Breast Cancer Awareness

Is it me or does this make you feel uncomfortable too? I was walking through Kaufmann's and passed by a display of pink items in support of breast cancer awareness. There were necklaces, key chains, pajamas and slippers. Every time I see the "pink things", I am reminded of breast cancer. I know this is the point, but if I was a survivor or a patient with breast cancer, I would not want to be constantly reminded of the disease. It makes me think about all of the people I know who are struggling with this awful disease. I wonder if I am the only one who thinks like this?

BG Memory

This is a story only a few will remember, it is pretty obscure and may not be worth writing about but here it goes.

Dan Fogelberg sings a song called "Auld Lang Syne" and back in college, it must have been freshman year, I (was it just me?) wrote some lyrics to that song when I attempted to sell my food coupon book at the end of the year. A male voice called to say he'd buy my coupon book and I decided that I could have met the man of my dreams over that coupon book. Laurie, Jill and I wrote some lyrics but I only remember one line and I think of it when I hear the song.

"We drank a toast to coupon books, we drank a toast to Zza's."

Does anyone remember any more?

Andviums

I only have a few digital images on my computer but this one is by far the best. Don't we look great?

We've seen lots of good times and bad since our days and nights on Marble Lane, haven't we?

Romantic Suggestion for Christmas

I wanted to share a tradition that I heard about last year. On Christmas Eve night or even on Christmas night. After the visiting is over and the kids are in bed and everything is quiet, take a moment to toast the holiday with your sweetheart. At World Market (and I am sure other places) they sell splits and even smaller bottles of champagne/sparking wine. When you're exchanging gifts, you can share a few sips of the bubbly and it doesn't cost more than $6 to create a magical moment. Hide the champagne in a bag in the back of your fridge and he will definitely be surprised at your romantic idea.

Bargain of the day/Wendy's promo

Seriously, at Marc's today in South Euclid, I came across a bunch of Revlon hair dryers. It is 1875 watts and was $4.99. They are sealed in bags but do not come with a box. It is good to have a back up for the day your blow dryer decides to call in sick. Just wanted to pass on a good tip.

Also, yesterday, we finally finished collecting our 128 coupons from Wendy's cups to earn 2 round trips anywhere Airtran Airways flies. Phew, that took us a lot of times through the drive thru. The contest is open in the Cleveland area until December 31st.

Somebody's getting maaaarrried!

My sister Jeanne is getting married! (Note to Jeanne/Amy, that title is for your benefit). The last Cesa sister has accepted a proposal of marriage. My future brother-in-law Chad has taken the big step and asked Jeanne for her hand. Good luck to him, I say. When you marry into this family, you get a whole new group of quirky characters.

Jeanne is one of the smartest people I know so I am sure she is making a good decision with Chad. I speak for the whole Cesa clan when I say that we're very happy for you and will help in any way we can to make your wedding day very special.

Stocking Stuffer Ideas

I didn't write this but I thought it was pretty good tips.....enjoy!

Christmas stockings are a long-time tradition, and one everyone looks forward to. Unfortunately, stocking stuffers can be expensive–especially if you have several stockings to stuff! It takes perseverance and a good shopping eye to get the job done.

Here are a few tips:
1. Stocking stuffers need to checked for age appropriateness. Don’t expect to find stocking stuffers for everyone in the same store.

2. Expensive doesn’t constitute quality. Inexpensive gifts used as filler are sometimes the best gifs, so don’t overlook even the smallest item.

3. Start early in the year. The best plan is to pick up items all year long, just remember to keep them as stocking stuffers!

4. Wrap all stocking stuffers, no matter the size or shape. It’s more fun when everything is wrapped in different colored paper. And you can never go wrong with ribbons!

5. Purchase useful items as well as fun items. No one said gifts had to be impractical.

6. Try to keep the size to a minimum of 6-8 inches, including several tall, slender items as filler.

7. Leave one item unwrapped...something special, like a Barbie doll or special candy cane or maybe a G.I. Joe...and sticking out the top.

8. Always include a vintage coin. The Walking Liberty silver dollar stuck into the toe of the stocking makes a great addition to their loot.

9. Add candy. You know what you child/husband/wife likes. Candy and gum used as filler will never be looked at as a mistake. Unshelled nuts are fun, too.

10. Never underestimate the power of gift certificates, phone cards, and movie passes

For youngsters:
1. Stickers
2. Stampers and pads
3. Colored chalk and glitter pens
4. Candy necklace and ring
5. Brightly colored toothbrush
6. Gift certificate for the video rental store (game or movie)
7. Bath oils shaped like little animals (they melt and release the oil in the bathtub)
8. Latest Disney movie
9. Connect the dots coloring book
10. Glow necklace

For teen-agers:
1. Phone card
2. One quarter roll and one dime roll for the laundry mat at college
3. Bath oil or bath salts
4. Large box of candy (chocolate covered peanuts, sweet and sour, etc.) and a movie pass
5. Facial cleansers, strips, and/or scrubs
6. Keys to a new car...or...a hand-held car window scraper for the old car (your choice)
7. Two tickets to an upcoming concert with a note that explains neither ticket is for you
8. Jewelry
9. Horoscope book
10. Teen magazine

For spouse:
1. Phone card
2. Gift certificate to favorite store
3. Purse size of her favorite perfume or his favorite cologne
4. Two movie passes so he/she can go to a movie with a friend (or with you!)
5. Lottery tickets
6. Tickets to a play and an invitation to dinner at an expensive restaurant
7. Certificate for a massage
8. A cassette or CD of the music you enjoyed when you dated
9. Small calendar with important dates (birthdays, family outings) filled in
10. Razors

Additional ideas for adults:
1. Recipe to that special, mysterious family dish you make and everyone loves
2. One quarter roll and an invitation to go gambling with you
3. Small bottle of liquor
4. Lipstick for chapped lips
5. Handmade ticket for free babysitting by you