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Mara L
VA
Nonprofit
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luke leighton: hmmmm :) vivid imagination. hmmm, yep. i love sci-fi and fantasy books: i have a collection of nearly 400, and i remember the story-lines of ...Morehmmmm :) vivid imagination. hmmm, yep. i love sci-fi and fantasy books: i have a collection of nearly 400, and i remember the story-lines of them all.

depth of feeling: yep. nuff said about the best bits; worst bits, the silliest things absolutely hammer me flat: i've had people really concerned like i was physically in pain or something - just have to tell them it's ok, just a silly thought.

relationships. always been a strange one this, for me. the word "relationship" implies "sharing the same goal". that's what a relationship is. if you share the same goal with someone, you _have_ a relationship. no same goal equals no relationship. and... my goals are pretty far-out, so i don't have that many relationships! so - i'm a bit pathological about relationships, but those that i have i really appreciate.

perception of the world: acute. so sharp i cut myself. absorb information and things like a sponge, but it's such a high degree of observation, it used to be overwhelming. now i kinda stay away from things, that keeps the signal-to-noise ratio down, and i can focus on things i'm here to do.

dedication to what i love: ... mmm... yeah, i'd say so. sort-of. for me, it's more like this: i see things that other people don't: i remember the disparate facts and can make the connections that other people wouldn't. i think, "that's not right. those people are going against the way i think things should be, because if things were like i think they ought to be, they'd be more efficient / have more opportunities to take advantage of if they wanted to / feel more empowered. there's lots of people being disadvantaged, here.". then i think, "is it in my power, with my knowledge of computer technology, do i have the time resources knowledge and money to do something about this, yes or no?" if answer equals yes, then act, otherwise no, drop it like a stone. simple, pathological and clear-cut. completing the loop is itself the reward; overcoming the technical challenges along the way are the things i love, and fulfilling the overall goal is definitely the cherry on top of the cake.

so - yeah. close. but i'd say i'm much more pathological than most. you're helping me to fulfil a goal, or you're not. you've got something to contribute to one of the goals (hello. tell me and we'll have fun with it), or you haven't (bye. have a nice life).

106 weeks ago
Jessica Mullen: I am an INFP as well. I am curious if INFPs are more likely to put their lives online. I am a "lifestreamer" and wonder if personality type ...MoreI am an INFP as well. I am curious if INFPs are more likely to put their lives online. I am a "lifestreamer" and wonder if personality type affects propensity for doing so... what do you think?
98 weeks ago
 
Mara L Anyone know anyone in Athens or Cairo? My family and I are spending the holidays there. I've been reading up about where to go, what to expect and how to get around. We'll be spending 3 days each. Can anyone give me insider tips about tour groups and what not? Thanks!

63 weeks ago from Travel Addicts

 
Mara L Anyone know anyone in Athens or Cairo? My family and I are spending the holidays there. I've been reading up about where to go, what to expect and how to get around. We'll be spending 3 days each. Can anyone give me insider tips about tour groups and what not? Thanks!

63 weeks ago from Travel Addicts

Julie Schwietert Collazo: Mara-

Check with @pharaonick on Twitter. He works with me at Matador and though he's currently traveling, has lived in Cairo for several years. ...More
Mara-

Check with @pharaonick on Twitter. He works with me at Matador and though he's currently traveling, has lived in Cairo for several years. His blog is: http://www.deliciouschaos.com/

63 weeks ago
 
Ed Barrientos Come join me and the Brazen Gang for our Network Roulette launch party on Capital Hill (DC) this coming Thursday night! http://t.co/vkxG6V7

65 weeks ago from Washington D.C. and NOVA

Randy Domolky: The event was great. Very cool vibe. Sorry you missed it!
64 weeks ago
Ryan Healy: Event went great! Sorry you missed it, William. We'll definitely have more events soon.
64 weeks ago
 
Ryan Paugh Who is attending our Network Roulette event tonight for bloggers? What types of people are you hoping you get a chance to connect with? Developers? Editors? Inspirational people? What kind of person do you need in your life right now to help you grow as a blogger?

70 weeks ago from Blogging Ideas, Blogging, Brazen Bloggers, Wordpress Bloggers and Brazen Community Feedback3 more

Jamie Giedinghagen: I got connected to myself a lot. I guess we have a lot in common! :)
70 weeks ago
Ryan Paugh: Thanks again to everyone who showed up for our Network Roulette beta last night. We're already working on improving the feature thanks to all of ...MoreThanks again to everyone who showed up for our Network Roulette beta last night. We're already working on improving the feature thanks to all of the great feedback we received. If you didn't get to fill out our survey we would still love to hear from you. Here's a link: http://bit.ly/cvIDP5
69 weeks ago
 
Rebecca Thorman What do you all think about co-habitation prior to marriage? Everyone I know seems to be moving in together or already living together, although I've always had the romantic notion that I would wait until engagement/marriage. Is that outdated now?

84 weeks ago from Work/Life Blur, I am Gen Y and Ask Penelope Trunk!1 more

Heather Dziczek: @Raquel- It's not a matter of being angry or flustered. I enjoy debate, but in order to have an effective debate, debaters need to listen. I'm ...More@Raquel- It's not a matter of being angry or flustered. I enjoy debate, but in order to have an effective debate, debaters need to listen. I'm not worried about Ty thinking ill of my opinion, but he's reacting without reading and blowing out of proportion things I'm saying. When I replied to try to explain that he'd misconstrued my point, he (ironically) replied saying that I wasn't getting his point. I don't think that re-explaining what I've already explained will somehow seduce Ty into considering other points of view or thinking critically about what is being said, so instead of arguing with a brick wall, I remove myself from the debate. That's all :)
81 weeks ago
Rebecca Thorman: Hi everyone. Wanted to give you a quick update. Thank you again for all your wonderful comments. I did ultimately decide to move in with my ...MoreHi everyone. Wanted to give you a quick update. Thank you again for all your wonderful comments. I did ultimately decide to move in with my boyfriend. I published a post on it this morning - http://bit.ly/9LiSsw - I read each and every one of your comments and took each to heart, and appreciated you taking the time to have such a smart dialogue!
79 weeks ago
 
Mara L Hey guys, I'm on an ongoing process of looking for an apartment. But you all know the problems with that; hard to get one in this area so my search has transitioned from looking for an apt to looking for a roomate. I have friends to move in with but as of now I cant rely on them. Its hard to find a trustworthy site and Im hesistant to go to craiglists because of the bad rep massage therapy gave it. How many of you used a website? Which one did you use? Im aiming for arlington.

81 weeks ago from Washington D.C.

 
Ali Brown Will webinars be recorded any time soon? I'm on the West Coast and most webinars are during my work hours, or during my commute, 5-5:30 PM Pacific Time. Love the topics, but hate the timing.

95 weeks ago from Brazen Community Feedback

Ryan Paugh: Hey Ali. They're being recorded. Our development team is working on an archive page where they'll be available for your viewing pleasure. We'll ...MoreHey Ali. They're being recorded. Our development team is working on an archive page where they'll be available for your viewing pleasure. We'll make an announcement in Penelope's network when it's ready.
95 weeks ago
 
Rebecca Thorman I work for a start-up where the dress code is very casual. I'm usually the most dressed up, just because I like to. I'm wondering, how does personal appearance change the way you think about someone? If someone is wearing a suit and a tie is that better than jeans? Does it affect your brand?

95 weeks ago from Personal Branding

Stephanie: It seems that it all depends on the setting and the people you're with, but just a reminder: it's easier to dress up nicely, then dress "down," ...MoreIt seems that it all depends on the setting and the people you're with, but just a reminder: it's easier to dress up nicely, then dress "down," than to dress casually, then try to dress "up"

For instance, if you wear a pant suit and nice blouse and then realize your clients are more casual, you can always take off your suit jacket to become more casual. On the flip side, it's harder to dress "up" a polo shirt and jeans if you find out your clients are more traditional.

95 weeks ago
: Agree 100%
95 weeks ago
 
Sarah Fowler When will there be a mobile version? I would like to spend more time getting involved but with it being basically inaccessible via iPhone I won't get to! I only turn on my laptop about once a week these days.

96 weeks ago from Brazen Community Feedback

Alison Rayner: I'd love to be able to weigh in on conversations while waiting in lineups or at the chiropractor's office. That's where I find having Kindle on ...MoreI'd love to be able to weigh in on conversations while waiting in lineups or at the chiropractor's office. That's where I find having Kindle on my iPod is great. I firs try to catch up on message postings though.
95 weeks ago
Sean Masters: @Ryan as much as I like my iPhone, I would lean heavily towards a mobile version of the site - you'll get broader coverage by not sticking to a ...More@Ryan as much as I like my iPhone, I would lean heavily towards a mobile version of the site - you'll get broader coverage by not sticking to a single platform.
94 weeks ago
 
Ryan Healy I finally saw Law Abiding Citizen last night. My cousin, Lucas Foster, produced it so I may be a bit biased, but I thought it was pretty good. The reviews were awful though. Did any of you guys see it?

97 weeks ago from Movie Critics

Mara L: I watched it for "300" Gerard Butler. I liked it, and it did kinda make me question lawyers with that kind of record. So I'm biased toward him, ...MoreI watched it for "300" Gerard Butler. I liked it, and it did kinda make me question lawyers with that kind of record. So I'm biased toward him, but it was very interesting when he spewed off previous cases that stumped the judge.
97 weeks ago
 
Eva Padilla Anyone seen Shutter Island yet? Not better than I predicted but better than popular belief.

102 weeks ago from Movie Critics

Ryan Paugh: I like Jandy's point about us being deliberately confused right until the very end. Damn! I didn't think about that :)

I still think the ...More
I like Jandy's point about us being deliberately confused right until the very end. Damn! I didn't think about that :)

I still think the storyline could have been better, but thanks for making me think about things a little differently.

97 weeks ago
Mara L: I saw it with my mom, mostly because she really wanted to see it-I personally didn't care. I thought the acting was good, but in the end it felt ...MoreI saw it with my mom, mostly because she really wanted to see it-I personally didn't care. I thought the acting was good, but in the end it felt like Hitchcock in terms of the formula.
97 weeks ago
 
Ryan Paugh Hey everybody, Penelope Trunk and I are doing a Live Video Chat next Wednesday, Feb 24, 9PM EST. Our topic is online networking for Government and Public Sector employees. If you're interested in joining us, sign up here: http://www.brazencareerist.com/webinar/gov Please spread the word to friends and colleagues who might like to join us!

102 weeks ago from Government and Public-Sector, City & County Government Workers and Political Bloggers1 more

Maria Pontikis: Thanks for the notice, Ryan. Sounds like a useful session for us all!
102 weeks ago
Ryan Paugh: It's going to be great! I could talk about social media and online networking all day long ... Basically I do :)
102 weeks ago
 
Mara L Penelope-thought I should let you know, NPR is talking about Autism and Aspergers today on The Diane Rehm Show. I'd link you but work blocks it. It's playing right now, but in case you miss it you can play it after 1pm(est). Just wanted to tell you about it since the segment made me think of you.

103 weeks ago from Ask Penelope Trunk!

 
Cecilia Ussher Is it better to quit or be laid off?

103 weeks ago from Ask Penelope Trunk!

Stanley Lee: Depends on the purpose of what you're talking about. If you're talking about unemployment insurance and severance package, the latter case is ...MoreDepends on the purpose of what you're talking about. If you're talking about unemployment insurance and severance package, the latter case is better. If you're talking about what to answer during an interview, I don't think it matters as long as you're truthful. Layoffs happen, as other contributors said, but you can also choose to move onto new opportunities (P mentioned it in her answer to an earlier similar question).
103 weeks ago
Maurice Walshe: Well id say getting laid off as dependant on your employer/country you might miss out on any redundancy pay.

how ever if you can see the ...More
Well id say getting laid off as dependant on your employer/country you might miss out on any redundancy pay.

how ever if you can see the companys going down and you can obtain a new post id go for it (but also see if you could take volentary redunadancy which might give you a bigger pay out)

103 weeks ago
 
JR Moreau How much mental energy do you use to track your credit score and finances? I really wish I could find a good model, set it and forget it... or hire an accountant :-D I found an awesome new website to monitor your credit. They don't try to charge you for every little feature too. It's called Credit Karma. Check it out! http://www.creditkarma.com/

103 weeks ago from Personal Finance

Sarah Matz: how much exactly does an having an accountant to maintain finances cost? I'm guessing it would be way too expensive for my low-paying job..and a ...Morehow much exactly does an having an accountant to maintain finances cost? I'm guessing it would be way too expensive for my low-paying job..and a lot of us who don't yet (or even don't want to) make big bucks..
102 weeks ago
Sarah Matz: just checked out credit karma and it's pretty sweet - thanks again JR!
102 weeks ago
 
Ben Donahower looks like a lot of federal employees... any state or local folks?

104 weeks ago from Government and Public-Sector

Michael Dvorscak: Actually, I would be perfectly content to get out of government!
102 weeks ago
Darren Bowling: State of Michigan
102 weeks ago
 
Kim N. Campbell Hey Penelope! I don't know if I'm feeling paranoid because of the tenacity and ambition of the Brazen crowd, but does everybody have a blog? If blogging and building your personal brand is becoming so commonplace it's no longer novel (but expected), how do you set yourself apart from the pack? What are everyone's thoughts on this?

104 weeks ago from Ask Penelope Trunk!

Kim N. Campbell: oh and @ Jay, are you reading Godin's latest book, Linchpin right now? I am and I absolutely love it.
104 weeks ago
Jay Hepner: Yes, Kim, I am. I was lucky enough to get a complimentary copy, due to my donation to Acumen Fund MoreYes, Kim, I am. I was lucky enough to get a complimentary copy, due to my donation to Acumen Fund http://www.acumenfund.org/, and I agree it's his best yet.

Puts in words a lot of things I've long felt to be true. Working on living up to the goal of artist = entrepreneur/entrepreneur = artist, being fearless with my ideas.

Learning to look inside more for reassurance, not out. Always hopeful of support, but got to give it to self regardless.

You'd think I'd've figured this out already.


104 weeks ago
 
Kim Hoffmann Hi, I'm a recent college grad looking for entry level opportunities in NYC. I would love to get in contact with a recruiter. Thanks, Kim Hoffmann

106 weeks ago from Deloitte & Touche LLP

Mara L: Ditto here, in dc/metro area. Is there a link on the company site?
106 weeks ago
 
Mara L Hey guys! I need a little insight on something. I'm considering taking a web programming class(web design) since I'm visual and everything is on the internet these days. (I know I sound silly asking about web design). I know there are sites out there that make it easier, but I want it to add it to my skils work wize, building from the ground and up. The last class I took was in HS using dreamweaver. What program is more widely used in creating sites? The dreamweaver 8, cs3/4 or xhtml?

108 weeks ago from Tech Gurus

Mara L: Small update: I took a asp.net class online, per another friends recommendation that asp.net would be better in the long run. I did well kinda ...MoreSmall update: I took a asp.net class online, per another friends recommendation that asp.net would be better in the long run. I did well kinda since I had some help. I learned that online classes are not for me (the two week window catered to my procrastination). It was an interesting class, and I did learn a lot (thanks to the provided notes, I have a good reference). It was a neutral experience, again because it was online. I took the class out of boredom from the weeklong blizzard on the east and because I did wanted to add something to my resume.
95 weeks ago
Brice: Hmmm, if you have not done much of any programming, there are free MIT lectures MoreHmmm, if you have not done much of any programming, there are free MIT lectures http://ocw.mit.edu/OcwWeb/Electrical-Engineering-and-Computer-Science/6-... that can help you learn to think like a programmer / designer. Then you will be able to associate the "What I Want To Do" with "How To Do It".

Perhaps you know a graphic designer that can give some insight into good visual design in relation to the web.

95 weeks ago
 
Mara L Anyone know how much membership is for professional organizations? I’m looking for something health related, or does it not vary.

109 weeks ago from Ask Penelope Trunk!

Rachel Stivers: There as many professional organizations as stars in the sky (well, that maybe a bit of an exaggeration, but you get my point). The prices vary ...MoreThere as many professional organizations as stars in the sky (well, that maybe a bit of an exaggeration, but you get my point). The prices vary about that much too. I would google it, and figure out what you are looking to get out of the organization to see which ones fit - health is a pretty broad topic. Also, find people that do what you want to do - and see what groups they belong to, where they hang out.
109 weeks ago
Alanna Shaikh: It definitely varies. You'll need to check dues for each one.
108 weeks ago
 
Barbara Hall Does anyone use an online money management tool? I am particularly looking for one that will help figure out the best way to pay down bills and save for other things. I tried Just Thrive for a few months, but its not quite what I am looking for - and information doesn't carry over correctly. Thanks in advance!

109 weeks ago from Personal Finance

Barbara Hall: Elisa,
I had problems with the information on my accts transferring - Thrive kept saying my Savings Accts had 0% interest rates when they ...More
Elisa,
I had problems with the information on my accts transferring - Thrive kept saying my Savings Accts had 0% interest rates when they weren't. And it didn't automatically categorize my expenses into the subgroups. I had to manually group each transaction.
Hope this helps!

107 weeks ago
Mara L: I just created an account with mint. The only thing I'm trying to work in is adding my excel spreadsheet record of my expenses so I can see my ...MoreI just created an account with mint. The only thing I'm trying to work in is adding my excel spreadsheet record of my expenses so I can see my weekly spending in addition to monthly..anyone had any luck there?
107 weeks ago
 
Cheryl Lynn Morris I've heard for years that if you can't get hired by the U.S. Federal Government at a high level (you're qualified but not the best qualified), apply at a lower level. Once you're inside the government, you can jobhunt better and you're eligible to apply for many more jobs.

109 weeks ago from Government and Public-Sector

Marina Zen: @Thao Le, I know that you posted weeks ago, but I just saw your post about misreading hired for fired. Reminds me of the time I worked for a ...More@Thao Le, I know that you posted weeks ago, but I just saw your post about misreading hired for fired. Reminds me of the time I worked for a parking dept at my school UC San Diego that put up parking directional signs, and I thought these signs around campus were advertising "How to get fired at UCSD". (Five people in our department were recently fired, so that's why I probably was thinking that.)
91 weeks ago
Thao Le: @Maria, our reflexes can reveal what we're thinking subconsciously. My subconscious was thinking how broken the gov. employment system is hah.
85 weeks ago
 
Janet Brent Hey everyone! I'm going to India to volunteer for 3 weeks this January, then moving abroad to the Philippines for at least a year. Bought one-way tickets. Anyone have exciting travel plans? Tips? Ideas? Experiences? I want to know!

109 weeks ago from Travel Addicts

Claire Veuthey: Hi- I'm hoping to move to Manila in April for work, too! Should know for sure before the end of the month. I'm looking fwd to using it as a travel ...MoreHi- I'm hoping to move to Manila in April for work, too! Should know for sure before the end of the month. I'm looking fwd to using it as a travel hub.
108 weeks ago
Mara L: To add to the above comment, yes Pagudpud is a very nice place to go to. If you haven't already been to the Philippines many Filipinos will tell ...MoreTo add to the above comment, yes Pagudpud is a very nice place to go to. If you haven't already been to the Philippines many Filipinos will tell you to go to two places:Baguio-4ish hours from the capital and Boracay-have to island hop but well worth it. It's been a couple of years since I've been there, so I kinda envy you atm. For some history head to Ft. Ilocandia, and if you're a hard core shopper theres Mall of Asia. Have fun!
108 weeks ago
Goals
  1. grad school
  2. find my niche
  3. travel to: England, China, Japan, Australia the list goes on
  4. get promoted
Favorite Quote
"Envy is ignorance, and imitation is suicide", "I have not failed, I just found 10,000 ways that won't work"

Groups (20)

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Fans (27)

Karl Sakas
Robin
Trace Cohen
Ryan Paugh
Jay Hepner
Lance
Thaddeus M. Figlock, PHR
BrandMakerNews
Timothy Johnson III
Penelope Trunk

Following (21)

Angie Roach
Stefan Bielski
Timothy Johnson III
Monica O'Brien
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