Step aside Eleanor Roosevelt, I found a new role model...

"Watch your thoughts for the become words. Watch your words for they become actions. Watch your actions for they become habits. Watch your habits for they become character. And watch your character for it becomes your destiny!"
~ Margaret Thatcher

Last weekend, I went to the movies with my parents (I know, lame) and saw the Iron Lady, which just may be one of my new favorite movies. It was absolutely fabulous and not just because its British (I love anything British) or because the star is none other than the great Meryl Streep (Yes, she really is a Super Trooper actress and a Dancing Queen!).

For those of you who haven't seen the previews, the Iron Lady depicts the story of Margaret Thatcher, Britain's first and only female Prime Minister. She was a political rockstar in a world dominated by men. A force to be reckoned with, she not only brought Parliament and Britain to new heights, she paved the way for future generations of women. Go Margaret!

The movie was empowering for women (I was ready to go campaign for Congress! We need a librarian in the Senate!). Her influential political career began at a time when the women's role was in the home but she bucked the trend and introduced compassion, class and pearls to Parliament.

The film also did a great job depicting both her personal and political life. Not only was she a wife and mother, but a champion for education, business owners and the underdog. During her tenure in Parliament and as Prime Minister, she witnessed glorious successes and unimaginable tragedy yet she remained composed and led Britain through years of tumult and turmoil.

Margaret Thatcher was and is an incredible person! She is a role model for all women, showing what a lot of determination and hard work can produce. So, if you haven't seen the film, do me a favor, go to the movies this weekend! Trust me, you will love it - you will laugh, you will cry and you will definitely learn something!

Payback

This weekend, I spent the night at the library with the children's librarian, three high school volunteers and 27 TWEENS! For those of you unfamiliar with the new terminology, a tween is between the ages of 8-12.

All I can say is that Friday night had to be PAYBACK for the stunts I pulled as a teen and the stress I caused on all of my chaperones from retreats, youth group or choir trips.

For those of you lucky enough to know me during middle school, I was loud, immature and obnoxious. I know I drove my chaperones nuts on the aforementioned trips. One minute I was where I was supposed to be the next, I was on the other side of Lutherlyn, sled riding with no snow, which resulted in a trip to the ER. I was the kid hanging upside down from the bunk beds, jumping on the beds, running through the snow barefoot, chugging a two-liter of Sunny D (hello sugar high at 2 a.m.) or screaming like a banshee to make my presence known. Yes, I was a holy terror and proud of it during those years. I hope I have matured somewhat since then...I know I have.

Ahh middle school...I never want to relive you at all!

The funny thing is that it took me almost an entire year to realize why some of my teens drive me nuts. Well, its because they are me at that age. Annoying and loud! The screaming started promptly at 8 p.m. after the kids had been acclimated at the sleepover for approximately an hour. I was ready for some heavy painkillers to stop my headache by 9 p.m. Then the running started... Running and screaming. The children's librarian and I assumed we could get them in bed and watching a movie at midnight. Who were we kidding? Did we remember being that age? That was our youth and inexperience with children, since we have none of our own showing through. Midnight came and went. 2 a.m. came and went. 4 a.m. came and went. The screaming and running dissipated and with each hour of the night more fell into a sugar coma but some remained wide-eyed and ready to tackle a new activity. I think I slept all of three hours that night. And those were not a restful three hours.

I now have a new found respect for all of those chaperones that had to put up with my antics. It definitely takes patience to deal with middle school kids. Mine is growing and I should have more of it knowing that's exactly how I was at that age too, even worse. So, to all of my confirmation retreat chaperones, choir trip chaperones, Cedar Point chaperones, youth group leaders and librarians...my apologies. I got a taste of my own medicine. I don't know how you did it all those years.

Well, I have about six months to recover and prepare for the next library lock-in. Less sugar and more running games so that they are exhausted and ready for bed earlier!

Ahh the ever eventful life a teen librarian...

The Last Lecture

I hope all of you have read The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch but if not this is my quick recommendation. My book club read it this month and I first read it a few years ago. Its a short read yet every page is filled with inspiration. I admire the way that Pausch led his life...not just in his final months after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer but his entire life. He really did live life to the fullest, with no regrets. After rereading this book and then discussing it with my book club, I realize the need to treasure every moment and person in life because you never know when it may end. Life is short. This year, I didn't really make any New Year's resolutions; however, this books makes me want to embrace life, count my blessings, live for the moment, smile, say no, be more spontaneous and throw my cares to the wind. It will be difficult but I am going to RELAX in 2012 and only do things that truly fulfill me! Here's to 2012! Oh and go check the book out from your local library!

Winter Wake-Up Call

Funny...I thought I hated winter! I am after all always cold and I'm not a fan of what the winter weather does to my skin. But after a quick run this morning in the frigid temperatures I realized winter is beautiful and peaceful. The air was so crisp it was invigorating and powered me to push through my workout. We will see how I feel about winter when it starts to snow more and the streets get icy but for now I'm going to enjoy my cool morning runs down at the church, especially on very sunny days like today.

Ready or not...

Well, I think I'm ready...


Today, I officially started my half-marathon training. Not sure if I should be excited or terrified... It seems to be a mixture of both right now.


I'm ready though with...my sweet new kicks, awesome Under Armour, supportive cheerleaders and tunes to keep me moving. Now I just need to stay motivated!


If Oprah can do it, there is really no reason I should not be able to. Pinterest has the best inspirational quotes so I'll just keep reading those.








So, ready or not...here I go!! Bring it Pittsburgh Marathon!!