Interestingly, I have heard more about Twitter in the last few hours than I have in a year. Apparently CNN is using Twitter to communicate with people as Hurricane Gustav approaches. With still 12 hours before it makes landfall, literally thousands of people are following CNN’s coverage via Twitter and sending Tweets back about the status where they are.

As long as cell phone coverage stays consistent, I can absolutely see how Twitter will be useful in the next 24-48 hours. If someone gets stranded, they can send out a Twitter with their location. Those without television access can receive Tweets from CNN as the storm approaches and passes. Families can stay connected as they evacuate. Viewers are sending Tweets to CNN asking specific questions that they would like to see answered during their coverage.

I’m anxious to see how all of this plays out and if Twitter really can be used to help keep people informed and saved throughout Monday and Tuesday. Do you Twitter? If not, now might be the time to learn.

What I mean by “adult secret crush” is that high school-like feeling that you get when you see a certain person. It has nothing to do with truly knowing them and wanting to date them or sleep with them or whatever. It’s not having too much to drink and making a mistake. It isn’t sexual or even spiritual. It’s more that feeling you get that makes you blush a little bit when you think about the person or see them. Maybe you just think they have a cute personality or are attractive in some way.

I would argue that adult secret crushes are totally normal and nothing to worry about. They don’t threaten a marriage or a relationship because they aren’t based on substance. If they DO threaten a marriage or relationship, it speaks more about that marriage or relationship than the validity of the secret crush.

So what is your take? Leave me a comment, and it is totally okay to be judgmental. It’s an interesting topic that I am curious to see some discussion about. Or blog about it yourself and leave me a trackback so I can see your side.

Take this scenario. In a given month, I am short on time. I don’t cook the right foods (too much processed stuff, not enough veggies) and we eat out all the time. At the end of the month, I have gained a few pounds and feel bloated. Then I look at my kids and realize that they are looking a little round and bloated as well. They are eating what I am eating.

The next month, I take great pains to cook almost every night. I balance all of our meals with good fiber, protein, and fruits and vegetables. I start feeling good and looking better. I look around at my family and realize that THEY look good and feel good as well.

So the next time you as a mom start thinking that you are having a bad month and don’t care if you eat poorly for a few weeks, think past yourself and think about your kids as well. Do your whole family a favor and stay on track with making healthy food choices.

Last week she announced that she would be starting a new blog site based heavily on the notes that she has taken at industry events in the last couple of years. Judging by the notes that she took in the session that I was in with her, I have no doubt that her posts will be thorough.

Today I checked out her first couple of posts and was very impressed not only by the amount of information but also the even handed way that she discussed issues such as coupon codes. In addition to her own writing, she is already getting comments from industry big shots like Scott Jangro.

Congratulations to Stephanie on her new blog! If you want to get an insider view of affiliate marketing (and see it through the eyes of someone who truly has fun with it), visit Stephanie Lichtenstein’s blog.

While there, we discussed 2Checkout launching a full affiliate program based on their product catalog (which is huge). The concept will be fabulous for smaller merchants who want to get their products out to the public. As a small business owner, this especially appealed to me.

I had a number of takeaways from the meeting, but I will share just a few with you.

1) It is always a good thing to network with others in your industry because you never know what you will learn.

2) Affiliates should be using Instant Messaging to form closer relationships with their merchants.

3) The affiliate industry is still growing and changing with every passing day. Keep your eyes and ears open to stay on the cutting edge because it moves fast.

If you would like to read more about the roundtable, here is a link to the 2Checkout blog.

http://www.2checkout.com/community/blog/2checkout-blog/public-relations/affiliate-marketer-meeting-update/

Thanks to the 2Checkout employees for making us feel welcome!

Apparently you can make money either by uploading your own videos or showing the videos of others. Given all of the news that we are hearing about people watching more and more videos online, it’s clear that it is the next new way to make money. The question is which platforms are going to be the ones that work?

If you are interested, click over to Graspr.com and create an account. I haven’t uploaded any videos yet but I was having a ball watching some dancing videos like the one below. I just keep trying to picture myself at a Nightclub doing this dance.

http://www.graspr.com/videos/Night-Club-Two-Step-Mickael-Kiehm-NC2-Step-Lesson

I have to say that I am totally loving this summer! We planned in advance a good variety of things for the girls to do–a couple of weeks of summer camp, a week with my in-laws, a week here with my mom, some parties and social events, etc. We take a weekly trip to the library for both books and movies. In addition, a sitter comes and teaches them swimming a couple of afternoons a week.

Although every day is different, we are really enjoying family time. Sometimes it is something simple like a craft. Today it was a movie. It’s just nice to be relaxing and enjoying the kids.

That’s not to say that there are not challenges. I work even stranger hours than before because I have less dedicated work time. But the girls have even started helping me out a bit with my work by making videos for my websites and giving me contest ideas. This week they will help me stuff envelopes full of Disney gift cards.

I’m sure by August 10 I will be completely ready for them to go back to school. But for now, I am enjoying the time that we have and the opportunities in front of us.

Do you Disqus? What has your experience been with it? You can learn more about it at www.disqus.com.

It’s actually kind of funny. And definitely a warning that we all need to be careful what we do in public because we have no idea who might be recording us and putting us on the internet! As small as video cameras are these days (not to mention video capability on cell phones), any one of us may unknowingly become a “star.” Here’s Uncle Allen!

For Cassie, it means moving from the school that she has known for 3 years and the “family” that has surrounded her there to a public school with all new friends and teachers. It means no more nap or snacks in the afternoon. It means getting up early every day of the week instead of 3 days. It also means more independence and structure.

For me, it is the last day that I make the choice to be a working mom with a child in daycare. This has been a huge struggle for me since I started sending my older daughter to a babysitter part-time when she was a year old. The guilt and the feeling of inadequacy have been a much heavier price for me than the money that it has cost to send them. Honestly, I’ve just been holding it all in and waiting for this day with all the patience I could muster.

As a surprise to their teachers, the kids performed “Landslide” tonight. I’ve never really thought much of the song before until I heard my five year old singing “Well, I’ve been afraid of changing, cause I’ve built my life around you. But time makes you bolder
Children get older, I’m getting older too.” She could have been singing about either her or me just as easily.

Here’s a little video the solo performance she gave for us when she got home. I’ve watched it 5 times now and cry everytime. This is one of those days that is going to stay in my heart forever.