three-minute thursday: take 19

Go. I spent four hours in a studio today shooting a new promo video for Thrive. And I've gotta tell you -- I am juiced right now!

I went into this thing feeling kinda nervous about it. Intimidated by it really. I've done this sorta thing before, but never by myself. And for someone who tends to shy away from the proverbial spotlight, being in a literal spotlight all by my lonesome can be pretty nerve-wracking.

But then I got there. And we started brainstorming. And story-boarding. And talking vision.

And everything changed.

Granted, I was still nervous. And some things took more takes than I'd like because I'd speak too fast, or trip over my own words, or wiggle my arms or legs too much. And there were times I had to say "Just wait a sec" while I took a minute to think through what I wanted to say. But the producer always knew when I was ready. He said he could see me get my game face on and inevitably the very next take would be the one.

I can honestly say I had a blast today.

Because I seriously love talking about Thrive Africa.

Done.

face time

Have you seen Dentyne's current ad campaign?

I think it's sheer creative genius. Mostly because it deeply resonates with people. And while it doesn't make me want to blow bubbles with Dentyne gum, it does make me want to put down my laptop and enjoy some face time.

Living in Africa for over a decade, the internet has been my life source for connections. Most of my friendships have never been sustained with phone calls, coffee dates, lunches, or visits. Instead, they've been cultivated with emails, instant messages, blogging, and video chats.

Lately I've heard a lot of dialogue about whether or not community can be found online. This much I know is true: It can. I'm grateful for the rich, genuine friendships that I've fostered over the internet.

But while I appreciate the value of "technologically advanced" friendships, I also recognize the significance of what I've missed in actual face time. A text message communicates far less than a long, tight hug. A phone call pales in comparison with the unspoken expressions of a glance or a touch. An online chat is merely a shadow of a chai-in-hand conversation on a coffee shop couch.

I'll always be grateful for whatever form of connection and affection I'm blessed to have. But whenever possible, please can I have some face time?

'Cause, seriously... What I wouldn't give for a hug like this today---

make me laugh: winner

I so appreciate the many of you who sent videos to make me laugh. And laugh I did, I assure you. I'm also grateful that some of you sent a video hello. My face likes seeing your faces.

The winning video had me doubled-over in laughter. I've watched it over a dozen times, and it still makes me laugh. Every. Single. Time.

The Make Me Laugh award goes to...

:: insert drum roll here ::

... Tracee and Stephanie!

I hope their video makes the rest of you laugh even half as much as I did.Watching it is definitely worth the four+ minutes you'll never get back.

Tracee and Steph? Your StarBUCKS and iCASH will be heading your way soon. Oh, and you've got a week to submit your acceptance speech video, ok? Your fans will be waiting. I know you won't disappoint us.

::

A huge thanks to all of you who participated. You seriously made my day week month.

i am the great wizard

I've received some great submissions for the Make Me Laugh video contest. (I'm smiling just typing that out, thinking about what some of you did!) And I've decided to extend the deadline to next Monday. Because a few of you let me know that circumstances interfered with getting your videos made on time. And really, because, well, I'd rather get in as many laughs as I can.

So if you wish you'd made a video but didn't, now's your chance. If the thought to make one never even crossed your mind, let it cross now: Send me some funny! Don't make me beg.

And if you're stubbornly stickin' to the idea that you're just not humorous, then at least send me a hello. I love seeing your faces and hearing your voices.

(Need a refresher on the rules of the contest? Go here.)

In other news... You can order just about anything these days.

but why?

Are you still working on your video for the Make Me Laugh contest? I hope you haven't forgotten about it. Oh? You have? I'll recap.

• You send me as many self-made videos as you want.
• Whoever makes me laugh the most, wins!
• The prize is money at Starbucks and iTunes.
• Deadline is tomorrow at midnight (Monday/EST).

Why make me laugh? 'Cause I love laughing. And It's good for my heart. And who can resist getting me to do this:

Of and of course 'cause you can win something.You know, if you need a selfish reason...

extreme makeover: alece edition

The last time Cathi saw me, I really wasn't lookin' my best. It's amazing how many pounds her video camera took off me this time.

If you could professionally alter, shrink, or augment any part of yourself, what would it be?

so different, yet so similar

At our first reunion, I discovered I have more in common with Cathi than I ever would've imagined. That was reinforced even more this week.

Now if only I could remember what our similarities actually are...

Wow. I wish I could speak whale.

bear hug me

I've got something for you to watch. If you're like me, you might shy away from immediately watching videos as you quickly breeze through the blogs you read. I assure you this is less than two-and-a-half minutes long. And it sums up the prayer of my heart just right.

I dug all I could and this was (sadly) the best video I could find. So apologies in advance for the poor quality. Mostly I want you to hear what's being said, so the yucky video shouldn't matter too much.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMeySMME6Dg&fmt=18]

How does that resonate with you?

contest: make me laugh!

You know a cheerful heart is good medicine, right? Well, these days I keep finding myself scouring the internet for some comic relief. Laughing always feels good, but right now it feels like magic.

And it's your turn to provide me a dose of laughter medication.

Head over to the talk to me page and you'll see a new feature I recently added to the Grit. You can easily record and send me a video (or audio) message that comes straight to me. It isn't displayed online; I'm the only one who sees it.

So get your webcam rolling and create a funny video to send me. The person who makes me laugh the hardest will be declared the winner.

Contest rules:

• You can submit as many entries as you'd like.
• Record your video here. If you'd rather film/edit your video some other way and email it to me, that's fine, too.
• Submissions must be received by midnight (EST) on Monday, January 12th 19th.
• Winning video will be displayed on my blog.
• Winner will receive some bucks to spend at two of my favorite places to drop cash: Starbucks and iTunes.

Got it? Let me know if you have any questions!

This is your time to shine. And my time to laugh.

Bring it on!

:::::

**POST UPDATE**

Winner announced!

pulling the cord

Sometimes the hardest part---of pretty much anything---is simply pulling the cord.

(Disclaimer: Niel shot this on his cellphone, so it's not the greatest quality...)

three a.m. craziness

The last night of our reunion weekend, we------ Hold on. We interrupt this broadcast for an explanation. I know Mandy, Cathi, and I had never met before. But we were already friends, really and truly. And seeing each other felt like coming home. So in my heart it seemed way more like a reunion than a first-time meeting. Okay, back to what I was saying...

The last night of our reunion weekend, we pulled an almost-all-nighter. This is what we were doing around three a.m.

weekend update: when worlds collide

Friday evening: I finally got to meet MandyPants and DeCath.

To be continued...