An Open Letter: 2012 Think Pink Ladies Basketball Classic

January 27, 2012

In my new position of managing the digital and social media efforts for a group of auto dealerships, I feel very fortunate that I have been able to take those aspects of Marketing that I find the most excitng and parlay them into a position that allows me to utilize my exprience and knowledge but to continue to learn - EVERY DAY.

As we have begun to ramp up our social media marketing efforts, I am finding that one of the thinkgs that I most enjoy is the opportunity to really get involved and represent our group in the community.

One such opportunity presented its self last week when we agreed to host a Think Pink Ladies Basketball Classic. The event, hosted by University High School in Orlando.brought over 21 ladies basketball teams together on the harwood to not only compete but to raise money for Breast Cancer Awareness and Research.

I have seen many fundraising events for Cancer start out with enthusiasm but that seem to wain within a few years time.

This is not the case with the Think Pink Classic. Originally conceived by the University High School Ladies Basketball Coach, Jason Barnard, the event is now in its fourth year and is growing exponentially every year. This year, over 1,200 were in attendance to support, not only their teams but to join the Fight for the Cure.

As someone who was diagnosed nearly three years ago, this was an event that was very near and dear to me personally. And I was extremely honored to be able to be involved.

I would like to thank all those that worked so hard to make the Think Pink Classic such an outstanding event.

Most of all, we all had the rare opportunity to come out and watch some of Florida’s most exceptonal athletes play.

Perhaps the most thrilling event of the weekend was having the priviledge of watching University High School Lady Cougar, January Miller, not only reach the 2,000 point mark in her career.

Again, it was an absolute honor to take part in the event and to witness such a wonderful display of sportsmanship by all the teams involved!

Thank you all for your overwhelming support and dedication to this event and cause.

With Sincerest Regards,

Stefani L. Ceballos | The Greenway Girl

AND SO IT BEGINS - Day One, Post Accident Having committed to writing a blog, there are days that news is flying so fast and furious that all you can do is re tweet with a little blurb, or post someone else’s article with an inspired little gem by you as an intro. And then there are days like today, where life just steps in and hits you with it….no, I mean I literally GOT HIT. I was driving home from work last night. Because of the holidays, traffic had been very light, almost enjoyable, a few days before. But not anymore So as I am on my way home, the traffic begins to start backing up very quickly. So cars start darting in and out of lanes and let’s not forget that the majority of these people have been on vacation for the last tow weeks or so. Anyway, a truck shoots into my lane ahead of me and I had to slam on my brakes to avoid hitting him! WHEW! Right!?!?! NOPE!!! Oh, I made the stop but the young lady behind me wasn’t able to stop as quick. It took that Florida Highway Patrol, what seemed like an eternity to get there in the mean time, after making sure that we were safely out of traffic, we began to exchange information - Name, Address, Telephone Number, Insurance Card Information, VIN number of the car, and License Plate Numbers and were able to capture a few pictures at the accident scene.Fortunately, there were no serious injuries, just a few bruises. But our cars didn’t fare as well. She was in a small Kia Sportage, which, as she was trying to brake, took a nosedive and the hood ended up completely under the back bumper of my Mitsubishi Endeavor. At the scene, the damage to my car appeared to be just scrapes to the back bumper. However, once I got back on the road, I quickly realized from the loud, horrible sounds and the smell of exhaust that there was something that needed to be looked at. Normally, this is where I would let my husband take over but The Greenway Girl doesn’t roll like that. So, over the next few (hopefully, few) days I’ll be bringing you updates - the good, the bad and the ugly - as I venture, for the first time, into the wonderful world of auto repairs.I’d love to hear any questions, feedback or words of wisdom that you have. Don’t leave your Girl out here all alone!Stay Tuned and Wish Me Luck!!!
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AND SO IT BEGINS - Day One, Post Accident 

Having committed to writing a blog, there are days that news is flying so fast and furious that all you can do is re tweet with a little blurb, or post someone else’s article with an inspired little gem by you as an intro. And then there are days like today, where life just steps in and hits you with it….no, I mean I literally GOT HIT. 

I was driving home from work last night. Because of the holidays, traffic had been very light, almost enjoyable, a few days before. But not anymore So as I am on my way home, the traffic begins to start backing up very quickly. So cars start darting in and out of lanes and let’s not forget that the majority of these people have been on vacation for the last tow weeks or so. 

Anyway, a truck shoots into my lane ahead of me and I had to slam on my brakes to avoid hitting him! WHEW! Right!?!?! NOPE!!! 

Oh, I made the stop but the young lady behind me wasn’t able to stop as quick. It took that Florida Highway Patrol, what seemed like an eternity to get there in the mean time, after making sure that we were safely out of traffic, we began to exchange information - Name, Address, Telephone Number, Insurance Card Information, VIN number of the car, and License Plate Numbers and were able to capture a few pictures at the accident scene.

Fortunately, there were no serious injuries, just a few bruises. But our cars didn’t fare as well. She was in a small Kia Sportage, which, as she was trying to brake, took a nosedive and the hood ended up completely under the back bumper of my Mitsubishi Endeavor. 

At the scene, the damage to my car appeared to be just scrapes to the back bumper. However, once I got back on the road, I quickly realized from the loud, horrible sounds and the smell of exhaust that there was something that needed to be looked at. 

Normally, this is where I would let my husband take over but The Greenway Girl doesn’t roll like that. So, over the next few (hopefully, few) days I’ll be bringing you updates - the good, the bad and the ugly - as I venture, for the first time, into the wonderful world of auto repairs.

I’d love to hear any questions, feedback or words of wisdom that you have. Don’t leave your Girl out here all alone!

Stay Tuned and Wish Me Luck!!!

WHAT CAR ARE YOU? Statistics show that women influence 85% of car purchases…”influence” being the operative word in that sentence. A show of hands of those of us who have actually ever bought a car…without your parent, spouse, significant other or just some really intimidating-looking friend that you begged to come with you to the dealership? It’s pretty much a given that as the intelligent creatures that we women are, we will do our research first. So where to begin? How do I narrow down all the choices? Well, for the average gal like me, price is going to narrow that vast selection of choices down - but QUICK! And then what? Do I want a coupe, sedan or SUV? What is important to me - sportiness, luxury, technology? What is the fuel efficiency?? Safety rating??? Here’s a pretty nifty little tool from Edmunds.com that can help find the car that fits you best. Funny thing is…it picked the car for me that I already own and LOVE! Let me know what you think!
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WHAT CAR ARE YOU?

Statistics show that women influence 85% of car purchases…”influence” being the operative word in that sentence. A show of hands of those of us who have actually ever bought a car…without your parent, spouse, significant other or just some really intimidating-looking friend that you begged to come with you to the dealership?

It’s pretty much a given that as the intelligent creatures that we women are, we will do our research first. So where to begin? How do I narrow down all the choices? Well, for the average gal like me, price is going to narrow that vast selection of choices down - but QUICK! And then what? Do I want a coupe, sedan or SUV? What is important to me - sportiness, luxury, technology? What is the fuel efficiency?? Safety rating???

Here’s a pretty nifty little tool from Edmunds.com that can help find the car that fits you best.

Funny thing is…it picked the car for me that I already own and LOVE!

Let me know what you think!

Source: edmunds.com

Over the River and Through The Woods…will your car make it there? Before you hit the road for the holidays, follow these simple tips to get your vehicle in tiptop shape before setting out: to keep your car and family safe.Tires – ·         Pressure - Check to make sure your tires-including the spare-are properly inflated and have been recently rotated. Look for the recommended tire pressure on the placard on your vehicle’s door.                                                                    ·         Tread - Look for worn-down tread. Place a penny in the tread and if you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, the tread is likely too low. Also check to make sure your tires-including the spare-are properly inflated and have been recently rotated. Windshield Wipers - Check the windshield wipers. If they’re worn, change them. Lights - Take a walk around the car with the lights on. Replace any burnt-out bulbs. Oil - Check the oil and oil filter and change them if necessary. Air Filter - Check and replace the air filter and cabin filter if your car is equipped with one. Emergency Kit - Pack an emergency kit with items that can help you in case you’re stranded. A recently released survey found drivers often overlook this important step. In fact, only one in four carries flares or food and water. Test Your Battery - If your battery is 4 years old or older, you are living on borrowed time. Bring it in to a trusted automotive service and retail provider for a battery starting and charging diagnostic test. Brakes - Do the brakes squeak or does the brake pedal feel “soft”? Have your brakes inspected, including all brake linings, hardware and hydraulics, if the last inspection occurred more than 24,000 miles or 12 months ago.
Pop-upView Separately

Over the River and Through The Woods…will your car make it there?

Before you hit the road for the holidays, follow these simple tips to get your vehicle in tiptop shape before setting out: to keep your car and family safe.

Tires –

·         Pressure - Check to make sure your tires-including the spare-are properly inflated and have been recently rotated. Look for the recommended tire pressure on the placard on your vehicle’s door.                                                                    ·         Tread - Look for worn-down tread. Place a penny in the tread and if you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, the tread is likely too low. Also check to make sure your tires-including the spare-are properly inflated and have been recently rotated.


Windshield Wipers - Check the windshield wipers. If they’re worn, change them.

Lights - Take a walk around the car with the lights on. Replace any burnt-out bulbs.

Oil - Check the oil and oil filter and change them if necessary.

Air Filter - Check and replace the air filter and cabin filter if your car is equipped with one.

Emergency Kit - Pack an emergency kit with items that can help you in case you’re stranded. A recently released survey found drivers often overlook this important step. In fact, only one in four carries flares or food and water.


Test Your Battery - If your battery is 4 years old or older, you are living on borrowed time. Bring it in to a trusted automotive service and retail provider for a battery starting and charging diagnostic test.

Brakes - Do the brakes squeak or does the brake pedal feel “soft”? Have your brakes inspected, including all brake linings, hardware and hydraulics, if the last inspection occurred more than 24,000 miles or 12 months ago.