Friday, August 26, 2011

Friday Five (1)

In order to back to regular blogging I thought I'd add a meme to my blog so here we go.

1. Does anybody remember the 90's boyband 5ive? This was their hit single and I was reminded if them while typing the word "five." Enjoy. If you were wondering, yes, I had their CD and probably still do somewhere.

2. I'm back in school! I'm currently going to a community college nearby to get a few courses under my new major in, Business Administration, then hopefully transferring to the local university. College has been a bumpy ride for me but after taking the last 2 years off, it feels good to be back in the classroom. It DOES help that my head is in a better place too. I'm currently taking Statistics I, Accounting I, Macroeconomics, and Business Law.

3. I was recently given the chance to be production manager on my friend's independent film. It was absolutely amazing. We wrapped filming this past Sunday and I cannot wait to see the finished product. Everybody that worked on it did a great job and I really hope I get to work with them all in the future.

4. The Decatur Book Festival is next week! I can't wait because I get to see some friends again and I get to finally meet some other friends from my online book club. It's going to be a fabulous weekend of book nerdery and it is going to be much needed.

5. Today was one of the most emotionally draining days I've ever had. My Mother-in-Law, my husband, and I had to say goodbye to their dog of the last 14 years, Annie. She's been having a a rough time lately and it had gotten to the point where her tail was always tucked and she couldn't even squat to go to the bathroom, among many other ailments. The three of us said goodbye together and dug a grave for her in my Mother-in-Laws backyard under a tree. I've cried so much today I didn't think I had any tears left. I just proved myself wrong. You will be greatly missed and forever loved pup.

RIP Annie 6/9/1997 - 8/26/2011

Friday, August 19, 2011

All 4 Alabama Update


As many of you know, earlier this year tornadoes ripped through the south and left nothing but destruction in its wake. Wanting to do something, I teamed up with the fabulous Courtney and we began All 4 Alabama that consisted of auctions to benefit and rural Alabama town that needed a little extra help.

The town Courtney and I decided upon was Hackleburg, Alabama and I am beyond ecstatic to say that with the help of so many wonderful people, we were able to donate $8,309.41 to Hackleburg Helping Hands.
This organization was created after the tornadoes hit by the people of Hackleburg FOR the people of Hackleburg. Courtney and I are SO thankful to everyone who donated items for the auctions and to those who bid. You are all rock stars in my book.

I can't begin to tell you what I'm feeling after this experience. I am BURSTING with joy and am so happy that all the hard work has paid off and we can start seeing this money be put to good use. 

So THANK YOU to everyone who was involved. I am not joking when I say that it wouldn't have been possible without you and you have a fan for life right here.

To Courtney, you are an amazing and caring person and I am so happy to call you my friend.

To everyone else, just because we aren't in the news anymore, doesn't mean that all is well yet. Every day I drive by areas where there's nothing but rubble. Where trees once stood tall and strong, you can see what's left of the houses behind them covered in tarps. 

Remember, every little bit helps and although the auctions may be closed it doesn't mean you can't still donate to Hackleburg's Helping Hands. They would appreciate it more than you know.

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Ringgold Reads

Many of you know I am 1/2 of the All 4 Alabama team to help raise money for a rural Alabama town that was hit hard by the destruction of the April 27th tornadoes.

Originally my friend Julie and I were going to team up together to raise money and help tornado victims but in the end we each decided to focus on different things. I really wanted to help rural Alabama and she needed to help her own community.


With the help of author Susan Gregg Gilmore and the participation of Random House, Ringgold Reads was created with a mission to rebuild the school libraries of Ringgold, Georgia and help to promote reading and writing as a way for students to express themselves after experiencing such a life-altering event.

Considering the number of books in a library, the number of different books needed is relatively small. However, the number needed of each book (70) isn't a small number. The list of books needed can be found under the Info link on the Facebook page.

Are you getting ready to start back to school shopping? Why not pick up an extra copy of The Great Gatsby or To Kill a Mockingbird? Did you see a copy of The Boy in the Striped Pajamas or A Walk to Remember marked down in your local bookstore's bargain section? Have an extra copy of The Hunger Games laying around?

Why not donate it? Every book helps and I know the teachers and students will greatly appreciate them.

Have a few unused credits on PaperBackSwap? You can use them at no charge to you AND help a great cause!

If you DO plan on donating, make sure you email them at RinggoldReads@gmail.com to let them know the book and number of books you're donating so they can keep track of what they need. As for the books, you can mail those to:

MARK PIERCE, RHS ENGLISH DEPARTMENT HEAD
29 TIGER TRAIL
RINGGOLD, GA 30736


I know I'll be on the hunt this tax free weekend to see what books I can snag. Will you?