Rule 240
January 31, 2008 | Leave a CommentPosted by Erin Weed | Filed Under Erin Weed's Blog, Travel
As I’m about to begin my insane traveling again, my staff and I are avidly trying to prepare so that sanity is attained while enduring 4 months of commercial air travel. (not an easy task) I recently came across a “rule” you can utilize if you’re ever in a situation where your flight is cancelled. It’s called Rule 240, even though it’s not an official or enforceable rule. Basically it means that if you’re flight is cancelled for reasons beyond weather (i.e., mechanical problems) the airline will put you on the next available flight to your destination…regardless which airline. Today Show travel expert Peter Greenberg talks about it more in a recent article for MSNBC. Click here to read it.
University of Alabama - Tuscaloosa, AL
January 30, 2008 | Leave a CommentPosted by Erin Weed | Filed Under Erin Weed's Blog, Girls Fight Back!, Travel
Yesterday I hopped on an early flight from Denver to lovely Birmingham, Alabama. I gave the Girls Fight Back program to about 400 or so college women, and they were southern belles who were gorgeous AND fierce! Sometimes I get a little freaked out about speaking in the South, mostly because people from that region tell me I talk too fast. It’s given me a complex. You might think that Southern women are more timid than most, but this has not been my experience. They LOVE Girls Fight Back, and kick booty just like the New York City girls. So it was a total pleasure to chill in Alabama, and I hope to be back soon.
Radio Show Podcast - 01.27.08
January 27, 2008 | Leave a CommentPosted by Erin Weed | Filed Under Erin Weed's Blog, Women on Top Radio
On today’s show I spoke with Sherry Woodard, star of a new National Geographic series called “Dogtown.” I then interviewed Mary Carlomagno, professional organizer and author of “Give it Up! My Year of Learning to Live Better with Less.” It was a great show, so check out the podcast by clicking here. You can also subscribe to the free weekly podcasts on iTunes. Simply launch iTunes, click on podcasts and search for “Women on Top Radio.” Learn more about my weekly talk radio show at www.womenontopradio.com.
Lasik eye surgery
January 26, 2008 | Leave a CommentPosted by Erin Weed | Filed Under Erin Weed's Blog, Just Life
Yesterday I had lasik eye surgery done, and I’m in heaven. (See me pre-op, in photo at left. I was so nervous!) I grew up as “that girl” who had glasses by second grade and squinted to see everything without lenses. I had several episodes of a contact freak out in the middle of my largest speaking engagements recently…embarrassing indeed. So it was time to come to grips with my fear of something slicing my eyeball and forge into the land of 20/15. (Which I now have, thanks to 20/20 Lasik in Denver!) Granted, it was creepy seeing someone joystick around with my peepers, but thank goodness for valium…I didn’t care so much. This whole experience reminds me of that song, “I can see clearly now, the rain has gone…”
Seeking Spring Tour Sponsors
January 25, 2008 | Leave a CommentPosted by Erin Weed | Filed Under Erin Weed's Blog, Girls Fight Back!
Beginning in March, I will be embarking on the 2008 GFB Spring Tour, and we’re looking for awesome companies to sponsor us! If your company is interested in supporting a great, educational and empowering tour please contact us at 866-GFB-2423 and we will send you an info packet. During the tour I will be filming a documentary, so all sponsors will have the opportunity to be a part of it.
Marathon Trailer
January 24, 2008 | Leave a CommentPosted by Erin Weed | Filed Under Erin Weed's Blog, Marathon
This is apparently what I have signed up for, and now I’m looking for people to join Team GFB! Have you always wanted to run a marathon? Or are you like me, and terrified…but want to do it anyway? Have you never considered doing it, but want to get violence prevention education in America’s schools? Then join us! To join Team GFB and to run ANY marathon in the world to raise money for our cause, e-mail us at info@girlsfightback.org.
January E-news
January 22, 2008 | Leave a CommentPosted by Erin Weed | Filed Under Erin Weed's Blog, Girls Fight Back!, Marathon
Just posted today…
Radio Show #7
January 21, 2008 | Leave a CommentPosted by Erin Weed | Filed Under Erin Weed's Blog, Video, Women on Top Radio
Yesterday was such a blast. I hosted my weekly radio show on AM 760 with my good friend Jess Weiner, who was visiting me from Los Angeles. We talked to the fabulous Damone Roberts, and now I can’t wait ’till my next trip to NYC or LA to get my eyebrows hooked up. Check out the video above to see our post-show re-cap, and listen to the podcast by clicking here.
The Eyebrow King, Damone Roberts
January 18, 2008 | Leave a CommentPosted by Erin Weed | Filed Under Erin Weed's Blog, Women on Top Radio
This coming Sunday is going to be a rockin’ radio show. My dear friend, Jessica Weiner, will be co-hosting Women on Top Radio with me LIVE from Denver! She was a phone guest on my show a few weeks ago…you may know her as the official body image expert on the Tyra Banks Show or the fact she’s the Dove Self-Esteem Fund’s Global Ambassador. Yeah, she rocks like Spock. But wait! It gets better. Also on the show will be Damone Roberts calling in from Los Angeles. He’s the star of TLC’s “10 Years Younger” and he’s going to give us some great tips for lookin’ fine. Listen to us live online at www.am760.net from 4-5 pm EST every Sunday. You can also catch the podcasts at www.womenontopradio.com or do a search for “Women on Top Radio” in the podcast section of iTunes.
Where art thou, Mappy?
January 17, 2008 | Leave a CommentPosted by Erin Weed | Filed Under Erin Weed's Blog, Funny Stuff, Travel
Oh the pain! The agony! The suffering of one who has lost a dear love! It seems as if I forgot my sweet, sweet Garmin Nuvi 300 GPS device in my Hertz rental car at Newark Airport last Saturday. Her name was Mappy. You know, kinda like Pee Wee’s playhouse, and how all the character’s were named after the object they are, plus the letter “y.” (i.e, Chairy the Chair, Terry the Terydactyl, etc.) Stricken with panic, I called Hertz, desperate for answers regarding Mappy’s whereabouts. To my despair, I got a voicemail box assuring me that it was MY fault that I lost whatever I was calling about. And maybe, just maybe, someone might get back to me. Imagine my surprise when I actually did get a phone call from someone at Hertz. Turns out however, that she was only calling to further reinforce the fact that my loss was indeed nobody’s fault of my own, and Mappy would likely never be found. Wow. Thanks. To further rub salt in my wounds, I received ANOTHER call from ANOTHER person at Hertz agreeing with both the voicemail box and her colleague that yes, I really do suck, this is totally my fault and Mappy is gone forever. Oh Hertz, you should really read a customer service manual. Do you know how many THOUSANDS of dollars I give you every year? Why torment me in my darkest hour? My $400 princess is gone, and I am lost without her. Literally. Sob.
Spring Tour ‘08 Announcement
January 16, 2008 | Leave a CommentPosted by Erin Weed | Filed Under Erin Weed's Blog, Girls Fight Back!, Violence
After months of planning and preparation, today I am happy to announce the official Girls Fight Back Spring Tour ‘08! At left you will see the official logo of the Spring Tour. Little Gigi, our trademarked stick person, has sprouted butterfly wings! But really, what better way to symbolize spring than the fresh start of a butterfly. So get ready to flap your wings, because this tour is gonna be nuts. Already we have 20 cities (mostly colleges) confirmed, with calls and e-mails rolling in daily. So I got two words for ya…GAME ON.
We have some really fun perks for the Spring Tour, in case you’re interested in hopping on that train. First off, anyone who books a GFB seminar on the tour by February 1st will receive a 10% discount off the speaking fee. And if you pick a date when I’m already in your geographic area, you’ll receive another 10% discount on top of that. Everyone on the Spring Tour roster will receive free GFB books, free 11×17 posters to publicize your event, REALLY CUTE free t-shirts (girly T’s…long & fitted…click to enlarge photo at left) and a step-by-step Event Planning Guide. Want more info about booking a presentation during the tour? Call our Events Coordinator, Michelle Parilla, at 1-866.432.2423.
And check this out…during the Spring Tour ‘08 I’ll be shooting my first documentary called “Journey of a Girlfighter.” It’s going to be a film exploring violence against women in America, and what we can do about it. Scenes will include: Live GFB seminar footage, interviews with some incredible (and famous) people working for a peaceful society, and my own journey back to Charleston where my dear friend Shannon was murdered. It’s going to be a deeper and darker version of anything you’ve seen from me before, but I hope it will be cathartic. Not only will it be an emotional and mental journey as I create this film, it will also be a physical one. Shannon and I were running partners in college, and she was always asking me to do a long distance race with her. My answer was always something to the effect of, “HELL NO.” She was an award winning track athlete, while I’m a 11 minute miler. But to raise money for violence prevention education in America’s schools, I will be running my first marathon. Yes, I said it. Holy crap. And now I’m terrified, because it means I actually have to do it. And you will be able to watch the entire thing unfold in the comfort of your living room…
Creating this film with the permission of Shannon’s family is really a full-circle moment for me. Prior to Shannon being murdered, I was working as a documentary producer in New York City. After she died though, my entire focus became GFB. Now I’m coming back to my roots, and I can’t wait to see what happens.
Find this Guy
January 15, 2008 | Leave a CommentPosted by Erin Weed | Filed Under Erin Weed's Blog
I really cannot think of a better use for billboards than to use them to catch criminals who are literally getting away with murder. The charred remains of Maria Lauterbach, 20, and her unborn baby were found in this jerk’s back yard. It’s too late for Maria and her baby, but at the very least we need to find this guy and bring him to justice.
Article in “Works”
January 14, 2008 | Leave a CommentPosted by Erin Weed | Filed Under Erin Weed's Blog, In the News
A pretty cool internet article hit the net today at an online magazine called “WORKS by Nicole Williams.” The publication interviews women who have their “dream jobs” and how they attained them, in addition to other great resources for career women. Read it online by clicking here.
Atlantic Healthcare
January 12, 2008 | Leave a CommentPosted by Erin Weed | Filed Under Erin Weed's Blog, Travel
Last night I flew to Newark, NJ so that I could speak to a fantastic bunch of staff and employees at Atlantic Healthcare. Many hospitals are part of their network, but the actual event was held at Morristown Memorial Hospital. You might be wondering why a corporate client would opt to have the event on a Saturday, and it’s because they like to open it to the employees female family members too. As a result, this crowd was a mix of all different ages, races, backgrounds and professions (related to the medical industry). They were a great crowd to kick off my ‘08 speaking tour with! A huge thanks to Alan Robinson for finding us, and Faith West Gorman and Megan Phillips for organizing it. (photos coming soon)
UFO Board Meeting
January 9, 2008 | Leave a CommentPosted by Erin Weed | Filed Under Erin Weed's Blog, Funny Stuff
Today I went to lunch with a friend, and when I came back to my office building I saw this sign. Seriously, I’m curious the demographic (or home planet) of those who plan on attending the meeting. <insert martian music here>
Meredith Emerson
January 7, 2008 | Leave a CommentPosted by Erin Weed | Filed Under Erin Weed's Blog, In the News, Violence
I was incredibly saddened to hear the body of missing Georgia hiker, Meredith Emerson, was found. I know these searches usually have a bad ending, but I always hope for good news anyway. What a gorgeous girl, lost to senseless violence. Imagine going for a hike on New Years Day, and it ending like this. She was probably making resolutions and planning for her future. Meredith is another reminder of how much we have to do to end violence against women in this country. I am wishing Meredith’s loved ones any peace or comfort possible during this very dark time.
Radio Show #6
January 6, 2008 | Leave a CommentPosted by Erin Weed | Filed Under Erin Weed's Blog
Today I interviewed two incredible women for my AM talk show, Women on Top Radio. First up was domestic violence prevention activist, Denise Brown. In the second half of the hour I spoke to the founder of CosmoGirl magazine and former Editor in Chief of Seventeen magazine, Atoosa Rubenstein. Click here to listen to the podcast.
Watch me fall
January 5, 2008 | Leave a CommentPosted by Erin Weed | Filed Under Erin Weed's Blog, Funny Stuff
For your viewing pleasure, watch me bite it at Copper Mountain this past weekend.
Write a book in 30 days
January 3, 2008 | Leave a CommentPosted by Erin Weed | Filed Under Erin Weed's Blog, ShopGFB.com
Many people have asked me over the years how I wrote my book. I always respond, “Writing a book is hard.” And it is, but too many authors don’t fess up, droning on and on about how it’s “cathartic.” Bullshit. It’s tons of research, time, interviews, editing, copyediting, design, printing and then you have to figure out how to get it to the masses. Writing my first book, Girls Fight Back: The College Girl’s Guide to Protecting Herself took about 2.5 years to complete. Of course, there were some debacles involved there, including a big publishing deal gone awry and my book agent who then sent her attorney after me. (I joke you not…2004 was a hellishly good time, and legal drama abounded!) It kinda made me hate the entire publishing industry, but I quickly realized the film, music and other creative industries are exactly the same way. Big powerful fish taking advantage of little creative fish. It’s sad. So I formed a publishing company called Boulder Press, and never looked back. Someday, I might write a whole book about my experience in writing my first book. It would likely include several angry cartoons and f-bombs, but would also have a happy ending since my first book is still doing incredibly well.
Alas, it has come time to begin book #2 that I’ve been threatening to create for about a year now. It’s called Teens Fight Back, and it’s just for my girls in junior high and high school. This time, I want to do it a lot smarter, more organized and in less time. And for some twisted reason, my vastly self-competitive brain thought it would be fun to dare myself and set a goal date. A scarily close date would be extra fear-inducing. Hey, how about 30 days? Now that’s terrifying. OK, let’s do it! (That’s how my brain thinks. Very odd.)
So there you have it, I will begin writing my book starting on Monday. Thirty working days from then is February 15th, so hold me to it! I’ll take the weekends off for hitting the slopes and doing the radio show, but have no fear, I’ll keep you updated on my progress via this blog. Game on.
Happy New Year
January 1, 2008 | Leave a CommentPosted by Erin Weed | Filed Under Erin Weed's Blog, Just Life
Happy New Year! Hope you, my loyal blog reader, had a lovely holiday. I always like calling mini-vacations “holiday” because it makes me feel British. Kinda like when I call my purse a “satchel.” Anyway, Christmas and New Years this year were awesome. I spent most of xmas week back in Chicago, visiting with family. I also got a chance to hang out with Cindy and Bobby McNamara (pictured at left) Shannon’s mom and brother. Spending time with them is always a bittersweet reminder of why I have chosen this life path…because of the loss of their angel. Being in their presence reminds me how far we have come, but how much more there is to do to empower women.
Also during my visit, I had the chance to meet up with old friends from high school. An extra special reunion was had with my friend Nadia Geller, who you may know from TLC’s While You Were Out or Trading Spaces. She was just on my radio show last week, and watch out…because she’s a shooting star. I enjoyed my time with her before she gets too famous to be seen with me.
Upon returning to Colorado, the holiday sickness finally found me. Every year I get nastily ill once my body realizes I don’t have to be speaking or traveling. It’s almost like it saves up germs for when I don’t have to be anywhere, which is actually quite respectful of my busy schedule. Thanks a lot, you kooky body! So I camped out for a few days on the couch catching up on some reading. I was recovered by New Year’s Eve, which was a total blast. Myself, hubby Peter and good friend Amy Butler (pictured at left, along with my 10 chins) did the low-key thing, since I’ve never been a big fan of crowded bars and overpriced shindigs. It just so happens that we moved to a pretty wild suburban neighborhood. Seriously, these people have kids and jobs and hectic lives…but man do they PAR-TAY! So we kept it local and rocked in the new year suburbanite style.
Today, I find myself on the couch once more…but for very different reasons. Champagne is my nemesis. So I coped with my hangover by whipping out some serious Martha Stewart moves and made dounts from scratch by frying them in oil and rolling them in cinnamon and sugar. Totally in line with my “eating healthy” resolution. NOT. But who cares? As you can see pictured, they were a huge hit. Game on for 2008!