Catching Up

It's been a while since I've checked in - I've just been really busy with all the holiday shopping, wrapping, baking, decorating, parties, etc...in addition to my ongoing piano lessons and volunteer commitments. Not to mention holding down a full-time job. No complaints, just not a lot of free time lately.

So what's been up? Several knitting projects completed, about 2 dozen cheesecakes baked, and the Steelers are circling the drain. I've also deployed my new snowblower with some success. Updates on everything that's been going on will be forthcoming now that I've got a bit of time to waste. Until then, Happy Holidays!

Children's Grief Awareness Day

Thursday, November 19 is Children's Grief Awareness Day in Pennsylvania.

Most of you probably know that I've been doing volunteer work at Highmark Caring Place for the past 8 or so years. The Caring Place provides support for children and families who have experienced the death of a loved one. 1 in 20 kids will lose a parent before they graduate from high school. These kids often feel isolated and alone. We provide a safe place for them to share their feelings and give them the tools and resources they need to help them cope. It's really a wonderful program, and is provided free of charge to everyone.

Heaven forbid that you or anyone you know should ever need this type of help - but if you do, don't hesitate to recommend us. There are currently centers in Erie, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, Warrendale/ Cranberry, and more on the way.

Cruise on over here or give me a shout if you're interested in learning more about what the Caring Place is all about. We are also always in need of more volunteers. It's a really rewarding experience, believe me.

Happy 40th Birthday Sesame Street

I always loved Sesame Street as a kid. It's marvelous that it's still around today.

Enjoy my favorite character and a classic Sesame Street song:

The Lost Symbol - Initial Thoughts

Don't worry - no spoilers. I wouldn't do that.

I tore through The Lost Symbol as quickly as I did Angels and Demons and The DaVinci Code...about 2-3 days. I'm a bit ambivalent about it. Obviously the speed at which I devoured the book is a good indication that I found it pretty enticing...and yet, somehow it left me a little cold. I loved the Washington DC setting and the expected historical tie-ins throughout the plot. However, I found some of the science aspects to be a little too new-agey and esoteric to suit my taste, and I saw the twist at the end coming a mile away, so the ending kind of fizzled out for me personally. Still an enjoyable read overall, and I'm sure anyone who enjoyed Dan Brown's previous novels will find The Lost Symbol to be squarely in the same ballpark. My copy is currently making the rounds of my friends and family. Perhaps when it's back in my possession I'll give it a re-read and see if it sits better the second time around.

Penguins Win the Cup!

Breaking sports news video. MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL highlights and more.

The city of Pittsburgh is having a great year! The Steelers won the Super Bowl, and now the Penguins are leaving Detroit with the Stanley Cup.

Somehow, I don't think the Pirates are going to make it 3-for-3, though.

Thought for the Day

Every morning, all the stupid people you know get together and plan ways to make your life more difficult.

Just thought you should know that.