When I was a kid one of my chores was to clean the floors. I hated vacuuming, sweeping and moping. I mean, I really hated it. The only thing I disliked more was mowing the lawn. Since I moved away from home I’ve procrastinated on this duty and and put it off till there was no more putting off.

About two years ago I saw my first Roomba and I have had it on my wish list ever since. So when I saw this iRobot Roomba 550 on sale at Costco, I knew it was time. Even more, my schedule has been the busiest it’s ever been and even if I wanted to clean the floors (which I don’t) I don’t have the time. So, Roomba to the rescue. I don’t have to do anything, but make sure it’s charged, there are no loose things that could get caught in it on the floor and I press a button. Roomba roams around and finds dirt and cleans it. It’s so wonderful. It really is. I’ve had it for just a week and so far, my floors are the cleanest they’ve ever been. I’ve heard some complaints about Roomba not picking up dust on hardwood, but I haven’t experienced that problem at all.

I hope you enjoy the unboxing video. Of course I had to score it with some Bhangra music and if you made it all the way to the end of the video, you’ll have seen a little bhangra dancing by my new iRobot!

Cast of #glee at comic con! #ccsd on 12seconds.tv

I went to my first Comic-Con this year and it was nothing short of amazing. If Comic-Con happened more often in San Diego, I would love it here. In fact, I vote for there to be mini Comic-Cons here every month. For anyone who hasn’t heard of the biggest show in San Diego, it is the mother of all comic conventions that has exploded beyond comics to all things pop culture. Super-fans show up in costume of the comic, movie or sci-fi character that they adore. You’ll see some of that in my slideshow. You’ll also see pictures of many friends. Lots of people were in town which is probably why I loved this weekend so much. It was great to meet several tweeters in real life for the first time and also see friends from out of town.

My Comic-Con started on Friday night with the Tweethouse party on the USS Midway Museum. Spending the evening on a giant aircraft carrier, with DJ, fireworks and more is a great way to kick off the weekend. Saturday I was able to attend a panel called Celebrate the Web thanks to my friend Rob Gokee. Rob and I have been friends on Twitter for ages but this was the first time we met in real life. Rob has written a book called In the Belly of the Fail Whale: How Twitter Changed My Life in One Year. (I love that title)

Sunday was my only day at the convention center to see the real show and I was lucky to be right next to the area where the cast of Glee came through to sign autographs! Yes, I’m a fangirl of the show and although the area was totally crowded, I got a few pictures of some of the cast. The Sony booth was next door so of course spent some time there. If you see the photos of me posing in front of the green screen I was getting a 3D Resident Evil photo made of me next to Milla Jovovich with our guns drawn.

By the way the photographs in my Flickr album were taken with the Sony NEX-3. I borrowed it for a few days and am having a blast with it. If you want to know more about the camera check out the YouTube video I did with the product team.

Is there any place on this planet that helps you feel grounded? Helps you remember what is important… helps you feel grateful for what you have and where you are in your life? One of those places for me is India. After a month of wrangling a new passport and visa, I am officially going on an international adventure! I’m going back to India for a very short trip. It’s all come together so quickly, and within a few days, I’ll be on a plane.

This video is from the last time I was in India in 2008, a trip I took with my dear friend Liz. This was before I started blogging and the first time I really picked up a camera to start capturing stories myself.

We traveled to the far western city of Jaisalmer, a remote desert city close to the India – Pakistan border known for a huge fort where, within the walls, a functioning town still exists.

From the beginning, this trip was an adventure starting with a 19 hour train trip that had no food, no real stops, and we had 3rd class tickets. (I’ll save this story for another time). In any case this video is on was of one of  the incredible moments we had on this trip. The gentleman playing the music wandered over to us and just started playing. There are a lot of street musicians in India, just trying to make a few dollars… it’s kind of amazing to know that is how they get by. At the end of the video he explains that the instrument is an “algoza” and it is very popular in Rajisthan. It has both male and female sounds, which explains why it’s two flutes in one instrument.

I hope you enjoy the video. I can’t believe I’m just editing it now after having it on my drive for 2 years! Yes I’ll be taking a camera with me again and look forward to showing you India 2010.

How do you do it? How do you do all the things you need to do in a day? How do you work your heart out and then still have time for yourself? Do you have balance in your life? If so, I want to know your secret. How do you do it!? I posted this question on Facebook a couple weeks ago. It’s been on my mind. There were some good bits of advice but as you can probably tell.. I’m still a little lost.

I can’t get over the shock that I haven’t posted anything to this blog in nearly 2 months. Where have I been? We’ll, the honest to God truth is… I’ve been working at Sony Electronics. It’s not an excuse, I know.. but it is a fact. As blogging and social media have become my full time career, I’m finding myself online  most of my waking hours – but as any of you who are connected to me on Facebook or twitter may have noticed, I’m not in any of those places as much as I use to be and I’m certainly not posting on my own blog here.

I have found great wisdom from friends here so I’m going to try something unusual today. A typical blog post from me is about sharing something I’ve seen or learned, but today I was hoping you guys might share with me. I’d like to bring some balance back into my life.  Many of you have families and full time careers. You are deep into the world of social media but you’re able to maintain, life, work, love and in some cases more than one blog! How do you balance it all? What are some tips you can share with me especially for getting all the things demanded of you done? I have to tell you, I’m having the time of my life…I am having so much fun! But I know I can do better and I want to find time to be present here again. Any advice?

I’m pretty impressed with this year’s line of Handycams and wanted to make sure those of you who video blog or are interested in a video camera that is high quality know about this one. I did this video at the Photo Marketing Association show earlier this year and this years line of video cameras have since come to market. This year’s Handycams have s a wider angle lens than previous models,  the low light capability has improved since last year and the zoom response is amazing. Watch how quickly the camera comes into focus with all of my movements. I shot the video above with the DCR-SX83 which is also the camera featured in the video. I’d have to say $399 is a good price too. What do you think?

I’m a lifelong Californian and in all my years on this soil, I’ve never experienced an earthquake like what I felt today – not even in my years in San Francisco! I’m not exactly sure what the stats are on today’s quake, I’ve heard reports go between 7.2 to 3.6. All I know is that my building swayed for what seemed like minutes (it was only a few seconds), the glass doors were rattling and the table I was working on wouldn’t stop moving. My tip to get out of the building came when I heard things fall to the ground and my neighbors running down the hall to exit.

I of course, tweeted “earthquake?” the moment I felt it- before I realized that I could be in danger. Luckily I wasn’t, but I was scared. Not much freaks me out anymore. I like to think I’m an independent girl but days like today really make me miss my family, my parents and my friends.

This vlog post is inspired by that scared/sad/worried feeling and what happened right after as I checked back online to see what others had seen and felt. There were so many tweets and replies from friends who experienced the quake and others who wanted to make sure I was ok. @joyofzen was the first “wow, you felt it too? Are you in SD right now?” It’s funny how simply being reminded that I wasn’t really alone instantly lifted my spirits. My friend @solipsistic is a pretty tough guy, “That was a pretty kick ass earthquake. Not disaster movie strength but enough for me to way WTF!!!” Yes, WTF was pretty much my feeling too and his tweet proved to me that I wasn’t just being a baby.

Nothing makes the world feel small like instantly seeing well wishes come in from around the globe, @Lian_O checking in from the Netherlands, @Mikaelj from Sweeden, @starmike from the East Coast and @Dramagirl from Australia… friends who are sprinkled around the globe in touch even before a call from my Mom!

I know I’m a bit mopey in the vlog post above, but there were tweets from new San Diego friends that reminded me to smile. @ShadowCatSD tweeted me, “Welcome to San Diego! You have now been baptized. ” and then there was some banter with @blogworld, @coachdeb and @sugarjones, starting with this tweet from @blogworld,  “@sukhjit that was your welcome to San Diego: earthquake for you and @coachdeb 8)” and ending with this tweet from the sassy @sugarjones “@CoachDeb @sukhjit @blogworld Okay… who wants a beer? ”

As I mention in the vlog post above, I don’t post like I use to, for whatever reason, but tonight I couldn’t help but make note of this day and of the great people who helped me get through it.

I just wanted to send a quick video thank you to everyone who tweeted recommendations of places to find great Mexican food in San Diego and So Cal this weekend. My friend @RachaelJoyTV is visiting and we had two excellent meals thanks to friends on twitter steering us in the right direction.

Las Brisas in Laguna Beach
Beautiful location with an incredible view. We went there on Sunday night after getting lost on the way to my nieces water polo match!

I had a Mahi tostada salad, but its the guacamole, chips and salsa that are something to write home about. The guac was super fresh and a perfect balance of avocado, lime, salt and some kind of seasoning. Mmm. Thanks @efren and @thatsjuststeve for the pointer to Las Brisas.

When Rachael asked me where we could find great Mexican food here in San Diego, I was so embarrassed not to have an answer. After sending out a quick tweet we had several places to choose from:

We ended up at Cantina Mayahuel – a place with a name I can’t pronounce, but with 3 tacos for $5 and excellent margaritas with several kinds of tequila, I have a feeling I will be going there often, at least until I can figure out how to say Ma-ya-hu-el.

Here are the tacos. Apparently, Monday is taco night. We also had this unexpected surprise… chocolate cake with flan baked on top. Sounded really suspect to me, but I assure you, it was all goodness.

Thank you @WhitBenj for that recommendation. I know we haven’t met IRL yet, but after that dinner tip, I have no doubt that you and I need to hang out! Finally, I say it in the video, but it’s worth saying again.. thanks San Diego friends for stepping up when I call out for ya. You really know how to make a girl feel welcome and I appreciate that very much.. as does my belly!

We had a Valentine day VAIO and bag bundle in the Sony office for a few days before Valentine’s day and I wanted to do something with it before it had to be shipped out. This video is so simple and silly, but it got a great response. I also produced it with the most minimal staff and gear.

Basically, I pressed record and I put my arms in front of the camera, and there you have it! Ok, maybe it’s a little more complicated than that but it really was a barebones effort. For this shot, I used a tripod (if you watch any of my work you know I do a lot of handheld) because I knew I would do some kind of time lapse or transitions that would work better with a steady shot. I also knew I wouldn’t be talking, though if I wanted I could use voice over. The part of this production that is the coolest, I think.. is that I shot this video with a Cybershot camera in movie mode. That’s right, I used a still camera to record the video and then upload the clips to my computer to edit.

Besides the cheerful color of the VAIO and bag, the music really helps make this piece fun. I used royalty free music which I found from a site recommended by friends on twitter. Music is really important for setting mood and pacing of a video. The cuts on this video and the audio are very rough but it was a quick edit and the outcome is a really fun and quickly shared piece.  If you have any questions about the process or steps, please ask. I am still amazed at how easy it is to make something fun and share it. For those of you who are still new to video blogging, don’t let anything stop you.

Here are some simple DIY video blogger tips:

* Use a tripod.
* Try out different devices for recording video, see if your still camera has a video recording function.
* Look for music to help match the mood you’re trying to accomplish. See the royalty free music link above.
* Try editing, even simple cuts can help polish up your video.
* Just do it.

This is a very quickly put together list of sites recommended by friends on twitter where royalty free music to use in projects like my video blogs can be found. This is a work in progress, I will be formating this and adding more detials soon. I wanted to share in the meantime, because it’s a great resource. Thanks to friends who sent me a music site.

Premiumbeat
@sukhjit Hi Sukhjit For quality royalty free music try us at http://bit.ly/gfbny Tweet back if you need help!6:28 AM Feb 2nd from TweetDeck in reply to sukhjit
BjornLynne
@sukhjit Hi Sukhjit, you may want to trywww.Shockwave-Sound.com for good quality royalty-free music. Hope this helps.1:52 AM Feb 2nd from web in reply to sukhjit

chimala
@sukhjit I used music from Kevin MacLeod in my short http://bit.ly/g4Oy9. His RF music is herehttp://incompetech.com/m/c/royalty-free/.11:44 PM Feb 1st from web in reply to sukhjit

solobasssteve
@sukhjit For commercial or non-commercial usage? There’s loads of CC-licenced music out there 11:34 PM Feb 1st from Gravity in reply to sukhjit

rubenorozco
@sukhjit Try @Grooveshark Sukhjit…its Awesome!11:24 PM Feb 1st from Seesmic in reply to sukhjit
AccentMusicProd

@sukhjit Hi Sukhjit. Try Accent Music Productions – royalty-free music at http://bit.ly/6lEW4l Hope this helps!10:42 PM Feb 1st from TweetDeck in reply to sukhjit

shadowcatsd
@sukhjit istock.com also has audio/video…10:25 PM Feb 1st from TweetDeck in reply to sukhjit

imagium
@sukhjit Try Jamendo on Creative Commons (note, i haven’t tried it yet) http://bit.ly/d0Xkzl10:23 PM Feb 1st from web in reply to sukhjit

qthrul
@sukhjit http://www.archive.org/details/audiospecifically http://www.archive.org/details/audio_music10:10 PM Feb 1st from Echofon in reply to sukhjit

roxannedarling
@sukhjit try www.iodapromonet.com or search for “podsafe music” and you will find more10:09 PM Feb 1st from Seesmic in reply to sukhjit

samlevin
@sukhjit http://www.sound-effect.com/10:09 PM Feb 1st from Tweetie in reply to sukhjit

Arktist
@sukhjit Try http://www.partnersinrhyme.com/10:07 PM Feb 1st from TweetDeck in reply to sukhjit

urbanturbanguy
@sukhjit www.phulki.com10:07 PM Feb 1st from TweetDeck in reply to sukhjit

ChefMark

@sukhjithttp://www.thedvshow.com/store/royalty-free-music-library/10:06 PM Feb 1st from TweetDeck in reply to sukhjitc

Last month my friend @EmilysPearl sent me a link to a flickr meme showing a photo of what was in her bag that day and asking what was in mine. I love stuff like that and am finally getting around to sharing.

This is what I carried to work most of this week.  You see my Speck case, my VAIO, even the flavor of gum I like chewing these days (It’s sweet mint gum by the way). Click on the picture to see notes on all the contents.

This idea comes from a group on Flickr called “What’s in your bag”. If you have a minute, check the conversations in the group. It goes beyond just picture of purses, the comments and discussions are worth a read. I’ve gotten excellent advice on how to wear a red purse and have learned a from threads debating between sleeve over laptop bag. My Speck case, by the way, has lightened up since I started carrying my new VAIO.

You may also notice the box at the top. I’ve been carrying around a brand new Cyber-shot TX-7. I’m so excited to use this camera but I really want to do an unboxing video with it… I’ve just been too busy, so I’ve just carried it back and forth from work to home for the last couple of day. Stay tuned for a closer look at the TX-7, I’ve seen it in action (of course at the Sony office) and have read user reviews and it is getting a lot of love.

Here’s a look at what some of my friends are carrying. (Note*  guys, how do you travel so light!)

@disposablepal

@emilyspearl

@sanjay_maharaj

@cadiou

SO.. what’s in your bag? Why not take a picture and add it to the flickr group. Or send me a a link in the comments below or tweet me @sukhjit. Of course gold star goes to those that have Sony gear in their bag or pocket!

I’m in San Francisco until Thursday, December 30th and want to make sure to see as many friends as I can while in town. Lets make plans! Leave me a message or tweet me and I’ll organize a get together or two.

Some time last year I met @masamuneto on twitter. He has kindly sent me a flower or plant of the day for months via twitter! Masa is a landscape designer and geek who is constantly working on beautiful scenery as well as cool geeky stuff. I’ve been asking his advice on what plants to get for my new place in San Diego. Today I got this really great little garden at the Thread Show in San Diego. The glass bubble garden comes from a place called Tend Living. I’ll probably keep this one at the Sony Electronics office. I still have a lot of moving in to do there before I feel at home. I think a nice little garden will help.

This weekend I was tasked with recording some video for my nephew, Conner, who is applying for university music programs. Some of of them requested a live taped performance as part of their requirements. As his video blogging auntie it was my job to help him figure out how to capture what he needed to deliver it to the schools. I recorded his audition on a Sony Handycam and when we were done with that I decided also to stream it live too. This video and audio is from my Sony VAIO laptop computer. I broadcast the audio and video you are watching above live to friends who tuned in after I sent out a few notes on twitter and facebook pointing them to the URL.

I’m astounded by the technology both on my computer but also of the website I used to stream live called Ustream. I recorded a similar video back in 2008 and it was almost unwatchable. This time, I’m proudly sharing the link over and over again both because the quality is so good and because my nephew is a star. BTW- some of the pieces he performs are his original compositions.

Enjoy the concert and if you have any questions about the live stream, or about the music leave me a note!

I got a very well wrapped box from my friend Adam Smith this week. It contained a book written by a man who  has made a huge impact in the Social Media space by being his awesome self. His name is Gary Vaynerchuk.  Gary is a social media phenomenon. What does that mean? It means that Gary has found success, in part, by  being himself and authentically connecting with people via his show Wine Library TV, Twitter, Facebook and  other social media sites.

If you get a chance to see Gary in person, I recommend it. I’ve seen him a couple times and he just makes you  feel like “crushing it”. Follow him for a little bit and you’ll know what I mean by that.

Thank you Adam Smith, for the book and the wristband. You are cool.

PS I know the video image is backward, sorry about that everyone. I’ll try and fix and reupload if I get a chance this week.

I can’t believe it’s been almost a month since I posted the last time here on this blog! Today, I’m here to say, I’m back.. I’ve moved to a new apartment, I just got my internet connection installed and I’m getting into the swing of things.

If you haven’t heard, I’m working at Sony Electronics now as their Social Media Evangelist. It’s a great opportunity and I’m very excited about what is ahead. Make sure to check the Sony Electronics Community Blog, as that’s were I will be on a regular basis! I’ll explain more about my job and what I’m doing there at a later time… today I wanted to make sure to say hello, and thanks! Thanks to all of you who have kept up with my transition and have offered friendship and support. Looking at the calendar I realized that I started this website one year ago! Look at how much life has changed in one year. I almost can’t believe it.
At some point I want to tell you all about how this happened. Many of you who know me from Seemic know much about the trials, tribulations and celebrations of the past year. It’s all been quite fantastic.

I’ll be seeing some of you at Blog World tomorrow. If we haven’t met in real life yet and you are in Vagas for Blog World, please make sure to say hello!

Here is what was happening in my life last year…. this video makes me laugh now. I called it So What Are You Doing Now, Sukhjit?

My last day in San Francisco was September 9, 2009 (9/9/09). My dear friends Derek and Jennifer Overbey organized a farewell party for me at the Grand Cafe. Here is a video from the night. Also my friend Ken captured some great moments at the party, please have a look at the set on Flickr.

Thank you to everyone who came out to help me celebrate! When I looked around the room, I saw people from all different phases of my life in San Francisco. I have many great memories of my time in the City that I will take with me everywhere. Also a heartfelt thanks to everyone who sent well wishes via facebook, twitter, email, phone, text.. you name it! I feel blessed.

As many of you know, I got a job in San Diego and I am moving this week. It’s a big deal since after 16 years of living here, my heart is truly in San Francisco and I love this town. On the flip side I couldn’t be more excited about my new job with Sony Electronics… I’ll tell you more about that later.

Today I got a big moving surprise from my childhood friend, Cindy. She knows I’m a farmer’s daughter that loves fruit because she is one too! I love the gift, it’s an Edible Arrangement full of various kinds of fruit. Ok, now that I’ve blogged it.. I’m gonna go eat some then get back to packing! Thank you Cindy!

Today was by far one of the most perfect days in San Francisco. It’s on this day that I share some great news with you friends! I’m leaving SF, my home of 16 years, for an incredible opportunity! I’ve accepted a job with Sony Electronics as their new corporate blogger and social networking manager. It’s a big role that I am very excited to take on. I’ll be vlogging and blogging about gear, gadgets, innovation and technology AND keeping an ear out to listen to what consumers have to say about it all. I will be doing what I love most… community building.

In the many years I worked in television Sony has maintained it’s standing as one of the most coveted brands with a reputation for quality equipment. I’m proud to be chosen by a company which sets the standard for quality. I’ll have many more details about the job and my move in the days ahead. I plan to blog and vlog my way down to San Diego where I will live and work very soon!

Special thanks to my former TechTV colleague Patrick Houston who introduced my blog to Sony a while back. I also want to extend a heartfelt thanks to many of you who helped me get www.sukhjit.me off the ground. Tony Chimento, Michael Silverton, Alan Chaess, Eric Ways, Adam Helweh, Larry Heim, Owen JJ Stone and of course the head ninja in my team, Giannii Calvert. Those of you who come to this site, watch my content, leave comments, give me shout outs on twitter and facebook, you’ve kept me going! My biggest reward has been getting comments from people who have taken the time to participate in my content, thank you. I hope you’ll visit me on the Sony site and support me there too.