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As I fall on my back on a hard slab of ice outside my apartment building, I can't help but realize that winter is also back- thus commemorating my one year anniversary of living in Chicago.
With my shiny new (and very expensive) graduate degree tucked safely into my ego, I feel ready to conquer the world in 2011.
This is a foolish mindset, considering I am trying to find work during the worst economic recession in history. The only thing invincible is my monthly loan payment, for which I have six months to fake my own death and create a new identity.
You'd think, being educated and all-I'd be smarter.
Still, I believe that there are opportunities in store for next year-to make life easier, happier and more promising-not just for me, but for all mankind.
1. No more fumbling at the airport:
As an avid traveler and an even more avid loser of things, I was tickled pink to discover my smart phone can now download boarding passes, eliminating the hassle of printing them out and losing them in the bathroom. British Airways is the first airline to treat its members to this exclusive service, but hopefully, it won't be the last.
2. It's cool to be kind:
According to trendwatching.com, it appears generosity will be making a very rare appearance on the consumer trend list for 2011.
These random acts of kindness, courtesy of our favorite companies, may be nothing more than a marketing scheme, but who doesn't love presents?
"Consumers' cravings for realness, for the human touch, ensure that everything from brands randomly picking up the tab to sending a surprise gift will be one of the most effective ways to connect with (potential) customers in 2011 - especially beleaguered consumers in North America, Europe and Japan."
Some are attributing these random acts to the wildfire power of social media. With 500 of your closest friend at your fingertips- literally- companies (and their good deeds) can reach a significant number of people through simple word of mouth.
Already, a UK flower delivery service called Interflora has bloomed with this idea, by developing a campaign where sad Twitter users are cheered up with a surprise bouquet of flowers.
Dutch airline KLM has also utilized Foursquare in its 'How Happiness Spreads' campaign, where passengers receive unexpected, but personally tailored gifts at the airport.
3. How do you like them (genetically modified) apples?
Nothing looks as fresh and delicious as a Red Delicious-and nothing looks as unappetizing when it's cut and oxidized brown. Until now. Much like the stain-removing power of Tide, Canadian fruit company, Okanagan, has found a way to preserve the whiteness of apples, even when they've been left out.
Thanks to genetic modifying- my favorite scary science term- Americans may soon get to enjoy forever fresh-looking Fujis and Granny Smiths, to name a few.
Why is this something to look forward to? Even if you don't like them apples, the science of it all is amazing. Pretty much everything we eat is already genetically modified to a degree- corn, tomatoes, bananas, rice... to name a few. It's exciting to think what's going to come next.
4. Office work no more:
Even though the job market still looks bleak for most, U.S. News and World Report predicts that some of 2011's best careers inspire creativity outside of the office. This is good news for me as someone who truly despises cubicle culture.
For burgeoning journalists, some highlights include: film and video editor, public relations specialist, technical writer and err... a heating, air conditioning and refrigeration technician. (Because you're refrigerator really is running.)
5. Good old fashion amazing stories:
As much as I like to translate my verbal diarrhea to the written page, I love reading good writing. Which is why in 2010, I regret not reading anything other than thesuperficial.com or theoatmeal.com (both classics) as school really cut into my free time.
But next year, I look forward to devoting myself to good stories that make me ponder, cry or laugh-like a good episode of Saved By The Bell. And after reading this Chicago Tribune story about newlyweds struck by cancer, I am reminded of just how impacting storytelling can be and why I want to spend my life writing in 2011- with or without compensation- though ideally the former.
To the new year and living with no regrets!
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