho/U0nn2af5oqI/AAAAAAAABl4/GPLNsgDHXZk/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fA9sZdbrFho/U0nn2af5oqI/AAAAAAAABl4/GPLNsgDHXZk/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Hearst Castle's Roman Pool</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dTZZ33PYN_U/U0nn283YwyI/AAAAAAAABl8/cd4EpT0ZLyk/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dTZZ33PYN_U/U0nn283YwyI/AAAAAAAABl8/cd4EpT0ZLyk/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside Hearst Castle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xpw6cV_xx8I/U0noF6s26JI/AAAAAAAABmI/2T7y8Bk167Y/s1600/IMG_2399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xpw6cV_xx8I/U0noF6s26JI/AAAAAAAABmI/2T7y8Bk167Y/s1600/IMG_2399.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From left to right: My friend Chris, my friend JC exhibiting his photography, and me</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--jQCKBWlyeY/U0nohqO4GhI/AAAAAAAABmU/PxK5-el9P4I/s1600/10155819_10152387483789122_5695205838063069967_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--jQCKBWlyeY/U0nohqO4GhI/AAAAAAAABmU/PxK5-el9P4I/s1600/10155819_10152387483789122_5695205838063069967_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Volunteering with Yogurtland for the Richstone Easter Bunny Breakfast</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fFoNW7EHF3Q/U0npEYpOp_I/AAAAAAAABmY/l-BQP0HbetI/s1600/1017751_10152387484619122_2307699567364138898_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fFoNW7EHF3Q/U0npEYpOp_I/AAAAAAAABmY/l-BQP0HbetI/s1600/1017751_10152387484619122_2307699567364138898_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yogurtland team at Richstone</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Lori Weisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661280487452353423noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4468153052303761421.post-25835985778102490592014-03-30T18:20:00.000-07:002014-03-30T18:20:36.664-07:00The Art of Business<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I am so honored to receive such an overwhelming amount of support on my new business endeavor. Thank you to all of those who have sent lovely messages and congratulatory remarks!<br />
<br />
It's also great to see that the SoCal tech scene has had some exciting news recently, with Oculus VR Inc. and Maker Studios cashing in on acquisitions by Facebook and Disney, respectively. Check out "<a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-03-26/tech-merger-frenzy-in-l-a-highlights-new-set-of-startups.html" target="_blank">Tech Merger Frenzy in L.A. Highlights New Set of Startups</a>" for more information on our newest sources of tech pride.<br />
<br />
This week, I was able to take some time away from the computer to see Fanfarlo at The Troubadour and walk through Venice to see one of my favorite buildings in LA: El Bordello Alexandra. I am so inspired by the arts here!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yzg9wfYUBNg/Uzi_0tTzvBI/AAAAAAAABlE/lWnTb-MA1ik/s1600/IMG_2349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yzg9wfYUBNg/Uzi_0tTzvBI/AAAAAAAABlE/lWnTb-MA1ik/s1600/IMG_2349.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fanfarlo at The Troubadour</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MAmh9j6Pxw0/UzjAZTv_CoI/AAAAAAAABlM/3IHB4r5WgAo/s1600/1899576_10101153820471327_291646443_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MAmh9j6Pxw0/UzjAZTv_CoI/AAAAAAAABlM/3IHB4r5WgAo/s1600/1899576_10101153820471327_291646443_o.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">El Bordello Alexandra - I can't believe my friend lives here!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Lori Weisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661280487452353423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4468153052303761421.post-2629903646131284922014-03-25T16:47:00.000-07:002014-03-25T16:47:32.793-07:00Life Cleanse<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It seems fitting that I am writing an update exactly four months to the day after my previous post. My life has gone through extreme changes over these past months and this update serves as my most honest and personal yet.<br />
<br />
On November 26, 2013, just two days before Thanksgiving, I was laid off for the second time in the span of a year. I found myself heading into the notoriously difficult time of the holidays wondering what my course of action would be. Knowing that the time span from Thanksgiving through New Year's would be a difficult period to find a job, I used the time to prepare my resume and go on some local interviews.<br />
<br />
What I discovered was that I needed to completely rethink my life course. So I embarked on a "life cleanse." I stuck to an extreme paleo diet, exercised intensively, created lists of requirements for my next opportunity, got LASIK surgery, swore off dating, and importantly focused on myself for the first time in a long time.<br />
<br />
Over the past four months, I have had the opportunity to explore LA and travel to various places, including Arizona, Ft. Lauderdale, Catalina Island, the Bay Area, Vancouver, and other locations around California (photos below). I have also had the pleasure of spending time with visiting friends from all over the world, from Israel to New York City. Through my adventures and interactions, I learned one very important thing: my extreme need to be social and constantly engaged. I am a textbook extrovert, as I gain energy from social interactions.<br />
<br />
Thus, I have committed to a full-fledged job search, seeking local positions that enable me to use my excellent social skills in order to positively contribute to a company of my dreams. Interestingly, in my quest for the perfect job, I realized that the search itself stimulated me - it allowed me constant interactions with new people and new ways to uncover strategic connections. As I started teaching my tips and providing advice to my friends, I yearned to continue in this vein. It is for that reason that I have begun a freelance outreach business, providing clients (business owners, job seekers, people moving to a new city, etc.) with strategic ways to make connections and build relationships.<br />
<br />
I have taken the big step of updating <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/loriweissmba/" target="_blank">my LinkedIn profile</a>, announcing the following to the world:<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">I am a dynamic, extroverted freelance Outreach Expert, providing my clients with advanced tips and skills in the following areas:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">1. Event networking</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">2. Leveraging social media (LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter) to achieve business/professional and/or personal goals</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">3. Client acquisition</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">4. Raising awareness for your brand, business, or profile</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">5. Targeting and messaging</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">6. Building your professional career</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">7. Relationship-building and maintaining</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">8. Maximizing profit</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">My clients are typically individuals who are starting a new business, changing their careers, or moving to a new city, though I can certainly help anyone (such as investors looking for local startups, etc.). I am also available to speak on any of the aforementioned topics.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span>
I have also created a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/loriweissmba" target="_blank">Facebook page</a>, and my website is in development. I am excited as I begin to blog about this endeavor!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7pDQ96lgQ68/UzISCIpobDI/AAAAAAAABjw/n2KMTKpvsIc/s1600/1505446_845454181696_699583961_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7pDQ96lgQ68/UzISCIpobDI/AAAAAAAABjw/n2KMTKpvsIc/s1600/1505446_845454181696_699583961_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">30's party in downtown LA</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VbVelvxP5io/UzISTZIRDQI/AAAAAAAABj4/OifdAio7Yq8/s1600/IMG_1950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VbVelvxP5io/UzISTZIRDQI/AAAAAAAABj4/OifdAio7Yq8/s1600/IMG_1950.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wine tasting with a friend in Healdsburg, Sonoma, and Napa</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lkZB4qSwKWs/UzISVl49yrI/AAAAAAAABkA/NgbyxfkHX4k/s1600/IMG_2077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lkZB4qSwKWs/UzISVl49yrI/AAAAAAAABkA/NgbyxfkHX4k/s1600/IMG_2077.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At a Lyft party with Lyft Co-Founder and President John Zimmer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-grKFHAHKoaA/UzISWL7SjyI/AAAAAAAABkE/cTzoMBnvn40/s1600/IMG_2113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-grKFHAHKoaA/UzISWL7SjyI/AAAAAAAABkE/cTzoMBnvn40/s1600/IMG_2113.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Catalina Island</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WoEl_VbKuww/UzISq-8sBtI/AAAAAAAABkU/nWRa1x-fn3U/s1600/IMG_2164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WoEl_VbKuww/UzISq-8sBtI/AAAAAAAABkU/nWRa1x-fn3U/s1600/IMG_2164.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With my family in Florida</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TYVuZ_VLT_0/UzISqh3PLiI/AAAAAAAABkQ/hclnOv33QZU/s1600/IMG_2215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TYVuZ_VLT_0/UzISqh3PLiI/AAAAAAAABkQ/hclnOv33QZU/s1600/IMG_2215.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My friend from NYC visiting</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0_YFAp1LVNA/UzISq9w9rdI/AAAAAAAABkY/ry7-2O0qIeQ/s1600/IMG_2297.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0_YFAp1LVNA/UzISq9w9rdI/AAAAAAAABkY/ry7-2O0qIeQ/s1600/IMG_2297.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Capturing floral beauty at Butchart Gardens on Victoria Island</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eJiWPgwjRvM/UzIS3Mm5x-I/AAAAAAAABko/fCCtYPcP8C0/s1600/IMG_2316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eJiWPgwjRvM/UzIS3Mm5x-I/AAAAAAAABko/fCCtYPcP8C0/s1600/IMG_2316.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eating a nanaimo in Nanaimo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7ZLUoVhtWDI/UzIS41dfrdI/AAAAAAAABkw/bwOK0zpR6yA/s1600/IMG_2317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7ZLUoVhtWDI/UzIS41dfrdI/AAAAAAAABkw/bwOK0zpR6yA/s1600/IMG_2317.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Montreal roommate reunion in Vancouver</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
Lori Weisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661280487452353423noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4468153052303761421.post-90821583450423917972013-11-25T17:17:00.000-08:002013-11-25T17:17:53.568-08:00Music to My Ears<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
MBA students graduating next year will be disappointed to see "<a href="http://blogs.hbr.org/2013/11/the-job-market-for-mbas-is-about-to-take-a-hit/?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=pulsenews" target="_blank">The Job Market for MBAs is About to Take a Hit</a>." However, I am a firm believer that with intense networking efforts and realistic expectations, graduating MBA students will be able to find their way.<br />
<br />
In fact, a young student at USC recently found me through <a href="http://about.me/loriweissmba" target="_blank">my about.me page</a>. I was very impressed with his enthusiasm and go-getter attitude, and was happy to meet with him to talk about our mutual interest in startups and networking. I was also pleased to provide social media advice to <a href="http://www.beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/MelissaXO" target="_blank">my Beachbody coach</a> this week, and I'm eager to get updates from her to see how it all works out (no pun intended).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dp8y3cbys-4/UpPz3gc6rHI/AAAAAAAABdM/JegLNrhRwcw/s1600/IMG_1851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dp8y3cbys-4/UpPz3gc6rHI/AAAAAAAABdM/JegLNrhRwcw/s320/IMG_1851.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mallary Hope and me</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C8JrGEkOBr0/UpPz2EZ4gRI/AAAAAAAABdE/YcYGFwzqqW4/s1600/IMG_1865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C8JrGEkOBr0/UpPz2EZ4gRI/AAAAAAAABdE/YcYGFwzqqW4/s320/IMG_1865.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From left to right: Carrie Welling, me, Rebecca Haviland, and Chris Anderson</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
These past few days have been filled with a lot of fun activities! I went to two music shows (photos with musicians above), an office happy hour (picture below), and an LA Comedy Festival show. There is certainly never a shortage of things to do around here.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kbNlyHBRzLQ/UpP0pffGIrI/AAAAAAAABdY/lGSZge23yKA/s1600/IMG_1855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kbNlyHBRzLQ/UpP0pffGIrI/AAAAAAAABdY/lGSZge23yKA/s320/IMG_1855.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Single Grain (LA branch) happy hour</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Lori Weisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661280487452353423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4468153052303761421.post-3042605994327047502013-11-20T17:03:00.002-08:002013-11-20T17:03:49.750-08:00Making Headlines<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Last night, I finished a book called <i>Tuesdays with Morrie </i>that's a true story about a man who gets in touch with his favorite professor 16 years later. It inspired me to contact my favorite high school teacher, interestingly one week before my 10-year high school reunion. I was happy to hear that my senior year history teacher remembered me and that we might have the chance to see each other in a few months. <i>Tuesdays with Morrie</i> taught me so many incredible lessons, including valuing each day and positive relationships, and I am forever grateful to its author for reminding me to get in touch with my valued teacher.<br />
<br />
It is never too late to learn life lessons, especially when it comes to entrepreneurship, which is why I am happy to share "<a href="http://blog.clarity.fm/23-entrepreneurs-share-valuable-lessons-learned/" target="_blank">From the Trenches: 23 Entrepreneurs Share Their Most Valuable Lessons Learned</a>." In fact, one of the lessons comes from my <a href="http://www.myfoxla.com/story/24021468/where-the-jobs-are-a-closer-look-in-the-southland" target="_blank">Single Grain</a> boss Sujan Patel. You can also see Hamet Watt, my previous boss from <a href="http://www.myblife.com/" target="_blank">bLife</a>, in <a href="http://www.myfoxla.com/story/24021468/where-the-jobs-are-a-closer-look-in-the-southland" target="_blank">this clip</a> from FOX (below). In the news story, you'll also see my office building (<a href="http://realofficecenters.com/locations/roc-santa-monica/" target="_blank">ROC</a>) and my friend Rob!<br />
<br />
<script src="http://KTTV.images.worldnow.com/interface/js/WNVideo.js?rnd=480582;hostDomain=www.myfoxla.com;playerWidth=630;playerHeight=355;isShowIcon=true;clipId=9550412;flvUri=;partnerclipid=;adTag=News;advertisingZone=;enableAds=true;landingPage=;islandingPageoverride=false;playerType=STANDARD_EMBEDDEDscript;controlsType=overlay;galleryType=wnstory;galleryId=24021468" type="text/javascript"></script>
<br />
Lastly, I am excited to share that Montreal was listed as #9 on the <a href="http://www.topuniversities.com/best-student-cities?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email_qs&utm_campaign=TU-PG-newsletter-Nov13&spMailingID=7193046&spUserID=NTU4MjMwNjUyOTIS1&spJobID=180565924&spReportId=MTgwNTY1OTI0S0" target="_blank">list of best student cities</a>, according to QS. People and places within my network are surely making headlines this week!</div>
Lori Weisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661280487452353423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4468153052303761421.post-14038581059227136092013-11-19T17:22:00.000-08:002013-11-19T17:22:31.166-08:00Slam Dunk<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Although I had never before been to a professional basketball game, in the past week, I attended two Lakers games. Fortunately, the Lakers won both days and beat the Pelicans and the Pistons, even winning attendees <a href="http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Laker_fans_get_free_tacos" target="_blank">free tacos</a> at both games. After chatting with my colleagues about the games and learning how interested they were in the NBA, I coordinated a company event for us to go to a January Clippers vs. Celtics game. We're all looking forward to our <a href="http://singlegrain.com/" target="_blank">Single Grain</a> LA branch event!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0aq6F2zKCRI/UowHrJJp41I/AAAAAAAABc0/1MDJxAQAkvA/s1600/IMG_1844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0aq6F2zKCRI/UowHrJJp41I/AAAAAAAABc0/1MDJxAQAkvA/s320/IMG_1844.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lakers game at the Staples Center</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
When it comes to professional sports, though, I have developed a recent love for football. That's why I found <i>Inc.</i>'s article "<a href="http://www.inc.com/laura-montini/how-a-business-story-inspired-the-victorious-philadelphia-eagles.html-" target="_blank">The Warren Buffett Story That Inspired a Pro Football Team</a>" particularly noteworthy.<br />
<br />
In business-related matters, I was interested to see this list of <a href="http://www.topmanagementdegrees.com/beautiful-business-schools/" target="_blank">the 50 most beautiful business schools in the world</a>. Though I was surprised that HEC Montreal was not listed, I was happy to see that Russia's Moscow School of Management Skolkovo building was there. I was truly fascinated by the building when <a href="http://loriweissmba.blogspot.com/2012/06/skolkovo.html" target="_blank">I visited it</a> during my Campus Abroad program. Montreal did get credit, however, for being the <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3021592/the-10-smartest-cities-in-north-america" target="_blank">10th smartest city</a> in North America in <i>Fast Company</i>. I'd say that's a slam dunk for my beloved Montreal!</div>
Lori Weisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661280487452353423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4468153052303761421.post-71668334357051395692013-11-08T15:51:00.000-08:002013-11-08T15:51:54.463-08:00The Happiest Woman on Earth<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Recently, I've seen a couple interesting articles in tech news. One such article in <i>Wired</i> was written by Chris Bosh, NBA player for the Miami Heat, and explained <a href="http://www.wired.com/opinion/2013/10/chris-bosh-why-everyone-should-learn-to-code/" target="_blank">why you should learn to code</a>. It was fascinating to learn that this professional basketball player was raised by tech-savvy parents and their influence led him to focus on computers. His article demonstrates that he is a great role model due to his skills in both athletics and technology.<br />
<br />
Secondly, the <i>Silicon Valley Business Journal</i> noted that "<a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/sanjose/news/2013/11/06/more-business-grads-ditch-finance-opt.html" target="_blank">more business grads ditch finance, opt for tech jobs</a>." More MBA graduates are selecting tech positions, rather than finance, so that they can do something innovative and make an impact. I'm not surprised, considering that I would be grouped into this category.<br />
<br />
Due to the importance of technology, and especially Google, all employees of <a href="http://www.singlegrain.com/" target="_blank">Single Grain</a> are now getting Google Analytics certification. I've been spending the majority of the day studying for this, so I can pass the test by our company's deadline. Wish me luck!<br />
<br />
I am also happy to share that I finally went to Disneyland (photos below)! On Saturday, I went with three of my friends to the happiest place on Earth. It was a magical day and the perfect way to round out my one year anniversary in Los Angeles.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BNi9DjVfd60/Un13wL_AlnI/AAAAAAAABcI/TRLsWAGSfYY/s1600/IMG_1806.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BNi9DjVfd60/Un13wL_AlnI/AAAAAAAABcI/TRLsWAGSfYY/s320/IMG_1806.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In front of the Christmas decorated castle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WHK-sxmz7kk/Un136UxcUcI/AAAAAAAABcQ/3VXKSbqTnaQ/s1600/IMG_1814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WHK-sxmz7kk/Un136UxcUcI/AAAAAAAABcQ/3VXKSbqTnaQ/s320/IMG_1814.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Awaiting the Halloween themed Haunted Mansion ride</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uRW68myWWuQ/Un13-7HHdHI/AAAAAAAABcY/RYmcuc9O4Do/s1600/IMG_1818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uRW68myWWuQ/Un13-7HHdHI/AAAAAAAABcY/RYmcuc9O4Do/s320/IMG_1818.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With the Mad Hatter and Alice</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Lori Weisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661280487452353423noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4468153052303761421.post-28139925098244797412013-10-29T16:35:00.000-07:002013-10-29T16:35:45.405-07:00One Year Anniversary<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Another one of my blog articles was recently posted on <a href="http://www.topmba.com/" target="_blank">QS Top MBA</a>! This one, entitled "<a href="http://www.topmba.com/blog/five-reasons-get-mba" target="_blank">Five reasons to get an MBA</a>," lists why I decided to pursue b-school.<br />
<br />
In support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I attended Katy Perry's <a href="http://www.hollywoodbowl.com/tickets/lease-event-citi-presents-katy-perrys-we-can-survive/2013-10-23" target="_blank">We Can Survive concert</a>, with 100% of proceeds going to the Young Survival Coalition. The show had an amazing lineup with Tegan & Sara, Sara Bareilles, Ellie Goulding, Kacey Musgraves, Bonnie McKee, and of course Katy Perry. It was an incredible show at the Hollywood Bowl and I was lucky enough to have 10th row seats! The best part was the encore, when all of the aforementioned women came onstage to perform Katy Perry's "Roar" (photo below).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2zKgLXJtEhI/UnA4rHqzAoI/AAAAAAAABbc/aeZL3C8w1Cs/s1600/1404593_10201724050396897_1706794842_o+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2zKgLXJtEhI/UnA4rHqzAoI/AAAAAAAABbc/aeZL3C8w1Cs/s320/1404593_10201724050396897_1706794842_o+(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The celebratory confetti above is fitting today, as I celebrate my one year anniversary of living in Los Angeles. Exactly one year ago today I arrived at LAX with three suitcases in hand, a friend to pick me up at the airport, and a big smile on my face. I'm happy to share my learnings from the past year and debunk some common myths about LA:<br />
<br />
1. <b>It is possible to live in Los Angeles without a car</b>. Everyone told me that I would cave in and get one, but I haven't. Between walking, taking the bus, using <a href="http://www.lyft.me/" target="_blank">Lyft</a>, and renting cars, I've had all of my transportation needs met and I've saved a lot of money this way.<br />
<br />
2. <b>Everyone in LA is not flaky</b>. True, I have met some flaky people, but who hasn't? Perhaps it is because I have had so few interactions with people in the entertainment industry, but I find people here extremely nice and friendly. My LA friends are genuine and relatable people who are not trying to "make it" nor pursue the next best thing.<br />
<br />
3. <b>LA driving is not crazy</b>. In fact, I've found Los Angeles driving particularly easy because there's traffic everywhere. It causes people to move slowly, and if you're like me and don't usually know exactly where you're going, you have plenty of time to figure out the directions as you're moving. Of all the cities I've ever driven in, I still find Montreal to be the worst.<br />
<br />
4. <b>It is not always hot here</b>. It's true that it rarely rains, but it is not always sunny and warm. I live very close to the beach and I assure you that it gets quite cold and foggy on this side of town. I'm not complaining, though. I've lived through nine Montreal winters.<br />
<br />
This has been the best year of my life, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for me in this exciting city!</div>
Lori Weisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661280487452353423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4468153052303761421.post-48100716047515929392013-10-21T17:09:00.000-07:002013-10-25T05:47:45.121-07:00Remembrance<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Though I was sick at home this whole weekend, I did manage to make it out to a play on Friday night. Along with friends of the play's starring actor, I saw "Marilyn, Madness & Me" at the <a href="http://www.elportaltheatre.com/" target="_blank">El Portal Theatre</a>. It was a well performed show about the life and death of Marilyn Monroe. Notably, for staging, they used a similar photograph to the one I snapped (below) just a few months ago from her grave site at Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O0a18a5N6PI/UmKu2x5BrVI/AAAAAAAABbE/ouTMS8-RBc4/s1600/IMG_1417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O0a18a5N6PI/UmKu2x5BrVI/AAAAAAAABbE/ouTMS8-RBc4/s320/IMG_1417.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marilyn Monroe's grave site with lipstick kisses</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The month of October always brings about fond memories of my paternal grandmother whose birthday was the day before Halloween. She was a great role model and someone for whom I owe many of my interests and skills. One thing I fondly recall about my grandmother is that she was an avid viewer of <i>Jeopardy!</i> and she would shout out the correct answers nearly 100% of the time. As a writer and lover of word games and crossword puzzles, she inspired me in these arenas, so that is the true origin of my blogging abilities. But most impressively, my grandmother received an undergraduate degree, an amazing feat for a woman of her generation.<br />
<br />
Interestingly, my maternal grandmother also celebrated her birthday in the month of October and also died in the month of January. Though I was not nearly as close with her, since she lived far away, she is always in my thoughts. And so, this month of October, a time when we remember the dead as we celebrate Halloween, I will be thinking of the women we have loved and lost.</div>
Lori Weisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661280487452353423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4468153052303761421.post-89962728292771889402013-10-17T17:59:00.000-07:002013-10-17T17:59:58.223-07:00A Whirlwind Month<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This past month has been a whirlwind! I have been going to concerts, networking events, cultural events, traveling, and watching sports games.<br />
<br />
When it comes to music, I saw Butch Walker, Hanson, Little Big Town, and Keith Urban. See a photo from the Hanson show at the House of Blues below.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kc6RsedOxVo/UmB9h7DhHvI/AAAAAAAABaY/PG525hB-K-c/s1600/IMG_1743.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kc6RsedOxVo/UmB9h7DhHvI/AAAAAAAABaY/PG525hB-K-c/s320/IMG_1743.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I also traveled to New York City/New Jersey (to see my friends and family) and San Francisco (for work). On the San Francisco trip, my company's virtual team got to meet in person which was a great experience! Below is a photo of the <a href="http://www.singlegrain.com/" target="_blank">Single Grain</a> crew, with the San Francisco, LA/Santa Monica, and Midwest teams all together.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-heHbjLYNu7E/UmCBZHyxURI/AAAAAAAABak/lfsOr6qukOk/s1600/photo+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-heHbjLYNu7E/UmCBZHyxURI/AAAAAAAABak/lfsOr6qukOk/s320/photo+(1).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
As for networking events, <a href="http://socialmediaweek.org/" target="_blank">Social Media Week</a> made the <a href="http://realofficecenters.com/locations/roc-santa-monica/" target="_blank">ROC</a> a hubbub of activity! I managed to attend one event which was <a href="http://socialmediaweek.org/blog/event/the-moth-social-media-week-los-angeles/#.UmCC7pRgZEw" target="_blank">The Moth Presents: "Network" StorySLAM</a> where volunteers told true and interesting stories about online experiences. I also attended <a href="https://lesbianswhotechlasept.eventbrite.com/" target="_blank">Lesbians Who Tech (and the people who love them) September LA Happy Hour</a>, an event for which I am now a co-organizer.<br />
<br />
I have also expanded my horizons by attending cultural events. One was <a href="http://glowsantamonica.org/" target="_blank">Glow</a>, which involved artistic light installations on the beach. While it sounded interesting, the event was disappointing. Additionally, my friend won tickets to an operatic performance of Carmen and she brought me along. It was my first time at an opera, and while I love musical theater, this particular show was just not for me.<br />
<br />
However, what I have been enjoying is watching a lot of sports! Though I had never seen a football game until recently, I'm now an avid viewer and I watch as many games as possible. I also went to Dodger Stadium for the first time and saw the fourth playoff game against the Cardinals. Pictured below is a photo of my friend and me at the close of the game.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_YsHCJKwjQ4/UmCFpd6atVI/AAAAAAAABaw/XX7CLcPs00g/s1600/IMG_1779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_YsHCJKwjQ4/UmCFpd6atVI/AAAAAAAABaw/XX7CLcPs00g/s320/IMG_1779.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Lastly, with the new school semester in full swing, it is a perfect time to mention some recent academic matters. As a new blogger for QS Top MBA, I wrote about my <a href="http://www.topmba.com/blog/post-mba-reflections" target="_blank">post-MBA reflections</a>. Finally, I wanted to share an <a href="http://music.cbc.ca/#/blogs/2013/9/McGill-student-uses-Bohemian-Rhapsody-to-explain-string-theory-Queen-guitarist-takes-note" target="_blank">article</a> about a student at my undergraduate alma mater (McGill University) who used the song "Bohemian Rhapsody" to explain string theory. It is pure genius!</div>
Lori Weisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661280487452353423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4468153052303761421.post-34694208807316759042013-09-17T16:14:00.000-07:002013-09-17T16:15:29.336-07:00Trivial Matters<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
When I recently saw <i>This is the End</i>, I had no idea that the film's screenwriter Evan Goldberg was also a McGill alumnus. That, along with Jay Baruchel's Habs hat in the movie's opening sequence, warmed my heart. I am also proud to announce that McGill was ranked as a <a href="http://www.mcgill.ca/channels/news/mcgill-among-top-25-universities-10th-year-230357" target="_blank">top 25 university for the tenth consecutive year</a>.<br />
<br />
Upon graduating from McGill University, I wish that I'd had access to "<a href="http://www.thedailymuse.com/careeradvice/5-epic-career-lessons-i-learned-in-my-20s/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Daily%20Email%20List&utm_campaign=*%20Daily%20Email%20September%209" target="_blank">5 Epic Career Lessons I Learned in My 20s</a>." It's a good read for anyone who does not want to make avoidable early career mistakes. And although my blog documented my time in the MBA program at HEC Montreal, I recommend checking out "<a href="http://www.thedailymuse.com/paths/a-day-in-the-life-of-a-b-school-student/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Daily%20Email%20List&utm_campaign=Daily%20Email%20September%2010" target="_blank">A Day in the Life of a B-School Student</a>" to see what one student's day is like at Harvard. It's an accurate description of any MBA student's schedule, regardless of the school.<br />
<br />
I am also pleased to share that Los Angeles has been ranked the third hottest startup scene globally. See the infographic <a href="http://media3.cdn.builtinla.com/sites/www.builtinla.com/files/imagecache/Original/the-worlds-20-hottest-startup-scenes.jpg" target="_blank">here</a>. In related news, my former boss of bLife was announced as a <a href="http://techcrunch.com/2013/09/12/upfront-ventures-hamet-watt/#!" target="_blank">new partner of venture firm Upfront Ventures</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cinefamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/sexybeast600-480x309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="http://www.cinefamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/sexybeast600-480x309.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
For those of you who enjoy trivia as much as I do, you might like to read "<a href="http://coed.com/2013/09/05/20-things-you-didnt-know-about-the-nfl/" target="_blank">20 Things You Didn't Know About the NFL</a>." Since I am especially fond of movie trivia, though, last night I enjoyed the <a href="http://www.cinefamily.org/films/the-greg-proops-film-club#greg-proops-film-club-sexy-beast" target="_blank">Greg Proops Fan Club's podcast and screening of <i>Sexy Beast</i></a>, where Proops spoke about the film like a true cinephile.</div>
Lori Weisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661280487452353423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4468153052303761421.post-62702716558226824942013-09-04T15:19:00.000-07:002013-09-04T15:19:25.373-07:00Labor Day Weekend<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I was ecstatic to stumble across this article "<a href="http://blogs.hbr.org/cs/2013/09/please_stop_complaining_about.html?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=pulsenews" target="_blank">Please Stop Complaining About How Busy You Are</a>" because I 100% agree with the writer. Everyone does seem to wear their long hours as a badge of honor. But it should be about getting your work done, enjoying what you do, and then spending your free time doing other things you like to do. I am happy to say that that's exactly how I live my life.<br />
<br />
On that note, I had a great Labor Day weekend! I was fortunate to get a ticket for the <a href="http://www.meetup.com/LA-Tech-Happy-Hour/events/134079842/" target="_blank">LA Tech Happy Hour 2 Year Anniversary: Mansion BBQ and Pool Party!</a> The celebration took place at an incredible mansion in the Hollywood Hills with an infinity pool (photo below) and it was unlike any other tech event I've attended.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S-KOzeiUb_E/Uiep3khLH7I/AAAAAAAABZY/0JEWfIv4YGg/s1600/IMG_1645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S-KOzeiUb_E/Uiep3khLH7I/AAAAAAAABZY/0JEWfIv4YGg/s320/IMG_1645.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
On Monday, I went to the LA County Fair where I saw deep-fried everything (pickles, watermelon, etc.) and saw The Motels, Berlin, and The Bangles perform. It was certainly a flashback to the 80's.<br />
<br />
Then, last night, I flash forwarded to modern times at the Tegan & Sara and Fun. concert which was amazing from one of the first few rows! Watch a clip of Fun. performing "One Foot" from last night's show here.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyPcSNY5ElPb9xB7va_Hr1acwbLTw9LHhtw8MacdpiQwFYiXUrI-bPN605v0f_EGVL4He7CPUaToOVuUOtf7A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
</div>
Lori Weisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661280487452353423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4468153052303761421.post-38769396536256464042013-08-30T15:43:00.000-07:002013-08-30T15:43:06.485-07:00State of Grace<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Working from home certainly has its perks, one of which I have <a href="http://loriweissmba.blogspot.com/2013/08/home.html" target="_blank">previously mentioned</a>. But one major downside of the home office is loneliness. Fortunately, I came across an <i>Inc.</i> article "<a href="http://www.inc.com/john-brandon/6-ways-to-combat-loneliness-when-you-work-alone.html" target="_blank">6 Ways to Combat Loneliness When You Work From Home</a>," which provides some great tips to handle this. I've also started to go into our office (the <a href="http://realofficecenters.com/locations/roc-santa-monica/" target="_blank">ROC</a>) more often, so I can see my friends and co-workers.<br />
<br />
I have also attended a few networking events recently: <a href="https://siliconbeachypaugust.eventbrite.com/" target="_blank">Silicon Beach Young Professionals August Mixer Sponsored by Google</a>, <a href="http://lesbianswhotechaugla.eventbrite.com/" target="_blank">Lesbians Who Tech (and the people who love them) August LA Happy Hour</a>, and <a href="https://gitlasummersip13.eventbrite.com/" target="_blank">Girls in Tech LA Summer Sip Mixer 2013</a> (photo below). Furthermore, last weekend was the weekend of birthdays, as I celebrated two of my friends' birthdays all weekend long. My constant social interactions have left loneliness to wayside.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZI-WFjVoQuM/UiEZcG0jSOI/AAAAAAAABZA/bmjBQ6O2794/s1600/1234936_647498771928526_2115264550_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZI-WFjVoQuM/UiEZcG0jSOI/AAAAAAAABZA/bmjBQ6O2794/s320/1234936_647498771928526_2115264550_n.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
Additionally, I have continued my summer of entertainment. Last Friday, I attended the Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift concert (with surprise guest Ellie Goulding). See a snippet of Taylor opening the show with "State of Grace" below. I also returned to my new favorite movie theater, the <a href="http://www.laemmle.com/theaters/3" target="_blank">Laemmle Monica 4-Plex</a> to see <i>Blackfish</i>, which was great!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxb2y-2sIAuocFEFKYy44oVJCbIsHS9clWpGo_k0QtQaMcfzFYVCj5LpEE0pAD8VwtnfzFGhK9wCB5Nvf2I_w' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
Now I'll be enjoying a fun-filled Labor Day weekend! I hope you all have a great long weekend!</div>
Lori Weisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661280487452353423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4468153052303761421.post-85816454229391189472013-08-21T10:41:00.000-07:002013-08-21T10:41:03.922-07:00Reunited<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Living in Los Angeles, I am fortunate enough to be in a location where many of my friends pass through, whether it's to visit family, vacation, for work, or something else. In fact, in the past week, I had four different friends in town. See the photos below.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2HxftUmvt40/UhT0gTgEq3I/AAAAAAAABYA/_b_Q8gfu2Ps/s1600/IMG_1593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2HxftUmvt40/UhT0gTgEq3I/AAAAAAAABYA/_b_Q8gfu2Ps/s320/IMG_1593.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XhjcUZ0Mk7I/UhT004XwzNI/AAAAAAAABYI/kqYDnar-yYE/s1600/IMG_1594.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XhjcUZ0Mk7I/UhT004XwzNI/AAAAAAAABYI/kqYDnar-yYE/s320/IMG_1594.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GOC0jDXrSzo/UhT1Qk3iY4I/AAAAAAAABYY/UdPE3RrsYeA/s1600/IMG_1595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GOC0jDXrSzo/UhT1Qk3iY4I/AAAAAAAABYY/UdPE3RrsYeA/s320/IMG_1595.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6vqrgf4GjnY/UhT1XtOtTJI/AAAAAAAABYk/qiOfVIH4UKs/s1600/IMG_1609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6vqrgf4GjnY/UhT1XtOtTJI/AAAAAAAABYk/qiOfVIH4UKs/s320/IMG_1609.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Also, the Santa Monica team of <a href="http://www.singlegrain.com/" target="_blank">Single Grain</a> has just relocated from <a href="http://www.coloft.com/" target="_blank">Coloft</a> to the <a href="http://realofficecenters.com/locations/roc-santa-monica/" target="_blank">ROC</a>, the co-working space where I worked previously. So I have been reunited with my startup friends, and I once again get to enjoy the glorious rooftop workspace pictured below.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MQovMxFE4d4/UhT4EgA1TRI/AAAAAAAABYs/398s0v14BIs/s1600/IMG_1610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MQovMxFE4d4/UhT4EgA1TRI/AAAAAAAABYs/398s0v14BIs/s320/IMG_1610.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Interestingly, there was a recent <a href="http://www.slate.com/blogs/moneybox/2013/08/15/eating_lunch_outside_sucks_stay_inside.html" target="_blank">article</a> about the benefits of eating inside, rather than outside. I wholeheartedly disagree with the writer and actually laughed out loud at the <a href="http://muckrack.com/link/AgEv/eating-lunch-outside-sucks-stay-inside" target="_blank">comments that other journalists had on the topic</a>.<br />
<br />
As for local startup news, there was an <a href="http://valleywag.gawker.com/pandodailys-threatening-email-meltdown-1149039909" target="_blank">email exchange</a> involving the co-founders of Cross Campus, another Santa Monica co-working space, and PandoDaily. This is probably one of the most insane articles I've read concerning Silicon Beach and I'm surprised I haven't heard anyone talking about it.<br />
<br />
In happier news, Santa Monica has the #2 spot for the Top 10 Zip Codes for Venture Capital Investment in Orange County and Los Angeles. And if you truly want to be happy, try one of <a href="http://blog.bufferapp.com/10-scientifically-proven-ways-to-make-yourself-happier?utm_source=buffer&utm_campaign=Buffer&utm_content=buffer9f603&utm_medium=twitter" target="_blank">these 10 simple things that you can do to make yourself happy today</a>.</div>
Lori Weisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661280487452353423noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4468153052303761421.post-36894083749601146302013-08-07T17:48:00.001-07:002013-08-07T17:48:34.356-07:00Home<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Working from home and living just a few short blocks from the beach means that I can spend my lunch hour like this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FsTzDCHWU4U/UgBxkSMA-7I/AAAAAAAABXg/WDdASzYYorA/s1600/IMG_1581.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FsTzDCHWU4U/UgBxkSMA-7I/AAAAAAAABXg/WDdASzYYorA/s320/IMG_1581.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
I must say it's a pretty great arrangement! On the flip side, seeing my co-workers twice a week is a lot of fun, too, especially since we go for lunches together and bond. Today, my boss even brought in three <a href="http://www.singlegrain.com/" target="_blank">Single Grain</a> shirts for me to wear, which I will proudly be sporting around town.<br />
<br />
In news from the other coast, my adopted hometown of Montreal experienced a <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/story/2013/08/05/montreal-sink-hole-ste-catherine.html" target="_blank">sinkhole recently</a>. During my years in Montreal, I often passed through that particular street corner, so it's freaky to think about the incident.<br />
<br />
In happier news, I came across an article about <a href="http://www.inc.com/jessica-stillman/how-to-simplify-your-life.html" target="_blank">simplifying your life</a>. As anyone who knows me well is aware, I try to live my life by two credos: "Simplify your life" and "Under-promise and over-deliver." With that being said, I am excited to share this article's tips so that others can live by my ideology, should they choose to.</div>
Lori Weisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661280487452353423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4468153052303761421.post-1296562906291070912013-08-04T17:32:00.001-07:002013-08-04T17:32:37.899-07:00Full Stack<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I am happy to say that my first week of work went very well! My new team is amazing! For the first month, I'll be training for two days a week at <a href="http://www.coloft.com/" target="_blank">Coloft</a>, a co-working space, and the rest of the time I'm working from home. For the two days this week when my coworkers and I were all together, my boss took us out for lunches, including a fun one at a nearby shabu-shabu restaurant (photo below).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q8usztQvY_k/Uf7j8b97hOI/AAAAAAAABXQ/mAXR4xX2rbM/s1600/IMG_1561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q8usztQvY_k/Uf7j8b97hOI/AAAAAAAABXQ/mAXR4xX2rbM/s320/IMG_1561.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
When my boss asked for information about networking events for startups, I was excited to share all that I know about the local Silicon Beach community. On the topic of networking, I thought <a href="http://abrewingthought.com/2013/07/23/how-to-ask-for-an-introduction/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Sunday%20-%20Best%20of%20The%20Web&utm_campaign=%2A%20Best%20of%20the%20Web%20July%2028" target="_blank">this article</a> presented some helpful tips on how to ask for an introduction. My co-worker Eric Siu also has a great blog, and I found his entry "<a href="http://www.growtheverywhere.com/the-beginners-guide-to-becoming-a-full-stack-marketer/" target="_blank">The Beginner's Guide to Becoming a Full Stack Marketer</a>" particularly essential.<br />
<br />
In addition to work, I also packed my week with a ton of fun. On Wednesday night, my friends and I competed in bar trivia. Though we didn't win, I was ecstatic that I was able to contribute my knowledge of pop culture for the team's earned points. Thursday night I returned to the Santa Monica Pier's <a href="http://santamonicapier.org/twilightconcerts/" target="_blank">Twilight Concerts</a> to see Nikki Jensen and Xavier Rudd. Lastly, I've spent this weekend soaking up the sun and enjoying a couple movies<i> </i>at the theater <i>- The Way, Way Back </i>and <i>Twenty Feet From Stardom</i>. Both were great! I leave you now with a live performance of my favorite Xavier Rudd song "Messages," as I recall the wonderful memories of Thursday night.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/I3heVPCv3AU?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
</div>
Lori Weisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661280487452353423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4468153052303761421.post-84511297197234179692013-07-28T18:16:00.001-07:002013-07-28T18:16:31.519-07:00Last Hurrah<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This is my final weekend before starting my new job, and of course the Santa Monica weather is not cooperating. Although I haven't been able to sit out on a warm beach, I've certainly been enjoying a last hurrah prior to my new grind.<br />
<br />
On Friday, I volunteered for the <a href="http://www.eventbrite.com/event/7130841539?utm_source=eb_email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=email_attendees&utm_term=event" target="_blank">TechZulu Final Friday</a>. I got to meet another b-school graduate from the east coast, as well as learn about cool new startups. In fact, one company called <a href="http://www.recruitingforgood.com/" target="_blank">Recruiting For Good</a> is funding free safaris!<br />
<br />
In related news, my friend Robert Lambert who runs <a href="http://siliconbeachla.com/" target="_blank">Silicon Beach LA</a> just released a video from his Summer Hiring Blitz. If you want to learn about how to get a job in this community, check out the video below.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/veLWYQ041SA" width="480"></iframe>
</div>
<br />
I am also continuing my musical tour of LA and got to go to Angels Stadium in Anaheim for Kenny Chesney's No Shoes Nation tour, which also featured Kasey Musgraves, the Eli Young Band, and Eric Church. The concert was so fun that I might now be a country music convert!</div>
Lori Weisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661280487452353423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4468153052303761421.post-31436085503007350212013-07-26T16:24:00.001-07:002013-07-26T16:24:50.474-07:00Sand and Stars<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This week I have continued to enjoy my LA summer, particularly in Santa Monica. I attended the <a href="http://lesbianswhotechla.eventbrite.com/" target="_blank">Lesbians Who Tech July LA Happy Hour</a> where I met women who were involved in a range of non-tech and tech companies, including Google and WordPress. See photo below.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I18_Hzb7PHo/UfMCaG6z-AI/AAAAAAAABWI/jMo9WgG3NWI/s1600/1063002_10151997012742345_1988156700_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I18_Hzb7PHo/UfMCaG6z-AI/AAAAAAAABWI/jMo9WgG3NWI/s320/1063002_10151997012742345_1988156700_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lesbians Who Tech July LA Happy Hour</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Last night I enjoyed a <a href="http://santamonicapier.org/twilightconcerts/" target="_blank">Twilight Concert</a> at the Santa Monica Pier where I saw the Tijuana Panthers and No Age perform. It was a beautiful night of sand and stars, and I'm hoping to attend another show at the beach soon!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N96LUviWSaQ/UfMDFTI83_I/AAAAAAAABWQ/f3a09lAAlXU/s1600/photo-17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N96LUviWSaQ/UfMDFTI83_I/AAAAAAAABWQ/f3a09lAAlXU/s320/photo-17.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twilight Concert at the Santa Monica Pier</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Lori Weisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661280487452353423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4468153052303761421.post-12928644744390813032013-07-23T14:15:00.000-07:002013-07-23T14:15:54.547-07:00A New Start<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It's been over four months since I last posted, but I assure you it's for good reason. There have been a lot of big changes in my life and I'm excited to share them here.<br />
<br />
On a professional front, I will be starting a new job in a week and I am eager to begin! I am also now working as an Independent Team Beachbody Coach so I can help people realize their fitness goals. As you may have noticed from my <a href="http://loriweissmba.blogspot.com/2013/03/mix-and-match.html" target="_blank">Mix and Match</a> entry, I am passionate about physical fitness and even more so about motivating others. If you're interested in joining me on a fitness journey, feel free to check out my coach page <a href="http://www.beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/lorihelix6" target="_blank">here</a>! Just so you know, I'm following the <a href="http://www.beachbody.com/product/fitness_programs/body-beast-workout.do" target="_blank">Body Beast</a> workout and drinking chocolate <a href="http://www.beachbody.com/product/supplements/meal_replacement/shakeology.do" target="_blank">Shakeology</a>. It's only been a couple weeks but I can already see muscle growth and I'm feeling great!<br />
<br />
It's a good thing I've been getting into shape because I recently played the part of Wonder Woman in a Buzzfeed video: "How To Throw Your Own Comic-Con." See the video below.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/EcG03K3NDUs?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
What else have I been up to these past few months? I've done some traveling around California and elsewhere. My destinations in California have included Solvang, Santa Barbara, Big Bear, Huntington Beach, and Hermosa Beach, while I have also traveled domestically to Ft. Lauderdale, New Jersey, and NYC. I've also attended some concerts and seen Garfunkel and Oates, Cyndi Lauper, and Billy Ocean. And of course, I have continued to be an active member in the Silicon Beach community, having recently attended a <a href="http://www.meetup.com/Santa-Monica-New-Tech/events/126802132/" target="_blank">Santa Monica New Tech event</a> and volunteered at <a href="http://founderfridayla071213.eventbrite.com/" target="_blank">Women 2.0 Founder Friday - Los Angeles</a>. My first LA summer has certainly been off to a great start!</div>
Lori Weisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661280487452353423noreply@blogger.com0