Chicken Soup For My Cold

I have been dealing with a sinus infection for the past few days. I went to the doctor and she prescribed an antibiotic (big shocker right?). I've never been able to tolerate those well and I'm not big on taking them anyway, unless it is very necessary. So, I was at my regularly scheduled acupuncure appointment (which I go to for my thyroid imbalance) and I'm laying on my stomach with needles in my back telling my acupuncurist about the infection. He asks me if I have ever made a whole chicken soup. I'm laying there stuck on the words "WHOLE chicken." If you don't know me well, you don't know that I'm kind of a picky eater with weird hang ups about food. I won't go into all of my little quirks about things like being repulsed by mayonnaise and such. Anyway, I'm not great with raw meats or poultry so the idea of handling a WHOLE chicken has always intimadated me. Obviously you can't get around handling raw meat or poultry if your are going to cook anything, but it still kind of grosses me out. So, I decided to face this challenge and make a WHOLE chicken soup. The WHOLE chicken...in a soup. This is huge for me! I'm a why-make-it-if-I-can-buy-it kind of girl so I've never made stock of any kind, I always have chicken or vegetable stock on hand. I mean, really, WHY make it? But, I'm a wellness person (at least I'd like to think I am) and the idea of making a whole chicken soup from scratch for health reasons is appealing to me. Plus, my I have a friend (hi Jenn) who makes her own everything...stock, pate, even flour! She inspires me, so the least I can do is make a stinkin' soup right? Thank God my mom was visiting at this time in case I got too freaked out by my little chicken. I bought all my ingredients and my mom cleaned the chicken (I was sick after all so she helped! Okay, I got off easy on that one). I cooked the whole chicken along with spices, vegetables, and herbs to make a stock. It cooked for about four hours. Once the stock cooled, we skimmed off most of the chicken fat and reheated the stock, removed the chicken from the bones and added the chicken, my soup vegetables, etc. into the stock with the fat skimmed away and cooked for about 30-40 minutes longer. My husband told me this was the longest soup EVER to get to eat! Anyway, it came out great and I added a little cooked brown rice to each bowlful and put the soup over it before serving. I'm so proud of my accomplishment and it wasn't that hard at all. I've got the bug now and I'm sure I will be cooking other things that seem daunting now. Also, with the help of the more sleep, the soup, raw garlic, Vitamin C, Echinacea, and use of my Neti Pot, I kicked my infection in two days flat (at least the symptoms were gone). I

Happy Thanksgiving!

I want to wish a happy Thanksgiving to everyone. I love this time of year. We are having friends and family over dinner and board games and I'm really looking forward to it. Our menu will include: Fried Turkey, Cornbread Dressing, Collard Greens, Butternut Squash Lasagna, Sweet Potato Casserole, Cranberry Relish, Dinner Bread Pudding with Pumpkin Cream Sauce, and Sparkling Apple Cider. That sounds good right??? MMMMMM. I love it. I also wanted to make Monkey Bread for breakfast, but there is just so much junk being eaten this week that I decided to wait a couple of days for that. I like the idea of having for Thanksgiving because you have to pull it apart and it feels very communal and family oriented to all pull a piece of the bread. I know that's corny, but I like it. I cannot wait to sit around our table and give thanks for all the blessings that the Lord has blessed us with. We are very fortunate and I'm very thankful for my life

Also, Aliyah enjoyed watching the Charlie Brown Thanksgiving special which I think is very cool. My child is watching a cartoon that I enjoyed as a child? It is interesting to see. We both love the theme music, too. Friday there will be a post-Thanksgiving spa day for the ladies!!! WOOO HOOO! Lord knows I love a spa day. My friend from NY, my mom, and I will all be going to this awesome spa that I discovered near my house. It is a very Zen spa and I can't wait to just chillax. The men will stay at home with my baby girl and watch football. It is just perfect. Happy Turkey day, Ya'll!

I've been tagged!

I must say, prior to this morning, I had no idea what that meant in the blog world. Apparently being "tagged" is sort of like those emails you get from friends about "getting to know each other" type of stuff. Only its on blogs. I think this is a very cute concept and I am honored that my childhood friend Jenn tagged me. I'm a little nervous because I think I'm going to do something wrong since the blog rules are probably different from the email rules. Since I pretty much have hardly anyone who actually follows my blog, I'm getting over it pretty quickly. Plus, it's any easy post. I chose that pic above because 1) I'm sort of OCD about having a picture accompany each post and 2) it was in Jamaica, my absolute favorite place I've been to which may be a question in the survey. So, here it goes.

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? My dad, Jessie

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? Oh man, I cry so much. I think it was Friday that was the last time in a moment of feeling overwhelmed.

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? No. I'm always wishing it was better.

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Ew ew ew. I hate lunch meat with a passion. I don't like any "meat" that is cold. I can eat a grilled chicken sandwich or a grilled cheese panini type sandwich, but not a cold cut sandwich.

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? Yes , well a kid, but I want more for sure.
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? of course i would! I’m awesome. (I borrowed this answer from Jenn)
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? Of course.

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS. Yes
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Been there and done that. Now I have a daughter and a husband to think about, so I don't think I would do it now.

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? This is a tough one. I've been sort of off of cereal lately, but the last cereal I was very into was Grape Nuts Trail Mix with the almonds and raisins. I like cereals with raisins.

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Not usually.
12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Physically: I used to be stronger, but I'm working my way back up. Emotionally: Hmmm....I would like to think I am. I know that I said I cry alot (and I do), but I handle a lot of things and come through them pretty well.

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Hmmmm...another hard one. I like coffee flavored ice cream...ice cream with pralines...and oreos. But, not all in the same ice cream.

14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? I think maybe teeth or a cute pair of shoes.

15. RED OR PINK? Pink. I like both colors, but I'm definitely a pink girl. The guy who checked my bag at the airport chuckled and called me girly when he pointed out that my cell phone, camera, ipod and all the cases for each item were pink. I didn't even realize that myself.

16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? I’m lazy & I procrastinate. Is that the same thing?

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? I guess I will say girlfriends. I haven't had any real girlfriend hang out time in a LONG time!

18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? Am I sending this? I must have missed the instructions. Now I’m all stressed out. (i left this as it was written from Jenn...it is exactly how I feel too!).

19. WHAT COLOR SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Barefoot

20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? the part of aliyah's breakfast that she didn't eat. That is a bad mommy habit that I have found myself falling into.

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?Aliyah playing with her toys.

22. IF YOU WHERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? I've answered this alot and my answer never changes (don't laugh Jenn)...I would be a pink crayon encrusted with Swarovski crystals. That would be just perfect. It would be a collector's edition crayon!

23. FAVORITE SMELLS? My husband's cologne and deoderant. I know that is weird, but it smells great! I also like the smell of laundry out of the dryer and cookies baking in the oven.

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? My friend Tanine...she is coming here from NY for Thanksgiving!

25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Yes, very much! I'm so happy that after all these years I can still call her my friend.

26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? I guess football because it makes my husband very happy. Even though I usually am playing on the computer or sleeping while he watches.

27. HAIR COLOR? Black
28. EYE COLOR? Dark Brown

29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? Yes.
30. FAVORITE FOOD? I love Italian food and lately I've been on a mexican kick...quesadillas, enchiladas, yum! Also, I really love to have soup and sandwich. It is probably one of the best meals...a panini and some tomato basil soup! Yes....mmm, i'm hungry now. I didn't answer that question well since I gave about fifty things, but it is an honest answer.

31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? happy ending. I'm a sucker for a happy ending in movies and in life.

32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? OMG, my husband made me watch this movie called Kite Runner. It was very traumatic and hard to watch, but it was interesting and a very good story. I heard that it is a great book, too!

33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? White

34. SUMMER OR WINTER? Winter, because I find summer way to hot these days and you can wear cute boots and sweaters in winter. But, my absolute favorite is Fall. I LOVE IT!!.

35. HUGS OR KISSES? Hugs.

36. FAVORITE DESSERT? Again, I don't know. I'm realizing how very non-committal I am. I didn't know I was that bad. Okay, I like fresh baked chocolate chip cookies and I love those molten chocolate cakes that are cooked on the outside and gooey in the center.

37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? I don't know because not many people read my blog! Plus, Jenn already sent this to me so that counts her out. Hmmm....

38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND. Pretty much everyone...hee hee!

39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? Eat, Pray, Love. I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!!!! I've started it a few times now and I'm finally going to just sit and finish it.

40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? I don’t use a mouse pad. I use the little square on my laptop.
41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT? Some of the American Music Awards
42. FAVORITE SOUND. My daugther laughing (I got this one right this time Jenn! I read it correctly!)

43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? I will have to say Beatles since I am more familiar with their songs. I'm not a real "fan" of either though.

44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? I guess Hawaii since I live on the east coast now, but at the time we went I lived in California so that reall wouldn't be true then. In any case, I would like to say Jamaica becuase it was the BEST PLACE EVER!

45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? I don't think so. I consider myself to be a dancer but there is nothing special about that.

46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Phoenix, Arizona.

47. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK? I would be happy to see anyone's answers who responds.

how’s it gonna stop at 47? much too random. I need 3 more questions. (YOU are so right about this Jenn! Makes me feel like there ARE 3 more questions that got lost or choppped off somewhere!) To make myself and Jenn feel better I am adding 3 more questions:

48. What is the last CD you bought? Alicia Keys

49. What would your three wishes be? 1)to be the healthiest person, 2) to write a successful book, 3) a large, happy, and healthy family (I wanted to wish for things that are somewhat achievable...of course you can't wish for more wishes so didn't bother).

50. What are your hobbies? Dance, Decorating, Baking, Scrapbooking, and Shopping!

I tag: Stefanie, April, and Wise Owl. I don't know how to hyperlink their pages, but they know who they are.

Aliyah - A Journey Towards God

Aliyah

Spiritually Ascending to Mount Zion

Lately, I have been asked a few times what my daughter Aliyah's name means. I thought I would share it here because I find the meaning to be quite profound. This post is dedicated to her...my little princess Aliyah. "Aliyah" which means 'to ascend' is 'growing in the knowledge and understanding of God by climbing a spiritual ladder.' A journey towards God (making aliyah before God) is a step-by-step spiritual journey (lifestyle) with the goal being to grow in spiritual understanding, knowledge, intimacy, and maturity of the things in the Kingdom of God. The spiritual understanding of "aliyah" is that you are ascending to a higher place in God -- a deeper knowledge and revelation of God -- than where you were previously. You are growing in the knowledge of God and therefore God is taking you into a deeper understanding of knowing Him than you previously knew of Him. Isn't that beautiful? I know having my baby girl has certainly progressed me further on my journey towards God and deepened not only my understanding of Him, but of also of myself. Motherhood is simply an amazing blessing!

Barack Obama's Election Night Speech

I want to end my "political rant" on this historical election by posting Barack Obama's speech from election night. I find it to be the epitome of who he is and who he will be as President. It may be one of those speeches that my daughter will recite in elementary school, just like the famous speeches by Dr. King, jr and Abraham Lincoln. I am going to return to blogging about any and everything which will include politics, but not be limited to politics. I'm still very emotional today as I continue to watch what a major impact this event has had on our nation and on our world. It is my prayer that our country can unite and give our president a true shot...a chance that he has earned and deserves. It is my prayer that the fear tactics and name calling and untruths of the McCain campaign will be set aside and that Barack Obama can be seen as a man. An American man. Not as a socialist, terrorist, extreme muslim, etc. etc. NONE of which are true. He was fairly elected by the majority of Americans across our Nation and he has earned the right to be treated with respect. I hope that he will get it. That does not mean that all of us have to agree with him in everything he does. It just means that he will be given a fair chance to lead. I hope that Republicans can follow the lead of John McCain and unite. He gave a very gracious speech in a shining moment last night. He called for us to cling to what we have in common, versus how we differ, and that is that we are all Americans .

The Speech:

If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place
where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is
alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is
your answer.
It’s the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and
churches in numbers this nation has never seen; by people who waited three hours
and four hours, many for the very first time in their lives, because they
believed that this time must be different; that their voice could be that
difference.
It’s the answer spoken by young and old, rich and
poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American,
gay, straight, disabled and not disabled – Americans who sent a message to the
world that we have never been a collection of Red States and Blue States: we
are, and always will be, the United States of America.
It’s the answer that
led those who have been told for so long by so many to be cynical, and fearful,
and doubtful of what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and
bend it once more toward the hope of a better day.
It’s been a long time
coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at
this defining moment, change has come to America.
I just received a
very gracious call from Senator McCain. He fought long and hard in this
campaign, and he’s fought even longer and harder for the country he loves.
He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine,
and we are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless
leader. I congratulate him and Governor Palin for all they have achieved,
and I look forward to working with them to renew this nation’s promise in the
months ahead.
I want to thank my partner in this journey, a man who
campaigned from his heart and spoke for the men and women he grew up with on the
streets of Scranton and rode with on that train home to Delaware, the Vice
President-elect of the United States, Joe Biden.
I would not be
standing here tonight without the unyielding support of my best friend for the
last sixteen years, the rock of our family and the love of my life, our nation’s
next First Lady, Michelle Obama. Sasha and Malia, I love you both so much,
and you have earned the new puppy that’s coming with us to the White
House. And while she’s no longer with us, I know my grandmother is
watching, along with the family that made me who I am. I miss them
tonight, and know that my debt to them is beyond measure.
To my campaign
manager David Plouffe, my chief strategist David Axelrod, and the best campaign
team ever assembled in the history of politics – you made this happen, and I am
forever grateful for what you’ve sacrificed to get it done.
But above all, I
will never forget who this victory truly belongs to – it belongs to you.
I
was never the likeliest candidate for this office. We didn’t start with
much money or many endorsements. Our campaign was not hatched in the halls
of Washington – it began in the backyards of Des Moines and the living rooms of
Concord and the front porches of Charleston.
It was built by working
men and women who dug into what little savings they had to give five dollars and
ten dollars and twenty dollars to this cause. It grew strength from the
young people who rejected the myth of their generation’s apathy; who left their
homes and their families for jobs that offered little pay and less sleep; from
the not-so-young people who braved the bitter cold and scorching heat to knock
on the doors of perfect strangers; from the millions of Americans who
volunteered, and organized, and proved that more than two centuries later, a
government of the people, by the people and for the people has not perished from
this Earth. This is your victory. I know you didn’t do this
just to win an election and I know you didn’t do it for me. You did it
because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead. For even
as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the
greatest of our lifetime – two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial
crisis in a century. Even as we stand here tonight, we know there are
brave Americans waking up in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of
Afghanistan to risk their lives for us. There are mothers and fathers who
will lie awake after their children fall asleep and wonder how they’ll make the
mortgage, or pay their doctor’s bills, or save enough for college. There
is new energy to harness and new jobs to be created; new schools to build and
threats to meet and alliances to repair.
The road ahead will be long.
Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even one
term, but America – I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we
will get there. I promise you – we as a people will get there.
There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who won’t
agree with every decision or policy I make as President, and we know that
government can’t solve every problem. But I will always be honest with you
about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we
disagree. And above all, I will ask you join in the work of remaking this
nation the only way it’s been done in America for two-hundred and twenty-one
years – block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand.
What began twenty-one months ago in the depths of winter must not end on
this autumn night. This victory alone is not the change we seek – it is only the
chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to
the way things were. It cannot happen without you.
So let us summon a
new spirit of patriotism; of service and responsibility where each of us
resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves, but each
other. Let us remember that if this financial crisis taught us anything,
it’s that we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers – in
this country, we rise or fall as one nation; as one people.
Let us resist
the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and
immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long. Let us remember
that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican
Party to the White House – a party founded on the values of self-reliance,
individual liberty, and national unity. Those are values we all share, and
while the Democratic Party has won a great victory tonight, we do so with a
measure of humility and determination to heal the divides that have held back
our progress. As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, “We
are not enemies, but friends…though passion may have strained it must not break
our bonds of affection.” And to those Americans whose support I have yet
to earn – I may not have won your vote, but I hear your voices, I need your
help, and I will be your President too.
And to all those watching
tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces to those who are
huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of our world – our stories are
singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at
hand. To those who would tear this world down – we will defeat you.
To those who seek peace and security – we support you. And to all those
who have wondered if America’s beacon still burns as bright – tonight we proved
once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from our the might of
our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals:
democracy, liberty, opportunity, and unyielding hope.
For that
is the true genius of America – that America can change. Our union can be
perfected. And what we have already achieved gives us hope for what we can
and must achieve tomorrow.
This election had many firsts and many
stories that will be told for generations. But one that’s on my mind
tonight is about a woman who cast her ballot in Atlanta. She’s a lot like
the millions of others who stood in line to make their voice heard in this
election except for one thing – Ann Nixon Cooper is 106 years old.
She
was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the
road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldn’t vote for two reasons –
because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin.
And tonight, I
think about all that she’s seen throughout her century in America – the
heartache and the hope; the struggle and the progress; the times we were told
that we can’t, and the people who pressed on with that American creed: Yes
we can.
At a time when women’s voices were silenced and their hopes
dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the
ballot. Yes we can.
When there was despair in the dust bowl and
depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New
Deal, new jobs and a new sense of common purpose. Yes we can.
When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was
there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved.
Yes we can.
She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in
Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people
that “We Shall Overcome.” Yes we can.
A man touched down on the
moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and
imagination. And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a
screen, and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best
of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change. Yes
we can.
America, we have come so far. We have seen so
much. But there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask
ourselves – if our children should live to see the next century; if my daughters
should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they
see? What progress will we have made?
This is our chance to
answer that call. This is our moment. This is our time – to put our
people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore
prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American Dream and
reaffirm that fundamental truth – that out of many, we are one; that while we
breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism, and doubt, and those who
tell us that we can’t, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the
spirit of a people:
Yes We Can. Thank you, God bless you, and may God
Bless the United States of America.

YES WE CAN! YES WE CAN! YES WE CAN!!!

He did it. We did it. It is done. Barack Obama is the next President of the United States of America. This is our next President. OUR President! I'm so beyond relieved and humbled and excited and thankful. Thank you Lord for letting me see this in my lifetime. Thank you for letting my parents see this in their lifetime. My father is a Vietnam war veteran who knows how it feels to fight for your country side by side with soldiers that you are not considered to be equal with. Then, to come home to a nation that still has "whites only" signs everywhere. What must that say to a young eighteen year old man? You must be nothing...worth nothing...dirt. You can fight and die for us, but, you can't sit at the same tables, enter through the front door, or pee in the same toilet. Going to war does something to a person. Watching your friends blow up in front of you does something to a person. Returning home to a racist nation after experiencing those things does something to a person. My father called me in tears tonight after Barack Obama was declared the President-elect. I could hear what it meant for him to see this while he is alive. I have been in tears all night long watching CNN and MSNBC, and every state that turned blue brought more tears. I am truly proud to be American. I am proud of the way that all different types of Americans came together for this campaign and I truly truly hope that all Americans will come together now and move our country forward. Although we all have differences, our one common thread is that we are Americans. I'm so glad to be able to tell my daughter that I worked and knocked on doors side by side with volunteers that otherwise seem to have nothing in common with each other. I know that this is the right time for Barack Obama to be president. This is the time that was set aside for this moment and everything about it was right. I see so much of myself and my husband in Michelle and Barack. There is something about the way that they look at each other and hold each other that is so familiar to me. I like that the world can see that in them. It is authentic and beautiful. I pray earnestly for their continued safety in what will undoubtedly be a very trying, albeit rewarding, next four years. McCain ran his campaign on fear. Obama ran his campaign on hope. Hope won. Dr. King....this is your dream realized!

Know your rights...vote!

AAAAAHHHHHHH!!!! I'm so excited, yet so scared at the same time! I am excited to vote and to volunteer and help others to vote. I am scared because I know there will be drama at the polls. We have had our personal property tampered with in our own front yard and it is very unsettling. I know what hateful things people are capable of, but I sincerely hope and pray that the election can just go as smoothly as possible. I hope every vote can be fairly cast and counted. I know that ultimately it is not "us" that elects the president, but God who has the final say. The knowledge of that gives me peace.

Find out where to vote and how to volunteer on election day here: http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/nov4

Progress

Well, I finally got a video to play! If I could get one to play, I'm glad this is the one that worked! Please, Please, Please vote! There are too many people who went through so much just to be considered a human being and have a right to vote. It is just an amazing thing that Barack Obama is in the position he is in with a history that our country has. I'm so excited to be able to vote and participate in this moment in time. I'm excited to be able to share these stories with my children. I will be taking pictures of people voting in this historic election. There have been many stories of people over one hundred years old who are so glad to see this election in their lifetime! Please, watch the video and don't let the many people in our history die in vain.

Sabotage!

Well, we figured it would happen, and last night, the Obama yard sign in front of my parent's house was stolen. In fact, all the Obama signs in the neighborhood were taken. Conversely, all the McCain yard signs are still in tact. This is no shock to us which is why we only put one of the two signs we had out in the yard in the first place. So, we will be putting our other sign out today. A phone call to the police was made to notify them of trespassing and of the consequences the trespasser may face if caught in our yard again! I think it is disgusting that any person (no matter which candidate they support) would go on someone else's private property and vandalize and/or remove property that does not belong to them. I am truly rather nervous about what may happen on Tuesday or Wednesday. Either way the election goes, there may be backlash from the public. Particularly in the case of fraudulent behavior and sabotage. There are many reports of difficulty at the polls of those states that have early voting. I can only imagine what will be going down on Tuesday. I hope that this election will be able to take place in a fair and balanced matter. Whoever wins, wins. Period. My brothers voted last night after approximately a five hour wait in very cold weather. Not one person in line complained. They all felt proud to do their civic duty. It would be a shame for all the people in our country to go through the great strides they will go through to vote, only to have fraudulent behavior spoil the electoral process. I hope we all do our part to know our rights and volunteer wherever necessary to be sure that each and every vote is not only counted, but allowed to be cast and expressed freely.

UPDATE: Just FYI - After returning home to Philly, I was informed by my hubby that both of our Obama signs had been stolen from our yard. In addition, our Obama car magnet was stolen directly off the back of our car, which is just extra creepy. This was very upsetting to me and I immediately went to the Obama HQ and got new signs. I have cooled down now and just remind myself that this is a desperate attempt by people who are seeing themselves losing an election. It will not change a single vote. I will not get angry any longer. It is what it is.

The Price of Freedom...why this election is so significant

I couldn't get this pic large enough to read the text, though I could read it in my email. I received this picture in an email along with the following words:

Never forget the price paid for where you stand today. This was once a resume for Blacks.... None of us has had to experience the pain of separation or live with the disgrace and humiliation that comes with not being free. When you cast your vote for who will run our country, never forget your history and keep this bill of sale in mind. When we allow ourselves to forget our not so distant past, then we are destined to repeat these actions in our future. Stand for those who came before us and those who could not stand up for themselves. VOTE!

Change...that's what's up!

Check it out...please click on the link. It's funny!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndzWVnD7-vQ

That One

That is just one of the names Barack Obama has been called during this campaign. It is amazing to me that John McCain can say how much he respects Senator Obama out of one side of his mouth and call him a socialist, That One, and practically calls him a terrorist out of the other side. McCain's running mate, Sarah Palin, literally said that Obama "pals around with terrorists." Terrorists? Are you kidding me? That is just not okay. It is not okay to be behind in the polls and thus try to use scare tactics to sway voters. Of course Obama is not and does not keep company of terrorists. The notion is insulting and frankly ridiculous. This week, the McCain camp is trying to use the "spread the wealth" (with air quotes) socialist technique. It is also known as the "throw everything out there and see what sticks" technique. I just wish the issues could be focused on. I personally feel like I have a good grasp on where Obama stands on the issues. He has not turned away from any of them and has spoken specifics about what his plans will be. If one agrees with those plans, vote for Obama. If not, do not vote for him. It should be that simple. Whenever I hear McCain or Palin (or Elizabeth Hasslebeck!) speaking, they always spend their time talking about what Obama is going to do, not what McCain/Palin is going to do. I feel that General Colin Powell, a highly respected Republican, spoke very clearly about why he is personally choosing to vote for Senator Obama in this election. I felt that many of his reasons are similar to my own conclusions that I have drawn thus far and wanted to post video of that interview. However, I am technologically challenged so the best I can do is post the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2U63fXBlFo I hope you will watch it and draw your own conclusions. Socialist, terrorist, That One...titles that show a complete lack of respect. This One is going to make sure that "That One" gets my vote!

Can you be both a Christian and a Democrat?

This is a serious question that is not often talked about openly. However, in this historical political season, I felt it necessary to put this topic on the table for discussion. Can you be both a Christian and a Democrat? Of course, I personally know that you can, seeing as I am a Christian and I will be voting Democrat this year. However, I typically consider myself to be an Independant. I just believe in voting for the person I believe is best for the job, not necessarily for a party. Especially since many Democratic and Republican candidates of the past could have practicaly ran on the same ticket they were so similar. My political beliefs tend to be in line with the Democratic "big government" philosophy. However, my conservative Christian personal beliefs are often in line with some of the personal beliefs of several Republicans. The reason why I feel there is a need to discuss this topic is because I know there are many people who believe that if you are a Christian...a TRUE Christian, then you cannot vote Democratic. I personally find this ridiculous for many reasons. Number one, there are Christian candidates on both sides of the party lines. Number two, not every so-called Christian Republican has proven to be Christian in actions - just in words. Number three, being "Christian-like" has proved to be somewhat subjective. I personally believe that we should look at each person that is running for any office on a person by person basis. Not based on blanket claims. If, after looking at everything that a candidate is and stands for and looking at the policies that person will put in place, you find one candidate more favorable than the other, that is who we should vote for. I'm not down with voting for someone "just because they are black" or "just because she is a woman" or any other reason that is shallow. However, I am aware that people do vote based on these things and I understand that. I don't vote based on that, but I do feel that people vote for people based on a myriad of reasons. Many of those reasons are about who one can relate to. Let's be honest, if Black people were voting strictly on race, wouldn't Jesse Jackson have made it much further? I believe that people are voting for Barack Obama because he is capable. He graduated at the top of his Harvard Law class. He has worked years serving the inner city communities from which he and his wife came. He has been working in politics for years and in those years, he accomplished much. He is an excellent speech writer and speaker. He has attacked such issues as race relations in our country with grace and intelligence. His speech at the DNC a few years ago served to unite our country in a way that is necessary in order for us to move forward. He possess the tact to help repair our international reputation that has been so severely tarnished. He has proven to be a faithful and loving family man to his wife and children. He is a Christian who believes in the power of prayer and knows the role that faith plays in one's life. He is interested in improving our economy in a time when people are losing their homes and jobs. He is believes that healthcare is a basic human right, and should not just be a privilege. He believes in the importance of education. Both he and his wife are ivy league graduates and have come from working class families. They ARE the American dream in a time in our country where it is getting hard for many people to "dream." I already spoke on my reasons for opposing Sarah Palin so I will not repeat them here. There is other information swirling around about her that right now can only be categorized as rumors and therefore I will not list those here unless they are proven to be true. Instead, I will speak to some issues I have with Senator McCain. For one, I am not liking that he chose Sarah Palin as VP. I mean, I believe it was reported that he had only met her once, if at all? I truly question his reasoning for chosing her. It is very clear at this late stage of the campaign that Sarah Palin seems to be dragging the McCain campaign down. She is not very knowledgable on political issues and doesn't even know what the job of VP is all about. This is evident from her interviews, speeches, and debates. Besides that, there are definite character isssues with McCain. I honestly respect the time that he served our country in the military. Nobody can take that from him and I believe everyone tips our hat to him and all our military men and women. I could not do what it is that they do. It takes a special person to do military work. I do, however, find it distasteful that he divorced his first wife upon returning from his military duty after she was disfigured in a horrible car accident. Now, I believe that no one can really make too much of a judgement here because we were not there and don't know the dynamics of the relationship. It does start to look extra shady though when shortly after, he married a very wealthy Cindy McCain. Also, John McCain voted against the creation of a holiday honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1983. He has recently stated that he was mistaken in that decision although he has opposed other key civil rights laws. Okay, we are not perfect and all of us make mistakes. However, I do believe that this speaks to his lack of judgement. Some might say it speaks to other things as well, but I won't go there. I just think that it is important to note as it has weighed in my decision about who I am going to vote for. McCain and his wife are also very very wealthy. He has been noted as one of the richest senators in a senate filled with millionares. I honestly do not have an issue with people being rich, but when you are so well off that you "forget how many homes you own," that is a bit much. It is not that I begrudge any one anything that they have worked hard enough for (though it seems that much of their wealth is from Cindy McCain's parents) it does make him a bit disconnected to the majority of Americans. I mean, with so many people unable to pay their mortgages, is he relatable? For many people yes, but for many others the answer is no. Perhaps this is why McCain is fighting so hard to continue a tax cute for the wealthiest Americans that was implemented by George Bush. He has ran a very dirty campaign and is now calling Obama a socialist because he wants to reverse the tax cute on Americans making over 250,000 dollars, but give a tax break to those making less than that. It is a really cheap shot and a desperate attempt by the McCain camp. Finally, McCain's education. Though he does not have a degree from a University, he did attend the United States Naval Academy. However, he graduated 5th from the last in his class. Yeah, he graduated number 894 our of 899. We won't even go into Sarah Palin's record on education. In my book, Barack Obama is the right candidate for the righ time and I am going whole hog. This is the first election that I have gotten so involved in the political process. I have volunteered at voter registration drives, donated money to the campaign, voted in the primary election, etc. It is an exciting time!

To further address the question of Christianity and politics I would like to talk about the issue of abortion. Whew! Talk about hot topics! Let me just begin by stating that my personal opinion on abortion is that it is wrong. In my house, under any circumstance, it is wrong. Barack Obama is pro-choice and believes that women should have the right to choose whether or not to have an abortion. He believes in regulating the abortion laws so that while, women can have their rights protected, putting restrictions on abortion is also necessary. Obama also believes in preventative measures for youth so as to reduce the possibility of needing an abortion in the first place. I don't think that anyone is pro-abortion. This is really about a personal right and choice. Abortion as a means of birth control is not something that anyone that I know deems as morally correct. However, in the cases of rape or incest or countless other "scenarios" the area gets a little gray. Even McCain's and his wife Cindy think that rape or incest are exceptions for abortion. The bottom line is that politically speaking, it becomes something difficult to legislate. I can believe that it is wrong. However, should a victim of incest be forced to have a baby by law? Maybe so....what about situations where the mother is going to die if she has the baby. Should it be her and her families choice to decide how to move forward on that? I'm sure that these are a small percentage of all abortions, but nontheless, it does seem like something that needs to be regulated and not a no-tolerance, blanket approach. The truth of the matter is that, politically, I believe that the issue of abortion has historically been used to gain access to the office of presidency as a smoke screeen rather than a real means to change. George Bush, is anti-abortion, yet, no abortion laws have really changed under his time as president. My point being, that issues that are difficult to legislate based on a moral decision often get a person in office but does not affect any legislation on that issue. Then all the other issues that person is for (economy, education, healthcare, etc.) are the issues that actually get passed! So, it is food for thought, but I just cannot vote based on one issue. I have to vote based on the big picture and the reality of what is truly going to be done in our country. I mean, let's be honest. Bill Clinton was not my favorite person on a personal level. I do not respect men who cheat on their wives. However, our economy was good during his presidency. This time I feel good about Barack Obama's personal character as well as his public policy decisions. It is something to pray about and truly feel comfortable with one's vote. I have done this and have peace about my decision.

Obama/Biden '08!!! We're in the final stretch!!!!!!!!

No rest for the weary! My man, Senator Barack Obama, and his running mate, Sen. Joe Biden, are counting down the days (along with the rest of the country) to November 4, 2008. A history making election will finally be coming to an end...and according to nearly all the polls, I think my candidate of choice will be the WINNER! I'm not counting my chickens before they hatch, but it is fair to say that we are thus far, in a good position. We have to just keep on doing what we're doing. I must say how incredibly proud I am of Barack Obama and his family. They are both true role models and seem to be the leaders we need to take our country in a more positive direction. I am also very pleased with Sen. Obama's choice for VP, Joe Biden. It feels good to have a team (Obama/Biden) that are in sync, knowledgeable, and a solid foundation for our governing bodies. That is something that frankly cannot be said about the Republican candidates. In honor of the final week of this campaign period, I will be blogging everyday about this moment in our American history. I want my daughter to be able to look back at these times and be able to know that her mom was right in the thick of things! There are a lot of horrible things being thrown at Obama, horrible personal attacks from the McCain campaign and today, an assassination attempt/discussion by a skinhead neo-Nazi group. This is just the tip of the iceberg, I'm afraid. It is not going to be an easy thing for Obama to run this campaign and to hopefully win and carry that privilege and at times burden of being our nation's first black president. It is a huge task, but I know that he is up for the challenge. I will be blogging on all these issues and doing my part to ensure that Obama/Biden becomes the winning ticket next week! I'm fired up!!!

Fantastic Plastic...NOT!!

Plastic is everywhere. When you have kids, it is LITERALLY everywhere! Baby bottles, breastmilk storage, sippy cups, plastic spoons, straws, dishes, you name it. If it is for our children, it is usually plastic. Its lightweight, durable, and portable. The problem? Its causing cancer and fertility problems, just to name a few. The risks of certain plastics have been reported in several reputable forms of media and has caused a bit of a scare amongst concerned parents who have barely gotten over the "lead paint from China" scare. I want to help all parents as well as those of you who are not parents, but still need to be informed. I mean after all, everyone uses plastic in our daily lives. I mean, how many lean cuisines have I eaten this past year??? Use a water bottle during your workouts? How about sipping on bottled water while out and about? Plastic is a major part of our everyday lives. We need to be aware of the risks and dangers of all substances than can be harmful to us and our loved ones.

Here's the deal with plastic as I've discovered as of late. First of all, not ALL plastic is bad. Just certain ones. Most plastic is assigned a number that ranks the type of plastic it is. The numbers range from 1-7. Basically, numbers 1,2,4, and 5 are safe. However, numbers 3,6, and 7 are said to be harmful. You can locate this number on the bottom of the item, sometimes in the middle of a triangle. The main harmful chemicals that we are to be aware of is Bisphenol-A (BPA) and Phthalate. Many items are now created with a BPA-Free label on them to ensure safety to consumers. Keep your eyes peeled for it. BPA is a chemical found in polycarbonate plastic. This has been a favorable plastic because it does not crack or shatter, can be cleaned with very hot water, sterilizes easily, does not absorb odor and is an extremely safe alternative to glass. It is used in many common household products including many of the more fancy baby bottles. Phthalates are used to make plastic more flexible and are also very common. Alternatively, plastic made from polyethylene and polypropylene are deemed as safe.

I looked at all of my daughter's sippy cups, plates, and bowls and had to toss a couple of them. Another key thing here is that heating the plastic (even those deemed as safe) is not recommended. Supposedly heating can release toxins from the plastic into the food/drink and thus into our systems. So, no microwaving in those plastic bowls! Also, do not put your plasticware in the dishwasher. I have been guilty of ALL of these things. Instead, transfer the item to a glass container for heating and handwash your items with warm soapy water opposed to putting them in the steaming hot dishwashing machine.

The take away? Avoid plastic whenever possible. Whenver you must use plastic, be sure that it is a "safe" plastic - polypropylene or polyethylene. Also, be sure to never heat these plastics, never put them in the dishwasher, and never eat or drink anything that has been left in the hot car in a plastic container. Avoid polycarbonate plastics and any plastics numbered 3,6, or 7. What do you do if you can't find a number on the bottom of the container? Toss it. It's not worth you or your child's safety.

Racism

Wow...I grew up with James Dobson and Focus on the Family programming. They are a sponsor on the above product. As a Christian, I am not only disappointed, but deeply mortified and hurt. This is not going to fly as a "satirical" statement as the cover of the New Yorker claimed. There is no other way to describe this, but to call it what it is. Pure overt racism. When people say that racism is dead or that someone is "playing the race card" I always get little goosebumps on my skin. I know for a fact that racism is NOT dead and that "race" is not a "card." Its a very real thing that me, my family, and my friends still experience almost daily. Don't get me wrong. I have a great life and I am VERY blessed. However, that doesn't mean that I don't experience or witness some sort of racial discrimination on a regular basis, however covert it may be. This box reminds me of the racist figures of the past - Mammy, Blackface, Aunt Jemima and Uncle Ben. Please research these things and gain a better understanding of where I'm coming from. What you CAN'T see in the picture I posted above is the back of the box. It displays a picture of Obama with a turban on his head and a quote that says, "Point box toward Mecca for tastier waffles," amongst other offensive statements. Are you kidding me? I'm not going to all up in arms about this because as soon as we get past this, there will be something else and something else and it will continue throughout the rest of this election and (if he wins) through his time served as President. Let's be honest. Those of us who are Black in this country, whether for or against Obama, knew that he would encounter much opposition and attack based on race throughout his political career once he entered the running for President. However, I personally, very worried now that it is right in all of our faces. I mean, in history, being the "first Black" this or that is more than just inventing something or going to the Olympics or whatever the accomplishment is. It is the inherent meaning behind having to even make it a milestone. To have to say, "so and so was the first African-American Male to ever win an Oscar" or whatever says something. It says more than just the amazing accomplishment at hand. It says all the weight and opposition that person went through to get there. More likely than not, death threats/attempts on themselves and their families, physical and verbal abuse, etc. etc. To be the trailblazer is a really tough road and I am well aware of all the shoulders that I personally stand on the be in the place I am in today. I think Obama is a really great man. I personally believe that he is what our country needs right now in that state that it is in. I think he represents everything that the American dream is supposed to be about. But, that is just my personal opinion. I'm aware of that and I'm okay with that. What I am not okay with is things like the Obama Waffles being passed out at a conservative event sponsored by a Christian program. A program that I grew up listening to with my mother. I challenge Focus on the Family to focus on themselves and examine their hearts and motives. God will not bless such a blatant hateful statement that is made on that box and it goes directly against everything we as Christians stand for. Be honest about the place that such an endorsement could come from. Its scary and sad, but I must say not surprising. I started this vote with a picture of Obama praying and other Christians praying with him and for him. Boy, does he need it. And we all need it as a country...as Americans.

Sarah Palin and Soccer Moms

Okay, I don't want this blog to turn into politics central...I don't know about you, but I'm already pretty exhausted about the election. However, I feel that this is a major part of history right now, and I need to weigh in. First of all, there is soooo much to say here, but I'm going to take it in parts. Starting with the most recent news of Senator John McCain choosing Gov. Sarah Palin as his Vice Presidential running mate. Although I am for Obama, I do not consider myself to be "anti-McCain." I don't think that those things are mutually exclusive. My personal feelings about what I feel America needs are in line with who I believe Barack Obama is. I will blog on this another time, but my point is that just because I am for Obama doesn't mean I am a McCain hater. I agree with some of the same things that McCain agrees with, not everything of course. That being said, I don't agree with everything Obama says either. I do not, however, care for Gov. Palin. I think it was a poor choice for McCain. Why not Huckabee or Romney or whomever? They seem much more qualified in my eyes. I truly truly truly believe that McCain chose Sarah Palin because she is a woman. He was aware of the many disheartened Hillary Clinton supporters who have threatened to jump ship and vote for him. I believe he wanted capitalize on that and that is why he chose Sarah Palin. Do they have similar thoughts on policies? Yes, of course. However, his choice in choosing Gov. Palin truly made me look at him differently. Was it a smart choice? That is debatable. Some may say yes. It was smart to capitalize on those Hillary supporters. Either way, I find it interesting that supporters of Hillary Clinton (whom I did NOT support for the presidency) were sternly condemned by Republicans for voting (relating?) for Hillary just because she is a woman. NOW, it seems okay to vote for McCain/Palin just because Palin is a woman. I mean, is the hypocrisy not apparent? Obviously all Republicans do not feel this way, and I am only speaking of the ones who DO feel this way. Many are saying that women are voting for Palin because she is a "hockey mom" and very relatable. Are you kidding? I am a mom and I do not relate to Palin at all. She does not represent me. I feel that it is undermining the intelligence of us "moms" in America to say that we would vote for her for that reason. I don't know that much about Sarah Palin. What I DO know about her leads me to my personal belief that she is not someone I would want for my VP or possible president. She is ready or experienced enough to me. Sorry, I know that is a hot debate button, but that is my opinion. Also, Governor and Senator are vastly different positions. The requirements and responsibilities are different. Also, the idea that being a mom of five qualifies her to lead a country is plumb crazy. What was the name of that lady who drowned all of her kids? Yates? I mean, I'm not comparing Palin to Yates, but my point is that to say that JUST because someone is a mother of many children they would be a great president is very presumptuous. I think its great that Sarah is a mommy. I would love to be so blessed to be a mother of five. She appears to be very happy and into her children, which is great. I'm not into tearing down other women or mother's. I am simply speaking of her politics. My other major issue with Palin was her condescending speech at the RNC. She was very sarcastic and talked to down a lot in my opinion about issues and people that she does not agree with. Her comment about Community Organizers really took the cake for me. The fact that she cannot see the connection between a community organizer and the position of President is disturbing. I was personally offended by the way Palin downed community organization as if it is not real work or experience. I mean, what the heck is a President? Well, what SHOULD part of a President's job be? Organizing our communities! I mean, that is what it is all about. Well, I guess that is just how I see it. I mean, Jesus was a community organizer. That is where the real work is. Anyone who graduates at the top of their Harvard Law class and chooses to go back and work in the community where the real need is instead of taking a high powered law position is okay in my book. I have no problem with lawyers and the like. My point is simply that it is not only commendable, but NECESSARY to have those who have the knowledge, experience, and thus power (since knowledge is power) to bring it back to the communities from which they came. That is why I am for Obama and why Palin's remarks were offensive to me. Her remarks represented the disconnect that is there between herself and the way other people may have to live in this country. I love being a "soccer mom" and I'm glad that women are making strides this election. But, this is one mommy that prefers respect for grassroots community efforts to elitist lifestyles any day.

I'm back!

I've been away...from the blog for awhile and I've been having "blogger's guilt" about not blogging in so long. That's crazy. Like I really need that! But, it is true. I have so much to blog about...the elections, sarah palin, spritual things like worship and bible study, health stuff....so much blogging and so little time! I will try to blog more often so they don't all pile up on me. So, just writing this quickie to let you all know that I'm still here. I will be blogging shortly after I get my daughter to bed.

Can you tell me how to get...how to get to Sesame Street?

On thursday we took Aliyah to her first amusement park. She went to Sesame Place in Landsdale, PA. It was a perfect place for her because it was geared to a younger generation and is dedicated to the characters of the Sesame Street television show. Aliyah's favorite is of course Elmo, referred to as "Momo" by her. She got to take pictures with him even though she was very unsure about these lifesize monsters. She enjoyed a breakfast with Elmo and his friends. She never warmed up to big bird...he was just too big altogether. We had a fun time even though I think she was still a little young for the whole thing. It was worth it though because when she warmed up to the characters, she was having fun waving to them and giving them a high five or better yet, a fist bump. I posted a few pictures from the day. I will enjoy taking her back again. Soon, we will be moving up to the bigger amusuement parks!!!

Another Natural Haired Sista

I have been on a journey for awhile dealing with my removing all chemicals from my hair and going "natural." I think my first attempt at this as an adult was about five years ago. I decided to go the route of just letting the straightening chemicals, the relaxer, grow out and just flat iron the new growth that was not straight until it all grew out. Well, that did not last long. I was working a corporate job and was in the heat alot from getting in and out of the car as a pharmaceutical sales representative. You can imagine how my 75% straight hair and 25% afro hair looked in the sweltering heat of the South. The heat that I put on the 25% kinky hair did not last in the humidity for any period of time and it all just became too difficult to manage while working in that environment. So, needless to say, I abandoned that idea and got another relaxer. After I got married and left that job, I contemplated beginning the process again. I started doing research about different techniques women used to get some tips. I had a friend at the time who chose to cut her hair off and grow her natural hair back using the loc technique a.k.a. dreadlocs. Her hair grew really fast and she looked very beautiful and afro-centric. Locs are not for me, but I did want to be able to have a nice beautiful naturla fro like the picture I posted above. That is the look I was going for. Mostly I just felt like I was coming into myself and I wanted to get rid of the chemically processed hair that wasn't truly who I was. So, when I got pregnant, there was a perfect opportunity to start again. I did not want to have any chemicals put into my hair or nails or anything while I was pregnant. I wanted to have a natural birth and I felt like not relaxing my hair was a part of the whole journey for me. It is amazing how pregnancy can make you feel like you are really coming into the real you. I'm wondering if other women out here experienced this whil pregnant. A feeling of empowerment and a true acceptance of myself for exactly who God had made me to be. I always thought that I felt that anyway, but I really felt it then. I didn't care that I was getting fat becuase I felt like my body was doing what it needed to do to support my baby. A few stretch marks? So what? Those are battle wounds, baby! So, I have been growing my hair out since that point. However, after I gave birth, my hair started falling out a few months later. I had heard of this happening to other women, so I expected that this could happen. However, the shedding seemed to get worse and worse and lasting a very long time. I assumed this was because I nursed my daughter for a year after she was born and the hormones were still abnormal due to that. But, after I stopped nursing, I still had the shedding. Many people told me that it could take up to two years for my hormones to regulate! What???? I was hoping to be pregnant again by that time and I didn't want to not have a rest period in between. That just didn't sound right, but I was also having other issues at the time. You can see my post of Graves Disease from a few weeks ago. Bottom line this hair loss was because of my hyperactive thyroid problem. This gave me even more motivation to lose the chemicals in my hair. So, a few days ago I took my braids out and after I got out the shower, I looked at my hair in the mirror and I just grabbed a pair of scissors and started cutting. I cut it ALL off. Well, all the hair that was still chemically straightened. Leaving just a short Afro. Well, a short uneven afro since I was the one who cut it. But, I didn't care. I felt so free....so liberated....and very comfortable. It was just me...and I loved it. Now, don't get me wrong. I'm going this week to get it shaped up. But, I feel like it is so right and I'm glad I finally just jumped in with both feet instead of trying to hold on to those last several inches (i cut off 5inches!). Anyway, I'm looking forward to this new journey. I have a couple of friends who are also where I am on this journey and it is good to have them to chat with about stuff. I had to blog about this and share such a significant day. Before my daughter was born I always said if I had a girl I would not relax her hair. Now that she is here I just know that I would never do that. Her hair is so beautiful. As is all of our hair; black hair. All the different textures and types....they are beautiful and the more we accept it and just rock it out...the more it will be accepted in the mainstream culture as well. I want my daughter to always know that she is beautiful and doesn't have to chemically alter any part of her physical self to fit in. I want her to accept everything about herself because she is beautifully and wonderfully made. And I want to lead by example. Luckily, I have a husband who didn't freak out either! He said he loves it and I love him for that!

R.I.P. Bernie and Isaac

This weekend was a sad one for many of us who were fans
of two great entertainers, Isaac Hayes and Bernie Mac. Actor and Comedian Benie Mac dies Satuday morning from Pneumonia. He was one of the Kings of Comedy and most recently had a hit sitcom loosely based on his family life. Actor and Musician Isaac Hayes passed away today as well. He was a wondeful singer and actor, probably best known for his critically acclaimed role as "Shaft" in the title movie back in 1971. Both men brought great entertainment, not only to the African-American community, but to American pop culture in general. My heart goes out to their family members and loved ones. They will be missed.

Bienvenido a Miami!

So, we are back from vacation in Miami. We had a great time, but it was HOT! I never thought I would be somewhere hotter than Georgia, but Miami has Georgia beat! I included pictures of our time there. It was myself, my husband, Aliyah, my mom and brothers, and my mother-in-law. I have also included pictures of my husband on his helicopter excursion. It was a 90minute helicopter tour of Miami in a police chopper. He has a friend who is a police officer there so he got "the hook up." Lucky duck. It was a "boys" trip so you know that left me out. Maybe next time. Enjoy the photos.

The Crackberry

I have often been very critical of the information age; fearing that while bringing wonderful modern conveniences, it is also causing us to lose something as human beings. Causing problems such as causing us to lose personal communication with each other and also causing us to be lazy. I mean, I will admit it. I am a slave to my Tivo. I am well aware of this and it is just something I enjoy. I mean, I am addicted to reality shows...I watch most of the popular ones (Survivor, Dancing the Stars, American Idol). The Tivo only makes it worse, because you never miss an episode. So, I recognize this. Obviously we all know that watching too much television is not good for you. However, it is something that now, even my husband can't imagine watching T.V. without being able to fast forward through commercials or rewind a play in a football game. But, the worst for me has been my husband's Blackberry (a.k.a. the crackberry for its addictive tendancies). He is ALWAYS on it. It is always ringing, buzzing, or chirping at all hours of the day and night. Now, he has a pretty serious job that requires him to be in touch even when he is not at work, which is fine. It is when we are out to dinner having a nice conversation when all of sudden he stops listening to me and is responding to an email - while I'm talking! This has been a topic of much discussion between the two of us over the years. Soooooo, recently I got a new phone....a crack, I mean blackberry. So, now, of course I find myself ALWAYS on it!!!! It is truly addictive. The ability for people to get in contact with you via cell phone, email, and texting is very intrusive! I mean, now I understand why my husband was always on his! However, I do NOT go on it while we are at dinner or talking or whatever. But, I will say that it is too easy for us to be contacted these days. Yes, it has its advantages, being able to reply to an important email immediately, being able to text my hubby while he is in a meeting so as not to disturb the meeting, having a child and needing to be easy to reach in case of an emergency. All good things. But, I do realize that there are some sacrifices to it as well. The lack of personal interaction between others when the PDA is distracting one or both people, as well as the urgency that other people put on you when they know you can respond quickly. Everything doesn't have to be that urgent. Go to voicemail...I'm busy. Thank God for caller id! I guess I do need my technology, huh?