Tidbits

girly fridays: getting dressed on a budget

2010-07-30T09:25:00.006-04:00

You'd think I wasn't a girl the way I've been ignoring this topic. I just don't really think of myself as girly (a whole heap of ppl would disagree lol). Anyhoo, looking cute on a budget is the topic today. Why? Cause I'm broke and I have to be finding ingenious ways to look nice for work, and going out. Here are a few (5 is what I have today) ways I've been making my summer wardrobe stretch:

1. Accessories. Now, there is nothing that livens up an outfit or takes an outfit to diff places (casual, dressy, etc) like accessories. For church I love to add flowers, brooches, belts, and headbands. For work, a pair of cute earrings and a headband, or sandals.

2. Mix n match. When I buy items of clothing I usually think of them in a particular outfit and for a special type of occasion but I'm realizing some of my dressier outfits can be made casual with a few tweaks...adding flip flops, doing my hair in a messy ponytail, switching out a skirt for shorts...and some can be dressed up with heels, make up, accessories, or even adding a cardigan and belt.

3. Know how to buy cheap. I was born with a very high chest i.e., my eyes are waaay bigger than my wallet on most occasions. But you can add cheaper pieces to your ensemble without bringing the whole thing down if you shop wisely in discount stores. How do you shop wisely? First, don't get your entire outfit from there (exception: a cute dress/jumper)...if you happen to get a dress there, please use accessories that can take it up a notch. Second, don't get anything to store specific. I love Mandee for example but when I go there I get plain tees, and cute shorts (in the winter they have cute sweaters too). I even have a black dress from there (but u know I took the cheapo belt out and replaced it with a belt I got for like 3 times the price of the dress and a cute pin/brooch).

4. Borrow from your spouse/sibs/parent/bff. Oh I wish my mom, or Ren-L were closer. You can totally borrow from people whose style you like. I recommend borrowing small items (or non descript)...don't deprive the person of their own closet lol. For example things I borrow from mom - cardigans, scarves, belts, clutches. I also all out steal but that's a different thing. Anyhoo, my husband is a fashionable dude and he likes graphic tees. Surprise! So do I. So if I want to look casually cute, I dip into his stash which is bigger than mine (& we're practically the same size *sigh*). I also have my eye on my brother's Jamaica track team shirt. He better watch it!

5. Learn to sew. Ok, this is the one thing on my list I haven't even tried much less mastered but I've made plans. I don't want to sew boring every day stuff. Puhleeese, that's why there's the mall. But all the great stuff I admire that I will possibly never afford (look here as well, and here lol). I can totally make once I buy the patterns which, sigh, will be an investment. Now, I am assuming the talent is hereditary (cause my mom can really sew...shoot, she can make her own patterns too). She has promised to teach me the summer of 2011 and I am holding her to it.

I've packed & moved.

2010-07-27T16:31:00.002-04:00

Come along.

www.shumpynella.wordpress.com

Don't be late now ::tee hee::

New definition & other tidbits

2010-07-26T13:58:00.010-04:00

I'm reading a novel something blue. It isn't about cheating, it's akin to a chick flick but it had a good definition I want to share with you all:

There's a threshold test for someone's actions to see if it could be considered cheating...if your partner could see a video of the event, would he or she think you had cheated? Or if you could see a video of your partner in the identical situation, would you think he or she had cheated?

Thanks Emily Giffin.

Anyhoo, I'm loving summer. I haven't been blogging but it isn't because I'm not doing anything. Some of the stuff I'm doing is private, some is boring, some is fun but then I forget to share (better known as laziness).

I'll share some of the fun stuff from this past weekend...so I had arepas & roasted corn yesterday at the NYC street fair. I love love love the street fairs. I have to go back with approx $100 the next time...there's a bunch of crap there with my name on it...jewelry, dresses, graphic tees, Egyptian cotton sheets, & I could go on and on. Went with K, and my bil's gf, Ni. We already have plans to go back. The night before I tried to make it to see Alvin Ailey in Central Park. Didn't really work out. Yea, thanks to men dragging their feet. We'll be going back to CP in 2 Saturdays to see the Clarke Sister's and Kiki Sheard (with picnic in tow!!!). There's a ton of fun & free things to do in NYC during the summer. I'm glad I have no classes (even tho I'll be paying for this freedom come September).

I also got a hair cut. Not much tho. I've been growing my hair but it needed some shape so my stylist (who I love) took a tiny bit off - like an inch or a little more. What do I think of the cut? No clue. It was so hot it died so I never saw it. Maybe in 2 weeks when I get my creamy crack, I'll make it straight again. Straight hair in the summer is really stupid.

I have dates in mind for my summer time off. Plan to put in for the days this week (yay!!!).

One major regret is I haven't been spending enough time in B&N. I just don't know how that happened. I'll be rectifying that this week/end. Maybe tonight.

One huge improvement in my life? I have been doing my daily devotion & prayer first thing each morning. Now, try as I might, this has been one of the hardest things to keep at. Now that I'm doing it again, I think I would have to not wake up to miss it (yes, it is that serious and necessary). One, it keeps me on my toes (someone is always trying to get me to lose myself lol). Two, it is refreshing. Three, it is necessary. This isn't my lesson study for all you SDAs...that's something else I need to work on. This is literally just a little time with Jesus to tell him what going on & He's making everything ALL right *wink*

~~~

On another note. I know I always need prayer. & I know we aught to take the big things to God but I am certain he wants to know about the little things too. On that note, I have prayer requests I would like to share. First is for a lovely late summer/fall vacation and second is for 2 weeks in Jamaica for Christmas. The rest I need to talk to God personally about but these 2 y'all could tack them to the end of your lists please :)

Fountain, Lincoln Center.

DUECES!!!

word love: Driving in Kingston

2010-07-14T08:00:00.002-04:00

1. Turn signals will give away your next move. A real Kingston driver never uses them. 2. Under no circumstance should you leave a safe distance between you and the car in front of you, or the space will be filled in by somebody else, putting you in an even more dangerous situation. 3. The faster you drive through a red light, the smaller the chance you have of getting hit. 4. Never, ever come to a complete stop at a stop sign. No one expects it and it will result in you being rear-ended. 5. Never get in the way of an older car that needs extensive bodywork. The other guy doesn't have anything to lose. 6. Braking is to be done as hard and late as possible to ensure that your ABS kicks in, giving a nice, relaxing foot massage as the brake pedal pulsates. For those of you without ABS, it's a chance to stretch your legs. 7. Never pass on the right when you can pass on the left. It's a good way to scare people for a laugh. 8. Speed limits are arbitrary figures, given only as a suggestion and are apparently not enforceable in Kingston. 9. Just because you're in the right lane and have no room to speed up or move over doesn't mean that a Kingston driver flashing his high beams behind you doesn't think he can go faster in your spot. 10. Always slow down and rubberneck when you see an accident or even someone changing a tire. 11. Learn to swerve abruptly. Kingston is the home of the high-speed 'dally' , thanks to the KSAC, which puts pot-holes in key locations to test drivers' reflexes and keep them on their toes. 12. It is traditional in Kingston to honk your horn at cars that don't move the instant the light turns green. 13. Remember that the goal of every Kingston driver is to get there first --by whatever means necessary.

:::Brawta:::

Are you wanted? Check Reverend Al Miller for safe passage to the authorities. Call 1-888-YUH-SAFE.

The popular religious leader Rev. Al Miller is now wanted. It is alleged that he was found in possession of Coke. Sources say that he was found with Coke weighing approximately 190lbs, and said to have a street value of J$5,000,000.

C&P from http://www.jamaicanjokes.com/

My drug of choice...

2010-07-12T14:46:00.004-04:00

grape nut ice cream.

Yes, it is one of those days.

In an effort to keep this a fairly happy place, I purposely have no outright sad/angry labels. As I searched for a "I can't be bothered with this, I want my mommy" label, I realized I didn't have one. I think I made sure I had no negative labels because I refuse to have any of that around me. Not even in myself. Absolutely will not accept it. Yes, I'm not feeling too great today but I am not physically sick, I have great family, & a wonderful God. What do they say? Weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning. Well, some morning lol.

BLESSED IS THE (WO)MAN WHOSE TRUST & CONFIDENCE IS IN THE LORD

Jeremiah 17:7

sweet sundays: God is in control

2010-07-04T08:30:00.002-04:00

As great as life is (& mine really is, thank Jesus), it just isn't always perfect. There are bumps and and sometimes mountains along the way. Sometimes it is easier to give up and throw in the towel when things aren't panning out as I expect. This is when I turn to God. After all He is in charge. He is directing my life.

If I'm not the only person with a seemingly impassable mountain, then maybe these words can encourage you (as I encourage myself).

Looking up from the bottom

It seems like a long way to go

The mountain's dark and steeo

The climbing is oh so slow

Your body aches

You're out of breath

Your're ready to give in

But don't give up

You've got the strength

To make it to the end

You can pour on the power (mighty power)

And pull that mountain down

You can pour on the power (mighty power)

And claim that higher ground

You may think you're at a wall

But it's just a door, that's all

'Cause you ain't seen nothing

Until you pour on the power

excerpt from the Lyrics of Pour on the Power (sung by Sandi Patty)

I am getting on my knees...I'll be praying hard and leaving it all in God's hands. That way, whatever comes, it will be his will. I hope you can do the same. Accept the peace of mind and comfort that will come from casting all your cares on Him who cares best for you.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

Good bye black star team

2010-07-03T08:13:00.003-04:00

Heart break heard across the world. Ghanaian team loses to Uruguay. Missed last second penalty shot led to a penalty shoot out which they lost. My heart hurt for hours. I think the World Cup is compromising my medical health.

A moment of silence

2010-07-02T11:52:00.001-04:00

See you in 2014

word love: Smile Jamaica

2010-06-30T08:44:00.003-04:00

Feeling out, feeling down,

This feeling wouldn't leave me alone,

Then up came a one that said (hey, Dread)

"Hey Dread, dry Natty Dread, and smile!"

You're in Jamaica: c'mon and smile!

(In Jamaica, y'all) Get it together, y'all!

(In Jamaica, y'all) Get it together, now!

In Jamaica, y'all.

Soulful town, soulful people,

Said, I see you're having fun,

Dancing to the reggae rhythm,

Oh, island in the sun,

Oh, smile!

(In Jamaica) C'mon and smile!
(In Jamaica, y'all) Get it together, right now!
(In Jamaica) Get it together, children!
(In Jamaica, y'all)

We're gonna help our people, help them right;
Oh, Lord, help us tonight!
Cast away that evil spell;
Throw some water in the well,
And smile!

(In Jamaica) C'mon and smile!
(In Jamaica, y'all) Get things together, right now!
(In Jamaica) Get it together, right now!
(In Jamaica, y'all)

Riddim wise (wise),
Dub-a wise (wise),
And other wise (wise)
Can't criticize (-cize) our smile.

(In Jamaica) You're gonna smile!
(In Jamaica, y'all) Get it together, right now!
(In Jamaica) Get things together, right yow!
(In Jamaica, y'all)

Help my people, help them right!
O Lord, help us tonight!
Cast away evil spell;
Throw some water in the well,
And smile!

(In Jamaica) You're gonna smile!
(In Jamaica, y'all) Get it together, children!
(In Jamaica) Get things together, right yow!
(In Jamaica, y'all)

Soulful town, soulful people,
Said, I know, I know that you're having fun!

Listen/Watch on YOUTUBE

By: Honorable Robert N. Marley (Feb 6, 1945 - May 11, 1981), Jamaican musician and cultural icon

We jammed till late at night...

2010-06-27T10:56:00.005-04:00

& no one slapped our wrists or killed the vibe. I think the Chronicles are at an end. I love my new home.

Some of these world cup refs KILL me. England literally just equalized against Germany and the only people who did not see it were the 3 that needed to see it most. BS.

I can take a bad call as graciously as any other football fan (not well) but goals need to be called when they are scored! Jeeebus! I'm pro goal line technology for football.

...& she's at it again

2010-06-25T15:47:00.004-04:00

I'm a mama's girl by default but I know deep down I was born to be a daddy's girl...how else could I have perfected the pout? Too sad there's no one on which to unleash the power of the pout lol.

Anyhoo - I only blog this to say: OMG father's day came and went and I did nothing much. Well, nothing actually. I realize I don't like fathers day. Or mothers day. I pretend to because I love my parents, the wonderful people who raised me. I love all moms actually, and some aunts, and cousins, and dads, and ESPECIALLY grandparents. I just think I'm over the concept of all these darn holidays...as each approaches I just think about them and roll my eyes. Overrated. Is this cynicism? If so, please, save me from myself.

I do have a saving grace - I still like birthdays :)

sweet sundays: confession is good for the soul

2010-06-20T11:00:00.001-04:00

Sometimes I am embarrassed to say or do things because they aren't popular or aren't the most positive. No more. Life is too short to waste it being insincere. I don't mean you should be rude. Never. I just mean, you have to be true to yourself. I think Oprah says something like that. Live your own truth.

Some of my confessions? Read at your own risk.

1. Blood is not always thicker than water. I don't care what your chemistry teacher said. I've experienced it, so I know it. Sometimes people related to you can be the most poisonous. Give them wide berth.

2. Being cool among "friends" is overrated. I have always been the old fogie among my friends. I relish that. Boring to you, yes, but interesting to someone else. Be you. It is essential.

3. Know-it-alls irritate me. If everything you say and believe is correct, go write a book. I love a good debate or conversation but I don't want to be lectured. I already get that at school.

4. Everyone isn't perfect. I sometimes have too many expectations of people & myself. I have my faults: miserable, opinionated, and sensitive, yes. But I'm also friendly, honest, and kind. Give yourself and everyone else a break, Shumpy!

5. I laugh at people (& often these are inappropriate times to laugh). Yes. Especially when they've been mean and karma is biting back. Or even if they are just having a bad time at it LOL. I don't laugh at kids. Well, to their faces.

6. I abhor weirdness and weird people to the point that I don't care if I'm rude, I don't want to talk to you, see you, or be near you if you're weird. Yup, it is the plague.

7. I love the handful of friends I have like they were sisters of my own heart. Sometimes I downplay the depth of our friendship but that's me being stupid (insert miserable Shumpy here) and fearful of being hurt (insert sensitive Shumpy here). I value them and love them dearly. The handful of them. I've been blessed.

8. I give off the impression that I'm a cool, calm, and collected gal but I'm quite emotional and can be touchy (ask those who've lived with me for any period in time). I also have a stunted range of emotions. Very limited. If you step on the wrong toe, one of three things will occur: cold silence, anger, or tears. Take your pick.

9. People who feel entitled. Not entitled to fair and decent treatment. Entitled to other people kissing their arse and bending over backwards for them. Ewww. No. Me no likey. Those people can take their entitlement and stuff it.

10. I hate bubble busters. Dream killers. This world is dark enough without them. They start talking and I tune out. I belong to team YES I CAN. If you have heart, will power, and God. Yes, you can!

& bonus: I watch to stupidest, most brainless crap on TV sometimes. It's a wonder I have any brain cells left (think Bridezillas (WE TV), Cut Off (VH1) and Real Housewives (BRAVO)).

Feel much lighter now. Wonder if that'll translate into pounds for my summer challenge....your turn to unload!

*Now that you know me (& that I may at one point have laughed at you as you tripped or wobbled in the heels you know weren't made for walking hahaha), you can choose to hang around on polkadots at your own risk ;)

Where am I?

2010-06-14T10:19:00.002-04:00

Did you see the US/England match up? Germany's massacre of the poor Aussies? DID YOU SEE TSHABALALA'S GOAL FOR RSC? What a beaut! Anyhoo...catch unnu likkle later

Howard Drive Chronicles Part IV

2010-06-10T11:02:00.005-04:00

IT IS OVER! After 2 letters to management, and numerous phone calls, freedom. What is freedom? A bigger kitchen & sun room & a tension free, quiet night (one of many).

I should update the last chronicle by saying, the I owe her thing didn't last long...she was back to yelling, slamming, banging, and carrying on in short time. Not necessarily at me (she isn't particular). How wild can one person be? Especially one with a young, impressionable child. I guess this is how people like my neighbor are raised...by crass, angry, poisonous people. The cycle continues. Hog & goat indeed. I leave her to people with time and energy to waste. I'm trying to do so many things right now, I don't have the time or energy.

Sorry to say this is the end of this saga. That's the one sad thing. Let's see if I get anymore entertainment. If so, I promise to share.

Celebrations & Fun for Memorial Day 2010

2010-06-01T13:14:00.005-04:00

This Memorial Day holiday we traveled into 4 different states, drove for over 13 hours, and had FUN. To kick off the weekend, there was Ren's graduation from law school in Washington, D.C. (state #1) on Friday morning. I couldn't be more proud of her. She's done really admirable things with her time at law school - really expanded her horizons and developed as a person. I have barely managed to keep up, experiencing different countries and cultures through her eyes has been fantastic. We had nyammings in Virginia (state #2)...great food, hilarious convo, and nice chill time.

"I hope your dreams take you...to the corners of your smile, to the highest of your hopes, to the windows of your opportunities, and to the most special places your heart has ever known."

Saturday we hung out with Ren's fam by the pool & had a ball. Tons of fun times...Ren & I slept and others had a ball in the water (this would be in MD, state #3). Then we were back in the tri-state area where I celebrated my friend's mom's 50th birthday on a Spirit of NJ dinner cruise. I had always wanted to go on one of these. It was nice but I realize my constitution doesn't love being on a boat on open water. I don't know about any future cruise plans I may make...anyhoo, I did get to view some NY landmarks. After living on this side of the US for a decade I still haven't experienced any of these. I guess I'm only a good tourist when I'm traveling (does NJ count? I think not, but NY can be state #4).

Lady Liberty

Ellis Island

Brooklyn Bridge

Then, as with all summer weekends, it ended off with soccer and a visit to see family (and be fed). The actual holiday (Memorial Day) was spent in bed watching movies/TV and catching up on sleep. Had a mango ice cream cone, snuggled in bed, unpacked a bit...quite the mellow holiday.

The end of May marks the end of my May weight challenge. Do I have to state after all the eating this weekend that I lost nothing? At least I didn't gain...anyhoo, the May challenge has become the summer challenge.

Jamaica bleeds for our "war on drugs"

2010-05-26T18:15:00.001-04:00

The chaos in Kingston is symptomatic of the failure of US-led cocaine prohibition. This tragic violence must force a rethink

The tragedy unfolding in Jamaica is symptomatic of a wider crisis of organised crime, armed violence and political corruption caused by a failed "war on drugs". The tangled political and economic roots of the problem run very deep.

Caribbean nations were born from the violence of chattel slavery and rebellion, colonial domination and the struggle for liberation and self-determination. The postcolonial flight of capital and structural readjustment have been compounded by the end of transatlantic trade agreements that have led to the collapse of the region's agricultural economic base. High levels of unemployment and extreme marginality have been the result for many communities.

By accident of geography, the Caribbean islands sit uncomfortably between the Andean coca producers and the cocaine consumers of North America and Europe. Although the Caribbean routes account for only a small proportion of the cocaine traffic (estimated by the UN to be worth as much as $125bn), the islands' physical location, unprotectable coastlines and transport links to the metropolitan centres of North America and Europe make them an ideal jumping-off point for the traffickers.

The "war on drugs" was supposed to destroy coca production, stifle trafficking and eliminate cocaine use in the US and beyond. It has achieved none of these things. Instead, supply and demand are resilient, and so the "harsh medicine" of drug prohibition has created a lucrative clandestine market with entirely predictable iatrogenic side-effects of political corruption and armed violence. The collateral damage is all too evident across the region – most obviously in Jamaica, but also in Trinidad, Guyana and many other places on the Caribbean rim that have seen gunshot murders escalate to levels equivalent to a bloody civil war.

Jamaica's problems are particularly acute. Political violence can be traced back to the 1940s at least, and escalated at key moments throughout the 20th century, most notably during the 1980 election when guns were funnelled into the island from the US – allegedly by the CIA – to arm the leaders of the "garrison communities".

In the poorest Kingston constituencies, the two main political parties – the Jamaica Labour party and the People's National Party – continue to vie for power, with more than 90% of voters turning out for one or other of the parties. Local politicians and the "dons" exert control but also inspire loyalty among their constituents. In the past, the dons worked as enforcers for the politicians, but they have now accumulated an independent economic power base from drug- and gun-running, protection rackets and corrupt government contracts.

The attempt to extradite Christopher "Dudus" Coke to the US to face trafficking charges has turned from farce to tragedy. At first, the government, led by JLP Prime Minister Bruce Golding, prevaricated, no doubt mindful of Coke's connections to the party and his ability to deliver votes, but also the power of a man whom many people think of as a godfather who can deliver security and other goods. Bowing to both domestic and external political pressure, the government's attempt to execute the arrest warrant has so far left at least 44 people dead – without delivering Coke.

Sadly, loss of life at the hands of the authorities is far from rare. Last year, the Jamaican police killed more than 250 people – deaths denounced by human rights groups as extrajudicial executions.

In the short term, there is an obvious need for the authorities to work to restore peace to the affected neighbourhoods. This is going to require fortitude, but also restraint. Preservation of life and the minimal use of force in pursuit of peace and safety should be the guiding ethos, even while the situation remains volatile. Too many lives have been lost already and the danger of escalation is clear and present.

The challenge for the Jamaican people, after that, is to understand the roots of political corruption and armed violence and seek ways to disentangle organised crime from politics, business, the state and civil society more generally. Removing guns and corruption from the body politic is not going to be easy and cannot be achieved by military firepower: war on the streets of Kingston is the problem, not the solution. It will require a peace process akin to the Northern Ireland experience, perhaps with truth and reconciliation, and certainly with some means to decommission weapons and demobilise the young men in corner crews who define themselves as "soldiers" fighting on the front line of garrison communities.

There is a wider challenge facing the region and the international community. The "war on drugs" has not only failed, but positively promotes corruption and armed violence – not only in the Caribbean, but also across Central and South America, West Africa and in the inner cities of Europe and North America.

Could the tragic loss of life in Jamaica bring the world to its senses? People are sick of warfare. We should instead direct resources to building a lasting peace.

The Guardian

Ben Bowling

If I keep this in, it will poison me...

2010-05-25T14:08:00.006-04:00

I am not quite sure if I have the appropriate words but if I say nothing, I fear all the angst I have trapped in my heart and mind will poison me. Now, I'm no politics and public affairs guru but I am a born and raised Jamaican and there are certain indisputable truths re: the situation currently taking place in my island home. I'm not even going to get too specific because I don't even think the issue is related to the situation currently taking place...it is a result of a culture of denial and stigma that has existed in my island home for as long as I have been alive (and certainly, before).

I am angry at us. Me, you, all Jamaicans. The Jamaican citizenry. I mean, how long have we lived with, ignored, sometimes benefited, or suffered at the hands of corruption on the island? I know only too well that when reported, the victims are ignored or silenced. However, what if by some miracle, literal and definitely spiritual (because only GOD can help), we all decide to say NO. Regardless of the outcome. No to the shady cops. No the extortionists. No to the slippery slimy politicians. No to the connection to help you get off from paying some fee/tax/fine/ticket. JUST #$%! NO. What if? What if we stop frickin' inheriting our political alliances? What if? This is not damn sports day. This is our future.

When I hear of the Jamaica of my parents and realize the damage that can occur in just one generation, I could weep. As a babe, I still had the opportunity to experience the well advanced rail transport system. My parents can talk of the number of well-equipped hospitals/health care facilities, the excellent tradition our small island had in academic, athletic, and cultural achievement (& to a lesser degree we still do due to blessings I tell you and not because we value and support the talents we've been entrusted with). Not to mention the richness of our soil and the beauty of our island, natural and man made.

There's more in me but I am spent.

See why I have nothing to say? Because people with the power to say something and actually effect change always sit silently or feel sorry for 'those people' in times of war but when everything quiet down, do nothing. Because we aren't being shot at, because we survived another flare up, and of course there's Hawkeye/Kings Alarm/gated communities/friends in high places to protect us. No one is piling bodies of our family and friends feet high because none of us have to live in or loot in or fight in/against or die in the ghetto. So, when it is all over, we go back to work and play, and the struggle continues in the rural and urban ghettos of Jamaica. More children. More frustration. More injustice. More poverty. More sickness. More starvation. More death. More sadness. More anger. Less opportunity. Less education. Less self worth. Less value.

PLEASE, let us not forget!

2010-05-24T09:45:00.000-04:00

From the Sunday Herald - Even if Bruce Golding does not resign he has lost the moral authority to continue as Jamaica’s Prime Minister. This is underscored by the unprecedented numbers of national organisations either calling for his resignation or expressing disappointment in the handling of the Christopher Coke extradition and the Manatt, Phelps & Phillips issue.

Never in the history of Jamaica’s parliamentary democracy, since it was first introduced in 1944, has a Prime Minister ever been called upon by so many national organisations and a wide cross section of civil society to tender his resignation.

The call for Mr. Golding’s resignation is even more pronounced given the fact that 15 years ago when he formed the National Democratic Movement (NDM) Mr. Golding spoke about a new approach to governance.

When he explained in 2002 his reasons for going back to the JLP, he was at pains to point out that if given the opportunity he would lead the process of transforming Jamaica’s party political landscape and the system and nature of Government. As a result of these pronouncements he was able to sway many of the persons and institutions now calling on him to resign.

Promises made

In 1995 he said that there must be a severance of the link between political representatives and those who do not uphold the rule of law.

Yet, by 2010 he is being perceived by many inside and outside of the country as preventing the extradition of a person wanted for gunrunning and drug trafficking.

In 1995 he said that what Jamaica needs is a Cabinet of no more than 14 persons. Yet, by 2007 when he became Prime Minister, he formed a Cabinet consisting of 18 persons.

In 1995 he spoke about the importance of a non-partisan and effective civil service bureaucracy. Yet, by 2008 having disagreed with the proposal for the appointment of Stephen Vasciannie as Solicitor General by the Public Services Commission (PSC), he caused the dismissal of all members of the said PSC.

He forgot that at the launch of the NDM on October 29, 1995 he lashed out against the central feature of Government when he said: “The central feature of the Westminster system is the enormous concentration of power in the Executive and more particularly in the hands of the Prime Minister, which undermines the real purpose of Parliament and deprives the people of effective representation.”

In 1995 he spoke about the importance of dialogue and openness with public bodies, particularly those critical to the operation of a successful Government, the teachers, nurses, and the security forces. Yet, by 2010 he unilaterally broke off bargaining and negotiation with the said organisations, resulting in a standoff between these organisations and his Government. In 1995 he said, which he repeated in 1997, that nominations to the position of Ambassadors and Directors of Statutory Boards and Public Corporations should be made by the Prime Minister and approved by the Members of each House of Parliament. Thus far, Mr. Golding has ignored this promise.

Role of the judiciary

The most earth shattering about-turn by Mr. Golding, however, is how he has dealt with the Coke extradition affair. In October 1995 Mr. Golding said: “‘We (NDM) are committed to the effective separation of powers between the Executive, the Legislative and the Judiciary… The Prime Minister should be responsible for the control and direction of policy, which would include the executive management of the State services as well as Budget preparation and implementation…

The judiciary should be responsible for adjudicating questions of law and interpreting the provisions of the Constitution.’

Yet, in March 2010 in defence of a person whose extradition is being sought by the United States Government under an extradition Treaty between the USA and Jamaica, Mr. Golding has sought to use the Executive to usurp the functions of the judiciary by saying that the evidence against the person was ‘illegally obtained’ and, therefore, inadmissible in a court of law.

Mr. Golding was wrong in law because illegally obtained evidence is admissible in court so long as the evidence is relevant to the point or points in issue. If Mr. Golding had sought to uphold his views expressed 15 years ago, he would not have found himself in his current predicament.

Politics and crime

The extradition affair as well as the way in which Mr. Golding has sought to deal with the Manatt, Phelps & Phillips issue raises the fundamental issue of the relationship between our political parties and political leaders with alleged criminals, criminals and criminality.

It was on this point that Mr. Golding was most strident between 1995 and 1997, when he called upon the people of the country to rally behind him in his effort to de-link the relationship between politics and crime.

In November 1995 he said, “This custom” must be rooted out of Jamaican politics and that he would be doing everything if given the opportunity to dismantle garrison politics in Jamaica. At the time Mr.

Golding had lots of support for what was termed his “principled position.”

He had the support of wellknown persons, for whom I have a lot of respect such as, Bishop Herro Blair, Tony Hart, Howard Mitchell, Reverend Ralston Nembhard, Peter Thwaites, David Wong Ken, Robert Russell, Dr. Andre´ Foote, Wayne Leahong and Wayne Chen.

Today, Mr. Bruce Golding has apparently turned his back on his former principled position and by extension those who were with him in 1995 to 1997. Not only did he grab the garrisoned West Kingston constituency with both hands, but he is now using his position as Prime Minister to lead the defence of a man who former Prime Minister and Member of Parliament for West Kingston Edward Seaga, having given then Commissioner of Police certain information, went on to say as reported on September 29, 1994:

“He is a gang leader (and that) none of what is happening in West Kingston (violence) could have happened without his vesting.” Continuing, Mr. Seaga said, “I have no control over these fellows — I have no control over these 13 men who have a pattern of brutality that I will not tolerate…

They have blown off the leg of a young girl who at 20 years old has to walk with crutches; they have killed two sons of one lady within three days; they have killed a sevenyear- old, and nine-year-old boy.

They sent 15-year-old boys with guns into the Rema Community in order to chastise, in order to mete out what they call justice.” If this is the case, how can Mr. Golding exercise any moral authority in the fight against crime and violence staking the land? How can Mr. Golding speak with convincing authority about breaking the link between politics and crime? How can he successfully wage a battle against Jamaica being perceived, unfortunately and embarrassingly as a ‘narco state’?

Source of funds

The extradition of Mr. Coke is being sought by the US for gunrunning and drug trafficking.

Mr. Golding at first denied knowledge of the law firm Manatt, Phelps & Phillips being hired either by the Government or the JLP to lobby members of the US Government on behalf of Coke.

Mr. Golding, thereafter, under pressure from the Opposition and national organisations, admitted that as Leader of the JLP he sanctioned the deal. He also stated that the funds to retain Manatt, Phelps & Phillips were paid by the JLP. It would be interesting to find out who were some of the donors to such a cause. Of course, Mr. Golding ought not to have a difficulty with this, as in regards to funds raised by political parties, he said in 1995, albeit speaking about campaign financing:

“Political parties should be required to disclose to the Electoral Commission the source of financial contributions or the monetary value of contributions in kind which, in any one year exceeds twenty five thousand dollars ($25,000) in the case of individuals or two hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) in the case of organisations or corporate entities.”

Mr. Golding’s recent backpedalling on the Manatt, Phelps & Phillips affair has mortally wounded his position as Prime Minister. It is unbecoming of a person who had pledged that he would do everything, if given the opportunity, to break the link between politics and alleged criminals. Now is the time for all of those who believe in this ‘principled position’ to speak up and speak out, including those who rallied around Mr. Golding between 1995 and 1997, when he was ‘new and different’.

Delano Franklyn is an attorney at law, author and a former Government State Minister of Foreign Affairs & Foreign Trade.

http://www.sunheraldja.com/2010/05/bruce-golding-let-us-not-forget/

Harder they come...

2010-05-24T09:37:00.005-04:00

This diet is harder than I thought. Summertime was not the best choice.

I did pretty well last week but the weekend was horrid. I even made Oreo cheesecake bars...who does that on a diet? At least I only had one. I leave the rest to the skinny minnies. Even though my eating wasn't so good, I did go to the gym 4 times. Not too shabby. This week I can only make 3, so I don't know if there's weight loss hope for me next week.

So get to the point Shumpy. Ok, ok. I lost a whopping 1 lb LOL. I feel like one of those biggest loser contestants trying to break a barrier. Most of them are trying to get under 300 lbs or 200 lbs - things aren't so rough with me but if I could do another 5 lbs off, I'd be somewhat content.

word love: Lilian

2010-05-19T08:45:00.006-04:00

Airy, fairy Lilian,

Flitting, fairy Lilian,

When I ask her if she loves me,

Claps her tiny hands above me,

Laughing all she can;

She'll not tell me if she loves me,

Cruel little Lilian.

When my passion seeks

Pleasance in love-sighs

She, looking thro' and thro' me

Thoroughly to undo me,

Smiling, never speaks:

So innocent-arch, so cunning-simple,

From beneath her gather'd wimple

Glancing with black-beaded eyes,

Till the lightning laughters dimple

The baby-roses in her cheeks;

Then away she flies.

Prythee weep,

May Lilian!

Gaiety without eclipse

Wearieth me,

May Lilian:

Thro' my very heart it thrilleth

When from crimson-threaded lips

Silver-treble laughter trilleth:

Prythee weep,

May Lilian.

Praying all I can, If prayers will not hush thee,

Airy Lilian,

Like a rose-leaf I will crush thee,

Fairy Lilian.

by: Alfred, Lord Tennyson (English poet, 1809-1892; Lilian first printed in 1830)

I love lyrical poetry. My mind is simplistic and often is attracted to whimsy.

Take the good, take the bad...

2010-05-17T08:54:00.006-04:00

Bad news first.

::HUGE sigh:: Day 14. Nada this week...not even 1 lb. Nothin. But it's ok. I'm still encouraged. Just gotta keep at it.

Now the good stuff.

I had a fab (but busy) weekend - friends are so fun & so are great hussys - and saw 3 movies...1 at the movies, 2 from Blockbuster.

Precious - I've been wanting to see this ever since I heard about it. As usual it took me months to finally get to it. It was good. Gripping. Sad. Mo'nique did an excellent job. I can't imagine that being anyone's reality but the sad thing is, it probably is. If you haven't, you should see it. It will be worth your time.

Leap Year - Ok. I won't recommend it to you because I don't want y'all mad at me lol. But I loved it. I like to spend time watching mindless romance. No suspense, no plot thickening. Just plain ole romance. I'm just that kind of girl. I liked it. It's no Australia or Clueless (hehe)...it'll be on ABC Family or WE one day is my point.

Robin Hood - Now, this was a good movie. Right up your Braveheart, Gladiator alley. Go see it. One thing though, I thought there would be more robbin' the hood. Like seriously, it was like a before he became Robin Hood movie because he didn't become Robin Hood and have his men till a good hour and 40 after the movie began. I fell asleep 3 times in the movie. Not because it was boring but because it was past my bedtime. I never fail to amuse myself.

Then from last week, I forgot to say I watched Iron Man 2. It wasn't that good. But as far as sequels go, it wasn't three three bad. You wouldn't be mad if you paid money to see it. I promise. Cause Robert Downey Jr and Mickey Rooney make a good pair.

Now onto WAAAAAAY MORE IMPORTANT things....

credit

JUNE 30

credit

Day 7

2010-05-10T09:39:00.004-04:00

4 lbs down!

I couldn't be happier & more motivated to keep at it. Check my sidebar ticker out :) If you click on it, you'll see all the gory details.

So how's the diet going? Slowly but surely. I did have a huge black and white cookie, and overate a bit on Sabbath (who doesn't) but I was always mindful so I made adjustments to my diet. Just like instead of having all my banana chips at one sitting, I've separated the bag into 3 servings. Progress, people.

Gym? I did exactly 3 times this week. I wanted to go on Sunday but life wouldn't permit and I'll be busy again this coming Sunday so we'll see...can I tell you, I introduced Hugh to kick boxing & now he knows true pain...teehee, he had to skip out half way. Like his sis though, he's a glutton for punishment and ready for more this week.

sweet sundays: My mother

2010-05-09T09:00:00.012-04:00

I never have words for my mom. I can't. I don't know how to express the overwhelming feelings that swell through me and to the center of my being when I think of her, who she is in general, who she is to others, and all she means to me. If I could bundle it all up and throw it out, it would result in instant world peace, end to starvation, plus rainbows and hearts a-plenty. Basically, overwhelming love, respect, and admiration.

Devon House, Kingston, Jamaica mid-1980s

I'm not saying she's perfect. But she is perfect for me. We don't always agree but somehow we always settle on level plain. I think it is because she loves me so much. Not to be presumptuous but I imagine having a child at 24 years of age in the early 1980s in a fairly traditional culture couldn't have been easy. Not even if you happen to be an educated, strong, modern thinking, and highly opinionated woman (and boy, is she ever opinionated! haha). I like to imagine she determined that despite the unknowns, her little Shumpy would exist, be the apple of her eye, and she has always made me feel that way. Yup, even after the mango of her eye (her true fruit love) and the papaya of her eye (another fruit I know she loves) came into the picture - my sibs won't appreciate the description.

my 21st birthday. my mother, the consumate party planner.

My wedding day, Dec 2006. my mother, my rock & support.

I am 27 and am yet to be weaned off my mom. Of course physically we've been living in separate countries for 10 years, and I can totally physically manage day to day living without her - I have always enjoyed my own company, and manageable bursts of others. But that's because I have her love and support bolstering me...I am yet to become emotionally independent of my mom. I think of her everyday, and I remain content just knowing she is breathing and safe somewhere (though I'd like for it to be closer to me).

Let's take a break from all the soppy crap. My mother is a remarkable woman. She is an active and advancing worker. Never settling for mediocre and always demanding excellence from herself and her staff. She went on to achieve her masters degree after having a child (that would be me), and has since continuously advanced in her field. She continues to seek knowledge, participating in conferences and seminars internationally. Further, she is well rounded. She is an active participant in her church community, and gives back to society everyday. Not only by raising semi-normal children (no criminals, all sensible, and caring persons - quite a feat in todays day and age), but also by being a great wife, aunt, sister, daughter, and friend, and by giving of her time and efforts to the community. But don't count her out! She is no staid old woman. My mom not only looks young and is fit (still competes in foot races on the beach with her kids *smile*), but also has rhythm, plays a decent game of monopoly, an impressive game of scrabble, can cheer on her alma mater in sporting events with the gusto of a teenager, has the most refined taste in clothing and accessories, and still knows how to kick it back in the country with a pan of mangoes. She does it all with effortless elegance and style. From the boardrooms of Kingston, New York, Toronto, and London; to churches, rural and urban; to Ivy League institutions; to squeezing 7 into my little one bedroom before my wedding; to stylish hotels in Europe; to Disney World with her kids; to cutting it up on the dance floor of a family wedding; to good ole Sligoville. She is the epitome of an international super mom.

My mother is the best example of nurturing I know. Yes, I had to get back to the sentimental. She is so good at taking care of her children I cannot imagine the day we will need to take care of her. I wonder if I'll be as good at it as she was. I sure hope so. She deserves it. For all the support, understanding, and love she's given me. Allowing me to share good news, vent, laugh, yell, hug (aka squeeze the life outta her..it can get violent), kiss (she and I have a kiss-bite on the cheek hybrid), and just be myself with her (even when she doesn't agree) has helped me become the woman I am today. As long as she lives I know I'll always have a champion in my corner.

& that's all I need.

I'll never be alone as long as I live because of who she is.

She has always held my hands in love & support, and always will...

I love my mommy.

--Happy Mother's Day to all the fantabulous moms out there--

girly fridays: relaxed or natural?

2010-05-07T09:05:00.004-04:00

Does it matter?

There are a few theories out there but I'm gonna focus on the two that insult me the most:

1. Black women with relaxed or processed hair aren't proud of their heritage

2. Black women with natural hair look unkempt and ugly

First, all the sensible women out there know there's nothing to be done about changing your heritage. You can't walk into a salon, or your local beauty supply store and buy a new history/culture/heritage. You are who you are. If you look anything like me, you can't hide it lol.

Second, I love to see women embrace their natural texture. I think they look as beautiful and very well put together as any other woman who is careful about her appearance. I have friends who are natural who look fantastic (same for those who are relaxed) and the assumption that leaving our hair the way it grows out of our head as God intended is unattractive, is insulting to me.

I am black and my hair could be short, long, relaxed, natural, or I could be bald. That has absolutely nothing to do with the pride I have in my heritage. Yes, there are women who have issues with their hair and their identity as black people - that kind of insecurity stems from a number of places and is way more complicated than a relaxer. I understand that and I'm sorry for them. For me, hair is cosmetic. I want my hair to look good (I have a personal definition of that which is totally subjective and that's okay). Good looking hair is healthy, shiny, flattering to the wearer, and visually appealing to me. Bad looking hair comes in relaxed and natural. Trust me lol, I've seen it. & so does unkempt and unattractive. Matter of fact, all of that comes in various shapes, colors, and textures.

I have contemplated going natural before and truth is, in the good ole Jamaican slang, mi nasty and I can't bother. I honestly don't think I could comb it. The only possibility out there for me currently is locs and I don't like the commitment it requires. At all. But you never know. My mom just went natural...maybe she can teach me a few things. In any case, I will go natural eventually (the non locs type). My natural hair (which I miss - we haven't seen each other in almost 2 decades) is quite the demanding lady. She's very fussy. I plan to reacquaint myself with her one day.

I believe in detaching your self image and worth from physical appearance. I think long hair or short, relaxed or natural, women can have beautiful hair and be proud of it. An extension of that could be our obsession with whether we're busty or not, wide hips or no, nice shape or no, too tall, too short, too skinny, too fat, too dark, too light, nose too flat, lips too big....we can never be exactly what we desire on the outside (well, we can make a mockery of ourselves trying to pay for it) but we can work with what we got and make it happen!

In any case, we can always be exactly what we desire (& what God desires us to be) on the inside and at the end of the day, that is what matters the most.

word love: hymn

2010-05-05T09:00:00.003-04:00

God be in my head, and in my understanding;

God be in mine eyes, and in my looking;

God be in my mouth, and in my speaking;

God be in my heart, and in my thinking;

God be at mine end, and at my departing.

-Sarum Primer, 1558

I love hymns. They are a comfort to me, and this week has been crazy here in my homeland (#1, #2, #3, and #4), and in the land of my birth (#1 , #2, #3, and #4)...don't get me started. People are sick. This world is twisted, sad, & unsafe. So I take a deep breath and just regroup.

Day 1

2010-05-03T09:21:00.006-04:00

Ready Vicky???

LOL. Okay, we're off! It's day 1 of our May challenge. For the month of May, we are doing a modified special K diet and exercise (3 times per week) regimen to lose weight and tone our bodies.

What's a modified special k?

*One healthy correctly portioned meal for lunch/dinner

*Two Special k (cereal or shake)/cornflakes/oatmeal/healthy low calorie meals per day

*Healthy snacks throughout the day

*Plenty water

*Little to no sugar

There you have it. So every Monday morning, I'll weigh in and update my ticker (see below & on side bar). School is out and I have no reason to not be able to do this challenge successfully. I don't really need to lose 20lbs (more 15) but if I do, that gives me room to expand (teehee).

sweet sundays: sunshine

2010-05-02T08:21:00.004-04:00

Summertime is upon us. Doesn't the brightness that greets you in the morning lift your spirits? God is amazing. Enjoy nature. Go out in the sun and soak in the wonder of it all. Take a deep breath.

I know, I know. The cancer risk etc. but hey, your body needs a little vitamin D sometimes :) I'm an island girl so I apologize for my disdain for sunblock. I know our bodies need it but I'm a regular ole' sunflower.

______________________________

"A day without sunshine is like, you know, night"

Steve Martin

sweet sundays: the path less taken

2010-04-25T09:00:00.001-04:00

Sometimes our baser human instincts take over in emotional situations and we react poorly. I hate when I overreact and have to backtrack, and apologize or I feel bad like if I saw the person at church or work or they turned out to be a family friend I'd be embarrassed. I'd much rather do it right the first time but since I'm not perfect, that does not always happen. When it does, I feel so much better about myself. There's an important lesson in knowing we don't have to be rude or crass to stand up for ourselves.

Something that happened last week reminded me of this. It's a Raf story. He doesn't want his pics on here but at least I can blog about him lol. For months he'd trained with this company for a position that he's wanted for sometime now. Finally, the training was completed and he began to work with the company. At the outset he explained that although he is willing to come in on Sundays, he would not be avail to work every Sunday. This is totally fair since he works Mondays-Fridays. In addition, it isn't required to come in on Sundays. However, one of the supervisors (a particularly rude one too that consistently gives employees grief) decided that he'd disregard that and every Sunday, he calls Raf. Oh, and even though Raf's requested less work on Sunday so he can get home at a decent time, he's been working past sunset on Sundays, then heading in early the next morn. Last Sunday, Raf decides he isn't going in. He's had a number of 6 day work-weeks in a row and needs a break. So as a courtesy (not required) he calls on Friday to inform them he's not available on Sunday. The particularly rude supervisor passes the phone to a colleague because how dare Raf not come in on Sunday when there's work to be done? The colleague is pleading for Raf come in but Raf can hear the other supervisor in the back ground complaining in a very argumentative manner that he MUST come in, he HAS to come in. Threatening, yes? I think so too.

Now, do I need to tell you about Caribbean males? Let me not stereotype widely. Jamaican men are VERY proud, and they don't take being disregarded or disrespected lightly. It would not be a stretch for Raf to put him in his place. Trust me. He can be rough...well, used to be. But he wasn't and I am so proud of him. What he did was drop off the equipment and company vehicle, call the administrator, and respectfully leave the position (she didn't want him to go but he explained the situation completely). Come Monday, he is being called repeatedly by said supervisor. When he finally speaks to him, supervisor apologetically asks him what happened and if there's anything they can do (yeaaa, act like you don't know). When Raf says no because he can't seem to have a decent conversation without being talked down to (even tho Raf's complained of this before). Supervisor's like "you know you can talk to me" and basically begs him to come back in so they can work out any differences amicably and with respect. So, Raf is back on the job. Supervisor is now mindful of his manner when dealing with Raf (if not other employees - can't expect too much now). & as usual Raf has a 100% IVR (ranking/rating system). Go babes!

Sometimes, people make it so hard for us to exhibit character traits that are attractive. They just push us to respond with our baser instincts. But thank God, sometimes, we hold on to our temper and take the higher road.

Be gone bad-man-isms! Be gone probably-you-neva-heard-a-mi!

I say choose the path less taken this week & the rest of your life...sometimes the results may not be desirable but if you walk away with your character intact, then what did you lose? Nada :) You in fact gained a world of dignity, self respect, and the admiration of those around you.

girly fridays: 15 lbs to get rid of

2010-04-23T08:49:00.003-04:00

& I'd love to rid myself of them before June....remember that swimsuit?

Well my pal, Vicky and I were supposed to be making plans to lose some weight but "stuff" keeps coming up - yea, we're likely unconsciously avoiding. Well, the time has come. Finals are done next week and come May 3rd, it is ON. Weight is a funny issue. There are people saying I don't need to lose more but ahmmm, yes I do. I don't obsess about my weight and if I seem to, it's not genuine. I just wanna be down to a comfortable weight so I can maintain. I'm tired of trying to lose weight.

So what's my plan?

>>Exercising/gym 3 times per week, every week

>>Drinking water

>>Portion control

>>Healthy snacks in between to prevent starvation eating (a.k.a. overeating) lol

So ladies, what's your summer weight loss plan? I know there are some lucky ladies who don't need a weight loss plan but I'm not one of them.

Who's smokin the strong stuff today? Keri

2010-04-22T09:00:00.002-04:00

This is a funny one. Short & sweet. I'm putting my friend (more of a sis) Keri on blast.

Here's the story. Yesterday she had a presentation in one of her rotations (she's in med school). 20 minutes long & graded by her attending. Now tell me why she see's the attending snoozing during her presentation, and says "we can ask Dr. B if he wakes up." LOVE IT. She called out the professor/attending grading her! She now thinks she's gonna fail, of course. I beg to differ. She's crazy, yes (it's def the green stuff she's smoking) but he can't fail her (or even near)...he didn't even hear all she said!

Thank you Keri, though I think you are nuts, THANK YOU for saying exactly what was on your mind. Sometimes, it just needs to be said. LOL!

word love: Dis Poem

2010-04-21T09:00:00.001-04:00

dis poem

shall speak of the wretched sea

that washed ships to these shores

of mothers crying for their young

swallowed up by the sea

dis poem shall say nothing new

dis poem shall speak of time

time unlimited time undefined

dis poem shall call names

names like lumumba keyatta nkrumah

hannibal akenaton malcolm garvey

haile selassie

dis poem is vexed about apartheid racism fascism

the klu klux klan riots in brixton atlanta

jim jones

dis poem is revolting against 1st world 2nd world 3rd world division

man made decision

dis poem is like all the rest

dis poem will not be amongst great literary works

will not be recited by poetry enthusiasts

will not be quoted by politicians nor men of religion

dis poem is knives bombs guns blood fire

blazin for freedom

yes dis poem is a drum

ashanti mau mau ibo yoruba nyahbingi warriors

uhuru uhuru

namibia uhuru

uhuru soweto

uhuru afrika

dis poem will not change things

dis poem need to be changed

dis poem is a rebirth of a people

arizin awaking understandin

dis poem speak is speakin have spoken

dis poem shall continue even when poets have stopped writin

dis poem shall survive u me it shall linger in history

in your mind

in time forever

dis poem is time only time will tell

dis poem is still not written

dis poem has no poet

dis poem is just a part of the story

his-story her-story our-story still untold

dis poem is now ringin takin imitatin

makin u want to stop it

but dis poem will not stop

dis poem is long cannot be short

dis poem cannot be tamed cannot be blamed

the story is still not told about dis poem

dis poem is old new

dis poem was copied from the bible your prayer book

playboy magazine the ny times readers digest

the c.i.a. files the k.g.b. files

dis poem is no secret

dis poem shall be called boring stupid senseless

dis poem is watchin u tryin to make sense from dis poem

dis poem is messin up your brains

makin u want to stop listenin to dis poem

u need to know what will be said next in dis poem

dis poem shall disappoint u

beacuse

dis poem is to be continued

in your mind

by: Mutabaruka (Jamaican, 1952-)

Howard Drive Chronicles Part III

2010-04-20T09:02:00.002-04:00

So me and crazy neighbor haven't been getting on any better.

Then Sunday happened and now I "owe" her ::long sigh::

We left Hugh home with our lone set of apt keys (yea, bad idea to have only one set) to go run errands. We were out for a few hours. But I called him about 45 minutes before I got home and spoke to him. All is well. When we finally get home and need him to open the door, would he pick up phone or answer doorbell?????? I called and called and called then buzzed and buzzed and buzzed. Nothing. So Raf heads around back to throw a stone up (yes, desperation set in after about 10 full ring phone calls) and I keep at my calling and buzzing.

Door opens. It's the neighbor. Great. She let's me in and get it, I ask her to bang on the ceiling to rouse my brother ::dies:: Anyway, he finally hears something (stone or banging on door) and opens the door before neighbor can bang. He was in the shower. Clearly having a spa day/moment. So, I graciously thank neighbor (what's a girl to do?).

So I'm telling K the story and I'm all like, great, now I owe my neighbor or something (I vote for something). K gladly reminds me it won't be long until she doesn't something nutty again. Then we can call it even. I'm actually looking forward to the next ceiling bang (not really).

sweet sundays: growing older

2010-04-18T20:36:00.009-04:00

This weekend we celebrated Keri's birthday. She's all of 27 (yes, I put her on blast...she doesn't look it so she won't mind). We went to church, then had lunch, and then followed that up with a visit to a club. Yes, a club. Does that make any sense:? None at all, & since I'm a sensible girl, it won't happen again. I mean, it's about time I walk the walk, huh? Well, it wasn't supposed to be a club but it turned out to be one and what was I to do? Just say no :) But it's my LeeLee (soft spot). Anyhoo, we had fun hanging with each other (& can I insert some sop here? I'm glad my hussy's my dance partner for life - nothing makes a woman feel better than a sweet guy and he was oh, so sweet yesterday and last night. K, so back to regularly scheduled program). It was a bunch of her friends from high school, college, and med school. She looked hot, she had fun, and that's what matters at the moment. Oh! & she looked fab doing it!

I wish you could see the shoes but alas, such is life.

What's so good about growing older? Each day we grow older is a blessing...some people stay young (a.k.a. don't age. a.k.a. die). What's even better? Growing older as friends.

Happy Birthday my darling friend & sister

girly fridays: wish list items

2010-04-16T09:00:00.003-04:00

Bel Kai Designs

Isn't it cute? *swoon*

Anyhoo...I'm off doing VERY girly stuff today. I'm off to court! I was called to jury duty. Let's see if they keep me or send me home. I'm very excited to be carrying out my civic duty :)

word love: divine strength

2010-04-14T09:18:00.002-04:00

"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."

Isaiah 40:31, KJV

Thank you, Andrew M. Manis

2010-04-13T09:06:00.005-04:00

reblogged a.k.a. stolen

‘When are WE going to get over it?’

For much of the last forty years, ever since America “fixed” its race problem in the Civil Rights and Voting Rights Acts, we white people have been impatient with African Americans who continued to blame race for their difficulties. Often we have heard whites ask, “When are African Americans finally going to get over it?” Now I want to ask: When are we White Americans going to get over our ridiculous obsession with skin color?

Recent reports that “Election Spurs Hundreds of Race Threats, Crimes” should frighten and infuriate every one of us. Having grown up in “Bombingham,” Alabama in the 1960s, I remember overhearing an avalanche of comments about what many white classmates and their parents wanted to do to John and Bobby Kennedy and Martin Luther King. Eventually, as you may recall, in all three cases, someone decided to do more than “talk the talk.”

Since our recent presidential election, to our eternal shame we are once again hearing the same reprehensible talk I remember from my boyhood. We white people have controlled political life in the disunited colonies and United States for some 400 years on this continent. Conservative whites have been in power 28 of the last 40 years. Even during the eight Clinton years, conservatives in Congress blocked most of his agenda and pulled him to the right. Yet never in that period did I read any headlines suggesting that anyone was calling for the assassinations of presidents Nixon, Ford, Reagan, or either of the Bushes. Criticize them, yes. Call for their impeachment, perhaps. But there were no bounties on their heads. And even when someone did try to kill Ronald Reagan, the perpetrator was non-political mental case who wanted merely to impress Jody Foster. But elect a liberal who happens to be Black and we’re back in the sixties again.

At this point in our history, we should be proud that we’ve proven what conservatives are always saying — that in America anything is possible, EVEN electing a black man as president. But instead we now hear that school children from Maine to California are talking about wanting to “assassinate Obama.” Fighting the urge to throw up, I can only ask, “How long?”

How long before we white people realize we can’t make our nation, much less the whole world, look like us? How long until we white people can – once and for all – get over this hell-conceived preoccupation with skin color? How long until we white people get over the demonic conviction that white skin makes us superior? How long before we white people get over our bitter resentments about being demoted to the status of equality with non-whites? How long before we get over our expectations that we should be at the head of the line merely because of our white skin? How long until we white people end our silence and call out our peers when they share the latest racist jokes in the privacy of our white-only conversations?

I believe in free speech, but how long until we white people start making racist loudmouths as socially uncomfortable as we do flag burners? How long until we white people will stop insisting that blacks exercise personal responsibility, build strong families, educate themselves enough to edit the Harvard Law Review, and work hard enough to become President of the United States, only to threaten to assassinate them when they do?

How long before we start “living out the true meaning” of our creeds, both civil and religious, that all men and women are created equal and that “red and yellow, black and white” all are precious in God’s sight? Until this past November 4, I didn’t believe this country would ever elect an African American to the presidency. I still don’t believe I’ll live long enough to see us white people get over our racism problem. But here’s my three-point plan:

First, everyday that Barack Obama lives in the White House that black slaves built, I’m going to pray that God (and the Secret Service) will protect him and his family from us white people.

Second, I’m going to report to the FBI any white person I overhear saying, in seriousness or in jest, anything of a threatening nature about President Obama.

Third, I’m going to pray to live long enough to see America surprise the world once again, when white people can “in spirit and in truth” sing of our damnable color prejudice, ”We HAVE overcome.”

-Andrew M. Manis via The Macon Telegraph

sweet tooth? here's some eye candy

2010-04-12T16:42:00.003-04:00

sweet sundays: no more negative Nellie

2010-04-11T09:00:00.001-04:00

No matter how positive I am most times, it's funny how I can be the hardest and most negative about the people closest to me. I think sometimes we judge our parents, partners, children, and even ourselves too harshly. Yes, there are things we all need to work on but come on, most of us are pretty good people.

I sat down 2 weeks ago reading a blog written by a single lady immediately proceeding her divorce and as I read the piece I realized I never had to give up any dream when I married. Yes, there is compromise and I'm no professional married person (only 3 years in) but I think I've had my fair share of marital woes. However, this should never prevent me from seeing the great things about my spouse. As a seemingly professional student, I can say I've never been discouraged from pursuing whichever academic program was in my sights. I can just imagine how at odds that would be with my viewpoint on the importance of education. I'm still getting my potential successfulness on :) Also, I attend a seventh-day adventist church and have all my life. However, I'm not a traditional seventh-day adventist...I actually consider myself a plain ole Christian (trust me, this is revolutionary to some in my church). Nothing more. I'm a follower of Christ. I'm sure there are a lot of SDAs who would look at my nail polish and pierced ears askance. Further, some of my eating choices leave plenty to be desired in terms of SDA eating standards. Trust me, a traditional SDA Christian couldn't live with me, lol, but thank goodness he never tries to discourage me and allows me to express my spirituality in a way that is true to me.

Do you miss the brightness in life by allowing the negative and trouble spots to cloud your vision? Make an effort this week to think of the good and positive in those around you. It will increase your appreciation for those around you and brighten your week. It may not be easy but you won't regret it!

Next step? Learning to forgive those who hurt us...but small steps, people, small steps.

word love: Sidewalk

2010-04-07T09:00:00.000-04:00

the footsteps outside,

they sound like heels.

six floors below,

pounding out the sound

of a woman determined.

determined to do

what, i don't know

but she sounds like

she's walking away from something.

before tonight i'd

never realized that the sound

of a woman's shoes on

a cobblestone sidewalk

could tell me

so much.

by: Matt Logelin (poet & blogger)

Who's smokin the strong stuff today? Spirit

2010-04-06T15:11:00.006-04:00

Spirit Airlines must be high and completely out of it.

They will now be charging customers for carry on luggage. Yea, carry on. The CEO claims it is to give the customer more choices. Now we, the consumer (I should change that because I will never know what it is to fly Spirit now) can do what's best for us *spits up water* Yea, because before we weren't sure what to do with our carry on luggage. Now that we have to pay for it, we'll definitely have more choice. Follow his logic? No? Me either.

Good thing is we still get to put stuff under the seat in front of us for free. For now. Oh! & to tickle your fancy you can bring an umbrella for freeeeeeeee! Baby luggage is still free (strollers, car seats, and diaper bags). Of course, only one of those things ever gets placed in the overhead compartment but whatever.

I can't wait to see what's next. Not.

Source: Check this.

Reactions? Check this.

-Thanks Ren for the heads up. You know what will get my goat.

Howard Drive Chronicles Part II

2010-04-06T09:00:00.002-04:00

Remember my downstairs neighbor? Well she seems to be getting to a lot of people.

Easter Sunday my bro and I are walking in from the laundry mat when we see this guy standing on the steps that lead to our door (There are 2 doors there - one for us and crazy neighbor, and one for the apartment beside us upstairs or the one beside my crazy downstairs neighbor). We assume he's from one of the apartments beside us. He says hi so we smile and say hi in response. Then he says, "your downstairs neighbor is driving me crazy." So I say, "I'm not surprised." I'm thinking she yelled at him or threatened to call the cops or something. She seems to like to do that. Then he goes, "she's my son's mother." Oh. Uncomfortable pause and side glance at the bro. He then says, "she makes me so mad sometimes I just wanna kill her." OH! I say, "you shouldn't let her get to you...enjoy your day." I grab for keys to open my apartment door now (Can you imagine keys wouldn't come out of the darn front door?? I do not want to be a witness). He steps back into my line of vision and goes, "she ruined my Easter service high"...guess he just got in from church. So I say, "don't let her do that...just have a good day anyhow."

Later I'm sharing the story with Raf and he tells me the guy lives right beside the crazy neighbor and he just thought she was babysitting his son. I'm like, nope. She's the mother of his son. & he really doesn't seem to get along with her. Here's to hoping they stay on each other's right side. Cause I don't need any drama under our apartment.

Howard Drive Chronicles Part I

2010-04-05T09:11:00.005-04:00

For now this only has 2 installations. Here's the first.

So there's an elderly lady (early 70s maybe) who lives in the apartment across the parking lot entrance from me (that wasn't helpful lol - she's on one side of the drive, and I'm on the other). The first night I moved in I was trying to park but was unable to drive in because her date was dropping her off and they were necking in the car. YUP! Kissing, caressing, and all! And for so long that I gave up waiting. I don't know why I didn't blow my horn...it was late, and I felt like these 70 year olds kinda deserved their time I guess haha. It was one of those odd moments when you're happy their still young at heart and dating but a tad grossed out because omigoodness, they're 70. So I parked out in front.

Since then I've probably seen them one other time. Saturday, my friends and I are getting lunch ready when I look out and the gentleman has come to pick up his date. When he stepped out to wait for her, he was rocking one of those shirts, flowy with the top buttons open, his gold chain, & a little chest hair action. My friends were in awe. They couldn't fathom that he actually came to pick up my neighbor for a date (& that they were pretty involved) because he was so elderly till they saw my neighbor come out in a cute tee (I promise you I have one just like it) and pants, greet her gentleman caller, and drive off with him. We were all giggling and saying we now have hope...to be 70, dressing up to go out on a date, and necking in our sweetheart's car. Sweet, yes but also a little gross.

I love that they don't give a hoot and are enjoying themselves...who cares what us youngins think? When we're that age we'll be wishing we still had it lol. By the by, he was back yesterday :)

sweet sundays: Happy Easter :)

2010-04-04T08:35:00.000-04:00

I love fresh flowers

If you celebrate, I wish you a wonderful weekend. Let's not focus on technicalities, we don't know when He died and was resurrected BUT we know he did and that's what really matters in terms of our salvation.

This weekend a group at my church sang this Kurt Carr song and it was a blessing. Hope you find time to click and enjoy.

Oh, yea. I embraced the yellow. This dress will def make another debut this spring/summer. Thanks Vicky for the prod lol.

girly fridays: hodge podge

2010-04-02T09:34:00.008-04:00

I haven't been to the gym. Therefore, I feel fat. Next week is redemption week.

Then, I've tried 2 masks. Let me review:

1. Avocado & Honey - easy to make, but don't make too much. It goes bad. Easy to apply and smells great.

2. Oatmeal, milk, egg yolk, aloe vera, honey, lemon juice - does NOT stay on my face. I am not sure what consistency would work. I had to cover my face with a warm rag to have it stay. I may not cook the oatmeal in milk next time. I think if it were raw and in the honey it wouldn't fall off my face. I'm gonna nix the egg yolk and lemon juice from newer versions of this mask.

These are the 2 that will remain in rotation for awhile.

My choir sings tomorrow. We always wear full black when we do - it's just easier. However, it being the Easter season, we are wearing pastels. I do not like pastel colors. Actually, they are sometimes acceptable. On babies. Otherwise, yuck. So now I have my first yellow dress. Guess this is not so girly friday...girls are supposed to like these colors. I like my colors vibrant or moody, not milked out. & I think yellow is my least favorite color (real color, that is...pastels are in a different category and ones like mint and lavender def take the cake for worst colors - although I must say they are pretty awesome scents).

Speechless

2010-04-01T10:00:00.009-04:00

Have you been watching/reading the news?

Health Reform Takes Angry, Violent Turn - barbaric...I guess democracy is only for a select segment of the population. Here's more.

What exactly are they so violently angry about?

->That insurance companies can no longer deny coverage to children due to preexisting conditions?

->That we would dare spend $940 billion to cover 32 million uncovered Americans (largely the working poor and lower class, or is it that we think the uninsured are majority homeless and bums?) who we currently pay for ANYWAY via safety net or higher premiums at higher costs?

->Is it upsetting that promoting the proper use of the health care system (preventive care) will reduce high cost emergency room visits?

->Maybe it is the additional dental coverage? Missing work and school due to dental pain makes perfect sense in a developed nation.

->Oooo, I know. It is the tax hike to the insurance companies offering the super pricey Cadillac plans! Which, by the way has been revised. Or maybe the increased Medicare takes on families making more than $250,000. & don't you for a second think that I don't care because that won't affect me. I plan for it to affect me (sooner than later hopefully).

->Maybe they're upset that kids in school can now have access to medical insurance via their parents till 26...this group is generally the healthiest, lowest costing group to cover.

->Does anyone realize that this bill does not extend coverage to illegal aliens OR change any abortion payment laws/regulations currently in place? States can choose to ban abortion in the health insurance exchanges, and individuals purchasing insurance via the exchanges will have to make their own choice (oh, now I'm gonna get struck by lightening since God doesn't permit free will) regarding abortions & will have to fund it via personal finances.

Sources:

House passes health care bill

Obama signs health care 'fixes' bill

HR 3590 - the actual bill

I get that some people don't like the bill. Everyone has a right to their opinion and they should be able to say that they don't like it BUT what's with the violence? threats? I am pretty confident that anyone threatening lives and shooting buildings up over this are idiots to the nth degree. This is the same system that's been working since 1776. As is blatantly obvious, it doesn't always work well. But if the opinion is that it isn't working, I don't think we should resort to barbarism. There is no reason for us all to look wild and stupid.

I hate to sound like I think this bill is coming up daisies, because it isn't. It is going to cost money, and require adjustment. At the moment I'm a broke grad student whose co-pay is on a steady increase, and whose benefits are on the decrease BUT there is something known as gross and net benefit. I would rather a net benefit.

Anyway, let's have a wooooosah moment and think of better times.

Oh, happy April Fool's...how apropos

word love: Sweet and Dandy

2010-03-31T08:00:00.001-04:00

Eh-eh! Etty inna room a cry

Mama seh she mus' wipe 'er eye

Papa seh she no fi foolish like she neva been to school at all

It is no wonder

Is a perfect ponder

While they were dancin' in dat ballroom last night

Eh-eh! Johnson inna room a fret

Uncle seh 'im mus' wuol' up 'im head

Auntie seh 'e no fi foolish like is not time for his weddin' day

It is no wonder

Is a perfect ponder

While they were dancin' in dat ballroom last night

One poun' ten for de weddin' cake

Twenty bokkle of cola wine

All di people dem dress up inna white fi go eat off Johnson weddin' cake

It is no wonder

Is a perfect ponder

While they were dancin' in dat ballroom last night

But they were sweet an' dandy, sweet an' dandy

Sweet an' dandy, sweet an' dandy

They were sweet an' dan-deh... sweet an' dan-deh...

by: Toots & the Maytals, 1968 (Jamaican ska/rock steady band, 1964 to present)

Listen/watch: Video of song (also a clip of the movie, The Harder They Come)

"Toots portrays a couple on the verge of their wedding ceremony, having last-minute nerves and being both soothed and urged on by their older relatives, while the guests wait to celebrate. The language is vernacular, poetic, evocative and immediate; the music is both edgy and upbeat, falling in a long melodic curve through each scene-setting verse, and then rising with equal length and good humor through the chorus to the concluding image of the happy couple dancing."

--> More translation and interpretation....Source.

I absolutely am in love with this song. One of my all time favorites.

Road trip :)

2010-03-29T07:26:00.009-04:00

Guess where I was this weekend? On a road trip to Washington, D.C. to see my mommy :) Was feeling so out of it...groggy, tired, stuffy, just a feeling of malaise. Dunno why. Anyhow, we got there (no thanks to me). Hugh co-piloted, Raf drove, and I slept in the back complaining of being cold (though the heat was cranked..think I had a low grade fever). Saturday was good. Drove out to Alexandria, VA for church, then had lunch at the food court adjacent to the hotel, walked about town a bit (snapped pics and such) then did a small bit of shopping (mom). We were supposed to then take advantage of the indoor pool but everyone fell off to sleep...we didn't enjoy the pool till the Sunday morning and only for a small bit. We also watched The Black Stallion, this 1980s movie about an Arabian horse and a young boy on Sunday. Not bad...we all liked it. Perfect Sunday morning entertainment. Then we were off (with a short stop at Ren's place). The ride back was much better. I was up most of the time but as we hit NJ, I couldn't keep my eyes open. Some co-pilot. I do much better when I'm driving. Promise.

The White House, March 27 2010

I got some good pics of the White House this time. Last time we went by here, it was dark and we were exhausted. Hugh got to see some of the nations capital. Not in much detail but he'll be back for Ren's graduation most likely. We walked by the National Monument and toward the Lincoln Memorial and through parts of the National Mall. Mom was appalled at the amount of dog feces on the grass lol.

Mom & 2 of her children - ya, she's sporting a kick ass fro :)

& last but not least...

Be still my beating heart! These cherry blossoms! They were all over and everyone was having their fill. This weekend happened to be the beginning of the annual Cherry Blossom Festival. The hotel had a bunch of arrangements in the lobby that smelled divine. I have so many pics of them, it is ridic!

Great weekend - thanks for reading!

sweet sundays: balm for the weary

2010-03-28T09:00:00.005-04:00

Taking time out for friends & family - people you love and trust, people who love and trust you - is sweet relief in this world.

Our current society is such a dog eat dog world. You never know people's real motive, you're always going going going like an energizer bunny just to stay afloat, and no matter how many hours are in a day, you feel like nothing gets accomplished. Well, except exhaustion.

STOP

Drop the book or magazine, close the work or school document, drop the vacuum, turn off the computer. Give a friend or family member a call, snuggle up to your honey and watch a comedy, have dinner at the abandoned dining room table, or even send a "howdy" text message. Always make time for the people around you who mean the most to you. The ones who show up for you, not because they have something to gain or prove, but because they want to support you. Being around people you love & trust is the best food for the soul. These are the things that really matter in this crazy, messed up world. If you spend time doing that this week, you would have gained something invaluable - a connection with love - you would have gained a bout of good, positive energy that no amount of work, cleaning, school, or surfing the net could accomplish.

~Have a blessed week~

girly fridays: parting is such sweet sorrow

2010-03-26T08:33:00.005-04:00

I am absocrazily in love with shoes.

So last night I was going through my closet looking for pairs of shoes I've bought, and never worn or wore once and will never wear again to give my mom this weekend. We wear the same size shoes and so she benefits from my fickle shopping habits. Besides, Raf seems to gain pleasure from me paring down my shoe collection (I know mom does). I wonder if men understand that our shoes are like food...essential. Anyhoo, I happened upon a pair of shoes I absolutely positively adore. I haven't worn them since 2005 but there is NO WAY I'd give them away. I just haven't found another perfect outfit for them. Just seeing them makes me smile.

Do you have any old favorites in your closet you just couldn't bear to part with??

I get to see my mommy soon!

2010-03-25T10:24:00.000-04:00

What a balm for the weary soul haha

Mom will be in town (not my town but close enough) for a work related conference so we're all packing up and heading to hang with her on the weekend. Yipee!!! Can't wait for the end of the work day on Friday.

word love: The Road Not Taken

2010-03-24T09:00:00.000-04:00

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveler, long I stood

And looked down one as far as I could

To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,

And having perhaps the better claim,

Because it was grassy and wanted wear;

Though as for that the passing there

Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay

In leaves no step had trodden black.

Oh, I kept the first for another day!

Yet knowing how way leads on to way

I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I --

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

by: Robert Frost (American, 1874-1963)

sweet sundays: having faith

2010-03-21T08:00:00.001-04:00

Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

That is something I used to recite almost weekly at my home church. I thought I knew what faith was. Believing in God, an essence, a being I could not see. I mean, of course that is a part of having faith. But as I grew older and life seemed to slip more and more out of my control, I learned the true essence of faith. I learned that to have faith is to believe there is a divine plan for my life and that God was in charge of it, not me. The less of life we can control, the more of it we have to place in the hands of our Father.

Friends, family, and loved ones have disappointed me, I have times of self-doubt, and even the everyday motions of life sometimes are hard to handle. It is at these times in my life I see human limitations and God's amazing ability. I never knew I'd be one of those persons who could testify that I literally did not know how I'd survive the week or day, or a difficult life situation, but I learned to let go and I'm here aren't I? It is truly amazing what God can do and what he can take you through! Life's still not quite a walk in the park but I continue to rely on His plan for my life and worry no more.

I encourage you to leave the situations that distress you the most in God's hands, knowing that He will take care of you. I don't guarantee it'll be an answer you'll love, but I do guarantee that if you stick with Him, whatever He has in store for you will only make your life better. He knows what's best for you!

Sweet sundays will not always have a religious topic (but there's nothing sweeter than my daily decision to make Jesus my choice!)

word love: The Dream Keeper

2010-03-20T00:01:00.007-04:00

Bring me all of your dreams,

You dreamer,

Bring me all your heart melodies,

That I may wrap them in a blue cloud-cloth,

Away from the too rough fingers of the world.

By Langston Hughes (American, 1902-1967)

One of my very very favorite poems dedicated to my favored sister & friend. Happy Birthday Ren.

girly fridays: fountain of youth

2010-03-19T08:33:00.009-04:00

I'm already letting it slip my mind that I'm all of 27 - the 30 side of 20 I call it. As I approach the big 3-0, I am trying to prep myself. I really want to embrace my age BUT not look it :)

I can be lazy about moisturizing, staying off those box/bottle juices, and keeping up with my diet (not weight loss diet - I don't do those, just my daily diet). But I really need to up my game. So, ladies (& gents) here goes healthy body 2010 & looking our best!

My most important concern right now is skin care. Right now, for my body I use Eucerin moisturizing cream, and for my face cetaphil to cleanse, and Natures Gate vitamin E oil to moisturize. On the rare days I do a mask I use a cucumber peel off mask. I love masks that peel off.

I want to really amp this regimen up. I want my skin to glow! I don't do foundations or concealers so these little things matter. So I've been on a little research expedition - I loooove researching hair and skin products :) I think I have found some tips that I'm gonna implement (there's a ton more out there, trust me) to help improve my skin...you should consider them:

1. ALOE VERA. I can hear my grandmother saying I told you so! This plant should be no stranger to many of us. In Ja we grew up drinking this, using it on burns, etc. I actually use 100% aloe vera gel in my hair vs the manufactured stuff (I recommend it!). Aloe Vera is moisturizing. You can use it in cream form, as a toner/astringent, a cleanser, or as a mask.

2. MINIMIZE CHEMICAL EXPOSURE. I know those anti-aging products look great and all the promises about looking younger faster sound tempting but you know what they say about short cuts...then we have all the canned food, bottled juices, etc...we can't hide from the preservatives and chemicals so as far as is possible we should try to infuse our diet with vegetables (the darker the color, the better), fruits, grains, natural juices, and natural fats/oils. Also, if you can make some of your facial masks/products, or purchase hypoallergenic or natural products for your skin do that also (see #5).

3. WATER. Need I say more? But seriously, water definitely keeps your skin healthy, and rids the body of toxins.

4. EXERCISE. This is not only to lose weight but also to keep your body limber, your muscles toned, and your heart healthy :)

5. NATURAL MASKS. There are a ton of natural products that can help our skin look great and stay healthy (& young looking). As I researched I became very interested in these natural diy facial masks. As a result, I have borrowed a few to try and use. So I don't get carried away, I'm gonna stick with a few basic ingredients and recipes and really see how they work with my skin.

>>lemon, grapefruit, and orange juices (citric acid) for oily skin

>>honey, milk, and coconut oil to energize your skin cells

>>avocado (vitamins, A, B, and E & more!) as an anti-oxidant

>>egg yolks contain lecithin which can combat dry skin and eczema

>>milk, blackberries, tomatoes (lactic acid), sugar cane (glycolic acid), apple and pears (malic acid), grapes (tartaric acid) , citric acid, and papaya all contain alpha hydroxy acids (used in chemical peels) and they help strip layers of dead skin cells, prevent spots, and rejuvenate the skin

>>honey is a humectant (traps & seals moisture) and will make your skin soft (I use it in all my conditioners)

>>oatmeal contains proteins, natural cleansers, and lubricating fats that rid the skin of dirt, dryness, and irritation

As I try different mask recipes, I'll share based on what works best for me.

the bandwagonist

2010-03-17T11:26:00.006-04:00

Yup, me ::blush::

In the great blog tradition of wordless Wednesdays and Mcfatty Mondays I am starting a few blog series on here to highlight my interests:

word love - weekly window into an important piece of my heart. I love words: book excerpts, song lyrics, poetry, quotes, etc. This will really help me to reconnect with oldies but goodies, and expand my literary horizons. I can't wait! I plan to publish word love on Wednesdays but the first installation is coming out Saturday in honor of another word lover, my sister & friend, Renz.

sweet sundays - weekly inspiration, life lessons to encourage me & you throughout the week. Aim? To put a smile on your faces (& mine).

girly fridays - make-up, hair, shoes, clothes, relationships, the female body, all things girly.

I hope you check in on the series. I know I'm excited! & as always, I welcome suggestions. Email me :)

blog etiquette?

2010-03-16T09:41:00.007-04:00

Something happened last week and I was a tiny bit affronted.

Here's a quick synopsis: while blog browsing a couple weeks ago I happened upon a blog that I liked and decided to follow. This week, I go back and check and the blog author has made it private. Now, I know it is always the author's decision whether to share or restrict their content (I have private and public blogs...private blog is defunct) & I realize that some followers are stranger-friends. But don't you think it's a little rude to just make your blog private without a word to your followers? All the public bloggers I know want people to read their blogs and most appreciate followers. So I think it's a tad out of order to just privatize without notice.

Don't worry faithful readers (lol, yes you lonely few) if I ever feel the need to privatize my blog, I will at a minimum let you know. I hereby do solemnly promise that I am aware this is a public blog & heretofore have authored my posts accordingly to prevent any such occurrence.

Anyhoo, point is, it got me thinking about a thing called blog etiquette...does it even exist and what is it? I didn't ever think too much about it till that day. Well, if there ever becomes a rule book on this blog thing, I have one to add to the list:

#1. Don't diss your followers. One day you have out the welcoming mat, and the next day, you pull it from under them without warning...not cool (though I must admit it gets the point across very clearly lol).

My fellow bloggers had a few more for my list:

#2. Anonymous/non-public rude comments (My take: I've seen mean verbal sparring on blogs. I don't like it. I'm from the school of say everything with respect. You can respectfully disagree without name calling and dooming people and their families to death or lifelong ugliness. I hope those less evolved folk stay away from these parts)

#3. Asking for comments, then not reading or replying to them (My take: a tad guilty but I try esp when a question is asked)

#4. Bloggers with blog ego...they don't need anymore plebeian followers since they're riding the 500+ wave and as such no longer feel the need to solicit readers/followers by faking interest in other blogs (My take: lol...I think we should give these bloggers a break because if they're collecting followers like people collect FB friends just for the heck of it, the net may be an ideal place for them...I love love love my followers but will take real friends over stranger-friend followers any day)

Is there any thing in the blogosphere that gets your goat?

*Since the contributing bloggers did not give me approval to name them (& they're from my alternate blog life), they shall remain nameless*

I survived a hurricane...

2010-03-15T09:16:00.009-04:00

in Jersey this weekend & it was scary. Seriously.

Saturday, there were winds of up to 60 mph, and torrential downpours. We lost power for a bit, but luckily (unlike the rest of our town) we got it back...there was only one block of our town with electricity & thank God it was ours. Everywhere was pitch black, the wind was howling and shaking the windows, tree limbs were down, street signs were down, traffic lights were out, trash cans were banging, there was blue & red lightning...it was really like something from the movies. I thought my car was going to get blown away (even checked if the hand brake was up). On Sunday I saw broken windows in buildings, entire trees downed, many places still didn't have electricity, and folks don't have running water.

Photos of damage from 1010 wins

I'll be glad to never experience the wrath of mother nature again anytime soon.

Checked the news this morning and 2 men died on Saturday a town over from me (literally about 5 minutes). They were killed by a falling tree as they walked home from a religious service. May their souls rest in peace.

Fashion critic strikes again...

2010-03-12T08:30:00.009-05:00

I will first admit I was studying during the red carpet for the 2010 Academy Awards and slept through the show but as soon as exams, home work, and draft papers were handed in, I made sure to compile my favs. So this is a second hand review :) I'll try to do the gents next time.

I should do Fashion Fridays lol

BIG DOS

I'm a Nicole Richie groupie (well, used to be when I had time)...I love her fashion choices and I love this too...beautiful!

Maggie, just looked too fab rocking exactly something I would wear. I mean, the accessories, the dress, I love it all.

I love to see the really fancy and just gorgeous stuff but as you can see, I'd rather wear simpler looks.

BIG DON'TS

Sorry, Diane Kruger, but you're it. Even in Chanel (& I dream of Chanel).

OMG, Zoe, what happened? She usually looks great.

BIGGEST SURPRISES

You look fab, Tina!

Mariah is clothed! I don't love the dress but we'll take what we can get. It's like she went from dressing like 15 to 55.

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENTS

These 2 ladies are usually a steady thumbs up for me. What happened?

Kate Winslet

Charlize Theron

HONORABLE MENTIONS

I would never wear this dress or recommend it for a friend but gee, doesn't she look fab in it? Jennifer Lopez is my DO for avant garde though some people didn't love it. I think the shape fits her well and doesn't overwhelm.

Vera Formiga is my DON'T for avant garde...too many ruffles. I'm not liking the shape though a lot of folks liked this look. I think pink looks good on most everyone...she must be in the minority. Plus the ruffles aren't very flattering.

But check the ruffles on this dress! Very hot, Elizabeth Banks looooved this!

How to do neutrals? Ask Anna Kendrick's stylist...how cute!

SIDENOTE

Rachel McAdams and I have very similar dresses :) I love her dress...looks just like my dress from Niki's wedding. Need I say that she looks fab? And yes, the pattern on her dress is nicer than mine...I'd have gotten that one if I saw it (& could afford). But, I was like 8 months ahead of her in fashion teehee.

* I gave credit to all the photo owners. Click on the actress' names*

Let it go

2010-03-10T10:59:00.004-05:00

Most of us have difficulty admitting true feelings, and expressing them to ourselves and to others. We hide our true feelings - sadness, anger, hurt, resentment - by joking, being snobbish, or introverted, or even just ignoring them. Although the defense may be successful at masking the emotions, the hurt and anger remains. Hiding our true feelings and emotions give them power. They are roadblocks to our true joy.

I encourage us all to deal with our feelings and not just lay them aside...talk it out, meditate, pray, read an inspirational text, exercise. The solution depends on the depth and degree of the feelings, of course but whatever you do, deal with them. It is good to get rid of negative feelings that crowd your heart and mind. Fill that space with solutions, lessons, and positive behavior and attitudes. I feel there are too many external stressors in this world - work, finance, school, car, house, etc - for us not to have inner peace, and develop healthy mechanisms to cope.

Life is too lonely in a box with all that negative around you. Get rid of it and open up with a smile!

Music suggestion: Positive Vibration, Bob Marley

______________

"Say you just can't live that negative way...make way for the positive day."

Bob Marley

pass it on...

2010-03-09T09:08:00.006-05:00

...that's what they always say about good deeds. There's this commercial that illustrates this perfectly. A man holds a door for another person, and because of the impression that good deed has on that person, s/he helps another stranger out; someone sees this and is impressed to do likewise, and so on. You get the drift. Well I saw a kind deed today and though I am in general a kind person, it sorta reminded or nudged me to do something nice today. I hope sharing the small deed illicits a similar response in you.

This morning while walking in to work I saw a man come out of a coffee shop with 2 cups of coffee/something hot, and surprise the homeless guy laying on the street by handing him one. He looked so surprised and grateful. I can just imagine how much he needed something hot...some of us can't function without our morning coffee or tea. I think we all should try to do something kind anyway, but hopefully this encourages us to really make the effort to do a good deed. Even if it's just a smile...the person scowling next to you may need it :)

______________________________

"Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see." Mark Twain

"If you haven't any charity in your heart, you have the worst kind of heart trouble." Bob Hope

My last whenever in review...

2010-03-03T12:27:00.006-05:00

Consistency is overrated.

Anyhoo, after having the worst grapes and strawberries of my life from my new nearest supermarket which I will not name, I have gained a new respect for my Super Stop&Shop in Dumont. I don't get fruits there regularly - I use my local farmers market - but if I ever do, they are yummy. These were horrid. In addition, my Stop&Shop has better prices.
Made my hair appointment. The snowstorm of last week and my bum hip threw a wrench in my plans to spruce up my look, but nothing's stoppin me now!

Midterms are in the air. Tomorrow and next Thurs. I am afraid, very afraid.

Weigh in is coming up. I am going to start back my exercise, & eating right regimen.

If you are squeamish and hate talk about women's issues, go read about my newest fun neighbor in my previous post.

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Don't let curiosity get the best of you
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CAN I JUST SAY I AM HAVING THE WORST PAIN EVER???? Oh my ovaries! What did I do to you??????? *holds deathly still in hopes my body will forget I'm here* I think it is angry at me for taking those Tylenol. I absolutely cannot stand the pain associated with my monthly. It is so bad I think something has to be amiss. At the stern instruction of Nic, I'm off to the Dr. this month.

Although I can't laugh - too painful - here you go. You deserve to laugh at my current situation since you did read my vent:

manners

2010-03-02T17:09:00.006-05:00

There are levels of rudeness & my reaction varies based on source and intensity.

But let's begin with the positive. A well-mannered person will always get a pleasant response from me.

A rude stranger will almost always be ignored by me. There's a good chance I won't see or speak to you again so who cares? If I do have to speak to the person, it will be short and a mite cutting.

A rude aquaintance gets a biting response or a 'look.'

A rude friend, I'll call out in private. No agreement or response, then I adjust my interaction with that person.

A rude family member who isn't necessarily a friend, gets placed at arms length. Minimal interaction.

I never argue, yell, or go beserk unless the situation is dire. In that case, call the medics.

In all this I try to remember some people may be having a rough day or life though I'll admit I rarely do account for that. There is little excuse for being plain rude.

Current situation? We have a rude neighbor who threatened to call the police which in actuality became a call to some manager/superintendant (who we assume told her to shut up lol) because we were moving after 9 (for 50 minutes) despite this being the fault of the management AND this was explained to her in more detail than necessary. People move once a year at most and it wasn't our fault anyway as we took the day off to move but the management was delinquent and ill-prepared. My reaction to offense 1: I sent a letter to management describing the interaction. I remain open to affable communication in the future. I honestly think she blows hot air and is trying to waste my time. I am not the one to get started with, as she will soon gather. I am highly reactionary and can get cornstarch-y. I plan to wait her out (silent treatment). The other half, kinder half in this instance, plans to kill her with kindness...good mornings galore for the lady. This tickles me some. In truth he senses some lack of purpose and loneliness in an older lady. I empathize and so my letter to management isn't as harsh as it could be.

Anyone else with the consumate neighbor, office mate, or family member? Feel free to vent.

REMINDER TO SELF: BE KIND :)

winter blues

2010-02-28T08:56:00.002-05:00

I know there are some people just loving the snow we've been having. I'm sorry, as one who shovels after each storm, I can officially say, IT BLOWS! Where is spring & can she please be taken off probation? I'm freezing here.

More snow Wed *sigh*

why, thank you fashionista!

2010-02-24T09:37:00.009-05:00

I got some love from my well-dressed pal over at The Fat & Fab Fashionista

There's a song I know that goes..."love is something if you give it away, it comes right back to you. It's just like a magic penny, you put it in your pocket and you don't have any. But if you spend it or give it away, it comes right back to you..." So, I'm sharing the sunshine (if you live anywhere in the Northeast you're probably desperate for some right about now).

The rules:

1. Put the logo in your post or within your blog.

2. Pass the award onto 12 fellow bloggers.

3. Link the nominees within your post.

4. Let the nominees know they have received this award by leaving a comment on their blogs.

5. Share the love and link to the person who gave you the award!

Since I'm new to this public blogging thing, I don't have many blog friends (or followers) so you folks get twice the love...

1. Right back atcha, Nic-poo

2. Rach

3. Cucumber Juice

4. The Journey

5. Salfrico

6. My Life in Brazil

No you may not!

2010-02-24T09:17:00.003-05:00

No, Ren, you cannot play in the playplace! Such a child at heart. Having intentions to go jam in BK's playplace with the 4 year olds hahaha

be a sweetheart!

2010-02-23T10:00:00.004-05:00

So, it came to my attention that not all things sweet are tasty.

I was watching a popular show that had an entire chocolate room done by Godiva (yummmo!) and I've always wondered where on earth their chocolate came from because I know there is no cacao trees in Belgium, or Europe for that matter. Just curiosity. Color me surprised (not quite) when I found out most of the high end chocolate is from the birthplace of the cacao bean, the Americas, and the bulk of chocolate, 50-70% is from West Africa (think the more popular, cheaper, American brands). No surprise there. Of course, in the typical way of the world, most farmers of cacao (six major providers - Ivory Coast, Ghana, Indonesia, Nigeria, Brazil, and Cameroon) don't receive anything near a fair price for their goods, many of the workers are underage - don't do it to the children, pleeeease :(, some work in slave-like conditions, and most have never tasted chocolate.

Now I have little to no money but I think that supporting fair trade vendors is more important than buying my favorite Hershey bar, or Mars bar (Milky Way *long sigh*), or Nestle product (me love some Milo). Maybe when I see the prices of Whole Foods chocolate I'll eat less. Good idea all around. Soon, I'll be broke trying to eat and dress fair (yes, I am going to go there one day *sigh*). I know we all can't stop buying cheaper, more affordable food or clothing but we can make small changes where we can afford to...so next time you have some chocolate, try to make it as sweet as possible by supporting free-trade chocolatier. Be a sweet tooth with a heart.

surprises I like...

2010-02-22T18:50:00.003-05:00

...catch chocolate and a pink water bottle to keep me on track with my H2O drinking. From a thoughtful friend & sister. Love u Renz.

...pink polka dots in my email inbox. See my new title background? Thanks Salfrico :)

accomplished!

2010-02-22T16:17:00.002-05:00

So Thurs before last, I attempted Sudoku for the first time, and failed. Then last Thurs, I was determined to try again. After 3 hours I was 65% there. So Sat I decided to finish up & I did it! These things make my day...I'm a simple girl.

this week in review

2010-02-19T09:00:00.018-05:00

-- In the news--

Numero uno - Vancouver winter Olympics. I am an Olympic gal, winter or summer. So I've been loving it. The beginning was sad with the death of Luge athlete, Nodar Kumaritashvili. Is there a reason those walls are so low? So sad. However, there are inspirational stories a plenty. The one of the Chinese pair figure skating coach, Yan Bin, got my attention in particular. Can you imagine not recognizing your own child because you'd been away so long working to make gold medalist skaters for your country? I hope he can retire soon. Who knew speed skating, biathlons, alpine skiing, and figure skating could capture my attention so fully? I'm proud of all the winners :) Does anyone know how the lone Jamaican skier did?

Toyota blues - They're calling it the Great Recall. O boy o boy! To think, the Camry for the past 2 or 3 years has been my dream. I mean, since I have to drive something before I get my Mercedes, and I need something sensible, why not? I always thought they were the most cost effective choice (most ppl consider Toyota, Nissan, & Honda to be somewhat comparable). Some how I went with the Accord instead and now I'm glad I did. I cannot keep track of all the models being recalled, or all the reasons. But I do know the U.S. regulators were slack on their standards during testing, that Toyota has had to (temporarily) close plants, and that I won't be in one any time soon. Have you noticed how Hyundai advertisement has been crowding TV? lol, them, Mercedes, Audi, and US manufacturers are taking advantage big time. I just Googled, and I guess I'm not the only one who noticed - click here.

Tiger's back - Am I the only person who doesn't care? I don't want to see any pics of him or hear about his return to golf. I guess golf fans missed him, women were mad at him, and yes, he may have some issues. Truth be told, I never really liked his public persona. He's done nothing to endear himself to me recently so I still don't care. He has LOTS of issues but who doesn't? If his wife is as gangsta as she's been made up to be, I'm glad of it, and she should keep the golf club elevated over his head until all's clear.

Clearly there's someone madder than I was yesterday. It's Joe Stack. Now he is some hero. All I have to say is, I'm glad I wasn't in that building, I'm sorry for all who were victims of his attack, and I'm relieved there werer't more casualties (though even 2 is already too much). He can be no hero of mine, flying planes into buildings of people working hard to survive what he was too coward to deal with. Real life. The rest of us are still here.

Give me free! Circus zebra breaks free and causes traffic in Atlanta. He prolly needed to go "find" himself...I mean, he doesn't even know if he's white with black stripes or black with white stripes! Yes ppl, I love me some Madagascar.

-- Funnies --

Quote of the week "Men marry women with the hope they will never change. Women marry men with the hope they will change. Invaribly they are both disappointed." Albert Einstein. Sooooo funny :)

-- Shumpy --

Mi back mi back mi back mi %#@ back! (& no, I don't know much more of the song lol) Well, I decided to add another class to my gym routine and it knocked me out of the gym all week. It has nothing on kickboxing of course but I must say I did one of those funky jazz dance moves wrong and now my hip is all out of whack. Well I'm back on Monday cause I can practically hear the fat cells rejoicing...

Biostats - I literally don't want to talk about it. I'm hoping if I keep my head down and close my eyes, my professor will forget I'm in the class :(

For those of us with undiagnosed seasonal affective disorder we are supposedly gonna have sunshine this weekend so no complaining at the moment. But with last week's storm, and Tuesdays mess, I'd just about had it! Supposed to see more snow showers Mon eve. Goody goody gum drops *smirk*

Counting my blessings! They finally sent my updated transit card so now I can purchase my bus passes via my pretax dollars that have been chillin' in my account while I shelled out of my pay check to get into work all Jan and most of Feb. Also, March is on the way, which means April is on the way, which means warmth, more living space (I'm moving!), and hopefully other great things.

Bad hair days have been numerous. I needed a relaxer like 2 weeks ago. But instead here I am going 10 weeks without one. I watched Good Hair, Chris Rock's documentary on black women's hair. It kinda sucked. I looked forward to it sooo much but that whole hair show segment ruined it for me. I don't know much about southern hair culture but I'd have done well without that. The other parts weren't so bad. I loved the barber/beauty shop talk parts the best. I'm still keeping my creamy crack, thank you very much. When I choose to give it up, I'm doing locs.

mail rage

2010-02-18T09:25:00.007-05:00

It just took me over 45 minutes to mail a single solitary letter from Washington Heights, NY. Right there on 165th and Audubon.

First of all, they open at 7 am but start window services at 9 am. Smart. Then the postal workers who are to conduct window services don't come in until 9! So at 9am the only window that has started business is the passport window. Then they're bickering and complaining to their boss about I don't know what. I mean crying first thing in the morning kind of anger. So after the workers sort out their issues, they SLOWLY starting getting the till and stuff they need to start working. Great. Late, disgruntled, unproductive workers. I got there early (before 9 because I didn't realize there were half open post offices around), was third in line and even though they had 3 people working at the mail related windows, it took 20 minutes from the time they finally started working to mail my letter. WOOOSAHHHH. It would be remiss of me not to mention that the guy who dealt with me was rather friendly. I could have punched the smile off his face at that point though.

I am NEVER going back to this post office. Never. Did I mention the bulletproof glass between the customers and the workers? One heck of a contraption which is clearly telling me to stay away. Hint taken.
____________________
Want to see what others think of this place? Click here.

how squeezable!

2010-02-16T11:40:00.001-05:00

Thanks Vicky for the photo!
Devin, my new God-baby this weekend at his Christening dinner

hey mary j blige...

2010-02-15T13:42:00.002-05:00

...can I have 15 minutes alone with your closet? I'll only take what I can carry.

Recently I've been noticing that Ms. Blige has been looking stunning. My true loves in both photos are the necklaces *swoon*

Photos from YBF (here and here)

I have a dream

2010-02-14T20:00:00.000-05:00

So now, after reading Rach's blog, I have decided to put myself in an awkward position by declaring that this summer I'll be donning a monokini! Yup. I have decided that my body will be of such a quality. Wearing a bra and panty in public isn't really my thing so I'll likely be rocking this look on a lonely beach lol. Maybe I'll even post a VERY blurry pic. Keep in mind that even in my tiny days, this would never have happened so we shall see.

Photo credit

non stranger danger

2010-02-12T09:17:00.008-05:00

This week I tried to watch an Oprah episode where she interviewed convicted child molesters (click here). Couldn't do it. But before I switched I noted something. In the two cases I stuck around to listen to, one offender was an older man whom the victim thought of as a grandfather figure, and the second was the child's FATHER (he had custody of daughter after divorce). I wanted to learn, yes, but this was one of those cases where I just couldn't deal.

Then, this morning on Good Morning America, I saw an interview of the mother whose daughter was kidnapped last fall and found dead two days later (click here). The 'person of interest' in the case is a former neighbor.

Seems like strangers aren't the only people to be wary of and that's sad and disturbing. Is there no respect of person anymore?

___________________

"One should rather die than be betrayed. There is no deceit in death. It delivers precisely what it has promised. Betrayal, though ... betrayal is the willful slaughter of hope."
Steven Deitz

I may have mispoken

2010-02-12T08:58:00.003-05:00

I was looking at my old fashioned post and the glaring skip over my college years motivated this post. How could I forget the year when "bitch" was like a term of endearment for me? A couple of my friends would remember those days. I always wonder to them, what on earth was up with me? lol For like 2 years words like that and other choice ones held some appeal to me. A bit out of character, yes, but it happened.

So now you know. It is only fair that you are allowed to tell my future kiddies that mom wasn't always so proper (when I'm trying to pretend I was never 18).

winter wonderland

2010-02-11T09:05:00.003-05:00

It snowed and snowed and snowed yesterday. Hugh got to see his first snow storm. Most of the time he was like, what on earth is this and when is it gonna stop? Then he was initiated into the chore no Jamaican has to deal with - shoveling snow. I think it was overwhelming for him lol. First pic was taken in the morning when it just began to snow. Beautiful. No matter how inconvenient and cold winter is, snow storms always look so serene.

Enjoying his first snow...

Still falling at about 7 pm

The fall out after shoveling...great exercise. I got all kinds of muscle aches. Feels great! I wanted to make a snowman during the day but Hugh was looking at me like I was missing screws. In the city, the sidewalks are a beast! I mean, there are garbage trucks collecting snow, front loaders pounding the ice on the sidewalks so people can shovel. But as always NYC goes on...the pigeons (my friends. NOT) are still walking and blocking the way, and there still had to be at least one diva rocking breakyourbehind shoes.

snow day!

2010-02-10T08:44:00.002-05:00

I can't wait to go out and take pics.

I'm home but working. Hate that I'm up so early but like a good employee I was planning to head in so I got up at 6:35 am.

I'm dragging the snow newbie (it's my brother's first snow storm!) outside later. Stay warm everyone & be safe!

valentine's day

2010-02-09T13:51:00.010-05:00

Of all the commercial holidays, I think it is the worst culprit. I remember one valentine's day back in the 90s when this guy got his wife a Rover (really nice car to us in the Brit commonwealth). It made front page news the next day...my teenage mind thought that was just the best thing ever. But really, what was it for? V-day gets a fail in my book.

First of all, I'll admit, I wouldn't be writing this is if I got a day off. Yea, I'm that shallow. Then there's the pressure to do something on Sunday when I really just wanna chillax...well, too bad. We're chillaxin'

Now onto my spiel.

What really is valentine's day? Like, seriously. I won't say I've done exhaustive research into v-day but if I can't figure it out at almost 30 and no one can offer a brief sensible history of why we even celebrate love on Feb 14th versus Feb 10th, or why it's called Valentine's day, we should rethink. The first thing is we could rename it. I don't hate on Mother's day or Father's day cause we've all decided that we'll celebrate mothers and fathers, respectively. I sure am not celebrating Valentine or Saint Valentine or anyone associated. The next, lets start a love everyday revolution. Who cares abt Feb 14th?

Second, who is it about? When I was younger I thought it was about celebrating love in general. Parents would do cute things for kids (my mom still wishes me happy v-day and I love it of course...but she does cute stuff everyday) and kids make cute cards but somewhere along the line there's a transition. Once you get older it gets all messed up. The net push is toward people in intimate relationships. So single people (if they even care) aren't included. Granted holidays like mothers day and fathers day can suck if you've lost (a) parent(s). Maybe this ramble should be about how all holidays suck...

Then, even if you are married, dating, or in a relationship, it isn't even fair. My very reliable wiki source led me to American Greetings who reports that men spend twice as much as women on average. Why am I complaining again? lol

That leads to my final grievance. It is one heck of a expensive holiday to be having no meaning. It's not an anniversary nor a birthday. Some nerve.

In conclusion, yup, even rambles have shape and form, *gigglesnort*, v-day surely isn't the lone culprit of why people hate holidays but it's a great target. I can find something to love about most holidays like Christmas, Thanksgiving, mothers day, and fathers day but any grievance you have related to holidays (expense, loss of meaning, wasted calories, etc), take it out on this one. It can be all your holiday-related issues rolled in one. I still plan to wish people happy v-day (when I remember) and I am most likely gonna do something (tho nothing compared to the average person) so am I a hypocrite or just a hamster on the wheel of life?

-----end of ramble-----

green/black thumbs

2010-02-05T09:26:00.004-05:00

This poor thing used to belong to me. Over a year ago, I managed to kill it and my co-worker revived it. Now it's dying again and we don't know why. We're hoping it is the growing cycle. In anycase, my co-worker dug it out, irrigated the soil, gave it warm water (that's supposed to help), and trimmed it down to its skivvies.

Let's all hope it makes it. I don't know how I plan to garden orchids if I can't take care of house plants. I currently have a lovely houseplant combo on my desk that was a birthday gift which I'm working really hard to keep green.

how dare they?!

2010-02-05T09:23:00.001-05:00

I cannot believe they're canceling my Ugly Betty ::insert indignant outrage here::

ABC is blaming it on poor ratings but why on earth do they keep moving the show???? How will people watch the darn show on a Friday night. Everyone is out. Most partying and people like me are at choir practice but I still DVR'ed it. Then all of a sudden it got kicked to Wed at like 10 or sometime everyone's trying to head to bed. Boohoo! Let me just say, that is how they killed Christina Applegate's Samantha Who? When you get moved to Friday night, you are on your way o.u.t. OUT!

I watch such little TV that this is a huge dent. Thank goodness I discovered Biggest Loser last season or else I'd be dumping the major networks in favor of prime time TV in Food Network, HGTV, Bravo, and GSN. There's abs nothing else I watch on the big 4 (CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX) - well, outside of Oprah, who is now also done after this season, and news. Oh! I forgot abt Dancing w the Stars (but that's booooring now).

old-fashioned?

2010-02-04T08:57:00.006-05:00

I was never the cool kid but I never really thought of myself as old-fashioned...I may reconsider.

This morning I was walking in to work from the bus terminal and a bunch of about 5 boys walk by me. Based on their height (to about my armpits) I'll guess they're about 8 or 9 years old. They are clearly engrossed in their convos and heading to school and I hear them talking about "them bitches." Now, excuse me, but when I was that age neither me nor my friends were saying that word in private. Not to mention in the presence of adults, walking in public, and chattering loudly. Would never happen. No one in the group looked befuddled either, like, "ohmigoodness, Ralph's* so cool since he said that word." It was like nothing big happened. I should say even at 27 I still choose heck over hell, crap over shit, and wth over wtf in my day to day convo so I know I'm a little, shall we say reserved? Even typing those made me cringe just a little. In any case, I didn't realize my day to day curse vocab, which is apparently stuck in the 80s, would be surpassed by that of a 3rd grader...

*clearly a made-up name

no pain, no gain for realzzzz

2010-02-03T08:32:00.007-05:00

o.m.g.

I gave my body to the kickboxing gods yesterday at 8 pm and I think they broke it.

Was I ever exercising before? Like, seriously. I loved my time at Curves. I've been doing my classes 3, sometimes 4 times per week (not a circuit girl) for over a year. I lost 18-20lbs there. I thought this new gym experience would be similar. As soon as I noticed they offered kickboxing, I said, "I have to take that!" I was excited to see how I could do because I did kickboxing back in college. I def thought I could hold my own even if I'd be winded at the end. That must have been some moment of delirium. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. No need to tell you all that I forgot the class in college was called cardio kickboxing. Yes, that made all the difference. This class was clearly for professionals. I should have taken the hint when I saw class members take out boxing gloves, and the instructor put up punching bags. OH CRAP. Push ups, jumping jacks, step ups, mountain climbers, squats, bicycle, suicide runs, and a whole range of other exercises I have never had the displeasure of meeting...my arms hurt, the joint that connects them to my body hurts, my back hurts, my thighs hurt. I want to take them off and put them down to rest.

Of course I called in for reinforcements and complained to Ra & Hugh. What did I get? Betrayal. "That's so cool!" "I wanna join!" "Now that's a good exercise!" At least I'll have company in the class soon cause I'm not quitting. By the beginning of summer I will have this class by its ovaries.

my secret job, fashion critic

2010-02-02T09:07:00.008-05:00

Unfortunately I haven't the dough to deck myself out as I would like but my sis, Ren and I love fashion (we even still have our 13 plus year old fashion dreams that I won't divulge as we still are planning to make a go at it *blush*). Anyhoo, we bbm, IM, or talk our way through the major red carpet events, critiquing make up, hair styles, shoes, and clothing....we have similar tastes but Ren's a bit more adventurous.

These are my favorite looks from the past weekend's Grammy Awards. The color and cut of these dresses are lovely! I also love the make up...I've decided to start focusing on my eyes too (whatever that means since I still can't apply lashes) and letting the rest be lighter.

And here are my "wouldn't wear it if it were free" styles. I'm a chic and polished kinda girl so I may never learn to appreciate mesh dresses with bathing suits underneath. Then that flesh tone, sequin dress Katy has on is not cute at all. I should say I loved her dress at the EMI party...

all photos courtesy of/stolen from Just Jared

staying under the covers...

2010-01-31T10:23:00.005-05:00

Don't you love the days when you get up and don't just have to jump right up and start your day?

I love waking up and just laying in bed. I read a devotion or inspirational piece, random wiki stuff, I watch tv, or text friends I know may be up also. It's so mellow. Love it. There must be some medical benefit to lazying because I feel remarkably better after.

Now onto reality, a laundry bag that looks to be about 50lbs, no breakfast food, and soft tires. Things that all need to be done in the frigid temps. Yuck.

no phone zones

2010-01-30T20:00:00.000-05:00

I saw Oprah's show and was converted.

Too many people are dying on the road from distractions. The worst of it are the children :(

It is not only the phone of course, it's also make up, and other distractions. You know what yours are and I know what mine are. I definitely am (but now it's a "was") guilty of texting and speaking on my cell while driving with no hands free. No more. I need to get a bluetooth so I can have a conversation if necessary.

TEXTING NO MORE!

Here's a linky to the Oprah site on this

I got a testimony!

2010-01-30T09:00:00.002-05:00

Yesterday I tried to complete my tuition exemption form online to have my classes paid for and in place of the form I saw a message saying I was no longer eligible for tuition exemption.

::heart hits floor::

So I call the number that's included in the message with bated breath. The lady who came on explained that my employer is no longer offering tuition exemption to my particular type of staff. So new hires get none, and persons starting programs in 2010 get none either. Since I started last year, I have to just take a few extra steps (the annoyance I will certainly tolerate) and I'll have my tuition covered. Now, I have to get a letter stating I began my degree program in 2009 and bring it to another part of the organization to be allowed to fill out a form and have it signed. I have made the request for that letter and I'm hoping to be able to pick it up on Monday.

I am oh, so grateful for this! I would have had to quit/take a leave of absence or quite a bit of loans to complete the program BUT thank God I don't!

________________________

"...blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him."
Jeremiah 17:7

Acceptance...

2010-01-29T10:38:00.010-05:00

Getting it from others, and giving it to people are both very difficult. But guess what is rewarding though? Coming to the realization that those who love and care for you, will always support and offer a sense of acceptance.

My wedding day. This is my Auntie Marcia giving me a huge hug. I kinda jumped into her arms when I saw her show up at the door of the hotel room I was getting dressed in. This was my first teary eyed moment that day. Why? Because I could feel the love, strength, & support pouring from her to me. She loved me, wished me the best, and every happiness. Even today, loving words of advice still pour out from her.

I had to learn to live without acceptance from certain persons in my life because it was too exhausting to keep vying for it. Trying to do things, say things, eat things, wear things, be places, and stress over things because so-and-so doesn’t like this, or this person isn’t talking to that person, or "I did it for you, so now you should do it for me." I had to let it all go. I am glad who I am, is good enough for those who love me. I mean, people do disappoint from time to time. It is the nature of the process. I am sure I have disappointed people, and sometimes people disappoint me. But there's this thing called forgiveness - you gotta give it to receive it!

I am not saying I don't care what others think or that you can't have an opinion on something going on in someone's life, especially someone you love. What I am saying is that you (or I) shouldn't be thinking about someone else's life so deeply that there is a need to provide constant commentary or criticism. It is in poor taste and it is hurtful. What I am saying is I try my best not to spend time constantly evaluating my friends' and family's decisions and actions to see if they meet my level of approval. Of course, I have my standards. I would never knowingly have friendships or be close with people who were criminals, unethical, deceptive, malicious, or dangerously selfish. In addition, I would never sit aside and see a friend or family hurt physically or emotionally, or in a bad situation, and keep it shut. That's for wimps. But I have stopped trying to place Shumpy’s Stamp of Approval on anyone. My opinions remain my opinions, and they are how I live my life, but they don’t have to be my friend’s or family’s opinion. I have come to learn that being a great friend involves not being selfish or demanding. I have to allow people to give and not force it from them. Ever since I realized that, I have released myself from the pressure of doing things to please people and having out of proportion expectations from those in my life.

My aim in life is to be true to myself while taking care not to injure those around me. Being the true you should never become hurtful, poisonous, or isolating. It should be something others admire.

____________________________
"Real strength is a decision and can be found within each of us. It is our opportunity to awaken our inner strength and live the life we desire; to create, explore, and accomplish the things we hold dear. It takes strength to be in a loving relationship, raise a family, be yourself, and allow others to be themselves."
Anon.

“When you find peace within yourself, you become the kind of person who can live at peace with others.”
Peace Pilgrim

"Nothing is so strong as gentleness. Nothing is so gentle as real strength."
Frances De Sales

"one one coco full basket!"

2010-01-28T08:00:00.001-05:00

translation: do not expect success overnight, take it slowly

Just a pleasant reminder to me (and you!) that we don't have to gain success or achieve all our dreams right now. Yes, sometimes it doesn't even look like we're even close to getting there but we have to keep at it.

Maybe you're having difficulty completing a task, maybe you haven't even started on the journey to where you want to be, or maybe you don't even know where you're going. Be encouraged that every bit of effort you can make towards achieving that end is valuable. Even if it seems fruitless or unrewarding. All your answers and/or rewards may not come at once, but work hard and dedication will get you all that you are deserving of!

people

2010-01-26T13:31:00.005-05:00

This is fun irony my friend, K shared with me this morning.

She's been in a medical rotation in Hyannis Port, MA for the past 3 months and throughout she's told me little stories of these 3 ladies (a.k.a. the 3 musketeers) that are what we Jamaicans call extra. They volunteer to do everything, even things that don't need to be done. They basically won't give residents, attendings, or the program directors air to breathe, jumping at every single task as if they are more dedicated than their counterparts. Well, after all this stellar behavior and air of excellence, you'd think they'd leave the rotation (which ended on Fri) with glowing reviews *tsk tsk* NOPE.

Why did 2 or 3 of the group steal the toilet paper from the hospital (or maybe just their section or floor) on the last day of rotations? SERIOUSLY? Why on earth would you do that? Well, the great part is they were caught (dwl) and now the rotation director has demanded that they return the stolen property. So, one or all of them need to haul ass back to Massachusetts to return stolen toilet paper. How embarrassing but totally satisfying??

woiiiiiiiiiiiiii

All that faking for nothin' at the end of the day.

________________________

"The most exhausting thing in life is being insincere"
Anne Morrow Lindbergh

the number 8!

2010-01-25T21:00:00.000-05:00

Why am I loving the number 8 you ask?

I am now back to fitting in size 8 NY & Co work pants *HUGE grin*

That's my dream size. Don't wanna get too small now. I plan to have another reason to love Mr. 8 because you see, before the spring is over I hope to have lost 8 lbs. I think that will make me a comfortable size 8 a.k.a. a size 8 on bloated days *tsk tsk*

Wish me luck!

great weekends

2010-01-25T09:07:00.005-05:00

Don't you just hate when you've worked all week on school stuff, work stuff, life stuff, everything and are looking forward to the weekend and it's a bust?! You get into a fuss with your spouse or a friend, or you spend time doing something you'd rather not, or you're sick. Nothing gets to me more. Well, I didn't have one of those *smile*

I feel that a great weekend is the reward for a long, sometimes trying but most times tiring week. This weekend I had great family time, lovely worship, time with friends I hadn't seen in toooooo long, a couple good hair days where my ousted bang made a comeback (lol!) AND a lovely Sunday nap. I am not a daytime sleeper but when I do manage to fall asleep during the daytime, it is always a reward. I must say I did get a parking ticket and I had a run in with a deviant stocking that I bought on Friday and still cannot locate, but the net result was still a fantastic weekend.

Today I'm feeling productive and fresh despite the fact that I'm damp from the rain and was mauled by the 40-plus m.p.h. winds we're having in NYC. I hope and pray my car is not crushed and the lights stay on. The sound the wind is making is scary!

Hope you had a great weekend too! Feel free to share...

_____________________

"There aren't enough days in the weekend"
Rod Schmidt

Food Network and HGTV

2010-01-22T09:10:00.000-05:00

yessssssssssssssssssssssss

They are back. A happier TV viewer you could not find. If Cablevision ever does that again, I'll be with Fios so fast they won't know what happened.

history

2010-01-21T09:23:00.030-05:00

All this news on the Haitian earthquake has really got me doing cursory research into the history of Haiti. A few of my friends have also been seeking and sharing information - and nearly all major U.S. media outlets have been reporting - of a Haiti devastated and broken before the earthquake.

To quote John Henley of The Guardian, "Haiti has had slavery, revolution, debt, deforestation, corruption, exploitation and violence," says Alex von Tunzelmann, a historian and writer currently working on a book about the country and its near neighbours, the Dominican Republic and Cuba. "Now it has poverty, illiteracy, overcrowding, no infrastructure, environmental disaster and large areas without the rule of law. And that was before the earthquake. It sounds a terrible cliche, but it really is a perfect storm. This is a catastrophe beyond our worst imagination."

The article stated that the slave rebellion that began in 1791 and continued to November 1803, resulted in thousands of slaves being hanged, drowned, burned, and buried alive. This battle resulted in the first free black state in our hemisphere. Haiti declared independence on January 1, 1804. One would think that after such a brutal battle (on both sides) for freedom from reportedly one of the most inhuman and violent slave colonies, that Haiti would be able to reap the benefits of also being one of the most profitable Caribbean colonies. Not quite. It is reported that life expectancy for a Haitian slave was 21 years, and that despite the small size of the French colony in comparison to its counterparts, Haiti accounted for more than one-third of the entire Atlantic slave trade. France's success - Haiti exported 60% of all the coffee and 40% of all the sugar consumed in Europe in the 1780s - was built through dreadful abuse and exploitation. One former Haitian slave is quoted as writing "Have they not hung up men with heads downward, drowned them in sacks, crucified them on planks, buried them alive, crushed them in mortars?" when describing the atrocities they faced under the hands of the French. So, basically, the French slaves fought for their freedom in what was at the time a hugely successful colony that clearly the French did not want to lose.

One would think that the success of Haiti coupled with the fact that as Haiti gained its independence, the French Revolution in 1789, and the American Revolutionary War 1775-1783 were resulting in a new mindset of human rights (Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Declaration of Independence). Would that relate to the male citizens of the free black state of Haiti? Where would Haiti fit?

The Challenges

First off, the revolution left destruction to the Haiti's infrastructure and plantations. The other reasons appear to vary depending on who's doing the reporting. The Guardian article seems to place some blame on the decades of corrupt governance under Papa Doc (I wish I could promise to get back to this man but I doubt I'll get to him but the gall of his son making a donation to Haiti post-Jan 12 earthquake with the funds his family stole from the country!), the reparations that had to be paid to France, and the deforestation due to poor land management beginning with the French and then by the Haitian people as they cut it down and utilized it for housing, and charcoal. After reading this article I thought to myself, "the poor Haitians." It just seemed like they fought for independence so valiantly but due to poor land management, corrupt government officials, and a greedy France, they were destined to end up where they are today. Mostly very poor, with little to no infrastructure and no way to rebound from the slew of natural disasters they have faced recently. Further reading helped to offer some depth to the explanations given in The Guardian article.

Jamaican columnist, John Maxwell (Jamaica Observer) in his Jan 17th article No, Mister? You Cannot Share My Pain! helps explain how the reparations participated not only in the financial but wider crippling of Haiti. According to this article, the United States' City Bank offered the Haitians a 'debt exchange,' paying off the French reparation, or rather a portion of the debt, for a lower interest, longer term debt (that was paid off in 1947). This would seem to be offering a helping hand but it was this involvement and fear of Haiti defaulting on their loans that resulted in the US occupation of Haiti (1915-1934 -wiki source so read with care). During this occupation, the US seized their treasury, exiled their president, and instituted American Jim Crow policies to separate the society. Under US occupation, foreigners could own land in Haiti (versus Haiti's previous constitution that offered refuge and land to any escaped slave of any color only after they were made citizens and certified as 'black' regardless of color), the introduction of US enterprise resulted in the felling of old growth Mahogany and Caribbean Pine for doors, boats, etc. The deforested land was used to produce goods such as rubber and sisal for ropes. In fact, thousands of hectares of additional land was razed for agribusiness by the Haitian government in compliance with the US.

Maxwell quotes author, Marguerite Laurent as writing "Don't expect to learn how a people with a Vodun culture that reveres nature and especially the Mapou (oak-like or ceiba pendantra/bombax) trees, and other such big trees as the abode of living entities and therefore as sacred things, were forced to watch the Catholic Church, during Rejete - the violent anti-Vodun crusade - gather whole communities at gunpoint into public squares, and forced them to watch their agents burn Haitian trees in order to teach Haitians their Vodun Gods were not in nature, that the trees were the 'houses of Satan'."

The third and final article I will include in this post is by Sir Hilary Beckles. In his piece he fills in some blank spaces in the story thus far:

1. At the declaration of independence in the US, slavery had yet to be abolished...clearly if the US wasn't planning to free its slaves, having Haiti a free and independent state of black slaves was not necessarily the most ideal situation.
2. Reparations - the French refused to recognize the Haitian's hard won independence and instead declared them a pariah state. The US refused to recognize them, and the British who were negotiating with the French to obtain ownership of Haiti, also stood in solidarity with the French. To quote Sir Beckles, "Haiti was isolated at birth - ostracized and denied access to world trade, finance, and institutional development...Then came 1825...The economy is bankrupt; the political leadership is isolated. The cabinet took the decision that the state of affairs could not continue." This once flourishing French colony "had to find a way to be inserted back into the world economy. The French government was invited to a summit. Officials...told the Haitian government that they were willing to recognize the country as a sovereign nation but it would have to pay compensation and reparation in exchange." A value was placed on all lands, physical assets, citizens, animals, properties, and services.

This began the systematic destruction of Haiti as the payment amounted to 70% of the country's foreign exchange earnings. The last payment to France was made in 1922. Defeated on the battlefield, France had won on the field of finance. In the years when coffee crops failed, or sugar yield was down, the Haitian government borrowed on the French money market at double the going interest rate in order to repay the French government a debt they should not have paid at all.

The earthquake in "many ways...has been less destructive than the hate. Human life was snuffed out by the quake, while the hate has been long and inhumane suffocation - a crime against humanity."

3. A final note - in 2001 at the UN Conference on Race in Durban, South Africa, strong representation was made to the French government to repay the 150 million francs now valued at US$21 billion. Makes a lot of sense to me.

I hate when people harp on the past and use it as an excuse for lack of progress. I have never actually gotten passionate about the request of other groups of slave descendants requests for reparations because I see that as black people, because of the struggles of our ancestors, we have opportunity to succeed and do exceedingly well. In fact, I take pride in doing well without any special consideration even if it requires working doubly hard. However, I'm sure you'll agree that there is a debt owed to the people of Haiti. Not for the brutality of slavery, the profits from it, being made less than human and objectified, the rape of our mothers and sisters, or the murder of a generation of people, language, culture, and civilization, BUT the audacity of expecting these same marginalized people who have fought for their freedom to pay reparations to the source of all that abuse. That in no way was or ever will be fair and won't ever sit well with me.

DONATE TO THE HAITIAN EARTHQUAKE RELIEF EFFORTS
>>PARTNERS IN HEALTH<<
>>RED CROSS<<

I believe in donating time and money continuously but in times like these, it is good to help those in urgent and immediate need.

Knowledge is key. It is the first step to advancement. How will we better our future if we do not know the lessons of our past? The first obligation we all have to our children, siblings, relatives, and other human beings is to share the information we gain. If we do not know the history of our peoples and the world around us, how can we progress? There are some questions we never think to ask, and things we will possibly never encounter unless someone shares their experience and/or their knowledge. Even the smallest bit. Perhaps it will light a spark and encourage further inquiry. That alone is a gift.

Disclaimer: this post is blend of my opinion and the articles I have read. I have borrowed liberally but I have shared my sources. Read and come to your own conclusions. It is not for you to agree with me, BUT for you to seek!

_________________

"Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it"
George Santayana

bribes

2010-01-20T14:25:00.004-05:00

Yup. I am not above a good wholesome bribe.

My coworker just gave me this stash for helping her with her excel spreadsheet. Now, is this what she thinks of me? Well, she's right. For the right person, and the right price in goodies (chippies banana chips, and catch chocolate in particular), I can be bought :)

sleep

2010-01-20T11:05:00.002-05:00

I'm an early to bed, early to rise kinda gal so when I have work (not to mention school) and I don't get to bed on time, I am off kilter for the rest of the day. I also can't catch up on sleep during the day - I have to be exhausted to get my body to nap. At night, if I don't head to bed at the right time, sometimes my body forces it on me. Yup. I have fallen asleep on a date during a movie (and that's when we just started dating too lol). I won't talk about at home. That I do all the time in the middle of conversations, movies, phone calls.

This morning I had to be on campus at 8:15 am to prep for a course we're launching. Maaaaaan, it is indescribably difficult to get myself up and going early. I need to negotiate with myself and motivate myself to get moving. Took me 30 mintues a.k.a. 3 snoozes to get up.

This is the main reason I know I am not a 9 to 5 person. I like coming into the office and working on my own schedule. Sometimes I like 7 am, sometimes I don't feel like moving till 11 am, and sometimes I just want to stay home and work. Which is why I am in school doing a 2nd masters. I need some flexibility in the future.

*2 thumbs up* for a full night's rest

brothers

2010-01-19T14:34:00.001-05:00

I have 2 of these but unfortunately have only had the privilege of being as true a sister as I can be to one.

I love him. He's a gentleman in the true sense of the word. And for the time being he is under my care as much as a 19 year old can be. It's fun having someone who is 8 years my junior parent me - watching what I eat, checking on my exercise schedule, being sure I'm not overly stressed, and being the oh, so necessary wallet watcher (necessary for a broke shopaholic sister lol). Rough around the edges like us all but a great young man...can't wait to see what he does with his life.

no worries sis, your time is a coming *muah*

_______________________

"There's no other love like the love for a brother. There's no other love like the love from a brother."
Astrid Alauda

being comfortable in my skin

2010-01-19T10:28:00.000-05:00

Def a favored life lesson (also very useful one).

This has been one of my harder life lessons but one of the most valuable ones.

I am not perfect (go figure!) and sadly one of my imperfections is that I am by nature a reactionary individual. Add to the pot that I am very sensitive. So this has resulted in me being kind of a push over, caring a little too much what people think and say, and getting offended way more than necessary.

Thankfully, as I have gotten older, I have realized more and more that I don't have to be anyone, or do anything outside of what makes me proud to be Shar. What represents me. If I don't want to do something, I can say no. If I don't agree, I can say so. Who cares what the grain is? I am the one responsible for what I do and say. Who cares if I'm not cool? I am representing me and my name. I am learning not to have an opinion of how people should live their lives (notable exceptions being my siblings and future children) because no one can dictate to me how to live my life. I just try to live my life as honorably as I can, trying to be the best I can be, asking God for guidance and thanking Him for providing me a life full of excellent examples.

___________________

"Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending"
Maria Robinson

Sunsets...

2010-01-15T17:41:00.002-05:00

...particularly on Fridays

Home away from home

2010-01-15T17:39:00.000-05:00

Like, seriously.

Humor me?

2010-01-15T17:35:00.000-05:00

Private by Jimmy Choo

Lace by Jimmy Choo