Creative Tear

I am on a creative tear since the year began. I can't make enough stuff. Doesn't matter if it's words or jewelry or things to wear, I'm being all crazy creative.

Fabulous boyfriend gave me a sewing machine for Christmas.

At the class to learn how to use it I made a bag.

This is actually two necklaces

This went to Karen, whom I've known since before I was born.

 

and just now, my favorite thing so far, an apron from two old skirts for Mia.

Anybody need anything made?

Oh, also, there's  a my new blog, too, called ThriftScore. Check it out! 

Operation Beautiful

I am a huge fan of Operation Beautiful. Here's how it works: Write an anonymous note to someone on a post-it or whatever, and then just leave it for anyone to see. This could be in a public bathroom, on the bus, between the pages of a library book -- wherever.

It's like adding a little change into your good karma piggy bank.

Giving Cancer the Boot

If you recall about this time last year, I did the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in honor of my friend from work who died, Charlene McComas. Being how I am, I took this as a personal challenge and hit up everyone I know for a buck or two. My very, very generous friends -- you know who you are -- contributed a total of about $2,000.

So this year I hadn't thought about it too much. I ignored the invitation for the "Honor Roll" party sponsored by a vodka company, and didn't bother putting out feelers. I thought I'd let it slide. I thought I'd forget about it.

But dang it wouldn't you know that in today's mail arrived a Tyvek envelope from the Komen Foundation. Inside was a beautiful pink satin sash that reads in black letters, "Honor Roll 2008." And a note saying that they're sorry I missed the party but here you go.

And so.

So I'm thinking that I might just have to go at it again, in memory of all the people who have fought cancer, successfully and unsuccessfully, and in memory of my father, whose business it was to help them.

Anyone coming with me? It's September 27 in Orange County.

Getting Engaged

This video made me want to do something to help somebody. To engage with the world. To shut my trap and actually do something with the creative brew inside. To be a better person.

Will.i.am for VP!!!!! Write in!!!!!

Success!

Lisa is even sassier than I am in photos, if you can believe that.

Today, 29,999 other people and I walked all around Newport Beach's Fashion Island (I actually thought it was a real island. Alas, it is just a chi-chi mall) to look for a cure for breast cancer as part of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.

We did not find it. We found a ton of cheerleaders, funny dudes in tutus, Boy Scouts handing out water and balancing cups on their heads, and one zillion cute babies. But hopefully, we are closer than we were yesterday to finding a cure. The walk so far has raised $1.42 million

In case you were waiting to give until I actually PROVED that I walked, please note the picture of me of me and my excellent co-worker, Lisa. I would never, ever in a million years wear a shirt or a baseball cap like that on my own personal voiltion, so you know it's authentic. It's not too late to give, either! It's cinchy, just go to www.ockomen.org/race/vmcgrady.

Thanks, everyone, for all your support. I know a lot of regular 40licious readers gave, and I'm so glad I could reach out this way.

This Is How Amazing You Are

$1,745

That's how much you've donated to my Race/Walk for the Cure effort. You people floor me.

LuLuBelle and I will make the trek on Sunday in Orange County, in memory of my colleague, Charlene McComas, the original corporate wacky redhead.

But it's not too late! We are still gleefully accepting small change and big bucks at www.ockomen.org/race/vmcgrady.

And thank you, all, for every penny you've given so far. You're amazing.

Can we get to $2k? Y2k? Why not?

You Are Amazing

$1,555

That's how much I've raised in this campaign for the Susan G. Komen Foundation so far. Most of my friends aren't wealthy. A shockingly huge number of them are, in fact, unemployed. They are, however, big hearted and have vision and power. The only downside to this is that now I owe, like, 85 favors.

You are all AMAZING.

And it's still not too late to sponsor me and LuLuBelle as we hike around Orange County looking for a cure. I think they've hidden it somewhere, like Easter eggs. Lu will find it. She is bionic in the sniffer department.

Go here to see what I'm talking about.

Thank you, a thousand times.

$60! That's It!

Due to your AMAZING generosity, I have far surpassed my original goal of raising $1,000 for the Susan G. Komen Foundation Race for the Cure. I set a new mark -- $1,500 -- and I have only $60 to go until I meet that!

So if you have been hemming and hawing about donating, or if you thought about spending money on something foolish, like cocaine, Ringling Bros. Circus (it's terrible now, your kids will have more fun at the park), "surefire" stocks, The Product That Will Finally Make Your Hair Perfect, holiday-themed dinnerware, an empire-waist tunic from TJ Maxx that is on sale but will only be hip until 10 minutes ago, or Bio Bags, please, consider donating instead to this cause.

It's so easy and you can feel rigteous and smug at tax time!

You can click away here: www.ockomen.org/race/vmcgrady.

Lucy and I will be walking on Sept. 28. I think it's 100 miles or something. We'll bring enough water and snacks.

Thanks again, to everyone who gave. Your generosity floors me.

SU2C

You can say all you want about the people in the entertainment industry. They're mean and temperamental. They're hogging all the Botox and Wellbutrin. They fostered the careers of Danny Bonaduce and Renee Zellwegger. But you know what? They're doing something government, the UN and any health organization hasn't. They are coming together around cancer, to try to get past the tipping point between searching for a cure and making cancer as harmless, as, say, dandruff. Take your pick of NBC, ABC and CBS tonight -- Friday, 8 p.m. -- to watch Stand Up 2 Cancer, and help get us that much closer to a cure. (You can also kill an amazing amount of time watching all the videos and whatnot until the actual event. Not like you'd kill time or anything ... you just read the Internet for the articles. I know. But still.)

Also, I'm only about $400 away from my $1,500 goal for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. Think of all the stupid stuff you spent money on this week. That greasy lunch. Those flats you thought were cute but now aren't and rub a little bit on your toe. Scented candles as a gift because you couldn't think of anything else. Now, it won't hurt you to throw $15 or so toward eradicating breast cancer, would it? I didn't think so. Please go here to donate.