Hey all, First of all, Aren’t you glad it’s Friday?! Yes, even though the news is depressing as ever, I try to find things to be positive about.

1) First, its my brother, Andrew’s birthday and I went to Target to find a suitable birthday card that acknowledges his birthday, makes fun of him, and shows that he’s a good bro. I’m also in love with Target, so much that I wrote a poem about it, which I’ll post later. My brother used to terrorize me, growing up, along with his friends where they would spray their water guns at me, make fun of my clothes, put shaving cream in my hair, and all those other things that older brothers do.
I think it’s in their job description. But yeah, I realize that younger sisters just MIGHT be annoying too. haha.
2) Ian Deitman of Strike TV contacted me about pitching some ideas for Strike TV. I hope that I don’t screw this up!!!

I’m blogging right now before we all go out to celebrate my bro’s b-day (a testament to my nerdy nature), and just wanted to write this scene for ya. My brother works as a music supervisor for Bunim Murray Productions and also is a performer, and me… well, you know. I think my mother wished that my bro and I were computer science geeks who listened to classical music all day and had no social skills. Meanwhile, um… I do hip hop karaoke and my bro writes music.

Love you, Mom!!! Here is a scene from our church where bragging about where your kids went to college was a sport.

INT. CHURCH RECEPTION AREA- DAY
MRS. X: So, where are your kids going to college?
My Mom: Well, they haven’t received their acceptance letters yet.
MRS.X: Well, my son just got into Harvard on a full scholarship.
My Mom: Well, my daughter is the secretary of the Horticulture club.
MRS. X: The horticulture club? What’s that?
My Mom: They plant trees and promote the environment.

Awkward silence as I roll up
ME: Hi, Mrs. X.
MRS X: So good to see you. Where did you get into college?
ME: Um. Well, I didn’t get into any Ivies.
MRS X: No Ivies? How will you get a good job? What are you going to do??!
My Mom: I think I need a doughnut.

My mother and I try to escape from Mrs. X, but the woman follows us.
MRS.X: Don’t you want to know my son’s study habits and his extracurricular activities?

I grab my mother by the arm and we SPRINT for the exit. Thank God for my love of running.

Hey, so as you can tell, I learned from Sean about how to add things like a blogroll, Meta, and adding the “About” on the actual homepage of the blog. Nice. Yeah, it looks kind of strange though, the pics are over-arching the side of the page. I’ll attempt to fix it.

And…just wanted to link a popular article entitled, “An Ideal Husband,” by the whip-smart Maureen Dowd. Granted, I’m not married but I do believe that sense of humor is key and yeah, don’t ever think you can change a guy. I mean, it happens, but you shouldn’t make that your goal. (Right, ladies?)

And check out this hot track from Nas and Keri Hilson. Granted, If my life wasn’t all about documents, I’d want to be a hip-hop beat producer. Word.

No, this is not a rant on vegging on the couch, though I like to do that on occasion. Actually, I was watching “The Today Show,” this morning and they had a story about a family who tried to live off of half of their budget, to see if they could save money b/c as we all know (Say it with me now…) rising food costs!!!

One of the tips was going to the Farmers’ market and focusing on more fruits and veggies instead of a heavy emphasis on meats and dairy. You know, I tried to be a vegan once, but it lasted for less than a month, mostly because I heard my NYU vegan friends say to me, “Do you know that the chicken you’re eating once had a mother?” Um. That’s definitely a way to stop eating that grilled chicken sandwich.

Check out this Vegetarian Nutrition powerpoint, if you decide to save money and not eat things that used to have parents.
BTW, I didn’t even know what a vegan was until attending NYU.

INT.WEINSTEIN DINING HALL-DAY

I’m eating a turkey burger with several of my Vegan friends.

ME: OMG, my recitation sucks. What about you guys?
VEGAN FRIEND #1: Do you know what you’re eating?
ME: A turkey burger. Why?
VEGAN FRIEND #2: I mean, its really processed and has all these hormones.

I take another bite and chew thoughtfully.

ME: It tastes really good, though.
VEGAN FRIEND #1: I’m vegan.
ME: What’s that?
VEGAN FRIEND #1: It means I don’t eat meat, dairy, or anything that comes from animals. Even Jell-O.
ME: You can’t eat Jell-O? How sad.
VEGAN FRIEND #2: You should try to just cut different types of meat from your diet. I swear it’ll make you feel so much better. We weren’t meant to eat animals, you know.
VEGAN FRIEND #1: Yeah, that turkey burger was made from a turkey who had a mother once, and siblings. I mean, isn’t that sad?

I slowly put down my turkey burger. Game over.

There are many days when I’m glued to my chair, and luckily I do yoga which is great for all types of health reasons. Unfortunately, I’m not always able to go to classes, so I usually do a DVD or two, though I’m sure that I do the poses wrong because either:

1) I’m lazy

2) I’m in denial that I’m in the wrong pose

Check out this yoga website where you can download classes, as I found out about this from Jenna at Eatliverun.
Also, I’m obsessed with these Dark Chocolate Zone bars. FYI, if you’re a Zone Bar sales rep, feel free to send me samples. I mean, they taste like Snickers bars. YUM.

Also, check out this doc about Webkinz. They’re plush pets with their own code that you can use to log into a virtual “Webkinz World.” I was surprised to read that Webkinz has more traffic than World of Warcraft and Second Life. Just goes to show the power of kids in front of the computer. Word.

This is a quick post, but I came across Jenna’s blog, a.k.a. Pam Beasley from “The Office.”

She gives great advice on acting, following what you want, and by the way, I’ve met her in real life when I had a role on the show.

Can I just say how friendly and nice she was? I was super nervous and she came up to me, shook my hand, and asked me if I needed anything. SERIOUSLY.

Cool, nice people rock. Holla

Have you guys heard about the “Viacom vs. Youtube,” debacle where they will be required to hand over the information of all youtube members, their IP addresses, and what they’ve watched. Um… this is not constitutional.

Do you really want people knowing every single random video that you’ve seen on Youtube?
I’m sure there will be pretty serious repercussions to this. And as always, gotta plug the workplace, so here’s the actual “Viacom vs. Youtube” Litigation Document.

This makes me not even want to go on Youtube, which is probably one of my favorite websites ever. I mean, music is my life. I probably couldn’t go a day without hearing some sort of inspirational speech, a video of a cat trying to catch its tail, and of course, hip-hop.

Here is one of my current favorites from Usher’s, “Here I Stand” called “Appetite.” Apparently, it IS possible to tame a bad boy. Well, I don’t necessarily agree with that, but you know, its a HOT song.

I was in church several months ago when we had a speaker named Scott Harrison, founder of Charity:water come and speak to us. He spoke about how he used his skills as a photographer to bring awareness to an urgent need amongst persons in developing nations who don’t have access to clean water. So, of course, I contacted their offices and first tried to get them to upload documents (haha…I’m such a freak), and then ended up getting in touch with Nicky Yates, Executive Assistant/Operations for charity:water
So, without further ado, here is the interview…

So, Miss Yates, tell us about a bit about yourself.
I’m from a large family in Alabama, the middle child of 5. We moved around a bit, but we’re a really tight-knit family. After high school, I traveled to Namibia and Kazakhstan. I then went to college out in Tulsa, Oklahoma and then to graduate school here at NYU. I studied forensic psychology, focusing
on traumatology. While completing my master’s degree, I worked as a Child Victim Specialist with the New York County District Attorney’s Office.

Tell the readers of girlatastartup about how you got involved with charity:water
First, here is Scott’s story
This will elaborate on how and why charity: water was started.

As for me, I traveled to rural Namibia right out of high school. It was a community development mission trip. We went there to help raise awareness about the AIDS situation, but we wanted to really get to know the culture and the community first. We spent a good chunk of our time helping with daily tasks. As a woman, I assisted the other women in the community with getting their daily water from the British Embassy about a mile away. We weren’t allowed to shower but once a week and for five minutes due to the water situation. It just blew my mind. I was used to 45 minute baths everyday, sometimes twice a day. I never thought about the fact that this could be something that someone didn¹t have.

The next summer I went to Almaty, Kazakhstan, again for community development. The people were amazing. I stayed with a host family for about 2 months, helping teach English and develop a sports camp. This time I was staying in an urban area, but we still didn’t have water to spare. We’d have
to heat up a bucket of water for the entire household’s showering needs. And we were permitted a kettle’s worth of water a day for other hygiene and sanitation purposes. These two experiences were probably the most enlightening of my life. I learned so much about myself and how to love like
my God does. During these two trips, I realized that while I grew up below the poverty line, I had more than I could ever need. I became really grateful for the little things that were provided everyday for me. I came back, and I knew I wanted to dedicate my life to actively helping others.

I studied psychology and then focused in on forensic psychology. I loved the area of traumatology, as it allowed me to work in crisis situations and help those deal with the traumas that occurred in their lives. So, I joined the New York County District Attorney¹s Office and worked with child victims. It
was so rewarding, but the call of Africa wouldn¹t stop.

I heard about Scott and his vision after he came back from his travels with Mercy Ships. He was putting on an event to help raise awareness and funds for the organization. One of my close friends had read his story in Relevant Magazine and let me know he was looking for volunteers. I went, helped out and loved it. So, when Scott started up charity: water, I was on his email list. I heard it’s mission and knew I wanted to be a part. I started out slowly and sporadically volunteering. The more I got involved, the more I wanted to be involved. The grassroots effort, the hip vibe, the passion, and
the genuine, personal nature of the people and organization really drew me in.

How big of a role does technology play in building wells in developing countries and in getting the word out about charity water, as well as for charities in general?

Our culture is saturated in media. So, we use that as the primary mode of communicating the need and solution. Our designer works hard to make our website the best it can be and illustrative of the global water crisis, yet engaging. We also utilize GPS and Google Earth to show every donor where they money has gone once projects are completed. Furthermore, Scott is highly skilled in photography, so we take his talents and use them to show the individuals that are affected by this.

Facebook and MySpace and other social networking tools are quickly becoming great mediums to connect people and raise awareness. I think that these platforms will be huge for charities now and in the near future.

Social media for social awareness. Nice. So, what is the biggest need right now, in terms of charities and non-profit work, considering the global food crisis and all the other environmental
issues that are happening as we speak?

Well, there’s not a definitive answer to this. We feel that water is a crucial issue. There’s the direct health costs that are affected. With clean water, individuals no longer have to drink contaminated water that will make them sick. Their health improves. They miss fewer days of school and work
both due to the improved health and having to walk less to obtain water. This increases education and productivity, both of which have economic influences. Furthermore, by providing clean and safe drinking water, women and children are at a lower risk of being attacked when fetching water from
far distances. So, for us, providing clean and safe water creates a domino effect and has an impact on other needs.

The work you’re doing is pretty awe-inspiring. So, please tell us who inspires you and why?

My faith is a huge inspiration to me. It’s what keeps me going and motivated. I would easily say that this is the biggest inspiration in my life. When I feel frustrated or overwhelmed, I know that Jesus is there it guide me through it, as cliché as that sounds. But in all honesty, when trying to provide 1.1 billion people with water, the job can seem more than gargantuan. And my faith helps me handle it and know that what I’m doing can make a lasting difference.

Did you have a mentor in non-profits? What was the moment that made you stand up and say that you wanted to devote your life to charity: water?

I did not have a mentor in nonprofits. But I realized in August of 2007 that I wanted to really devote my time to something more tangible and international. I started looking at various opportunities and came on as a volunteer with charity: water that November. I came on fulltime in January.

You must have seen some heart-wrenching images in your travels. How do you remain positive that change can happen?

This is really the area that my faith helps with. We see the bad. We see how horrible it is to be in these conditions and we can’t help everyone right now. But we also see the good. Seeing a 90-year-old woman drink clean water for the first time is something you never forget…

I continue to be awe-struck. And last but not least, do you want to plug anything?

Our next focus is our September campaign. We’re looking to provide 333 communities in Ethiopia with clean, safe drinking water. We’ll need $1.5 million raised. It’s a huge goal, and we’re looking to accomplish it by inviting individuals who were born in September to give up birthday presents
for this year. Instead of gifts, we’re asking their friends and families for donations equivalent to their age. We’ll have 33 communities on our site, each with a different story and video. We’ll be traveling to Ethiopia in September to video the drilling process as it starts.

We’re also expanding to Honduras this summer, and I’ll be out in Honduras for a week to view some communities. After that, we’ll be focusing on our 3rd annual charity: ball here in New York.

Thanks so much for doing the interview, Nicky. We need more people like you in this world.
And check out pics from last year’s charity:water ball with celebs such as Adrien Grenier and model Jessica Stam.

Today was one of those Sunday’s when you have a ton of errands to run, and I was seriously considering taking the bus. That’s not considered as strange anymore due to the gas prices, but last year, I brought it up at a party once and everyone looked at me and didn’t know how to respond. (Remember, I live in LA where we drive across the street) haha. Anyway, I was lucky enough to go to “Bold Voices: A Writegirl Celebration,”, which is the end-of-the-year celebration for this non-profit organization that focuses on mentoring teenage girls to work on their writing craft and encouraging self-expression. I went with a friend and was really inspired… I know, I’m so corny, but it was amazing to see these high school girls, some confident, some quiet, some shy, who read their poems or writings to a packed house at the WGA theater.

As you all know, I work at docstoc.com, and though we all know that documents are the bomb, I also love to write and think up ways to make people laugh. I wrote a teen girl sports movie that had interest from several producers, and one recently offered an option agreement, but I’ve gotten to the point where I don’t believe anything until its on paper. Word.
Here are some things I remind myself with to stay motivated:

Don’t knock Technology- I originally started this blog to stay creative and humorous, and had zero knowledge about anything tech-related. I’ve actually learned quite a bit, but I mean, I won’t be writing code anytime soon. Anyway, because of the Internet, you can send out as many resumes as you want via e-mail, check job postings, do research, and oh yeah, you can upload documents to docstoc.com to get your documents highly indexed in search engines. (haha…do you like my plug?)

Increase the tools in your arsenal- Workshops can be taxing and expensive, but how else will you perfect your skills and get feedback about what you’re doing right and wrong? I’m a huge believer of what you put out in the world, you get back. Its just how life is and the more knowledge that you obtain, the more powerful your arsenal.

Keep hustling- Yes, I love hip-hop and no, I’m not trying to be Jay-Z, but this is crucial. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, writer, blogger, fashion designer, or just someone who is trying to make ends meet in this tough economy, you have to stay busy. If you’re not employed, then keep sending out resumes or take jobs that you normally wouldn’t have taken. In my case, I usually come home and fight the urge to veg out and be lazy. Instead, I tell myself to write for at least an hour a night. Somehow I’ve actually written my best scenes in short periods of time because its the stream-of-consciousness, when you’re writing what you’re really thinking about. So, If you want something, you have to be willing to fight for it. So fight. Nothing worth having comes easily.

Be that Annoyingly Positive Person- Yes, we all know that person who smiles 24/7 and though it might annoy us, its actually a really helpful characteristic to have. A friend once told me that when you have negative thoughts, it starts to create brain waves so that you continue to think in that negative direction. You have to make a conscious effort to be positive and think about what makes you happy which might be your boyfriend/girlfriend, trashy reality TV, forms of overpriced frozen yogurt, or …karaoke.

Don’t listen to people who drink Haterade- No, this isn’t an energy drink brought to you by the founders of Gatorade. Haterade is when people try to knock you down with words, and can be toxic. If you’re around this, just step away slowly. Just look straight ahead and focus on what you really want… Crunk Energy Drink, of course.

Get Physical- Go for a run. Do Yoga. Go Hiking. Walk around a block a few times. Endorphins really do make you happy, so go!

Believe in Yourself- Short and to the point. If you don’t believe in yourself, who else is going to believe in you? Even when times get tough, just tell yourself that you rock. Keep saying it long enough and you start to believe it.

Give Back- Helping Others, volunteering, and doing acts of service gives you something real and concrete to be happy about. When you give to others, that’s something that makes you a better person, inside and out.

Hope you guys like my inspirational post today, as the Writegirl event reminded me of why I chose this difficult journey in the first place.

On this Saturday afternoon, I’m sitting here trying to figure out what to write as I’m about to go watch Wall-E with some friends which is great because Pixar usually never screws up. With the latest graphics that transport you to Paris as in “Ratatouille,” or to Anytown, America as in “The Incredibles,” they’ve cornered the market on the family movie that Mom and Dad can actually watch and not cringe. Word.

Last night, I went to the Belmont on La Cienega to celebrate Amanda’s b-day, a.k.a “Aspiring TV writer.” As usual, I didn’t know anyone except my friend BUT after you know walking around several times and acting like I knew someone else, I met a bunch of really cool, smart people, most of whom were future Ari Golds or Studio Execs.

The most entertaining part of the night was meeting a bunch of folks from Philly and we ended up discussing the best parts of our hometown like Rita’s Water Ice, Wawa and how the best Cheesesteaks in Philly are the hole-in-the-wall places that NO one knows about. BTW, Philly was voted as the Ugliest city in America…um… not quite sure how I feel about that.

It was a LONG week and was glad to end it with a friend’s birthday! BTW, I forgot to mention that the most random part of the Rubicon Mixer on Thursday night occurred when one of our investors greeted me with a fist bump. No joke. An actual fist bump. I was..honored. Um… is that a Michelle Obama moment? Word.

Yesterday’s Rubicon Mixer was pretty sweet. Their new offices used to be the old soundstage for “24.” Just in case you wanted to know.

Tons of people, drinks and appetizers, and networking of course. As always, I find this to be awkward and strange, but you know… you gotta do it.

Here are some of our new additions to the docstoc crew, Matt, Gabby, and Brittany.
Brittany and I discussed that now I’m no longer “Girl at a startup.” Gotta change that pic. lol.