Tuesday, July 30, 2013

My friend Court is crafty

There are a handful of people who I really, truly like. Most people, I just tolerate. Some people just tolerate me. Some I don't even bother with niceties. But people with whom respect and friendship is mutual? Very few. 
Court is Crafty is one of those people. She's the perfect combination of cool, sweet, smart, generous, funny, and snarky. She also has great taste in shoes, and is always willing to feed me.  

Court did a bunch of stuff for me for my birthday, including attending, baking for, and making a purchase from the launch party for my Stella & Dot business.

But she also made me several headbands (one is pictured to the right). Isn't it cute? I just love the colors she picked out. The others were pink and brown and black and white. 

In addition to my presents, I also commissioned her to make a lovely hat for a little girl I know who has an upcoming birthday. I knew I wanted a pretty, girly color (because, hello), but Court was especially helpful in suggesting a good accent color. She even added an adorable little touch of her own!  

Court's love of crafting is genuine, and that comes through in her work. I would highly recommend visiting her online shop, and giving her a like on Facebook to stay connected and see what she's working on.


Thursday, July 25, 2013

To the guy who...

To the guy who sat behind me in church last week... Stop yelling. I came here to listen to the Pastor and the Worship Team, not you.

To the guy who sat next to me in church last week... Move over! We're not on a date. Get out of my personal space.

To the guy who sat next to me (on the other side) in church last week... Not everyone should sing.

To the usher who sees me at church every week... Yes, I'm here alone - again. Don't punish me by asking me to climb over 8 people to fill that single seat. Also, stop trying to seat me next to single men.

To my Pastor... You clearly believe God is all-powerful and all-knowing. Created the universe, performs miracles, etc. Are you absolutely certain He can't hear me when I'm sitting down?

To the couple who exited just ahead of me... The doorway is the least helpful place for you to stop and argue about which door you should use.

To God... I went inside while it was 90s and muggy. I came out to 70s and beautiful. Perfect baseball weather. Thanks for the rain!

Friday, July 19, 2013

Friday Five - Reasons to donate

Happy Friday! It's been a great week. Monday was my birthday, and I enjoyed a lovely lunch, a short day at work, good news from the vet, a great sushi dinner, and the Home Run Derby. I followed that up with three days off from work - and now it's Friday and I am looking forward to a great weekend!

But, there is some business to handle, first.

My 25 x 25 Campaign for Big Brothers Big Sisters is in full swing. My goal is to raise $625 - by getting a $25 donation from 25 different people. That's where the name 25 x 25 comes from; but the truth is, I just want to reach beat obliterate that goal - I don't much care how we get there!

Some people might feel compelled to donate because BBBS benefits children, or the community. Maybe they themselves were impacted by a mentor as a child, and they want to help the organization that leads in one-to-one mentoring for kids.

But in case you're looking for a reason...I just happen to have a few.

  • You can donate securely and easily online. Fundabilities has generously donated its platform to this campaign, so all proceeds from online donations will go to BBBS. Click here to donate securely.
  • Donations are tax deductible. 
  • The money will benefit BBBS programs which, as a Big, I can tell you are quite helpful. Not only the activities, but the professional support matches receive, particularly in the first year. 
  • If you don't want to donate online, you can write a check to Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region, and write 25x25 Rock on the memo line, and mail to: BBBS of the Capital Region, 1698 Central Ave, Albany, NY 12205. If that's not easy enough, you can even hand me cash and I'll make sure BBBS receives the donation, and you receive credit for your support. 
  • One more reason to donate? Because I asked nicely? 
Please and thank you - and Happy Friday!

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Big Brothers Big Sister 25 x 25 Campaign

Most of you know that I am a volunteer for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region. I became a Big just about a year ago, following an incredibly difficult breakup. I was trying to move past the depression and the anxiety, and thought volunteering would be a great distraction. I asked a trusted friend where she thought I could focus my volunteering energy. She immediately responded that I would make a great mentor. "Well, maybe not right now," she laughed. "But get the process started."

So I did. I went into BBBS thinking I would distract myself, and possibly help a kid. I never imagined
all of the other benefits I would personally reap.

As a mentor, I have to be strong and lead, and put someone else's needs ahead of my own. This has made me more confident and out-going. Being a mentor puts my good fortune in a much clearer perspective, offers me opportunities I did not have before, and has helped me make more friends I may not have met otherwise. This has made me more grateful for all that I have. Most of all, mentoring helps me see myself though the eyes of a young girl, and it makes me want to be a woman worthy of her admiration and respect.

So when Big Brothers Big Sisters asked me to participate in its 25 x 25 Campaign, I was excited to say yes. The 25 is an "elite group of 25 current and alumni Bigs (and one alumni, adult Little) who are going above and beyond.' We've been challenged with raising $625 by asking at least 25 people to donate at least $25 each, between now and September 18.

If all 25 of us achieve that $625 goal, we will raise $15,000 - enough to put 15 more kids on the path to success.

I'm not sure why I was asked. Perhaps BBBS feels I have a large, untapped network. Or perhaps they have seen how determined I can be when it comes to fundraising. No matter the reason, I'm honored to participate, and determined to not let them down.

I am not going to jump out of a plane, or repel down a building. I will not be running a marathon, or a 5K. (Let's be real - I won't even be running to the end of my driveway). I am not biking, swimming, walking, bowling, collecting, baking, or doing anything else for you to "sponsor."

I'm simply asking you - my friends, family, and colleagues - to donate to a worthy cause. The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters is "to provide children facing adversity with strong, enduring, professionally supported 1-to-1 relationships that change their lives for the better, forever."

I have personally heard stories from adult Littles, who say their Bigs helped reshape their lives in a truly positive way. Some go to college, others find a trade, but all find opportunities they would not have had otherwise.

These kids are future leaders, decision-makers, parents, teachers, and mentors. I am asking you, as a personal favor to me, to help support this worthwhile organization and its vision to help all children achieve success.

To donate, please visit my campaign page.

Monday, July 8, 2013

This and that

A few things to mention, but nothing that really warrants a full post...

July is my birthday month! The best thing about birthday month is all the coupons and free stuff I get from all the places where I spend money throughout the year. Sephora, DSW, Famous Footwear, and Victoria's Secret are my favorite. 

I've decided to launch a new business, largely to pay off vet bills, but also to make some headway on
other stuff, as well as just have some extra money. Not to mention - the discount! As of a couple weeks ago, I am an Independent Stylist for Stella & Dot, a boutique-style jewelry and accessory company that sells exclusively through home parties. My official launch party is Wednesday. Feel free to shop here, and buy yourself a gift for my birthday.

I'm addicted to NCIS and all too happy when the USA Network has a weekend marathon. 

The addiction more disturbing than my NCIS addiction is my addiction to Bridezillas. 

My dad got a Samsung Galaxy S4. I'm excited to go upgrade my phone to the same. Birthday money for the win!

I am looking forward to the All-Star Break, mostly because Derek should be back after, and then the baseball season can really start.

I have a couple other things on my mind...but for right now, I'm choosing to focus on the good, fun stuff. 

Happy Sue's Birthday Month July!