GOLincolnGO

Two Years and Counting!

In honor of my anniversary at Updowntowners, I’m taking a moment to think back over the last two years.

It was quite a switch coming from a job where I photoshopped turtle poo out of hundreds and hundreds of photographs to a place where it takes me at least five pages to describe what it is I do. However, the two do have their similarities. Finding a month-old McDonald’s Fruit ‘n Yogurt parfait in a National Geographic photographer’s backseat (still looking edible, might I add) is somewhat equivalent to stumbling upon a mildewed Parade mascot head. Both were unpleasant experiences that I still have nightmares about.

=

Fortunately, these lovely discoveries are few and far between and most of my time here thus far has been thoroughly enjoyable. I’ve also learned a whole lot. They call that being wiser by the years.

1.)    We’ll start with obvious. I’ve learned just how much time, energy, money and know-how goes into planning a large event like a festival or parade. I think I used to believe there was parade fairy that visited various cities throughout the year and planned them in 3 days flat. I was sorely mistaken. However, if you spot this fairy anywhere, please send her my way. I’d like a word with her.

2.)    Updowntowners has really allowed me to get my feet wet with marketing, design, social media and web management. I don’t claim to be a master at any one of these, but check back tomorrow. I will say that my knowledge has increased exponentially and I hope it continues to do so. I’ve gone from using Publisher (the design equivalent of Paint or Notepad) to becoming proficient in some pretty swanky design programs.

3.)    I’ve finally learned not to feel guilty for being on facebook at work. Since social media has become a large part of my day-to-day tasks, I’m almost never free from it. Sometimes though, you just have to shut everything down, turn off your email and focus. Most of the time though, I really enjoy social media and the way it allows organizations (such as Updowntowners) the ability to relate with our members, be authentic and give them a glimpse into what’s going on at the office. Let’s not go overboard – I’m not going to share what I’m eating for lunch (unless it’s especially delicious),

but sharing the inner working of Updowntowners provides people with the big picture AND the little picture, which is always a good thing.

4.)    I have learned (through many tears, tantrums and fights) to wrangle the office copier. Since my February 19^th post, I have beaten the dang thing into submission. The copier is now mine. I’m 99% sure I see it shake every time I walk by. Tri-fold, double-sided, shiny paper, 11”x17”, you name it – I can do it.

5.)    I’ve learned SO much about the community I live in. I’ve lived in Lincoln almost 25 years and have had no idea how much is out there! Until Updowntowners, I never would have known what TMCO did, how Marcus Theatres operated, how many downtown living spaces there were, or been inside the State Penitentiary (for a membership luncheon, ahem). Excuse the cheesiness factor for a moment and indulge me. Updowntowners has really opened my eyes to the opportunities, businesses and most importantly, the amazing people in our fine city.

I could go on and on, but I’ll spare you for now. Thanks to everyone who has made the past two years a joy, to those of you who have patiently taught me the ropes and to those of you who have treated me to numerous adult beverages after committee meetings. You make me smile.

Your (slightly-seasoned) Events Coordinator,

Frances

P.S. Despite the turtle poo, I really enjoyed working for one of Lincoln’s most talented photographers, Joel Sartore. He’s been working on a really great project documenting some of our world’s most endangered creatures. Check out a cool video version of his new book here. It’s sobering.