National Novel Writing Month

November is National Novel Writing Month, and I am participating in NanoWrimo – which is contest of sorts. The challenge is to write a 50,000 word novel during the month of November. And if 50,000 words sounds like a lot, that’s because it is.

And it’s daunting! It’s difficult! We are 3 weeks into this madcap adventure and I’ve been out of things to say since last week. I’m at just under 18,000 words which means I am behind the 8 ball. However, I have never written 18,000 words in a row before. Even if I don’t make it to 50,000 I have done something I never thought I would ever actually do.

Sure, I’ve dreamed about writing a novel – but the sheer magnitude of it always frightened me. I’m primarily a poet and a short story writer. I know now why I keep to those forms – novels are hard work!

This is an incredibly intense experience but I am so proud of myself for sticking with it. I have learned a lot about myself and my writing in the process. Even if I don’t reach that finish line, I’ve reached a very important personal goal: told a story on paper.

-Victoria Lindsay 11/19/09

The New Kids On The Block

Inline Media is very excited to introduce the New Kids on The Block. First, our very happy Mom, Jennifer McCraw, brought in her new baby son Austin Thomas McCraw aka “ATM”. He is the cutest honorary member at Inline Media so far. He brings great experience in eating, sleeping and you know what! We are sad to say that Jennifer has decided to go independent so she can spend more time with her son. She will not be returning to InLine Media and we will surely miss her and all the hard work she brought to our team.

Our second new kid is Victoria Lindsay who packed up all she could fit in her Volkswagen and moved to Denver. She brought with her from Wisconsin experience in outdoor media buying and her great smile that greets us each morning. Victoria has a big task of assisting all of us here at InLine and making sure our office runs smoothly. She is a great addition to our family.

Having such great luck with the name Jennifer, we welcome Jennifer Sanchez to our team. Jennifer has great expertise in online Political media buying. She’s excited to be here (she did grow up in Kansas after all!) We are very lucky to have her and we are excited that she is now a member of our team.

Chris Ex Ouellet - Nov. 18, 2009

'Keeping It Fresh"

“Keeping it Fresh”
Part of everyday’s experiences here at InLine is to keep things fresh, whether it is a new idea, or just thinking beyond what is the norm.

We have fresh new offices thanks to Bailey and Robbie who coordinated our move. Yes, we can still smell the fresh paint and our phones and computers are even working.

Our Website is currently being updated with new information and fun facts. We held a “Best Questions Contest” where each person would submit three top questions. The votes came in and we are very proud of our winner Robbie Folena. He now has a Snuggie to wear at the CU game.

Chris Ex Ouellet - 10/15

Big Week!

It’s a big week here at InLine! We aren’t just planning for Holiday, 4th Quarter, and 2010 media. The 10 of us are packing up our desks and moving! We aren’t moving far, a mere two floors to number 7. We began construction on Suite 700 about 2 months ago. We removed walls, built work stations, created a new conference room and gave the suite new floors, carpet and a pretty bold paint job! Robbie & I snuck up there this morning and the final carpets were being laid in. Friday, Grabels will arrive and take our (hopefully cleaned out and reduced) belongs up to their new homes. Please note that Friday, the InLine offices will be closed with very minimal access to our emails as servers need to be moved and relocated as well. Additionally, our phones will be down most of the day as well. InLine will be back up and running Monday morning, we promise! Nancy returns from a week of vacation on Tuesday and we have promised her a new, organized and fully functional office upon her return! She should be right at home as InLine opened its doors in Suite 700! Back to where it all began! Scott’s packing as I type this as he’s out of here tomorrow for his Wedding! Congratulations to he and Adrienne! Oh and Chris Ex married Wally after 9 years of dating and became Chris Ouellet last week! Told you it was a big week around here!

Flash Mob!

Seemingly spontaneous aerobics astounded lunch-goers across the state yesterday when flash mobs broke out at 12:10 p.m. on the streets of Denver, Greeley and Grand Junction. More than 100 flash mobbers exercised their enthusiasm for healthy eating and active living in each city when they suddenly disrobed to display retro, 1980s-inspired workout gear and performed a coordinated aerobics routine. Several of us participated in the Denver mob; try and spot us!

Back to School

Pencils sharpened. Books purchased. Lunches packed. Sound familiar? These are the telltale signs of “Back to School.” Unfortunately, every parent’s favorite time of year has now become my averse reality.

Currently I am attending the University of Colorado Denver in route toward a MBA. Working full time and going to school at night will not be easy, but I am excited for the challenge. To many the idea of going back to school has less appeal than having a glass of milk, pool-side. But for me it is an opportunity of a lifetime. Not only will I delve more deeply in the business academic arena, but I will be able to interact with employers and employees from a varying array of backgrounds.

A highlight that I am anticipating is that CU has acquired a new business school building that will most likely open in the fall of 2010. Not only will the new facility provide more resources for its students, but it will be the focal point for business in the downtown area. And of course, new facilities usually bring about media attention. Who doesn’t like that?!

So now that my pencils are sharpened, books purchased and absolutely no time for lunch, it’s time to focus and get to work. It’s certainly a time in my life where my social scene may deteriorate, but I know it’ll be worth it in the end. For now my emotions are high, my expectations are sincere, and my goals are in place. Stay tuned to see where my feelings are at once I complete my first exam! YIKES!
Rob S.

Fall Premiers Have Started!!

Ann has done a great job preparing for us all for Fall 09 TV. Well, last night one of my guiltiest pleasures started, Biggest Loser. Two of my best girlfriends from college come over every Tuesday to watch. We make dinner and open a bottle of wine and enjoy. We all have our favorites and typically get pretty competitive. Last night sadly they were both out of town so I wasn’t able to get their favorites. But I’ve got mine. This season is all about second chances so; in fact one of mine has been set since last season.

Last season the largest contestant in Biggest Loser history, Daniel, entered the competition at 457 pounds. His partner was not as dedicated as he was and sadly young Daniel and his partner were sent home early in the competition. However, at home Daniel continued to drop pounds and by the finale he was down to 312 pounds. Last night he brought tears to my eyes with his inspiring first place finish in the first competition of running/walking a mile! Players were allowed to pick their teammates and because of his first place finish he received the first pick and took the new “Largest contestant ever,” Shay. I’m nervous about his selection with her giving up last night but, Daniel is pretty motivational so I’m hoping he can pull her through. More importantly I’m hoping they don’t get into a team elimination situation and Daniel falls victim again to being only as strong as your weakest link.

My second favorite of the night was Abby. Without question it was the story behind her journey that captured everyone’s heart. I know everyone at InLine was in tears. This poor woman lost her entire family in a car accident. Her daughter was 5 and a half and he son a mere 2 and a half weeks old. I was on Abby’s team before but she captured me when she said “I’m different than anyone else here, I don’t have a reason to live, it would be easier for me to die. But I get up and take that step everyday and make the choice to live.” WOAH! But, Abby is so positive she continued to go on saying that “There has to be a reason she wasn’t in that car, there has to be something she is meant to do.” While I might not being a great job of describing it, her positivity is contagious!

Daniel lost 12 pounds putting him into the 200’s for the first time in quite some time! Abby lost 15 Pounds! Both great numbers for week one. Let’s hope they don’t fall victim to typical Week 2 hardships!
Bailey