60 Years of Memories

Yesterday my mom turned 60!!!

Meg and I found this wonderful idea on Pinterest for a 60th birthday present.  We collected 60 memories from family and friends throughout the last month.  Then we placed them all in envelopes chronologically, decorated the envelopes and tied them up.

She had herself so worked up all week thinking that she was getting a surprise party that she didn't want.  She couldn't understand why she had gotten cards from people that she normally didn't and why the people that normally did hadn't.  She thought that we were all up to something.

Beth loved her gift tho!  She cried and laughed her way through all 60+ envelopes!  She was so happy that it was not a party!  Thank you to everyone that made her special birthday so fabulous!

A Grand Slam Evening of Tennis

Last Tuesday, I experienced something that I never thought possible.  I was within feet of a handful of my favorite people as a young teenager and even today.  My boyfriend scored some tickets to the Milan Smash Hits Tennis Classic hosted by Billie Jean King and Elton John.

To some this might not seem that amazing but to tennis lovers like myself, this was a dream come true.  Not only was I in the presence of the great Billie Jean King (sadly she didn't play) and music legend Elton John (he played and it was hilarious) but Andre Agassi, Andy Roddick and Martina Navratilova.  It was amazing!

And to top it off my all time favorite tennis player, Steffi Graf was there!  In sixth grade, we had to do a biographical book report, dress up as our person and present to the class.  I chose Steffi Graf.  She is one of the reasons I think I really started to love tennis.  It was awesome to actually see her play.

Oh and Franco Harris was there too!

It was a fundraiser for AIDs.  Pittsburgh was a grand slam for breaking records with money raised.  The evening raised more than a million dollars for the AIDs foundation.

Our seats were right next to the entrance, so at the end all of the players all came through and gave autographs.  Andre and Steffi rushed through but I was able to manage an autograph from Martina, three of the other younger players, Franco and the guy that played Michael Ohr in the Blind Side.

I'm so excited that I had this opportunity!  Shout out to my awesome boyfriend for taking me!  It was a once in a lifetime experience!

Teen Art

As many of you may already know, the library will be relocating to the new location at the beginning of December.  The teens and I have been anxiously waiting to begin decorating and occupying the new space.

Last weekend, the Teen Advisory Board chose colors (bright blue in the teen area, lime green in the tween area and purple accents).  Then we discussed how we would decorate area.  I have really been pushing for art that they designed rather than posters.  Surprisingly, they agreed!

We decide to make canvases with melted crayons and another with rolled magazine ads.

On Thursday night, other teens got to help with the decorating of the teen area.  We made alcohol ink tiles (another great Pinterest find).

The tiles were surprisingly simple.  All you need is non-porous tiles (only 16 cents at Home Depot), alcohol blending solution (Joann's) and alcohol ink (expensive and I was only able to find it online at Joann's).  You may also use Q-tips or straws for blending.

Each tile turns out completely different.  The teens made one to keep and one to donate to the library for teen room decorations.  They all did a great job and I can't wait to hang them in the new space.  We had 16 teens total and each will now have a special space in the young adult area.

Save Second Base

It's Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

 

Everyone knows that, so what are you going to do.  Unfortunately, I am unable to make the commitment to participate in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer this year.  However, I still plan to make some effort in the quest to end breast cancer.

 

Today I heard some negativity surrounding Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which startled me and almost had me on my soapbox preaching for the need for continued research.  Perhaps these people have not ever known anyone affected by the devastating disease.  Surprising if so.

 

Remember:

 

* One in eight women are diagnosed with breast cancer.  That number is getting better but that is still alarming.

* The incidence rates for breast cancer has decrease two percent in women over 50.  Let's continue research to increase this decrease further and work harder for younger women.
* Five percent of breast cancer diagnoses happen to women younger than 40.

It is still necessary.  Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.  I am going to proudly support my pink this month and always.  Think of the women (and men) in your life.  Do something so that you or your mothers, sisters, best friends or aunts do not become a statistic.

All of my breast cancer efforts are in honor of my wonderful grandmother, who did not die from the disease, but was a two-time survivor!  She is an inspiration to me and I will continue to fight so that those in my family do not.

Hope Always.

Fall is Here!

Each year I start to appreciate fall more and more.  The colors of the leaves are so beautiful.  The smells of apple pie and cinnamon are delicious.

 

This weekend I had to break out the boots and sweaters.  I guess I will have to officially say goodbye to my flip flops eventually.

 

I love warm, fall days tho outside and cozy, fall evenings around the fire.  Thanks to Pinterest there are great fall bucket lists.  I hope to complete some of these and truly enjoy the season this year.

 

 

Unfortunately, I haven't done any of these yet, so I better get started!



Here We Go, Here We Go, Here We Go Again!

After my failed attempts at registering and even volunteering at the Grace Race, I am excited to report that I am officially signed up for my second half-marathon.  Registration opened on Monday and by the end of the day I was registered.  The feelings of anticipation and excitement have started.  I'm just going to continue with my current running/workout plan for the time being but come January I will right back at it with the training.  Here's to another year on the streets of Pittsburgh...

 

2013 Goals - Complete the Race and Achieve a Better Time

 



For the New Mom

A few posts ago I wrote about all of the gifts I have been working on the last few weeks.  I love gift giving but I don't think my bank account loves it very much.  <Sigh.>

My first project was for my best friend, Kay, who is expecting her first baby!  Due date was yesterday but Jovie hasn't arrive yet.  Auntie Carrie here is pretty excited and has already spoiled the little princess.

Well, you may have noticed that when someone has a baby all the gifts are for the little one, not necessarily the mom or dad.  So, I found on Pinterest a hospital survival kit (pictured above).

If I had more money, I would have bought her a pedicure or even a massage but I'm a poor librarian, so I stuck to the hospital gift basket.  There are a number of options on Pinterest for this.  I took a few items from all and then added my own as well.

First, I headed to Target to gather my supplies.  Then I arranged the items in a really cute bucket found in the dollar aisles at Target (which really wasn't a dollar but it was still a good deal).

Here are the pictures and a list of what I included in the basket.

 (Pens and notebook for writing down things to remember at the hospital.  These were so cute and I found them in the bargain aisle too!)

 (Some necessities that may be of use at the hospital...mouthwash, Kleenex, hand sanitizer, hair ties,Tic Tacs, chap stick, relaxing lotion and face wipes.)

 (Some items to beat the boredom and have a little fun while waiting...magazine, fun socks and nail polish.)

 (Some healthy and sweet treats!)

 (The bucket to hold it all.)

Stay tuned for a post about my boyfriend's birthday gift and another friend's wedding present.