Get Carded: Happy Birthday Tom Izzo!

Hello! As an alumnus of Michigan State University, I am proud of its men's basketball coach, Tom Izzo. Through his determination and hard work, MSU has gained national prominence in college basketball. Yes, I know that the focus should be on academics, but I also know I'm far from alone in supporting my alma mater's sports teams. It's all the sweeter since most of my family are alumni and/or supporters of MSU's in-state rival, U-M. I've endured my share of barbs from them over the years, so it's nice to have MSU in the sports spotlight for a change.

But enough of that! Today is Mr. Izzo's birthday, so I made him a birthday card, in the school colors, of course. Here's how it turned out:

Materials used:

- white card stock
- vintage flashcard piece
- scrapbook paper scrap
- cupcake image stamped on vintage flashcard piece in green ink
- "happy birthday" stamped in black ink

I also wrote a brief note thanking him for being such a positive presence at MSU and wishing him the best throughout the rest of the basketball season. 

Now, I'm not one to send fan letters or birthday cards to people who are in the public eye, but I couldn't resist. You see, at some point last year, our daughter told me about a website called famousbirthdays.com. I already knew that I share my birthday, January 30th, with FDR(yay!), Dick Cheney(ugh), and a few others, but wanted to see who else had been born on this date.

And Tom Izzo is on that list! Sounds silly, I know, but I was pleased to learn that we have the same birthday. (he's older though). I did mention in my note to him that it was through the birthday website that I'd learned of his birthday. Wouldn't want him to think I was some creepy stalker. 

I'm sure he gets hundreds of pieces of mail every day, and I'm sure he has staff to open all that mail. I don't know if he'll even see my card, and I don't expect to hear back from his office. He's a busy man right now, with a Big Ten title and a NCAA tournament to take care of. 

It doesn't matter if I hear back or not - it was fun to make his birthday card anyway. Happy Birthday Coach Izzo - here's to many more, and good luck the rest of the season!

If you'd like to see with whom you share a birthday, check HERE. You never know - there could be someone on the list for your birthday that you'd like to send a card to.