Please join us at Cucina Bella for September’s book club meeting to “discuss” Gillian Flynn’s novel, Sharp Objects. Even if (or perhaps especially if) the last thing you read was Good Night Moon, please come for the laughter, food and drinks. I know this has been written often, but if you don’t have time to read the book please come anyway. Reading the book may be an easy way to create a common connection, but forming friendships certainly doesn’t involve required reading.
Our first general board meeting will take place on Wednesday, September 10, 7:30 at Theresa’s house. She’s at 1331 Redfern Drive in Deerfield Manor. Please RSVP!
Why did you want to join the USC Newcomers’ Club?
My husband’s job is very time demanding, so I was hoping to find some new friends and activities to do. I did not know one person in the area when we moved
Where did you recently move from?
West Virginia
Where did you grow up?
I have lived my whole life in West Virginia prior to this move. I’m originally from Jefferson County, which is a beautiful place full of Civil War History and about an hour and a half from Washington, DC.
Where did you go to college and what did you study?
I received my Masters in Elementary Education from West Virginia University.
What do you do for your day job?
I’m a stay at home mom and a director with Thirty-one.
Do you have any kids? If so what are their names and ages?
When we moved to PA our daughter, Lucy, was only 3 months old. Now she is 3 years old and full of personality.
Do you have any pets?
We have one dog, Samson. He has been in our family for 5 years and just the best dog!
What do you like to do for fun?
I enjoy nature, reading, and dance aerobics. As a family, we go for hikes, to the Zoo, and to museums. It has been so nice to be close to the action here.
What books on your shelf are begging to be read?
Currently, I’m re-reading a childhood favorite of mine. I’m on book 3 of 7 in the Anne of Green Gables series.
What’s the biggest goal you are working on now?
Potty training my daughter- nothing has prepared me for this.
What upcoming Newcomers’ event are you looking forward to attending?
I’m hoping to make it to some of the Ladies Night Out events sometime soon. Now that Lucy isn’t so young it would be lovely to have some conversations with people that are not about Scooby- Do and Princess (not that I don’t also love those chats).
What other things do you want your fellow newcomers to know about yourself?
Just that I love meeting new people, so I’m always up for a playdate with Lucy or coffee chat.
Why did you want to join the USC Newcomers’ Club?
I am new to USC so they let me join. I like to have fun and heard there were playgroups. I was a little disappointed to learn the playgroups were for the kids but luckily I have some kids so they still let me come. I also heard the couples events, craft nights and girls’ nights were really fun . I am happy to report the rumors are true; USC Newcomers Group is not only fun but supportive and resourceful. The people I have met are simply wonderful and their empathy has made the move bearable.
Where did you recently move from?
We moved from Bellevue , WA (east of Seattle) in July 2012 to Mt. Pleasant, PA then to USC (Fort Couch then Partridge Dr.) I am now a pro at packing and unpacking…a whole bunch of “stuff”. Let me know I you need help getting settled in.
Where did you grow up?
I was born in the country’s “biggest, Little city,” Reno, NV, but I grew up in Wilton, CT. I always like to say I traded in my feathered mullet for a bob and pearls to fit in at the country club. From the desert to the lushness of Fairfield County.
Where did you go to college and what did you study?
I went to the University of Washington to study rowing, Speech Communications and English. I got a BA for the last two and a PR certification as well. I also went to Kellogg for a Marketing certification.
What do you do for your day job?
Look for a day job. After almost 9 years doing marketing , PR an Analyst Relations at Microsoft and one long year in a technical time warp at a law firm, I am looking for my next role. I love technology and how it can enhance our lives and the way we do business and hope I can fin something that is inspiring and financially rewarding. Yes that was a shameless plug.
Do you have any kids? If so what are their names and ages?
I have three active, adorable boys: Gregory (43), Henri (5) and Luc (3). Henri will go to Streams next year and Luc may attend Mt. Lebanon Montessori. Gregory most recently ran the Rippers Ski School at Hidden Valley and he plays my wonderful husband when he is not playing with the boys.
Do you have any pets?
Tasman, our white wonder kitty, chased his tail so much we named him after the Tasmanian Devil. He is quite the exterminator and kitty bear. He is our first child and will be 11 in October.
What do you like to do for fun?
Clearly I like to make jokes or at least make attempts at humor. I like movies, interior design, writing and being with friends. I like to create and do things that make people happy.
What books on your shelf are begging to be read?
Books? Shelf? I know many people are still enamored with the printed page and “the feel” of the paper, but I am a digital girl. I do, however, like the feel of a glossy magazine like Dwell, Architectural Digest, W or Real Simple but I often read even those on my iPad or Microsoft Surface. Umberto Ecco, Hemingway and David Sedaris have written some of my favorite books.
What’s the biggest goal you are working on now?
Finding a day job. ( insert thought bubble…Geez another shameless plug. Relentless! At least she didn’t include a link to her LinkedIn profile.)
What upcoming Newcomers’ event are you looking forward to attending?
Three words: The. Progressive. Dinner! I had to miss it last year but I am truly looking forward to it this year. Low Country, here we come!
What other things do you want your fellow newcomers to know about yourself?
I am more serious than I sound in this profile. I once walked 62 miles in 3 days, lived in Jamaica, got a goat for Christmas and wore Elton John’s glasses. I also really like long walks on the beach (especially on vacation) and yoga.
If you’ve had as much fun being a part of Newcomers as I have, you’ll want to tell others about our Club. The perfect way to do that is to be part of our booth at USC Community Day on May 17. We’ll be raffling off 5 fabulous baskets representing our fun activities and handing out sure-to-be-popular favors. We can use your help chatting with visitors to the booth and selling raffle tickets! There will always be at least 2 people in the booth at any time, so don’t worry, you won’t be on your own.
Please CLICK HERE TO RSVP for a 30 minute shift at our booth during USC Community Day on May 17.
Why did you want to join the USC Newcomers’ Club?
I joined because my oldest is very outgoing and I thought it would be nice to join a Playgroup for her. My family has done some fun things and met a lot of wonderful people through this club!!
Where did you go to college and what did you study?
I went to The University of Pittsburgh for my undergraduate work and studied Finance with a minor in Economics. I have an MBA from Robert Morris University and I am also a CPA.
What do you do for your day job?
Stay-at-home mom:-)
Do you have any kids? If so what are their names and ages?
Clare, 4 years old, Jack, 2 years old and Danielle, 4 months old.
Do you have any pets?
None yet, though I see a dog and cat in our future!
What do you like to do for fun?
Right now I would say I like to sleep for fun! When the kids are in a routine, I enjoy being outside (walks with the kids & gardening), baking (trying to get more excited about cooking), spending time with family and friends, and I am going to join the choir at church in the next month or so.
What books on your shelf are begging to be read?
So many; I just tried Audible from Amazon.com and picked two books to listen to, “All the Money in the World” and “How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk”. I usually want to read self help books and get bored in the middle. I think listening while doing dishes may work well though:-)
What’s the biggest goal you are working on now?
Keeping up with laundry, dishes & other housework while still finding time to spend with my kids and husband!
What upcoming Newcomers’ event are you looking forward to attending?
The PNC Park tour in May. I told my family and my oldest said “I love this family!” We are all looking forward to the tour and picnic!
Mark your calendar and RSVP for the last Couples Event of the 2013/2014 club year! Our Progressive Dinner featuring foods from the “Low Country” on America’s Southeast Coast, is scheduled for Saturday, May 31st. What better way to kick off the summer by enjoying new foods and new friendships at this popular annual Couples Event!
Why did you want to join the USC Newcomers’ Club?
When we moved to USC my daughter was a year old and I was at home with her full-time. We were both ready to get out and meet some new friends.
Other than while attending school I have lived in Pittsburgh my entire life. I grew up in the northern suburbs of Pittsburgh. If you know anything about this town, you know that my moving to the South Hills qualifies me as either a brave pioneer or a traitor.
Where did you go to college and what did you study?
I have an MBA and degree in Organizational Psychology. I also have completed course work in a joint Social Work/Public Health program at the University of Pittsburgh. I may or may not ever become ambitious enough to go back, but I really like the idea of working in Public Health.
What do you do for your day job?
I have stayed home with my daughter since she was born.
Do you have any kids? If so what are their names and ages?
My wonderful daughter Maura recently turned three.
Do you have any pets?
We have a six-month-old labrador puppy named Maggie. Before Maggie I had a fabulous lab named Boomer for fourteen years.
What do you like to do for fun?
I have been running since Jr. High School. I like to run several races each season. I also enjoy hiking, yoga, working in my yard, and meeting friends for dinner at new/different places. I love to spend time at the beach every year as well. As I am typing this I am realizing that I might need some more hobbies!
What books on your shelf are begging to be read?
Sadly none! I used to read a book or two a week, but I have stopped making the time to read during the last several years. I do have several magazines laying around unread though.
What’s the biggest goal you are working on now?
Training my large and lively puppy. As a former marathoner I would love to race that distance again. I am working at increasing my milage, but I am finding that it was much easier to do at twenty!
What upcoming Newcomers’ event are you looking forward to attending?
I would love to get back into reading and attend a book club meeting.
Why did you want to join the USC Newcomers’ Club?
I was new to Upper St Clair, Pittsburgh and the United States!
Where did you recently move from?
We lived in southern England in Frensham, a semi-rural village near Farnham.
Where did you grow up?
in Johannesburgh, South Africa
What do you do for your day job?
I am currently completing a degree in History.
Do you have any kids? If so what are their names and ages?
I have two boys, Cole is 10 and Ethan is 8
Do you have any pets?
We have inherited a fish called ‘fish’! He thrives on neglect thankfully!
What do you like to do for fun?
I love to be outside. I enjoy running and cycling although a recent knee injury has halted that somewhat. I love to read, cook, bake and play games with my boys.
What books on your shelf are begging to be read?
Loads of history books and books on bringing up boys 🙂
What’s the biggest goal you are working on now?
Finishing this course!
What upcoming Newcomers’ event are you looking forward to attending?
Haven’t checked what’s on yet.
Beautiful inside and out….Girls Night Out at Trunk Shows Boutique!
