Go Red!

Februray is American Heart Month Go here for more information. AHA
Today February 4th is Go Red! For Women Go Red!
Today, women all over the US are sporting RED in support of healthy hearts, and education about heart disease that impacts thousands of women each year.
Do your part: Get Educated, Spread Awareness, and GO Red!

World AIDS Day

December 1st is World AIDS Day.

Know Your Status. Get Tested. Stay Protected.

AIDS & HIV don't discriminate, it CAN happen to you.

(Image via Google)

5 years later

A look back, Five years ago today Hurricane Katrina made landfall in state of Lousiana, forever changing the lives of hundreds and thousands of people across the United States.
August 29th marks the 5th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. This storm is now known as the single most destructive Hurricane to hit US soil.
The images below are only a small picture of the damage the storm caused the gulf.
5 years later, rebuilding has occured, and familes have been united, but there is STILL plenty of work to be done.

RIP: Lena Horne

Lena Horne- Actress, Singer, Civil Rights Activist. June 30, 1917 – May 9, 2010

Paved the way, opened doors. Gone, but NEVER forgotten. Rest In Peace

World AIDS Day

Do you know your status?

On December 1st, people big and small all around the world will recognize World AIDS Day. This disease has become a global epidemic in only 27 years of it's existence. World AIDS Day, is dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic that is caused by the spread of HIV.
The Facts:
Over 1.1 million Americans are estimated to be living with HIV.33 million people are living with the disease worldwide.Blacks/African Americans accounted for over half (51%) of the estimated number of HIV/AIDS diagnoses made during 2007, followed by whites (29%) and Hispanic/Latinos (18%).
What you can do:

Get Tested!
ALWAYS Practice Safe Sex
Spread Awareness

For more information.. Check this out:
http://aids.gov/
http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/default.htm

Emotional Roller Coaster

Up, down, up, down.. and back again. Emotional roller coaster= The story of my freaking life!
I found out yesterday that I didn't receive enough financial aid( Federal Student loans) to cover my tuition this year. I didn't qualify for ANYTHING grant or scholarship related. I'm about $10,000 short to go full time, about $9,100 short to go 3/4 time, and about $500 to go part time. So.... It doesn't look like I will be starting school this quarter or the next. I was looking into getting a private student loan, but something about that has me worried- 1. The interest rates suck. 2. I won't be able to start paying it back along with my other student loans 6 months after I graduate. 3. The thought of taking out another loan just to go back to school as me unsettled.
Right now, I'm in a dark and twisty place (Grey's Anatomy quote) I'm trying to shake it, but I can't right now.
Disappointed is not even the word for how I feel. More like defeated. I was finally ready to go back to school, and now this.. I know that God has a plan for each person but, I really wish he would tell me MY plan, or give me hint... Something, cause this is not how I saw my life at 25.
The old adage-"Hindsight is always 20/20"- It sure is. Too bad, I can't go back in time.

*Out

Feeling Defeated

It’s only Tuesday, and I’m already exhausted. I’m tired of seeing medical bills. No REALLY. If I see one, just one more, I will LOSE it. I just don’t understand that even though I have insurance yet, and still I’m paying tons of money out to doctors, pharmacists, and specialists. I’m really trying to stay positive, prayerful and try to be understanding of the fact that all of the bills are to because of the early detection of the Type 2 Diabetes, I’m on my way to a healthier me, but right now I can’t see past all my anger.
Yesterday I received another Diabetes related bill in the mail, and it took all I had in me not to lose my mind. I was so upset, and I went to bed, in a bad mood. I went to bed mad, and woke up even more mad.
Today, I’m feeling defeated, mad as hell and upset.
Pray for ya girl.- I need it!

Mess of the Week: Civil Rights Champ...Former Klan Member

Just in from AOL News

Civil Rights Champ Was Secretly in Klan
A white Detroit businessman known for his support of civil rights groups and his generosity toward his black neighbors led a secret life as a high-ranking member in Ku Klux Klan.
The Detroit News said Jim Burwell's double identity only came to light after his death of a heart attack in 1990. Skip over this content
Detroit businessman Jim Burwell supported civil rights groups and worked to heal the wounds from the city's 1967 race riot. But after his death, it was revealed that he had been a member of the Ku Klux Klan, the Detroit News said.
Until then, Burwell had a reputation for reaching out to help his black neighbors. He had an old bus that he used to ferry thousands of black children to church services and field trips. He ran a job program for ex-convicts that was partially funded by a civil rights group. He even donated to the Detroit Black Panther Party, the News said.
But documents found in his old truck repair shop after his death at 62 revealed Burwell had been a member of the KKK. Michigan State Police records also indicate he was involved with the Klan, the News said. His widow confirmed his membership. She said it was possible he was working for police as an informant, but there was nothing in police records to confirm that.
Revelations about Burwell's secret life shocked many who knew him as a rights champion.
"I guess you never really know who you are dealing with," civil rights activist Rob Scott, a former Black Panther, told the newspaper. "A whole lot of black people considered them his friend."

E. Lynn Harris- R.I.P

E. Lynn Harris, a popular and best selling author has died at age 54.

I am a HUGE fan of his work. I recently(Tuesday) went to pick up his latest release at a local bookstore, only to find that it was SOLD OUT!

Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers.

*Peace

I can't cope

Greetings!
I'm having a REALLY hard time with this diabetes thing.. (That's what I call it)
I went to the my diabetes specialist this past Tuesday for my 30 day check up, and it didn't go to well. For starters, I gained 4 pounds. I could feel it, I can see it.. It's all in my tummy area, the place I worked on the hardest- it's ALL BACK! That's a freaking pound a week, but it was because of the medication I am on- one of them increases my appetite, but controls my insulin production. Even though I knew it was because of the meds, I was really upset. I have been trying my hardest to do the right things (eat right, exercises, take meds, test regularly), but I feel like I'm failing.
Secondly, I was put on another medication in place of the other two that I was taking. NEW MEDS-SUCK! They made me nauseous, and irritated my throat-so those are out, now I'm back to one of the old meds, to see if that will regulate my sugar levels. If not.. I may have to take daily insulin shots. Not a good look for me, I already can't stand pricking myself 4 times day.. so a needle.. NOPE!
Keep me in your prayers, I'm having a hard time coping with all of this.
*OUT

When it's time to let go: Friendship

Give me a good friend, and I'm happy for life. I'm a Cancer, and we tend to hold on to friendships for live, even when we know we shouldn't. So the thought of letting a friend go makes my stomach hurt and my head ache. I've even prayed about it.

Currently, I'm at a crossroads, I have this friend that I've known for years, were close, and consider ourselves more of sisters then we do friends. Lately, I'm feeling that things are different, and not in a good way. Change is good in most cases, but not when it involves a friend that is holding up their end of the friendship bargain. I feel as if I've been more than a great friend and sister, but my needs of the friendship aren't being met. So, what does one do when a cherished friendship has run it's course? How awful is it realize that this friendship you have shared for 12 years is no longer serving its purpose?

From the looks of it, a good house cleaning on friends is in order. Hard to do, and much easier said than done, but I've got to do what is best for me. As much as I love this friend, and have shared most my life with this person - our lives are at different forks in the road. My road leads on way and their road is leading another.

Losing a friend is hard, but sometimes it may be the best thing for you.-and I'm ok with that.

*Out!

The Recession strikes Again: Vibe Mag goes under

Vibe magazine is no more. According to several online sources, the urban music/hip-hop magazine founded by Quincy Jones in 1993 is shutting it's doors. This saddens me. It hurts to see another one of my beloved addictions go away. I can remember hiding my Vibe from my mom, when I was 16. I remember the infamous Lil' Kim cover. Vibe was once a great source of Urban insight. Sadly, another outlet for urban youth has passed on. A few of my favorite Vibe covers from the past are below. Enjoy.
~Peace

Rest in Peace- Michael Jackson

Another music icon has left the building- Michael Jackson, August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009.

Please keep his family and beloved fans in your prayers. Remember Tomorrow is not promised, to any of us, live for today.

Mess of the Week

I had to post this.. I received this on email this morning.. Just Messy!
Tennessee man tells child support court he has 21 children

Desmond Hatchett says 21 children is enough for him. As if Octomom wasn't bad enough, a Tennessee man, 29 year old Desmond Hatchett has now fathered at least 21 children he can't support. Hatchett was in child support court again last week. His name appeared on the dockett 11 times in one day, representing 15 of his children. Hatchett says he wasn't out to set a record. He says he never intended to have this many children, "It just happened." He fathered the children by at least 11 different women and he claims all of the mothers knew about his large family. The children range in age from newborn to 11 years old. The question Knox County officials now face is how to support all these children. Hatchett works a minimum wage job and by law the state can only take 50% of his paycheck for child support. By the time that money is split 21 ways, some of the mothers get less than $2 per month. That leaves the taxpayers footing a large portion of the bill for these children. Even though Hatchett can't support the children he has, there is nothing the state can do to prevent him from having more. Hatchett reports that he had 4 children in one year, twice. He says he's done having children now, but only time will tell. He does say that he's a good father and knows the names, ages, and birthdates of all of his children. All of the blame can't be placed on Hatchett in this case. One has to wonder about the women who chose to have his children. In the end, the children and the taxpayers of Tennessee will pay for their choices for years to come.

Jon & Kate Plus 8

The Jon & Kate Plus 8 Saga continues...

I heart the tv show Jon & Kate plus 8. I have been a fan of the show since it first aired on tlc over four years ago. I've watched the sextuplets go from hospital to babies to big kids. I have also had the pleasure to watch the twins transform into cute little ladies. I have watched Jon work hard to provide for his family, and Kate run a house like no other. Now I am left with an uneasy feeling that this is going to end bad. Honestly, I'm sad. I am sad to see what has transpired between Jon & Kate. The rumors, the paparazzi, the fights.. it as all played out in front of me. It really breaks my heart to see, yet I can only wonder- What about the children?

Friday Foolishness

Friday Foolishness
So.. I'm out to dinner with my mom and sister. Were at a casual dining establishment. Why Why Why?.. Does the hostess have cleavage down to her belly button? I mean seriously? That's a little much for a Friday at 5:30. What I want to know is why the manager seems to think this is ok? I mean really! That much cleavage is ok for.... Maybe someone going out to a party or a club. Cleavage is great for some people in some settings, but I don't want to see your boobies while I'm trying to enjoy my mini cheeseburgers and lemonade with my family. Just dang messy!
*Peace

Pardon the Interupption... NOT

Some people are just plain rude. I know that is harsh, but recently that has become a truth for me. While dining out the other day with my husband and a group of friends, our dining experience was interrupted by several screaming infants/toddlers. The children in the restaurant were very loud and it began to disturb me and several other tables in the restaurant. The thing that upset me the most, was how the parents of each table never once got up and removed the child from the table nor did they try to quiet their children. I understand that dining out with children can sometimes be an issue, but these parents were just plain rude. If you know your child acts out- How about this.. Don't put take to restaurants where 95% of the dining population is adult or couples. That's just a thought.
In my experience (my family & my years as server in a family restaurant) when a child is disruptive in public they are removed the situation. Period. How embarrassing it is to have a child disrupting your dinner as well as several others. In my family you best be believe we were on our best behavior. There was no staying around and acting out. If you were bold enough to do that, then you must have been bold enough to accept a good scolding and a impending whipping... Maybe that was just my house.
When was it acceptable for children to ruin a casual dining experience? Why should I have to sit next to a screaming child that apparently only I can hear? That is why, whenever possible my husband and I choose to dine in the bar. It's quiet, children aren't allowed and the servers are pretty cool-most of them haven't been hardened by the spaghetti throwing champions or the I love Barney corral. I have nothing against families dining out, in fact I think its great the families are dining together. My issue is with the parents that seem to the think that their dining experience is the only one that matters. NEWSFLASH.. We Matter too! We like going out to eat, we like the atmosphere of a restaurant just as much as you do. So please, the next time you are dining out with small children think of how their actions will affect the other diners.

~OUT

When over is really over: The Break-Up, Part 1

I hate breakups.
I have a friend is going through a rough patch with a her guy. Well, I guess its no longer a rough patch, as of this weekend, they are officially over. This has been the worst break-up I have ever witnessed.
Sad to say, I am relieved. I hurt for my friend, but I KNOW there is someone much better out there for her. She is beautiful, talented and a wonderful person all around. I hope that in all of this craziness, she knows that she is much better without him.
They had been together for years, (more than 5) and there was no indication of a marriage proposal. Over the last few years, I have witnessed this relationship go from bad to worse. On a side note, I grown to know her mate and we have become associates, somewhat friends. Now, I can't even look him in the eye. If I see him on the street..Well.. let's not go there.
I only hope things will get better for me friend. I know they will. I've got faith in her.

Don't stand so close to me

Things that bother me.
The other day, I was standing in the line of a grocery store with a few things.. More like one thing, a birthday card. As I patiently waited for the customer in front of me to decide which Hershey bar to get, I noticed that the person behind me was BREATHING on the back of my neck. Literally. I could feel her breath.. and I could smell it. HOW AWFUL!!
Why don't people respect my personal space.. Do you have to be THIS close to me? ICK!
Having someone I don't know stand that close to be kinda irks me.. I mean really. I don't know you or your germs. Please Back UP! That's another thing I need to work on.