Today is October 1! And this day has brought with it a deliciously cool morning and two floors of people bedecked in every possible shade of pink in celebration of Arkansas Go Pink for the Cure! We look absolutely stunning, and I am in awe of our solidarity as a group to show our support for Komen and Race for the Cure!
With that in the mind, Race Day is just 2 weeks away. That's right, 2 weeks away. Although I'm not sure how we progressed from July to October so quickly, I am ready for Race Day to arrive. I'm ready for Team Bookends to get out there and be the best team on the race route. We probably won't be the fastest team, but we will be the team with the biggest smiles and the most heart! How do I know this? Because I see each of you, every day, smiling and taking care of each other. You take care of me!
So, until Race Day, stay well, get lots of good rest (I should take my own advice), and enjoy this weather!
Crystal
Friday, October 1, 2010
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
The promise of Autumn
The shifting of seasons always amazes me--the way that summer simply flows into autumn. Oh, of course summer doesn't go without a fight. No season worth its salt would leave without a fight, but autumn is on its way. We are getting a taste of autumn's promise with these deliciously cool mornings and cooler evenings. Leaves are starting to change colors; the days are growing shorter; it's a wonderful time of the year!
This year's Bookends Team boasts a roster of 23 people--22 ladies and 1 guy!!!!! All of you who joined, thank you! Thank you for donating your time and your money. Thank you for participating!
Collectively, the 23 of us have paid for 3.8 mammograms ($150/mammogram)!!!!!
As we dive deeper into autumn and approach Race Day, keep yourself and your muscles warm, keep your humor high, and remember that you are part of one very incredible group of people--Team Bookends! 23 people with one focus--Racing for a Cure on October 16, 2010!
This year's Bookends Team boasts a roster of 23 people--22 ladies and 1 guy!!!!! All of you who joined, thank you! Thank you for donating your time and your money. Thank you for participating!
Collectively, the 23 of us have paid for 3.8 mammograms ($150/mammogram)!!!!!
As we dive deeper into autumn and approach Race Day, keep yourself and your muscles warm, keep your humor high, and remember that you are part of one very incredible group of people--Team Bookends! 23 people with one focus--Racing for a Cure on October 16, 2010!
Friday, August 27, 2010
Tomorrow has arrived . . .
Good mid-morning, everyone!
Would you believe me if I said that this week has not been awesome and incredible? Yes, that's right--I have not had a good week. Of course, the events of this week could color my world if I allowed them to; and they have to some extent, but as I was driving to a library to do a program a couple of days ago, an "anatomical gift" van passed me on the highway. Talk about a perspective shift! Have you ever seen an "anatomical gift" van fly past you on the road as you were driving? If you haven't, you should. Everyone should have the experience at least once. It really does change perspective on a lot of things. Sure--my life isn't perfect, and there are some things going on personally that need to change, but my family and friends are healthy (by and large) and so am I.
Honestly, compared to the person that the van was bringing the gift to, my life is good--very good. And I'm pleased as punch to be one of your team co-captains this year.
Today is the last day to register for Team Bookends. Please don't forget to register! If you have questions or need assistance, come see Tina or me. We'll be happy to help you in any way that we can.
At 4:00 pm today, I am going to put the names of everyone who has registered for Team Bookends into a drawing for a little prize. It isn't much, but it will make 4:00 pm on Friday afternoon a whole lot of fun!
All my best to all of you,
Crystal
Would you believe me if I said that this week has not been awesome and incredible? Yes, that's right--I have not had a good week. Of course, the events of this week could color my world if I allowed them to; and they have to some extent, but as I was driving to a library to do a program a couple of days ago, an "anatomical gift" van passed me on the highway. Talk about a perspective shift! Have you ever seen an "anatomical gift" van fly past you on the road as you were driving? If you haven't, you should. Everyone should have the experience at least once. It really does change perspective on a lot of things. Sure--my life isn't perfect, and there are some things going on personally that need to change, but my family and friends are healthy (by and large) and so am I.
Honestly, compared to the person that the van was bringing the gift to, my life is good--very good. And I'm pleased as punch to be one of your team co-captains this year.
Today is the last day to register for Team Bookends. Please don't forget to register! If you have questions or need assistance, come see Tina or me. We'll be happy to help you in any way that we can.
At 4:00 pm today, I am going to put the names of everyone who has registered for Team Bookends into a drawing for a little prize. It isn't much, but it will make 4:00 pm on Friday afternoon a whole lot of fun!
All my best to all of you,
Crystal
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Tomorrow, tomorrow . . .
As a reminder to everyone who wants to participate in this year's Race for the Cure on Team Bookends, tomorrow is the last day to register, online or by paper!
I'll post something soliliqual (is that word?) tomorrow . . . but for now, this is your reminder to register!!!!!
Big hug,
Crystal
I'll post something soliliqual (is that word?) tomorrow . . . but for now, this is your reminder to register!!!!!
Big hug,
Crystal
Monday, August 16, 2010
Good food, good sleep, and good friends
Wow, it's been awhile, hasn't it, since I posted anything. Totally my fault--it seems that I don't stop to breathe most days.
Last Friday evening, when I got home from work and realized that not only did I have nothing cooked for supper but that there really was nothing to cook, it was time to take action and do something about my empty pantry. On Saturday, I spent a few hours buying groceries, house supplies, and birthday cards. Then, after I returned home and re-stocked my pantry, I did laundry and picked up a bit around the house. I know . . . none of these activities seem to be related, but they are.
We all lead very busy lives, and most of us don't stop long enough to eat well, sleep enough, or spend time with those around us that we consider our "community." Maybe that's why on Saturday I didn't rush through shopping for birthday cards, but instead, I enjoyed the process of reading the cards and selecting the ones that would arrive in my friends' mailboxes on their respective birthdays this month and next. At the grocery store, I didn't simply rush through the store, shopping directly from my list. Instead, I meandered through the aisles, probably annoying people who were shopping with a purpose, but I was enjoying the experience. And when I slept on Saturday night, I slept on freshly-laundered sheets. My Saturday was filled with lots of little activities--the very minutiae of daily life--but very important to my overall well-being.
On Sunday, I spent time with people in my "community." They are not my biological family, but they are part of my extended network and are becoming my family away from family. Closer to the fall, I will spend some time with family and friends. Komen's theme this year is so timely--we>me. Every time I reflect on it, I'm struck again by just how true it is. My community makes me more than I am all by myself. And my community is far-flung--across this nation and a country across the Atlantic. If my community takes care of me, then I should take care of myself. I depend on my community, and the people in my community depend upon me. The shape of our lives are spherical; and my sphere enlarges itself almost daily.
Who fills your community? Have you acknowledged them lately? What are you doing to take care of yourself so that you can fill your place in your community well, because you and only you can fill that particular spot in your community. Have you realized just how unique you are and how unique you are to your community?
Don't forget--your last day to register for Team Bookends is Friday, August 27. If you need help registering online, come find one of us. We'll help you! If you want to register by paper, visit Tina!
Crystal and Tina
Last Friday evening, when I got home from work and realized that not only did I have nothing cooked for supper but that there really was nothing to cook, it was time to take action and do something about my empty pantry. On Saturday, I spent a few hours buying groceries, house supplies, and birthday cards. Then, after I returned home and re-stocked my pantry, I did laundry and picked up a bit around the house. I know . . . none of these activities seem to be related, but they are.
We all lead very busy lives, and most of us don't stop long enough to eat well, sleep enough, or spend time with those around us that we consider our "community." Maybe that's why on Saturday I didn't rush through shopping for birthday cards, but instead, I enjoyed the process of reading the cards and selecting the ones that would arrive in my friends' mailboxes on their respective birthdays this month and next. At the grocery store, I didn't simply rush through the store, shopping directly from my list. Instead, I meandered through the aisles, probably annoying people who were shopping with a purpose, but I was enjoying the experience. And when I slept on Saturday night, I slept on freshly-laundered sheets. My Saturday was filled with lots of little activities--the very minutiae of daily life--but very important to my overall well-being.
On Sunday, I spent time with people in my "community." They are not my biological family, but they are part of my extended network and are becoming my family away from family. Closer to the fall, I will spend some time with family and friends. Komen's theme this year is so timely--we>me. Every time I reflect on it, I'm struck again by just how true it is. My community makes me more than I am all by myself. And my community is far-flung--across this nation and a country across the Atlantic. If my community takes care of me, then I should take care of myself. I depend on my community, and the people in my community depend upon me. The shape of our lives are spherical; and my sphere enlarges itself almost daily.
Who fills your community? Have you acknowledged them lately? What are you doing to take care of yourself so that you can fill your place in your community well, because you and only you can fill that particular spot in your community. Have you realized just how unique you are and how unique you are to your community?
Don't forget--your last day to register for Team Bookends is Friday, August 27. If you need help registering online, come find one of us. We'll help you! If you want to register by paper, visit Tina!
Crystal and Tina
Monday, August 2, 2010
Fundraising Prizes
And here are reasons why you might want to raise money for Komen . . .
Raise $150-300, and you will get a newly designed "we > me" t-shirt
Raise $301-600, and you will get an art print by local artist Jim Johnson and the "we > me" t-shirt
Raise $601-1,000, and you will get a $25 USA Drug gift card, art print, and t-shirt
Raise $1,001 plus, and you will get $50 VISA gift card, $25 USA Drug gift card, art print, and t-shirt
Top Individual Prizes include (top fund raisers will choose from following prizes, in order of $ amount raised. Prizes subject to change):
Raise $150-300, and you will get a newly designed "we > me" t-shirt
Raise $301-600, and you will get an art print by local artist Jim Johnson and the "we > me" t-shirt
Raise $601-1,000, and you will get a $25 USA Drug gift card, art print, and t-shirt
Raise $1,001 plus, and you will get $50 VISA gift card, $25 USA Drug gift card, art print, and t-shirt
Top Individual Prizes include (top fund raisers will choose from following prizes, in order of $ amount raised. Prizes subject to change):
- Travel package--includes one American Airlines ticket to anywhere in the contiguous U.S. and more. Valued at over $600.
- $1,000 Kroger gift card
- Jewelry from Stanley Jewelers Gemologist, valued at $2,500
- Mountain Harbor Resort & Turtle Cove Spa package (includes 2 nights' lodging and spa services) valued at $1,000
- Hank's Fine Furniture shopping spree
We > Me
We > Me is this year's Race for the Cure theme, and I really believe it is true. The power of "many" is great--there is definitely something about strength in numbers!
This past week, my mom and one of my cousins came for a visit. We did all the things that girls do--played Twister, cooked, shopped, slurped milkshakes at the Purple Cow, and inhaled hot doughnuts at Krispy Kreme. They are my family, and they support me in my decisions and in my life, just as I love and support them in all they do. Komen has it right--we is much greater than me!
And now, they've gone home. My cat is missing them greatly, and I am, too. She's been moping around since last night . . . if you've never seen a cat mope, I can tell you that it isn't a pretty sight.
Just a gentle reminder--today is August 2. The last day to register for Team Bookends is August 27.
Stay cool in this heat. Drink plenty of water.
Crystal
This past week, my mom and one of my cousins came for a visit. We did all the things that girls do--played Twister, cooked, shopped, slurped milkshakes at the Purple Cow, and inhaled hot doughnuts at Krispy Kreme. They are my family, and they support me in my decisions and in my life, just as I love and support them in all they do. Komen has it right--we is much greater than me!
And now, they've gone home. My cat is missing them greatly, and I am, too. She's been moping around since last night . . . if you've never seen a cat mope, I can tell you that it isn't a pretty sight.
Just a gentle reminder--today is August 2. The last day to register for Team Bookends is August 27.
Stay cool in this heat. Drink plenty of water.
Crystal
Thursday, July 22, 2010
One more . . . and I'm going to stop for the night
When you have a moment, please watch this short film of last year's race. I wasn't able to participate in the race due to family coming in that day from out of town, and I saw this footage for the first time at the Team Captains' Party last Sunday.
May I reveal something about myself? My aunt died of breast cancer two years ago, and I thought that I had dealt with her death and moved on. Only, I hadn't. Seeing this film and understanding what Komen and Race Day are all about helped me understand that I'm not participating just to be a good sport. I have a real reason to participate, and that reason is my aunt. She died, but I can pay my $26 and walk so that someone else doesn't lose an aunt.
This year, I'm walking for Aunt Sheila.
Crystal
May I reveal something about myself? My aunt died of breast cancer two years ago, and I thought that I had dealt with her death and moved on. Only, I hadn't. Seeing this film and understanding what Komen and Race Day are all about helped me understand that I'm not participating just to be a good sport. I have a real reason to participate, and that reason is my aunt. She died, but I can pay my $26 and walk so that someone else doesn't lose an aunt.
This year, I'm walking for Aunt Sheila.
Crystal
Komen Dates to Remember
Here are a few dates on the KomenArkansas calendar for you to remember:
Sunday, September 12, 2010--Skate for the Cure, Arkansas Skatium, 1311 S. Bowman Road, Little Rock--$8.00 Admission ($5 goes to Komen), 2:00-5:00 PM
Sunday, October 3, 2010--Kids for the Cure, On the grounds of the Arkansas State Capitol
(For more information, please visit Kids for the Cure.)
Friday, October 15, 2010--Pink Duck Walk, Peabody Hotel, Little Rock, 5:00 PM
Friday, October 15, 2010--Pasta Party, Dickey-Stephens Park, North Little Rock, $20 per ticket (can purchase when you register online or offline & at Race Space), 5:00-9:00 PM
Saturday, October 16, 2010--Komen "Race for the Cure" Race Day
Sunday, September 12, 2010--Skate for the Cure, Arkansas Skatium, 1311 S. Bowman Road, Little Rock--$8.00 Admission ($5 goes to Komen), 2:00-5:00 PM
Sunday, October 3, 2010--Kids for the Cure, On the grounds of the Arkansas State Capitol
(For more information, please visit Kids for the Cure.)
Friday, October 15, 2010--Pink Duck Walk, Peabody Hotel, Little Rock, 5:00 PM
Friday, October 15, 2010--Pasta Party, Dickey-Stephens Park, North Little Rock, $20 per ticket (can purchase when you register online or offline & at Race Space), 5:00-9:00 PM
Saturday, October 16, 2010--Komen "Race for the Cure" Race Day
The Big Reveal . . .
Drum roll, please!
Draw back the curtains!
The time has come (actually, the time is overdue) to announce the co-captains for this year's Arkansas State Library Bookends Team.
Are you ready? Are you prepared? Are you sitting down? Are your eyes closed? If they are, you're going to have to open them, you know . . .
May I present . . . Tina Youngblood & myself, Crystal. That's right--you're stuck with us from through Saturday, October 16, 2010.
Draw back the curtains!
The time has come (actually, the time is overdue) to announce the co-captains for this year's Arkansas State Library Bookends Team.
Are you ready? Are you prepared? Are you sitting down? Are your eyes closed? If they are, you're going to have to open them, you know . . .
May I present . . . Tina Youngblood & myself, Crystal. That's right--you're stuck with us from through Saturday, October 16, 2010.
We will be letting you know today how/when/where to register and other good details, but for now, you know who your fearless co-captains are. If you have questions, send them our way. If we don't know the answer, we'll find out!
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
hmmmm
Just poppin' in to say hello! I hope everyone has a great holiday weekend, and to also let you know we have NEW CO-CAPTAINS for The Bookends! Who are they??
Well, you will just have to wait for the unveiling......All I can say is I'm very excited, and I know y'all will have a fun time with these two on board....
Stay tuned!
Well, you will just have to wait for the unveiling......All I can say is I'm very excited, and I know y'all will have a fun time with these two on board....
Stay tuned!
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