First Thoughts

My original thought was to create a blog exclusively for my thoughts about advertising. The more I think about it (especially with my impending move to Seattle), the more I want to leave it open. So, instead of only writing about marketing and advertising, I will add food and travel to the category list. I have a particular passion for those areas, but I can't promise that I won't sneak in a random subject now and then. Now for a little background on my main subjects...

It took me a while to understand that I am not an average consumer. Anyone who has taken college-level Marketing courses (and paid attention) will see things differently than the average person. A couple of months ago, I had to give up my DVR. I have now regained my appreciation for commercials. In a time when we are all so easily distracted, some companies have stepped up their games and others have stuck to the same predictable advertising. The same goes for print, online, radio, and every other form. Let me tell you, you may think that advertising does not affect you, but you are mistaken. Even those of us who know the games they're playing get sucked in at some point. Last week, I had my boyfriend go to the store and get me a Snickers Ice Cream Bar, because the commercials reminded me that they were good, and I hadn't had one in a while. I was thinking, "The stupid commercial got to me, but this is really good".

That brings me to food. I love food. It doesn't have to be covered in butter or some other fat for me to love it (although there are just some things that can't be substituted). I like to cook as well as eat out, and I like watching people cook. I think food and travel go hand in hand. There are few better ways to learn about other cultures than learning about their food and breaking bread with them. I am not the person who goes to another country and eats at one of the many American fast food chains that have invaded. I am more likely to go into a local restaurant and point at some random item on the menu, because I don't speak the language. My parents used to tell me that I had to try everything at least once. If I didn't like it, I didn't have to eat it, but how would I know that I didn't like it if I didn't try it? It is a good point, and I'm grateful to my parents for enforcing this "rule". (Of course, in my case, it backfired... I was the 5-year-old kid asking for lobster and crab.)

Anyway, future posts will be less random and actually have a point. That's enough rambling for now.