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The Emerald City
The Emerald City For this post, the name has nothing do to with gemstones or Oz. As an adult, I have come to appreciate the public library much more than I did as a kid. I recently attended a lecture which was part of a “One Book One Community” program. This program is a partnership between several area libraries to bring a “community read” to the residents. The book chosen was Love and Other Consolation Prizes by Jamie Ford. Several library programs this winter were scheduled in connection to this book. I will start by saying that I did not read this book. (I am currently reading a different book…
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Bernie’s Book Bank
I am extremely fortunate to have something very special–a close relationship with a group of my best girlfriends from high school. For 30+ years (hard to believe it has really been that long), we have done a Secret Santa gift exchange. This year, one of the group suggested that we do something different together. She suggested that we all volunteer together, and a new plan was set into motion! We chose to volunteer for a local organization called Bernie’s Book Bank. I had heard great things about the place, but I had never volunteered there. Bernie’s Book Bank provides free books to low income children throughout Chicagoland, 12 books per…
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Entering the World of Lacrosse…
Many moons ago when I was in high school, I was a member of the Mathletes. I say this with pride! I was good at math, I enjoyed being part of the math team, and some of my best friends (who are still some of my best friends 30+ years later) were my teammates. My son, who is also very good at math, gave me such a look of disgust when I suggested that he might enjoy doing something similar. My son is a sports guy–he loves to play sports; he loves to watch sports; he loves to talk about sports. One of his main hopes when he started high…
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Falling in Love with TED
My husband’s name is Steve. Who is Ted? Actually, TED is more of a what than a who. About a year ago, I started watching a lot of TED talks. I had heard about them and had seen a few, but while on a driving trip, I really started to learn what TED talks had to offer. My family took a driving trip last winter from Chicagoland to Florida and back. I don’t like driving; I do it to get from point A to B. My husband, on the other hand, is a car guy. My son was 15 with a learner’s permit, so this also provided him with a…
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Up, Up, and a Say!
I recently signed up for a business related class at my local library. (Ironically, this was on the same day that I learned how to sew the coffee cup cozy mentioned in the last post, but it was at my other local library. I may be doctor, but I don’t golf, so I find other things besides housework to do on my day off.) I decided to attend the class just because I thought it would be interesting and potentially useful. The class was “Craft Your Perfect Elevator Speech.” (Now does the punny title make sense? It made me chuckle.) I would like to share some of the tips I…
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Sew Cool, Part 2
A week ago, I learned how to use a sewing machine. (If you are interested, check out the previous post discussing that adventure.) I had the chance to return to the library for a class to put my new knowledge to use. I would create a COFFEE CUP COZY!! I am perfectly happy with starting small and practical. I arrived excited and a bit nervous. Sure, I was just going to be making something for fun for myself, but, honestly, no one likes feeling like a fool (even when no one else is watching.) Did I remember anything? It had only been a week. I had looked at Pinterest in…
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Going Back to My Original Plan…
In the “About Me” section, I described why I started a blog. Well, I have to put my original idea into action. In my head, the idea of reaching out, filling my life with new ideas and experiences, and sharing these adventures was great! In my head, everything comes about so smoothly and easily. Then reality starts to kick in. I admit that I am a little nervous about putting myself out there. Once I post my idea on a Facebook page, what will happen? Will I embarrass myself? Will I be ignored? Will people say, “I love your idea!” but nothing comes of it? (How often do you and…
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Sew Cool!
I learned how to use a sewing machine today (1/9/2019)! For some of you, this is no big deal and seems completely underwhelming. For me, this was very exciting! Knowing how to use a sewing machine is just one of those “things” I felt I should know. In junior high, my classmates and I took home economics (focused on food prep) and typing (I am proud of the fact that I am a very good typist due to my 7th and 8th grade typing classes), but we did not have sewing as part of the curriculum. Libraries aren’t just for books anymore. A library can be a place where one…
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The Infinite Board Game
Do any of you ever go to Half Price Books stores? If not, check it out if you have the chance. As long as you are not looking for something specific, it is a great store to visit and just look around. Before the holidays, I decided to look around my local store to see if anything caught my eye. In addition to books, you can often find puzzles, music, or games there. Well, sitting on the shelf fully covered in its original plastic wrap was “The Infinite Board Game.” I am constantly trying to get my family to spend more time playing games (not video games) and less time…
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Happy Birthday to Me!
Birthdays come each year (stating the obvious). Some approach the date with dread. I choose to make the most of it. I tell people that as I get older, I just get better and use more hair coloring. Saying that, most years I choose to throw myself a party. This is usually a potluck brunch. Chaos is a part of this process each year. Why, then, do I do it? There are several reasons. First of all, having plans for guests is a great way to inspire more housecleaning than what would otherwise take place. I have learned in my house that having a neat house so that it is…
If it's not illegal, immoral, or blatantly stupid, I am willing to give it a try!
