@JoelECarlson – Hello, and welcome to the “Late-Night” Twitterview with @priorfatgirl. Lets get cooking…in a healthy way! :)

Q – #1    So @priorfatgirl, where did you grow up? Where did you attend HS & what did you do after HS?

A: Grew up in MPLS. High school = Champlin Park. After HS I did the college thing and ATE!

Typical post-high school routine. Worked FT & college nights which led to a lot of eating out, little workout out

Q – #2    I see. Did you have certain foods that were a weakness, or just anything & everything?

A: I didn’t have much for cooking skills so it was either from a restaurant or out of a box (just add water)

Q – #3    So when did you get that “it’s time for a change” feeling inside yourself?

A: a few yrs back, I was invited to a weight loss surgery seminar. Although I didn’t do the surgery, I was a candidate.

That was hard. It was an eye opener. I never realized how big I was. I thought I hid it well.

I left the seminar and joined a gym. Weight loss surgery was an option but one I opted not to take.

Q – #4    So how did you start losing all of the weight that you did, and when did you start blogging about it?

A: I started working out at the gym, 5-6 days/wk. In beginning it was slow on treadmill. Eventually I found the elliptical

I didn’t lose as much weight as I anticipated right away so a friend suggested I keep a food journal. That helped A LOT

I started blogging months after journey started when I realized I needed an outlet. A place to vent w/ ppl who got IT

Blogging quickly became my therapy. A place to whine and cry about how unfair it was that I seemed to struggle so much

As well as a place to share exciting things (non-scale victories or weight loss goals) & have people cheer w/ me

Q – #5    So how much weight did you lose in total? How have you been able to help others with the same goal? Any events?

A: I’ve lost 90lbs total and have maintained for 1.5 years now. I’ve tried to help others fight through the emotional side

Losing weight isn’t just about eating the right foods and doing the 5 exercises to get a flat tummy.

Being healthy is about fighting through the emotional drama that prevents you from eating healthy foods & hitting gym

I’ve had a couple of get-togethers w/ speakers to share on topics I find of interest too. Dietitians and such.

Q – #6    Is it still an emotional battle, in addition to a portions battle, to keep the weight off?

A: it’s emotional battle to control portions, not in addition to.Every meal,it is conscious thought on portion, even still

Q – #7    Lets shift a bit. Your FAVORITES: Restaurant, store, winter activity, comfort food & recent book?

A: Favorites… Restaurant: Subway. Store: All cuz I can shop anywhere now! Winter activity? I’m an indoors kinda gal!

Other favorites? fluffy dogs, cashews & eggs (but not together).

Q – #8    Fluffy dogs?? Your story is great Jen! To end, what mantra or motivation can you share to help others win the fight!

A: Forever and ever: One breath at a time, one step at a time. One bite, one decision.

@JoelECarlson – Thanks @priorfatgirl for your inspiration, time and comments. Keep up the good work and good spirit!

@PriorFatGirl – Thanks for twitterviewing me & sharing my story!

@JoelECarlson – Good morning everyone! Welcome to the Twitterview of @myklroventine. Lets get started!

@myklroventine - I’m ready. Good morning!

Q – #1    So @myklroventine, where did you grow up? What HS did you attend and what did you do after HS for school/training?

A: I was raised in Rhode Island by New Yorkers. Attended HS in Providence at LaSalle Academy.

My HS had a connection with St. Mary’s U in Winona, MN. That’s how I wound up out here. Been in MN ever since.

Q – #2    What did you major in at the U? What was your 1st job out of college? What led you to what you do know?

A: I did a lot of theater in HS and that carried on to my college years. Started majoring in art transitioned to theater

Theater shaped the next decade or so for me. Did different bits of arts mangement in TC theaters.

Marketing, fundraising, outreach, etc. All the while doing freelance graphic design. Went back to school for web design

in 2000 (Globe College) and have been doing that ever since.

Q – #3    So lots of “drama” in your early years? :) Do you do freelance work or have you primarily worked as an employee?

A: Yeah, soooo different from my life now ;) I’ve always done both. It’s been a nice way to add some variety

Q – #4    I see. You are a busy man! So when did you first connect with @RickMahn and start working on @SMBMSP?

A: You could say that. I’m lucky to be able to do so much of what I love. I first met Rick around the 3rd breakfast or so.

That was about 2 years ago. I was so happy to find the group that I started volunteering right away.

We formalized the arrangement to co-coordinator about a year and half ago.

Q – #5    In addition to your work & @smbmsp, do you have any other interests or side-hobbies that you enjoy doing?

A: Absolutely. I’m involved in coordinating a number of other local groups – @unsummit, @techkaraokempls and @ignitempls.

I’m a board member for @cheerfulgivers try to do as much nonprofit work as I can. My kids take up the rest of my time.

Although I also love photography and reading and try to squeeze them in where I can.

Q – #6    So in your spare time you sleep & eat? :) What drives you to be involved in these groups? How have you benefited?

A: Sleep? There’s something I don’t do much of. That’s what coffee is for isn’t it? I’m driven by my passion for community

I believe we’re living at the dawn of something truly significant and that online (& IRL) communites are going to

reshape the future. Not just through socializing, but change the way we learn, grow and relate to each other.

I also have this desire to leave the world (and the web) a little better than the way i found it.

That’s probably the closest I have to a life philosophy.

Q – #7    Nice! Now for the FAVORITES: Restaurant, store, winter activity, Twin Cities neighborhood, comfort food & recent book.

A: I’m a St Paul fan, so most of my faves are on this side of the river. Restaurant: Pazzaluna. Store: Ax-Man Surplus

Wnter activity: mostly staying indoors in denial. Neighborhood: tie btwn Lowertown & Grand Ave. Comfort food: Chinese

Recent book: Pirate Latitudes by Michael Crichton

I should have said War and Peace or something more substantial.

Q – #8    What’s either a personal or professional goal that you have made for yourself to accomplish in the next year or so?

A: I’m trying to work smarter. I have a bunch of new projects/ventures I’d like to launch but I need to maintain

the current stuff as well. I think the key lies in better time management and knowing my limits. Fingers crossed.

Q – #9    The Twin Cities gets a good deal of pub about Advertising. What needs to happen to get more pub about Web/SM/Dev?

A: Great question! There is so much talent and passion in town in these areas, I think it’s just a matter of time before

it becomes something we’re better known for. It’s starting to change. The numbers are getting out.

@JoelECarlson – To close, thank you so much @myklroventine for your time, your comments and the work that you do. Keep rocking!

@myklroventine – It’s been a pleasure, Joel. Thank you for your work highlighting the folks in our amazing local community.

For awhile I’ve been contemplating the idea of starting my own business that helps people and businesses to learn, understand and use social media. Can I really do this though? Should I take the leap? After some great advice and encouragement from some of my close social media connections, I’ve decided to take the plunge in the consulting pool.

Now my next step was to figure out, what to call my social media consulting company. Facebook and Twitter were already taken, so I had to think of something else. I really enjoy communicating with people, so how about something with the word social in the name. Social Joel didn’t role off the tongue well when I tried to say it, and I wanted the name to be both easy to say and easy to remember, so I had to figure out another name. Maybe something that describes what I’m trying to do. So after a good amount of time thinking about it and figuring out what could work, the name Sociability was born.

I have a name now! What do I do next? How about a business card?  Around the time that I had gotten to this point, I saw a deal being offered by a company run by @PrinterPete who does all sorts of printing, and so we talked. We discussed what needed to be done, did some tweaking, and this is the final result:

So I have a company, I have a company name and I have a business card. That then marks today, as the official launch date of my new company, Sociability. The Twitter handle for my new company is @SociabilityMN.  I’m very excited about moving forward with this plan and what it will mean for me.  A very big THANK YOU to everyone who has helped me and encouraged me through this whole process. I really do appreciate it!

Onward and upward!

@JoelECarlson – Welcome everyone to today’s Twitterview with @ChikageWindler. It’s snowing in MN, but she has some time for us!

@ChikageWindler – Thanks Joel – let’s get this Twitterview underway!

Q – #1    Since our 1st Twitterview together (7/14), you’ve been able to do national weathercasts on @GMA. How many times?

A: I’ve been on GMA/World News about a dozen times. Usually weekends/most recent for Sam C. Dec 26-29 incl. NYC blizzard!

Q – #2    You get the “fun” assignments! :) How is a national forecast compiled as opposed to local ones like at @kstp?

A: Local @kstp I do everything: forecast/make graphics/hair/makeup/etc. Nat’l @GMA I get help from a great team!

@GMA I work one of several talented off-air meteorologists who brief me on all nat’l weather of importance.

Q – #3    I see. Is the accuracy w/a national forecast tricky too since the area being researched is so much bigger?

A: It’s crucial to have someone behind the scenes @GMA b/c so much is going on at once! Esp. w/ big storms.

@GMA I usually go over all the forecast elements while sitting in hair/makeup. And did I mention they are fantastic?

Q – #4    In addition to your @GMA appearances. How have you grown in your meteorology knowledge?

A: Doing nat’l weather on @GMA you realize everything is relative. 1″ snow MN – no big deal. 1″ snow Georgia – major!

Think it’s a big plus that I’ve worked in a lot of places to know snow/severe/tropical/hot/cold/nor’easters/etc.

Q – #5    @ChikageWindler Can a meteorologist gain additional certification?

A: I recently got my CBM (Certified Broadcast Meteorologist) designation from the AMS. Passed exam 1st time! Studied alot

Q – #6    Congrats! As someone still relatively new to the Twin Cities, what are some new things that you’ve seen or done?

A: Love the Twin Cities! St. Paul Winter Carnival (ice sculptures/snow carving) & Holidazzle Parade Mpls my winter faves

In the summer – never a dull moment: Como Zoo, parades, festivals. My daughter is so spoiled with fun!! MOA great too

Q – #7    As a mom, any new (or new to you) kid-friendly restaurants or play areas that you’ve found that you’d recommend?

A: Kid heavens: Indoor playgrounds @ Maple Grove, Shoreview, New Brighton, Edina, Chaska, Ham Lake to name a few

Kid-friendly eats: nat’l chains (my daughter loves Chili’s) but we also like 3 Squares, Edina Grill, Crave, Punch

Q – #8    Good suggestions! @ChikageWindler when can we see you on @kstp? What’s your regular schedule?

A: My schedule is crazy. Midday/4:30 pm Thur, Fri pm’s, plus wkends. I sometimes sleep @ work (storms/short turnarounds)

For the first 3 years working at @kstp I had the BEST schedule M-F 4/5pm shows. Staff reduction/budge cuts changed that

I love weather so much, that I roll with the punches & have a blast no matter the hours. Sad, but true (weather geek)

Q – #9    I bet! With the snow fall that we’ve received thus far in MN, will flooding be a big issue this Spring?

A: Spring flooding will absolutely be a huge story for MN again (saturated soil/fall rains/winter snow) Be ready!

Q – #10    To end, can you give us a “Twitterview Forecast” for tomorrow & Saturday?

A: Today’s snow tapers. Tomorrow could get another 1-3″ (Most Northeast)…then Cold & Blustery Saturday! Watch @KSTP for more.

I should say the forecast is all about more snow and more cold! A real Minnesota winter underway!!

@JoelECarlson – Thanks so much @ChikageWindler for your time and comments. It’s been a pleasure getting to know you. Keep up the good work!

@ChikageWindler – Thanks for the tweet-athon Joel! Always fun chatting with you (also like when you send me weather reports/pics!)

@JoelECarlson – Hello everyone, and welcome to the @andy_giefer Twitterview today. Lets get rolling!

@Andy_Giefer – Thanks Joel, excited to participate!

Q – #1    So @andy_giefer, tell us about where you grew up and what you did out of High School.

A: Grew up in W St Paul, graduated from U of M’s @UMN_SJMC program, worked at integrated comm agency in Mpls

Also managed to sneak 4 months abroad in Europe b/t school and work.

Q – #2    So what do you do now, and who do you work for?

A: Social media specialist @anytimefitness w/ SEO in the mix. On the corporate level and consultant to franchise owners

Q – #3    What are some of the challenges in using social media in the fitness world?

A: Credible info is vital – people rely on you to help improve themselves. Also, giving encouragement w/o sounding trite

Q – #4    I see. What kinds of fitness/workout activities do you do or are you involved with personally?

A: I love to run. Some yoga, some strength training, and recently I’ve taken up XC skiing. Been a great winter for that!

Q – #5    Maybe TOO good! :) @andy_giefer A #jectv follower question for you – How do you train during the winter without being stuck inside?

A: I’m of the belief that live in MN, you have to embrace winter. I run outdoors year-round – no problem if u dress 4 it.

Q – #6    FAVORITES Question: Restaurant, store, neighborhood to run, winter activity and pro athlete.

A: Restaurant: Butter Cafe in the day, Eli’s at night. I like cozy, friendly places w/ great food

Pro athlete: right now I’d say K-Love. But I’m a sucker for the Twins

Store: REI, Neighborhood to run: the MPLS lakes of course! Winter activity: quickly becoming xc skiing.

Props to 2 great local stores: Midwest Mountaineering & Marathon Sports

Q – #7    Do you have any personal or professional goals that your hoping to achieve in the next year or two?

A: One personal goal is to shake the rust off my Spanish – amazing how much you lose in few short years

Professional: take our mobile/local social media efforts to the next level. And to get out and meet more tweeps IRL!

@JoelECarlson - Excellent! Thanks @andy_giefer for your time and comments today. All the best with your work and goals!

@andy_giefer – Thanks @JoelECarlson – pleasure’s all mine!