Dancing Baby, Networking, and Friends

Dancing Baby

I think its the cutest thing when babies dance; I don’t know what it is, or why it’s so cute, but it is.   Not only does it make me smile, but it helps me realize just how much they’re really learning about the world, music, and culture.  My daughter recently started dancing to every song we sing or that she hears, and it got my hamster wheel to turn.

What can I say, she has rhythm, and it’s even cuter when she tries to make her own music with rattles, boxes, tin cans, and whatever I show her that makes noise.  It’s weird how I feel that she’s taking in not only what she sees and hears, but I also see some of our culture that she is taking in.

It’s so amazing how fast an infant goes from being a helpless slug, into an almost self proficient little cruiser with the ability to recognize music and a good beat.  I’m very curious at what age, or when you realized your child was rapidly blooming and absorbing new things.  Did you see any of your culture, or that of others assimilated into their personality?

Networking

In other stuff going on in my world, I’ve been attending some FREE SXSW events, and have had fun, been in uncomfortable (yet beneficial) situations, and even got to see some cool friends that I always have so much fun with.  Being pregnant and at home with my daughter for so long, it really has been refreshing to get the opportunity to socialize again, and actually get to know and build relationships with others, but it can also be hard.

Sometimes when going to networking events, so that it’s worth your time, it’s just necessary to break out of your comfort zone.  Instead of sitting back and being an observer, engaging and interacting with others is crucial to maximizing your time and fostering business, or personal opportunities in the future.

After attending a couple of SXSW events alone, it was a bit daunting, but just by flashing a smile, and asking a simple question, I spurred many great conversations and was able to swap business cards naturally.  Nothing feels better than having that uneasy feeling, but then just getting passed it, and breaking the ice.  Sometimes you never know what cool people you could possibly meet, that you might otherwise miss out on.

Friends

Within a short few months, I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know some pretty cool, smart, and awesome ladies that have inspired and given me hope that I can be in business for myself and stay at home with my daughter. If you don’t already know them, you should! 

On Saturday night, we all got together at the Driskill, and with the possibility of encountering ghosts, instead we encountered men in wedding dresses, to a woman wearing her dog as an accessory.

First, there’s Julie, notorious for using her words, but with a case of allergies, she was rendered speechless during our get together, but oh that didn’t stop her!  I admire Julie greatly, especially her cunning wit (whether she’s sitting next to you or is on twitter,) insights and thoughtfulness; I’m always happy to spend time with her and always try to be on my toes when she’s around.

Then there’s Kami, the all around sweetheart, social butterfly, and a founder of Zoetica Media.  Really, Kami, you know just about everyone, even in Austin?  I kid you not, she is the ultimate in networking, and I wish that I could be half as cool and smart as she is.  For real.

Don’t forget about Joy who needed a night out, but handled all the walking we ended up doing, with grace.  Joy is so warm, and always has wise cracks to add to the conversation.  Joy makes me smile, and the best part is that she lives in Austin too, so I get to bother her a little more often.

Who can forget Colleen, and Rachel.  These two ladies are beyond cool, and are ALWAYS happy.  I don’t know what it is, but it’s contagious, and both have a fervor for life that lights up any room.

Colleen kicks off her boots in San Antonio and runs a Social Media Mentoring company.  I look up to her, striving to be as successful as she is at what she does, except at what I do, even though I’m still building myself up professionally.

Rachel is the foodie, and she loves taking pictures, which is naturally a good pairing.  Her love for photography and food has really inspired me to get back into photography, and take a closer look at where this blog is going in regard to the way everything is presented, in respect to quality.  Her site is wonderfully executed, and makes me hungry every time I visit!

Anyway, every single one of these ladies are wonderful and unique, and all have inspired me to keep pursuing my dream to build my business.  I mean, how can you not be inspired by all of their coolness?  They’re pretty cool online, but even more awesome in person.  If it weren’t for them, I may have given up on myself, and ended up taking a massive loss in not only self confidence, but financially and missed many opportunities.

Thank God for good friends, good times, dancing babies, and getting out of your comfort zone!  So now I throw the ball into your court.  What have you done lately to step out of your comfort zone?  Are there any friends that you have that have inspired you to be a better you?  Is there anything that your baby or child has done that makes you happy and proud?

~Hale Mom

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