NaNoWriMo--Day 1

A few days ago, I posted the status update of "I'm Gonna Just Do It" to my Facebook Page; and while I received a few praises from supporters, no one really knew exactly what I was referring to with the "I'm Gonna Just Do It" comment. So, was I gonna finally express my political outrage over the mess the economy is in by protesting or contacting the media? Was I gonna flip out on those folks who gave me their word of support only to later renege or act as if they never heard me in the first place? While these situations evoked real emotions resulting from real feelings and situations, I'm happy to report that I have my emotions and reactions safely in check. So, what was it that I was "just gonna do?"~~~I registered with The National Novel Writers Month or NaNoWriMo for the very first year and TODAY is day 1.

Remember To Put Your Oxygen Mask on First!

Most of us give generously of our time and energy to family members, friends, and co-workers and often ignore our own needs. It may not be until we become physically or mentally exhausted, or financially depleted, that we wake up and pay attention to our own needs. At that point we remember the wisdom of the flight attendant: Put on your oxygen mask first, and then you'll be able to help others.

Milan, Varenna and Bellaggio

IFLA 2009 was hosted by the always fashionable City of Milan in italy. Its been over 19-years since I was last in Italy and while lots has changed in Milan, much of what I loved most about this picturesque country has remained the same. At the congress, my Standing Committee on Libraries Serving Persons with Special Needs sponsored an awesome program regarding Prison Libraries on Tuesday August 25th and then led an interactive tour of the Bassone Prison in Como, Italy on Wednesday August 26th. The interactions with the inmates just made our day. To hear first hand accounts of what exceptional work our fellow library colleagues in Italy are doing to ensure the educational and literary development of the inmates and their children was simply priceless. After the IFLA Congress, a colleague and I traveled by train North of Milan to vacation on Lake Como in the town of Varenna. The picture associated with this post was taken in Varenna outside a Cafe on a lazy afternoon. Our lodging for 5 days, Hotel Milano, is in the background. During our stay, we took the ferry to the town of Bellaggio to view gardens, villas and to do some shopping. We heard that the famous USA actor, George Clooney, purchased a Villa in Bellaggio, but we never got a chance to see where. What great memories for this Librarian from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania!

Chatham College Class of 1989 Reunion Dinner

Hello Chatham University
Class of 1989!

It’s not too late to attend your Class Party, on Saturday October 10, 2009! Spend time with former classmates and get a chance to both reminisce and share current news about your lives. Your lovely dinner will be held on Chatham’s campus in Mellon Center! RSVP by Friday October 2, 2009 to ensure your place at the table. Please respond to Veronica Stevenson-Moudamane at vlcsmoudamane@gmail.com or call The Alumni Office at 412.365.1517. In addition, we have 3 full days of programming designed for Reunion 2009! Click on the link below for details. Hope to see you there! Reunion 2009: Friday, October 9 - Sunday, October 11.

Join us in celebrating Chatham’s 140th Anniversary! It's not too late to RSVP for Chatham University’s Reunion Weekend—we’ve extended the deadline to Friday, October 2

http://alum.chatham.edu/pdf/2009ReunionBrochure.pdf