I love it.

I’ve been questioned about my decision to be off the grid for such a long period of time. During my travels from December thru February, it was logical to shut off my US phone service since I was out of the country and the international mobile plan would be quite expensive. However, in March, I opted to continue living off the cellular grid. And then came April, and now it’s May 2^nd.  There are several reasons why I want to continue living off the grid:

1)      No cell phone bill- I know there are cell phone companies that offer unlimited data, call and text for $40; however, that $40 can go towards a grocery bill or bus pass. I’ve become this frugal beast in the past year—kind of extreme at times. All you frugal divas out there *high five*!

2)      Better planner- I plan my days better and have become much more efficient in scheduling my meetings, trips to town and running errands. I don’t have the luxury to call while I’m on my way to an unconfirmed meeting to meet with an unconfirmed attendee.

3)       Being present- I am a better conversationalist since I’ve decided to be off the grid. I connect better via eye contact, active listening and establishing a sincere connection with a friend or acquaintance. My fingers don’t itch to check emails or other apps anymore. Plus, want to talk? Let’s get together and do this the old-fashioned way: 1 on 1 + attentive.

4)      Better storyteller on social media- In the past, I snapped a picture and published it or them immediately. I still utilize my iPhone as a camera to capture treasured moments. After taking pictures and giving myself some time to reflect on the event, I can focus on content creation based on the event, message and visuals before publishing. My approach to planning and executing content  is much more intentional now that I have the luxury to NOT be connected everywhere 24/7.

5)      Better listener- Again, no distractions and itchy fingers.

6)      More observant- Just like being a better listener, I am much more observant of my surroundings, too.  I live in paradise; beauty is everywhere. I can sit at a scenic point and appreciate my blessings. I can run on the beach or do something elsewhere,  and I am not tempted to check my apps. I can just BE with no distractions.

7)      Better time manager- There is a time and place for everything. I only worry about e-correspondence when I am at my desk.

8)      Less reactive to emails and calls- I have a life that depends on my present actions and not molded by reactions from phone conversations, texts or emails.

9)       Free from keeping up with the InfoJoneses- Information on social media is a rat race when it comes to “breaking news” and it’s reached the point of faulty reporting and gossip.  I’m not in that race while I’m on the go since I have no data connection. I’m purely focused on the event at hand and I will have to read the hottest news at a later time.

10)   I give myself a break- I work in the social media field and sometimes a break from tech is healthy. I can give myself that break because I’ve created an environment that allows such a thing. No wifi/data connection = break.

I want a plum accent wall like this:

Source: google.ca via Amanda on Pinterest

Source: diyideas.com via Ria on Pinterest

BUT RED!

I’ve filled the holes on the wall that will be the accent wall. I’m going to drill the library wall now. Drill, baby, drill!

If you need a digital native, send me an e-mail at ria [at] thesensusgroup [dot] com or contact me via @riabaldevia on Twitter.

FlyerLizard

Image taken from FlyerLizard.com

I created a flyer using this web application. I uploaded a background I wanted to use. They have a nice set of fonts to choose from. This is great for events, especially if you want to utilize video and/or audio. The share function allows you to publish your flyer on Facebook and Twitter WITH a sound clip. It’s pretty cool.

“lizard allows you to easily share your flyers with unique flyer pages. With direct access to share on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest and easy to print PDF downloads of your event flyer you will have no trouble making your flyer accessible to everyone.” -FlyerLizard.com

Prezi

Image taken from Prezi.com

Prezi helps you create fun powerpoint presentations that is different from copy & paste square pics presentations. It is important to understand your data and what kind of story you’re trying to sell. Prezi allows you to become a visually appealing storyteller using their themes. You have the option to zoom in + zoom out during a presentation, compose/illustrate story trees, include music and video, etc.

“Prezi is a virtual whiteboard that transforms presentations from monologues into conversations: enabling people to see, understand, and remember ideas.” -Prezi.com

Venngage

Image taken from Venngage.com

Venngage allows you to bring your data to life using colorful and useful graphs. This is ideal for presentations that have a lot of data and that need to be easily digested by the audience. Venngage is great for internal meetings and for educational materials. I plan on using Venngage in an upcoming campaign.

“Think with your eyes.” –Venngage.com

These are great tools to start with. If you find that your company would benefit from a corporate subscription, then by all means get one! I intend on using Venngage a lot. Happy data visualizing!

The Belkin N300 DB is for you! All you need to do is choose an outlet near the edge of your network’s Wi-Fi coverage, plug in the N300 DB Range Extender, connect your computer to the Belkin set up network and then validate your network.

It’s pretty sweet. Pretty awesome. I feel my connection is the best it can possibly be…for now.

•  have to spend all her cash in the wallet
• purchase $60 shoes at Guess every payday
• make minimum payment on a credit card and ignore principal
• make minimum payment on student loan repayment
• spend money on myself rather than attack student loan debt
• not put aside some money for an emergency fund
• spend money I didn’t have
• eat out a lot
• not monitor my gas mileage

The Great Recession didn’t frighten me, initially. With the fall of Goldman Sachs in 2008 and the growing line of unemployment, I still did not feel the need to tackle my student loan debt or figure out a program to address the mishandling of my income. I felt invincible; I felt there was some shield that would exempt (protect) me from the harsh necessity of financial literacy.

But there was something that changed my mentality…

I realized I wasn’t getting any younger and that time has always been against me when it came to debt. And time would only be my friend if I was in the black.

In 2012, I decided to be debt free. I decided that I would seriously address my money relationship and try to get rid of my student debt by the time I’m 30 (and I beat that timeline!).  Surprisingly, I’ve adopted a very minimalist lifestyle preference. I’ve stopped shopping for fancy shoes and opted for practical comfort. I’ve stopped oggling over the newest bags or accessories and opted for functional. Also, I’ve stopped eating out on a daily basis and opted to cook my own meals.

It’s been an enlightening journey so far. And I’m happy to have gotten rid of Sallie Mae. But there is still so much to learn

My drag closet

So, I’ve decided to reorganize my closet and library wall. I will utilize the upper wall space for my books. I will remove my desk from the closet and give it its own section against a wall. I will turn a wall into a huge dry erase board. Originally, I was looking for material to plaster on the wall so I could write on it; dry erase board or massive chalk board. Fortunately, I came across a very helpful clerk at Office Max by the name of Hele. He suggested Idea Paint at Lowe’s. 

In a few days I will write on this wall-turned-dry erase-board thanks to Idea Paint

Idea Paint: This That. Going to start off small. Then I will get more for the entire wall

I’m very excited about this project. I haven’t started painting yet; waiting to do this in the morn since it takes 12+ hours to dry and it has a strong odor.

Here’s my creativity room makeover game plan:

• Idea paint
• Install new shelves
• Black/white frames for vision wall
• Vision board section

I’m having a wonderful experience filling my free time with Libertango music (piano, violin, piano & violin, house mix). It’s so powerful.  The music is like a map that guides forlorn lovers on the floor; clinging to each other in dance & quiet desperation.

Here are some of my favorites:

Astor Piazzolla Libertango

Okesteralpina

The Mestre

Niall O’Sullivan

Shocolina

Padova (also known as Padua) is a university town. The University of Padua is the second oldest university in the world; founded in 1222. Galileo lived in Padua; he was a professor at the University of Padua, as well.

One interesting thing I noticed in Padua is a plaque commemorating Napoleon. The plaque described Napoleon as “liberating” Padua. This is the first time I’ve seen differing perspectives regarding Napoleon. While reading up on Venetian history, Napoleon was described as wiping out the Republic with the Treaty of Campo Formio (signed with Austria). Prior to the Treaty of Campo Formio, Padua was under Venetian rule.

Below is a picture of a church, St. Giustinia, at Prato della Valle. I had to visit this church; Paolo Veronese’s Martyrdom of St. Giustinia is at the altar. Speaking of churches, I had the opportunity to visit St. Anthony church. I saw St. Anthony’s tongue, teeth and voice box. Prato della Valle is a very pretty square with nice shops, churches, and a gorgeous botanical garden. There is so much space to walk around without bumping into other people; a huge difference from Venice.

Martyrdom of St. Guistinia in St. Giustinia Church, Padua

One of my highlights in Padua was running into a political rally by Movimento 5 Stelle’s Beppe Grillo. While walking around the streets, I heard a loud voice thundering through the speakers. The voice sounded angry and excited. Naturally, I walked towards the square and noticed TV stations and thousands of people. I had no idea who was speaking on stage at the time. He was this man with a striking stage presence, waving his fist in the air and holding the mic on the other. All eyes were on him.

I read up on the organization and was fascinated with its history and growth. Beppe Grillo started the movement in 2009, but isn’t a political candidate. His organization, which ISN’t a political party (noted on the non-political-party-organization’s political website), is described as a

“free association of citizens. It is not a political party or means that will become in the future. Not ideologies of left or right, but ideas. It seeks to create an efficient and effective exchange of views and democratic debate outside of associative links and partisan and without the mediation of managing bodies or representative, acknowledging all citizens the role of government and address usually attributed to a few.”

Below is a picture, plus a video excerpt of his speech:

His organization’s growth in numbers and advancement in the polls is indicative of the mood of Italy’s young, educated and unemployed. Looking forward to watching the results.

The Obama Administration’s strategic rebalance toward the Asia-Pacific region presents an opportunity for the United States to establish and strengthen strategic cyber alliances. The basis of this effort should be a private-public partnership program to address cyber defense and cyber intelligence sharing. A multi-pronged approach to cyber security that promotes military relationships, diplomacy and public-private investments in India, South Korea, and Japan is a smart move considering economic relationships, political alliances, and an existing dialogue focused on cyber security in the region. These alliances should comprise three separate bilateral agreements between the US and its Asian counterparts.

Read the article at CSIS here.

View in the morning on the Rialto

During my morning walk to San Polo and San Croce I cross the Rialto Bridge. It has been raining in the latter part of January. The early  morning rain and fog created a beautiful scene on the Grand Canal. Here’s a video:

VENEZIA

Only in Venice! Well, you may have something similar at The Venetian in Las Vegas, but it’s not the same! This is what you get when you mix nice winter weather, a beautiful gondola, and an amazing view WITH singing in the gondola!

I haven’t been on a gondola yet. I will be, but it isn’t confirmed. It will be fun when and if I follow through with my plan. I’ll keep you posted.

For now, please enjoy this video:

If you don’t see the video, please click on this link to view the video on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zS6JejkCw9Q

It was amazing witnessing the set-up process of the stage in Piazza San Marco. The square was empty for the most part, but there is a big stage and seating arrangements now.

Welcome to Carnevale Venezia 2013—- Live In COLOR