Friday, January 30, 2009

Answers

1. Wendy's
2. Rice Krispies
3. Frosted Flakes
4. Nike
5. Mazda
6. Panasonic
7. Bartles & Jaymes Wine Coolers
8. Budweiser
9. Ford
10. Perdue Chicken
11. Pizza Hut
12. American Express
13. Federal Express
14. Coca-Cola
15. Pantene Shampoo
16. AT&T
17. Chick-Fil-A
18. Pringles
19. Alka Seltzer
20. Campbell's Soup

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

BOOK CLUB: Children's- Laura Joffe Numeroff

WE'RE STARTING A BOOK CLUB!!!
Each month we will have a 'suggested book' - with a wide range of topics and genres, "something for everyone". If you read the book, let us know what you think. And of course, we're always looking for suggestions, so please share your favorites! Check back the 27th of each month...

Okay, so this month we're going REAL wide range and REAL basic, but we wanted to share our favorite "CHILDREN'S" author.

IF YOU GIVE A MOOSE A MUFFIN :
Laura Joffe Numeroff
In each book, a simple, kindly action on the part of the little boy leads to a whole series of demands on the part of the recipient. As you can tell, the guest is a moose this time who wanders in, ready for a muffin with homemade blackberry jam. After an entertaining series of events, this story ends where it begins with another demand for a muffin with jam. Other stories include: "If You Give A Mouse A Cookie", "If You Give A Pig A Pancake"... and "Dogs Don't Wear Sneakers".

CURL UP WITH A GOOD BOOK and Happy Reading!

Monday, January 26, 2009

AD-VERTISING'S FINEST

I look forward to this Sunday night, as the best commercials are revealed... BUT interrupted by a football game! (sorry Manning!) You've heard them.. now can you recall WHO brought us these infamous phrases?
(Could make for a fun Super Bowl Half-time Brain Teaser!)

1. Where's the Beef?
2. Snap, Crackle, and Pop.
3. They're G-R-R-R-REAT!
4. Just Do It.
5. Zoom-Zoom.
6. Ideas for Life.
7. And we thank you for your support.
8. Dad, you're my dad... and I LOVE YOU, MAANN!
9. Quality is Job 1.
10. It takes a tough man to make a tender chicken.
11. Gather 'round the good stuff.
12. Don't leave home without it.
13. When it absolutely, positively has to be there overnight.
14. Can't beat the real thing.
15. Don't hate me because I'm beautiful.
16. Reach out and touch someone.
17. Eet mor chikin.
18. Once you pop, you can't stop.
19. Plop, plop, fizz, fizz - oh, what a relief it is.
20. M'm M'm Good!

Answers will be posted Friday...

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

SISTER PROFILE: Carla Geary DiProspero

We thought it fitting to do a dual sister profile to highlight TWO Amazing Pi's... we wish to reward their accomplisment this past year and ask that they share their story... they trained many months and are now able to say they walked 60 miles in just 3 days!!! Our own Carla and Nikole participated in the Susan G. Kormen Breast Cancer THREE DAY this past October... Carla's was October 17- 19 in Philadelphia, PA and Nikole's was October 24 - 26 in Atlanta, GA.

We are pleased to introduce you to CARLA GEARY DIPROSPERO:

Family tree - founding sister: Jeanne Kling

Years at Ship: 86-90

What is your favorite AOII memory? Spring Break in the Bahamas...

What is your most meaninigful AOII memory? Senior sendoff

What do you remember most about your SHIP days? the laughing and dancing

Please share a funny story: On our trip to the Bahamas there we were lying on the beach, a wave came up and one sister sitting up - then realizing she had untied her bikini top!

This was a huge accomplishment that I'm sure will change you and you should be very proud... is there another accomplishment since college that makes you proud?My wonderful family.

What inspired you to participate in the THREE DAY? I kept seeing signs, hearing people talking about it, seeing commercials...I kept thinking how blessed I was to not have been touched by this dreadful disease. I then realized that even though I was not immediately touched many people I know have been. It is such an overwhelming disease that I wanted to help out in some way, so because I am so lucky with my health and love of walking and I thought I would put it to good use!

What occurred during the weekend, what did you enjoy most? I enjoyed talking with all of the other walkers the most. It was incredible what people go through and still survive...not just survive but thrive. I have tremendous respect for the will and fortitude of all of these men and women.
Anyone who knows me know I am slightly focused! I joined the walk on my own but had met my tent mate once - which offered a level of comfort. Once I started walking I stayed towards the front and met other women (and men) who liked to walk as much as me and we just walked and talked about so many different things. What I really enjoyed the most was meeting all of the people. I met people from all walks of life and with all different reasons for walking.

What did you learn most from this event? I did not necessarily learn this, but it was definently reinforced...it takes a village! As I mentioned, so many of us were there for different reasons, but we were all there with one purpose - to raise awareness (and money) for breast cancer.

You were obviously inspired prior to the October weekend.. has your inspiration changed or did you re-focus after meeting other participants? My inspiration has definently been reinforced - I walked with survivors, caretakers, and just concerned women and men. One participant I spent a great deal of time with had many parts of her body removed to be rid of the cancer and yet there she was walking 60 miles along side of me. One woman had just finished her rounds of chemo and was walking...I have no idea if I would have the courage or strength...but I know I definently have the respect of everyone of those walkers to keep moving on.

Is there someone special that you met during your journey? As I mentioned earlier, my walking partner for two days who had gone through so many bouts of cancer (she even survived her house burning down during all of this!)
What kept you going? I just knew I had to...

What advice can you give those of us who wish to get involved - at this level or what can we do to help? I would so recommend the walk - it is incredible. The support of bystanders was overwhelming. If you can't do the walking, you can always contribute monetarily or come out along the route and cheer us on!

SISTER PROFILE: Nikole Davis

We are pleased to introduce NIKOLE DAVIS:

Family tree - founding sister: Deb Eichenser (ooooh it's been awhile....not 100% of the spelling.....sorry Deb)

Years at Ship: 1992-1996

What is your favorite AOII memory? Whew—there are so many!! And my mind is going blank at the moment…ugh!!

What is your most meaningful AOII memory? I have a ton of great, meaningful memories, but one that sticks out in my mind is seeing Carolyn Scollay and Amy Metcalf at my Severs Apartment door offering me my bid! They soon became two very special older sisters to me!

What do you remember most about your SHIP days? AOII events…the serious ones and the funny ones…they all made a lasting impression on me!

Please share a funny story: A funny pledging story that still makes me laugh is the day that some of my pledge sisters (the Rho Class) and I got locked in to the laundry room at the house. Before we were assigned library time, any spare moment we had between classes was spent in the laundry room. Why on this particular day the door was closed, I do not recall, but the handle on the door broke off and we were locked in the laundry room, some of us unable to attend class (we were so sad…hahaha!). Several sisters tried to help us out and we passed notes under the door, but all with no success of getting the door open. We had to wait for a locksmith to come to the rescue!

What inspired you to participate in the THREE DAY? My inspirations to walk were my mother and a good childhood friend. My mother is a 10 year breast cancer survivor and my friend Stephanie lost her life at age 30 to a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer.

Please tell us about the event and how it was set up... it is inconceivable for me to believe that you slept outside in tents, showered outside, spent three days away from home - - with thousands of other people! The Atlanta 3Day 2008 was probably not a “typical experience” as it rained ALL DAY on Friday! We walked 20 miles in rain suits, wet shoes, and then slept in an empty warehouse, rather than in the tents on the muddy ground. The showers were an interesting experience as I had never showered in a tractor trailer before. I had a warm shower, felt like I was in a tiny ladies locker room, and brushed my teeth in the trough outside. And if asked if I would do it again under these circumstances…I would say YES!

What occurred during the weekend, what did you enjoy most? I think what struck me as being completely awesome during the weekend was the camaraderie that filled the streets as we walked. Though we did not all know each other by name, we were all walking for the same purpose—to help raise money and awareness for breast cancer research. There was an indescribable feeling of purpose, excitement and dedication that radiated from each walker! It was neat!

What did you learn most from this event? WOW! There are a ton of loving, caring people in the metro Atlanta area that greatly praised and respected our commitment to walk the 3Day! People I did not even know had me crying from their generosity!

You were obviously inspired prior to the October weekend. Has your inspiration changed or did you re-focus after meeting other participants? After meeting other participants, I do not think my inspiration changed, but rather grew stronger! I know that I am meant to walk the 3Day and am determined to walk it each year. I would like to eventually branch out and walk in other cities, especially Boston and San Diego!

Is there someone special that you met during your journey? There is not a walker that I met that I would consider “special,” but there was one of the crew members that worked the cross walks that my group always looked forward to seeing! He was dressed in a kilt, knee socks, stood on his bike dancing while playing fun music! He really kept the tempo upbeat….especially when all you wanted to do was collapse!

What kept you going? The pink shirts that said, "SURVIVOR" all around me were very inspirational and kept my feet (blistered and all) walking!
What advice can you give those of us who wish to get involved - at this level or what can we do to help? As Nike once said...."JUST DO IT!" 60 miles in 3 days sounds scary, but do it with a friend(s) and the time goes by before you know it and the memories that you have made are priceless! Many people of scared by the fundraising portion of the walk, but with prayers and a great team of ladies that will work itself out!! BUT...if you are not up for the walking, become a crew member! The walkers are very appreciative for the snacks and smiling faces at the pit stops, which are all run by volunteer crew members as well as the sweep vans members and crossing guards that add a tremendous amount of energy to the walk!

I will be doing the 2009 walk in October - come out and walk with me. However, if you don't feel like you can walk with me I would appreciate any support (either money or emotional) that you can pass on! It is an amazing journey and I would recommend being involved on any level for anyone!!!

Thank you both for sharing... what wonderful stories, you should be so proud!

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Inauguration Day: History in the Making Craft


To join in the festivities, here's a fun and easy project: Using a paper plate and either paint or crayons/markers, make your own "Obama O". Use glitter glue to write the date in the center. Make this into a paper fan by attaching at jumbo stick at the bottom - and wave as you watch the parade!
Happy Obama Day!

Sunday, January 18, 2009

SUNDAY MORNING Treat

Here's a breakfast treat that will make your morning that much more fun! (Great idea to have the ingredients on hand in the event of a snow day or slumber party... it works well as a 'cooking project' for the kids - and it comes highly recommended by Kate D!)

MONKEY BREAD
2 cans refrigerator biscuits (we use Pilsbury "Grands" biscuits- low fat!)
1/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup brown sugar
3/4 stick butter
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter tube or loaf pan (we use a 'bundt cake pan'). Cut biscuits into quarters and shake in cinnamon-sugar mixture in plastic bag. Melt brown sugar and butter. Layer biscuit pieces and pour butter-sugar mix over. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Turn cake out on plate.
(I have made this the day before and kept in refrig; then just bake in am.)

Enjoy!
Do you have a favorite recipe you'd like to share?

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Saturday Morning Humor: Daddy-Sitting

"I was maybe 2 1/2 years old and my favorite Christmas present was my "tea set". One day my mother was out and my dad was in charge of me. Daddy was in the living room engrossed in the evening news when I brought Daddy a little cup of 'tea' which was just water. After several cups of tea and lots of praise for such yummy tea, my Mom came home.

My Dad made her wait in the living room to watch me bring him a cup of tea, because it was just the cutest thing! My Mom waited, and sure enough, here I come down the hall with a cup of tea for Daddy and she watches him drink it up.

Then she says, (as only a mother would know), 'Did it ever occur to you that the only place she can reach to get water is the toilet???"

Friday, January 16, 2009

I'ts RUSH time again!!


Yes, back at Ship this is what we would REALLY be studying this time of year (you know, rush songs) - - so we thought this would be a fun "trip down memory lane"... and don't blame us if these "catchy little tunes" stay in your head all day! (Don't worry, it's okay to repeat them; these are the clean ones.)

GIRL IN RED, GIRL IN WHITE,
AOII is dynamite, The AOII's welcome YOU!
Friends so true, take our cue, Fun and friendship we pursue, The AOII's welcome YOU!
Now if you wander by an AOII, You will agree.
We're the best of all the rest, We're the top sorority.
So heed our song, come along, Join our happy, carefree throng.
The AOII's welcome YOU, (we really mean it!)
Parris, Stewart, and Lisman (Rush Chairs)would be so proud!!

Remember this one??!
Hey Look Us Over
Give us the eye, on every campus, we are rated high.
Hey look us over, we're here to be seen, Each and every one of us could be a campus queen... We're All-American college girls, and let us tell you why:
'Cause we're Alpha Omicron Pi's!

I'M AN A-O-A-O-Cutie-Cutie-Pi
And I'll be one 'til the day, the day I die;
I'm so proud-so proud about it, I can't help-but help to shout it:
I'm an A-O-A-O-Cutie-Cutie-Pi!!!
Ha,ha...that one's for Kuc.

What are your favorites? Please share...

Thursday, January 8, 2009

The Green Expectation: January


The Greenhouse Effect: Green in the New Year with some little things you can do around the house to better the environment:
- Replace light bulbs with compact flourescent bulbs, which last longer and use less energy.
- Avoid vampire electricity by unplugging appliances when they are not in use instead of just turning them off. (Especially chargers for phones or computers!)
- Even though it is getting cold outside, turn your theremostat down a couple of degrees, and use a space heater at night when it gets too chilly.
Trying these tips out for a month will help you see how easily it is to become green for life as well as helping you save on energy bills.

Monday, January 5, 2009

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle - GREETING CARDS

St Jude's Recycled Card Program
I am proud to say that I am still a "Smarty reader" and am excited to pass along this great find... before you discard your holiday greeting cards, please read ahead: St. Jude's is accepting all used, all-occasion greeting cards from November 15, 2008 thru February 28, 2009. They turn these used cards into "new" cards for the coming season... The children participate in making the new recycled cards by removing the front and attaching a new back made with recycled paper. The new card is a beautiful, "green" card made by the children and volunteers. Their customers receive "green" holiday cards to use and the children receive payment for their work and learn the benefits and importance of "going green".
To Purchase: Cards are sold in packets of 10 for $8 and are available in Christmas, Easter, Birthaday, Thank You, and All Occasion. Orders may be placed by email, phone, or mail.
To Donate your used cards: (You may send them with or without the backs.) Mail to: St. Jude's Ranch for Children
Card Recycling Program
100 St. Jude's Street
Boulder City, NV 89005

AOII has launched a "Green Expectation" campaign, stay posted: we will be sharing some of these ideas with you... what are you doing to 'go green'??? We'd love to hear more!