Birthday Wish!

As you may be know, this spring I started volunteering with the Breast Cancer Resource Center here in Austin. I first heard of them through a volunteer committee member/friend who also served on their board. I'm so glad she told me about the organization.

The BCRC does many things but most prominently it helps women battling breast cancer sort through everything (that's probably way over simplifying). When my Grandma was going through her treatment, my aunt became her personal secretary/nurse and had a whole team of aunt and uncles behind her. My aunt went with her to doctor's appointments, took notes, called back for more information and led the care-taking charge after Grandma's masectomy. My family was very lucky that my aunt didn't need to work and could assume the full time role of caretaker and let Grandma focus on one thing and one thing only: getting healthy. But not every family has that opportunity available to them and even if they do, an expert who knows the ropes would be very helpful. And that's what the BCRC does. They provide the educational resources, support system, guidance and a whole lot more so that the woman only has to do one thing, GET HEALTHY.

This month is their big fundraiser, GRAPHIC V. While I have to be honest, I don't really know the story behind why the event is called "GRAPHIC" I can tell you it's a cool event. The evening revolves around an art bra fashion show in which all the models are survivors. The models/survivors are part of the event committee and support group known as the Pink Ribbon Cowgirls. The group is especially for young women battling and beating breast cancer. But, I digress.

So for GRAPHIC I am writing the event script. Yup, going back to my roots of nonprofit communications. I've been working on it off and on for about a week now. Every time I open that Word doc I have the exact same experience: moved to the verge of tears. The story that made me tear up the most came from a mom. The BCRC had given her and her two kids pillows while she was going through treatment. Her kids took them everywhere because hugging one of those pillow was just like hugging mom.

And that's why this month for my birthday I have set up a Causes Wish to raise $500 for the Breast Cancer Resource Center. I'm 2% of the way there and I hope you'll consider making a donation to support all the Pink Ribbon Cowgirls, young in body or like my Grandma, young at heart.


I think she's got a little cowgirl in her



Opening Weekend!

Sox fans gotta stick together

Baseball opening weekend! Woohoo! The dreary weeks after football but before baseball are officially over. We are back in season for a sport we care about and love. Hurray!

Only so many times in life is your team opening against your hubby's team on a weekend where you are free to travel to one of the games. This was one of those times.

Yesterday we piled with Erin and Jon into my car and started the trek north on I-35 to DFW for opening weekend. Many points from the weekend.

First, wow. Perfect weather for baseball. Warm but not sticky. Perfect.

Second, Rangers Ballpark at Arlington is a really nice park. Ross had never been (I went once) and we really liked being at a nice, clean park that was jammed packed with thousands of rowdy fans. Awesome.

 Third, we had two MLB virgins with us. Neither Patty nor Ryan had ever been to an MLB game. I'm willing to cut them a little slack since they both grew up in San Antonio which doesn't have a team and I know at least Ryan isn't a huge baseball person. (Frankly I'm not even sure how well versed he is on the rules.)

Fourth...well we won't talk about the score. Suffice it to say, Ross had a fantastic time.

Fifth, our seats were great. First baseline. Nice.

Sixth, well it was just a really fun adventure to DFW. I'm so glad we splurged and took this little mini vacation with our friends!

For the "Ross & Cheryl See the World" album. Ryan decided to make a guest appearance.

PS I got a kick out of Jess' blog post about how she just is not into baseball and opening day. I must say, I feel the exact opposite of her. I LOVE IT!

.000

I had a great dinner in Hotlanta with Jess and Rob but in typical Cheryl fashion, took no pics. This makes the THIRD business trip where I've seen friends but have failed to take out the camera.

Yes, that means my photo-taking batting average is .000.

Maybe I can redeem myself at Ben & Anna's wedding? Heck that would bring me up to .250 and in MLB that ain't such a bad batting average.

Weekend in Pictures

Since I fly to Atlanta and see Jess/Rob tonight, this post will have to have a continuation on Monday or Tuesday. But for now, here's our weekend in pictures.


Friday we went to dinner with Jon & Erin at Vivo in Cedar Park. The margaritas were amazing.


Saturday we played vollyeball at Hanover's here in Pville. This was Ross' dance to intimidate the other team. Please feel free to laugh.


Lexi came with us to volleyball. This is my fav pic of her because you can't really see the scratches on her little nose from the puppy dog fight she had last week and because she doesn't look like an abandoned neglected dog the way she does in some other pics.


I practiced taking action shots. I think this one turned out OK.

Great weekend! Now jet set for Hotlanta and dinner with the Porters!

We Fight Back

I stumbled upon this via Twitter today and thought I'd share with you. Very good video for a very good cause.

My date with Clay Walker

And by "date" I mean concert I saw where he was the performer.

Last night I took my first adventure to the Austin Rodeo. So different than the Houston Rodeo. It had the same basic elements: carnival, livestock show, rodeo events, concert, junk food. But the Houston Rodeo is easily 5 times bigger. It is held at Reliant Stadium for goodness sake! The Austin Rodeo feels like its held at a county fairground. (I'm not really sure what you'd call the place but that's the best comparison I've got.) However, because it was smaller, every seat in the house was a good seat. The prices for concessions were less outrageous and the lines for the bathroom were shorter. All really good things in my mind.

Clay Walker was awesome. He did a great show and I loved singing along with him. Verdict: Win.

(But I think I'll still make the trip out to Houston for the rodeo every couple of years. Every once in a while you have to go big.)

Off to work! Have a stellar day!