Left Handed but Always Right

Corrie on August 10, 2012

Left Handers Celebrate the Right to Their Own Day:
August 12, 2012 is National Left Handers Awareness Day

As a right handed person I don’t feel the pain of trying to function in a world optimized for righties.  But for one day, August 12 – National Left Handers Awareness Day – I’d like to imagine what it’s like, try to really understand their feelings of discrimination, and realize how much I take for granted.

My southpaw brother, Brit

I’m one of four children. We are all righties except for one, my oldest brother Brit.  He was, and still is a big guy – tall and broad, an early bloomer too.  Being a bit shy didn’t help matters either.  Or was he shy because he was a lefty and things didn’t come so easily?

I thought he was a bit of an oaf; big, bulky and oh, so clumsy.  Always breaking things and making a mess.  A bull in a china shop like we called my Dad (like father like son), but that’s a whole other story.

Growing up, he didn’t have an athletic bone in his body, although with his size he could have been quite intimidating and used his left handedness to his advantage over right handed opponents.  Most sports equipment, however, is ill suited and awkward for lefties.  Being more mechanically than athletically inclined, I can only imagine the challenges he has with tools and equipment (especially power tools and sharp objects like chain saws – yikes!).  Adding insult to injury, left handed tools and equipment are relatively hard to find and typically more expensive.

A Video Interview with Brit

My brother and his team - Brit is in the back row, far right

I recall other daily challenges that I had little patience or compassion for.  If the answer to, “What’s for dinner?” was “Steak,” there was a stampede to the dinner table to get a “good” seat to his right.  None of us wanted to sit to his left during any meal that required cutting – too much elbow bumping.

Kind of a handwriting snob, I’ve never been a fan of his penmanship. Come to think of it, I’ve never even seen his cursive as very legible – imagine writing left to right, with hand contorted, having to drag your hand across the page  smudging the pen or pencil resulting in a filthy hand … what a pain!  Cutting anything with scissors?  Forget it!  You might as well have given him a butter knife.  And let’s not even talk about zippers on trousers.

So brother Brit, here’s my official apology to you for not understanding or being sympathetic to the challenges you faced and for assuming you were simply a big klutz!  Despite being a southpaw (or maybe because of it) you’ve done good, actually great!  I am so very proud of you – a respected leader in your field, a hero of the environment and the U.S. wildlands, taking pride in everything you do, and a trusted friend and family member bursting at the seams with integrity.

To celebrate the day I’ve sent a special card your way.  I think, unfortunately, you were also born with two left feet. Sorry, no special day or greeting card for that.

To all my left Handed peeps – Happy Left Handers Awareness Day (see, you weren’t left out!)

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Greeting Card Universe hits the Target!

Corrie on August 2, 2012

I head to Target at the drop of a hat, for just about anything and everything.

If I don’t keep myself in check or leave a trail of breadcrumbs, I find myself in a random aisle that I had no intention of being in with a brilliant idea:  “Let’s redecorate the XYZ room!”

Target has become the ultimate convenience store.  For one stop shopping it is my go-to store, especially for holidays and birthdays. It has home and party décor, gifts and wrapping supplies, and pretty much anything I need. Now I have one more reason to head to Target – Greeting Card Universe’s hard to find and uncommon greeting cards!

Thanks to a new partnership between GreetingCardUniverse, Kodak, and Target, you don’t have to wait the 5 to 7 mailing days for the cards and invitations that youve ordered  on GreetingCardUniverse.com to arrive.  This is a life saver when you’re pinched for time, as I usually am.  Enjoy same day, in-store pickup at select Target stores. For $3 a card and no shipping costs, ordering the perfect greeting card online and picking it up in less than 1 hour.  Um, yes, works for me.

My recent “Meep!” moment:  the end of beach volleyball season for my daughter is quickly approaching.  I wanted to thank her coach for doing an awesome job.  Not wanting to settle for a generic thank you card, I found some “thank you volleyball coach” cards on GreetingCardUniverse.com.  They were good, but were indoor volleyball vs beach.  I sent an email requesting some beach volleyball designs.  WHOA!  In less than 48 hours, there were 12 new designs for me to choose from.  Score!

With her last tournament days away, I couldn’t wait for snail mail so I chose the in-store pickup option for my local Target store and picked up my cards the same day.  While in the store, I also got a cute coach’s gift (and decided to redecorate the guest bath).

Now your only challenge will be finding the photo department.  Hint:  it’s usually hidden in a corner near the electronics department. If  you’re anything like me, you’ll definitely want to choose the easy, convenient option, and pick up your special, last minute greeting cards at your local Target store.

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“I needed a SPECIAL sympathy card for my Mom. Though she had lost her husband and friend of 70 years, I too suffered a loss … I lost my Daddy. I was able to take a dear card front that looked so much like Dad and me about 60+ years ago and added the perfect text inside to share in my precious Mom’s grief. The finished card was EXTRAORDINARY and having it mailed directly to my Mom was a lovely surprise that had her teary-eyed for a long time. As always, you can’t beat this company for THE best cards in the UNIVERSE!!!”- Muriel Sue, July 31, 2012

Education by the Numbers

Corrie on July 29, 2012

August is traditionally the month when summer vacation ends and students return to school (or begin a new stage of their lives with college, trade/vocational school, etc).

“You can teach a student a lesson for a day;
but if you can teach him to learn by creating curiosity,
he will continue the learning process as long as he lives.”
—Clay Bedford

On a global scale, the education of children and adult students is important to every nation.

In the United States each year, an estimated 74.1 million students go to public or private schools, from pre-K to high school to higher education, and attend classes taught by 3.7 million teachers. And speaking of higher education, American women attending college outnumber men, 10.5 million to 7.9 million.

Today’s digital age means that students are integrating social media into their learning experiences, with more than 2/3 of all students using mobile educational apps in the classroom. Teachers utilize Facebook and YouTube to reach their kids, and the majority of teachers consider social media to be a valuable educational tool.

Greeting Card Universe offers easy ordering and customization of all cards in our School Days collection.  Wish a student a great First Day of School, or send them off to college with a smile!

What Are People Saying About Greeting Card Universe?
“We are thrilled that we found GCU. I picked up our 3rd order today at Target, and had one sent directly to the addressee: both methods work great. I’m sure we’ll have some (such as Christmas cards) shipped to us in the future. The huge variety and inventory of the cards is truly astounding. And the quality and economical aspects make choosing them a no-brainer. Just wish we had found GCU sooner, and we are spreading the word to family and friends. Keep up the great work.” – Linda in Franklin, Tennessee, July 26, 2012

Friendship Day

Corrie on July 22, 2012

International Friendship Day occurs annually on the first Sunday in August (August 5 in 2012) and is celebrated around the globe, particularly since the advent of the Internet, social networking, and cell phones have made it much easier to celebrate this special holiday with friends no matter where they may be in the world.

“A friend is one who knows you and loves you just the same.”
—Elbert Hubbard

First proposed in 1919, Friendship Day had largely been abandoned by the 1940s in the United States, but Asian countries like Bangladesh, India, and Malaysia continued to celebrate this special day for friends. With the rise of digital communication, Friendship Day became more popular in many other countries, including the U.S. and South America.

People celebrate Friendship Day by exchanging cards, gifts, flowers, and most recently, hand woven and creative  friendship bracelets.

In 2011, the United Nations proclaimed an International Day of Friendship.

Greeting Card Universe offers more than 200+ ways to tell someone, “I’m glad to be your friend” and “thank you for being my friend” with our customized Friendship Day greeting cards.

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Five Facts About Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr

Corrie on July 15, 2012

In 2012, the religious observance of Ramadan begins Thursday evening, July 19, and ends with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr marking the end of the holiest period in the Islamic lunar calendar, a time of fasting, prayer, and spiritual reflection.

For Muslims, Ramadan is the most important holy day of the year. With that in mind, here are Five Facts About Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr:

What is the Significance of Fasting During Ramadan? By refraining from eating or drinking during the day, Muslims have more time to put in the effort to follow the teachings of Islam, pray, study the Qur’an, and practice a deep, personal worship of Allah, as well as learn self-control and sacrifice.

When Does the Fasting Period of Ramadan End? From dawn to sunset, participating Muslims fast during the daylight hours from dawn to sunset. Once the sun goes down, family, friends, or neighbors gather to share Iftar, the fast-breaking meal. Ramadan continues for 29 or 30 days, and ends with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr.

What Do Muslims Do During Ramadan? Ramadan is considered a period of reflection and spiritual growth and cleansing. During this time, Muslims pray, study the Qur’an, and concentrate on their faith.

Why Is Ramadan Such a Special Month? According to Islamic belief, it was during the month of Ramadan that Allah revealed the Qur’an to the prophet, Muhammad. Ramadan is considered one of the five pillars of Islam, and has been practiced since the beginning.

What is Eid al-Fitr About? Also known as the Festival of Breaking the Fast, Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan with a celebration. Traditionally, people put on new clothes, donate to the poor, visit relatives, and join in feasts. In many Muslim households, children receive gifts as well.

The international community of artists at Greeting Card Universe have created many traditional and modern interpretations of Islamic designs for Ramadan cards and Eid al-Fitr cards with friends, family, neighbors, business contacts, and everyone else you want to wish, “Ramadan Mubarak!”

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Le Quatorze Juillet: Bastille Day

Corrie on July 8, 2012

Each year on July 14, the French and people of French origin celebrate Bastille Day – known as La Fête Nationale (the National Celebration) in France, and also called Le Quatorze Juillet (Fourteenth of July) and Fête de la Bastille.

Bastille Day does not actually celebrate the storming of the Bastille (a fort and prison in Paris) by the revolutionary mob. Instead, the date marks the anniversary of the Fête de la Fédération on July 14, 1790, an official event –  a cross between a military parade and a religious rally – in Paris to celebrate the end of the Revolution.

Today, the date is celebrated not only in France, but in Belgium, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Hungary, in various locations around the United States including New Orleans, San Francisco, New York City, and Seattle.

Greeting Card Universe offers unique, custom Bastille Day greeting cards including Birthday on Bastille Day, that make it easy for you to tell your family and firends, “Joyeux Fête Nationale!”

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Fourth of July – the Big Bang

Corrie on July 1, 2012

Americans don’t have to look up the date for Independence Day – it’s also known as the Fourth of July, and is an annual federal holiday which commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. This document declared the American colonies’ independence from Great Britain.

“The United States is the only country with a known birthday.”
—James G. Blaine

In 1870, Congress declared Independence Day – July 4th – as an annual federal holiday, though Independence Day celebrations had taken place in American since 1777.

On the fourth of July, Americans traditionally celebrate with picnics, barbecues, a day at the beach, carnivals, baseball games, family reunions, parades, fairs, concerts, patriotic displays, political speeches, and events focused on American history. An essential part of the Fourth of July celebration is fireworks. Many cities host free public fireworks shows, and some states allow their residents to purchase individual fireworks (though not all).

Here are some facts about Independence Day that you may not know:

Which Three American Presidents Died on Independence Day? John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, both signers of the Declaration of Independence who also served as President of the United States, died on July 4, 1826. Another former U.S. President, James Monroe, died on July 4, 1831. BONUS: Woodrow Wilson is the only U.S. president to have been born on Independence Day – July 4, 1872.

How Did George Washington Celebrate Independence Day? In 1778, still serving as a general in the War of Independence against the British,  Washington permitted his soldiers to fire an artillery salute and gave them a double ration of rum.

What Did the Founding Fathers Think of Independence Day? The Continental Congress – the governing body of the original 13 American colonies – voted in favor of a document declaring America’s independence from Britain on July 2, 1776, and formally adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Thereafter, John Adams (2nd President of the United States) refused invitations to attend Fourth of July celebrations because he believed July 2 was the correct date to celebrate, not July 4.

Where’s the Oldest Fourth of July Celebration in the United States? The Bristol Fourth of July Parade in Bristol, Rhode Island, has been taking place continuously since 1785.

Independence Day by the Numbers

  • Consumers spend $600 million on fireworks for Fourth of July celebrations, and 42% of all Americans attend public fireworks displays.
  • On July 4th, 36 million barbecues and picnics will take place around the country, attended by 62% of Americans, who spend nearly $2 billion on food, charcoal, and lighter fluid + another $341 million in beer and an additional $101 million in soda.
  • Over 1/3 of all Americans will travel 50 miles or more during the Fourth of July holiday.

Greeting Card Universe has one of a kind, fun, patriotic greeting cards for Independence Day so you can celebrate this all-American holiday with every member of your family, your friends, and every other person in your life.

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Commencing to Graduate

Corrie on June 23, 2012

Many schools and universities hold graduation ceremonies (also known as commencement ceremonies) annually, beginning in the month of June.

Donning a cap – the square mortarboard with tassel, derived from 16th century Scottish headgear – and a gown – very fashionable in late medieval Europe – isn’t what it’s all about when it comes to graduation. To most graduates, receiving a well earned degree, diploma, or certificate is an important rite of passage into a new phase of their lives.

Who Graduates From School?
Eligible students can participate in commencement ceremonies in pre-school and kindergarten, grade school, middle school, high school, college or university, trade school, private school, military academy – in short, any institution of learning may offer its students a graduation ceremony.

What Does Valedictorian Mean?
An academic honor usually bestowed on the student with the highest grade point average (GPA) in the graduating class. The valedictorian delivers the valedictory or farewell speech at the graduation ceremony.

What’s the Difference Between Graduating “Summa Cum Laude,”
“Magna Cum Laude,” etc.
These are academic honors conferred on graduating students. In Latin, “cum laude” means “with distinction” or “with honor.” Each school has its own standards, but generally in a graduating class:

  1. “Cum Laude”: With honor. Given to students in the top 5% GPA
  2. “Summa Cum Laude”:  With high honor. Given to students in the top 3-5% GPA
  3. “Magna Cum Laude”: With highest honor. Given to students in the top 3% GPA

Greeting Card Universe believes graduation is a milestone achievement that deserves to be celebrated! We offer a diverse selection of greeting cards for Graduates including Congratulations, Announcements, Ceremony Invitations, and Graduation Party Invitations for every student. Customizable Photo Cards, too.

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Save a Life – Adopt

Corrie on June 16, 2012

June is Adopt a Shelter Cat Month in the United States. Adopting a cat (or dog) from your local shelter or rescue group will not only save a life, but provide you with the companionship and love only a pet can give.

According to the American Humane Society, every year during “kitten season” – that means spring and early summer, like now – thousands of newborn kittens flood already crowded shelters.

Before you consider adopting a kitten, here are a few things to do to help ensure Fluffy’s new home is kitten proof (and also puppy proof):

Put electric and power cords out of reach. If not possible, paint the cords with bitter apple (found at pet supply stores) to discourage chewing.

Keep oil lamps and candles out of reach to prevent kittens from knocking them over and creating a fire hazard or getting themselves burned. Remember, fur + fire = bad!

Store all ties, elastic bands, ribbons, plastic bags, cleaning chemicals, laundry detergents and bleach, flammable materials like gasoline, kerosene, etc., toothpicks, wooden skewers, and other objects that may be poisonous or cause a choking hazard.

Not all houseplants are safe. Some are very toxic to cats. Don’t leave any houseplant in a kitten’s reach, even if you think it’s okay. Better safe than sorry.

Cat World has more Kitten Proofing Tips & Tricks so you can keep the newest members of your family safe and happy.

Greeting Card Universe has a selection of one-of-a-kind greeting cards for Pet Adoption Announcements and Pet Adoptions Congratulations.

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Grand Old Flag

Corrie on June 9, 2012

Annually on June 14th, Americans celebrate Flag Day – date established by President Woodrow Wilson in 1916, though not as an official federal holiday – which commemorates the adoption of the U.S. flag by the Second Continental Congress in 1777.

“We take the stars from heaven, the red from our mother country,
separating it by white stripes, thus showing that we have separated from her,
and the white stripes shall go down to posterity, representing our liberty.”
— Attributed to George Washington

A celebration in honor of the U.S. flag first took place in 1861 in Hartford, Connecticut, at the suggestion of George Morris, who asked that the occasion be used to pray for the preservation of the Union. Not until 1885 would the first recognized, formal Flag Day be held at the Stony Hill School in Waubeka, Wisconsin.

During Flag Week (the week of June 14), the President of the United States issues a proclamation urging all Americans to fly the flag, and the flag is also flown at all government buildings. Organizations and groups across the country host events and organize parades.

The longest-running Flag Day parade has been held in Quincy, Massachusetts since 1952, but the largest Flag Day parade takes place in Troy, New York every year.

Show your patriotism by proudly flying the American flag and celebrate the Stars and Stripes with red, white, and blue custom Flag Day greeting cards from Greeting Card Universe.

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