Monday, April 6, 2009

Help Me Determine

Okay folks, I like to consider myself one who sincerely looks at my flaws and tries to correct them in an effort to be a better person. When given constructive criticism I take what is said and wisely use that information as a tool to better myself. I do not think a person's perception of me as all truth but I listen and try to improve when and where I can.

There is a man who has come into my experience and for the past few months he has been sharing with me what he considers to be some pretty sound doctrine regarding dating and male/female interaction from a “self help” book entitled, Play or Be Played by Tariq Nasheed. In this book Tariq is giving women insight on how they can become better women and attract a man of means or a "King" by doing a certain things.

Now some of the things he brings up in the book are interesting I will say, but I do not think I would brand them gospel or use them as a template to live by.

Things that stick out most in my mind the most from the materials I was given are the things I have heard Mr. Genius, the guy who gave the book to read and a podcast to listen to repeat to me over and over again over the past couple of months. And as I read they probably stuck out the most because I have heard them from Mr. Genius numerous times. Things like a lot of black women need to work on their weight, and if white women can do it, why can't a sister. White girl is up at 4am working out why can’t black women do that? I find that Tariq and the two followers I have encountered seem to make a lot of comparison between black and white women. I feel like a man that wants a black woman who makes decisions based on what a women of another race is doing, he should matter find himself a woman of that race. You cannot buy Toyota and put a Lexus kit on it and expect people to think you have a GS300. All you have is a Toyota that you want to look like a Lexus. And I am not saying black women as a whole shouldn’t try to be healthier and be healthier for self, but thin does not equal healthy all by itself nor does it necessarily make someone more attractive or equal beauty in every mans eyes. And Mr. Tariq does not speak of eating healthier or more natural or all organic, in his book he references the fact that weight loss and gain is mathematics which is true and that you need to burn more calories that what you take in. So basically, men are not necessarily looking for us to be healthy so long as our appearance is esthetically pleasing to them. You can have all the high blood pressure and diabetes you want so long as you hit the gym and burn the calories to maintain a certain shape that will please a man enough for him to take interest in you. It is a fact you can eat cake all day and not gain weight so long as you and burn the calories off you will be able to maintain your size or lose weight depending on how much you work out per the nutritionist I work with. But that doesn’t make you happy.

If a single woman has a child or children it is seen as a mark against her and she needs to compensate for that in other ways in order to attract a decent man or a man of means. So a single woman who is a parent should work hard in one or even multiple areas in her life in order to make up for her “shortcoming” of having a child out of wedlock or being divorced since Kings or men of means see them as “baggage”. Sure, most of society and not just men have a negative view of unmarried women with children and society as a whole tends to look down on single motherhood, but I don't. Granted it is not an ideal situation and not how God intended for us to live and raise children but I do not feel like I am less of a person or deserve to be treated like I am less of a person because of it. Mental instability and substance abuse issues are baggage a mate who is insecure or needy is baggage my child is not, and I have no respect for any man or women that sees him as such nor do I need an individual in my life who feels like they can look down on my or judge me or give or take away brownie points because of it. Ladies, the best way to eliminate excess baggage is to get that sorry fits the physical description of a man black, white or orange that views your child as baggage up off your couch or bed or your phone line and find one whose views are not so jaded.

Now this was my favorite part, once a woman gets a man all it takes to keep him is to be able to cook and give oral sex. Now this may be true for a lesser man who only sees his woman as a sexual object and maid, but for a grown man who really knows who he is and can think for himself, and not base his identity or his level of character on what Mr. Nasheed says it should be, this misogynistic way of thinking won’t fly for a woman who knows her worth. Unfortunately many women don’t and most will do whatever they have to get a man even if it means belittling herself. A man who is really looking for a mate to be a partner and companion needs a woman whose worth goes beyond her Superhead capabilities and Bobby Flay skills set. He has to know he can trust her to take care of his children and represent his household amongst other in a positive manner, but you don’t hear about much of that in the book. But then again for the men who follow Tariq’s teachings, we really don’t have to have any real intellectual skills or demonstrate them after we get our man so long as we can put our man in the presence of someone who does. I guess that old saying it’s now what you know it’s who you know is true when it comes to picking a mate as well out of this group of men. I say that because in the book the author stated that a black man of financial means might be better off marrying a white woman of financial means whether inherited or independently earned. And what really upset me was when he said, if a brother needs to ask his women about financial advice if she is white even though she may not have the answer herself she may have the resources to put him in contact with someone who could assist him. Now he didn't say that it was impossible to find black women with these capabilities, but they are a rare breed. Now my mother’s financial planner Brandon left Merrill Lynch right before the economy turned but his co-worker Aaron seems to do a good job and has given my mother some really sound advice over the past few months in regards to her investments. My friend Leslie has given some sound advice when it comes to diversifying my investment option for my 401K and I believe she got her insight from her mother. My friend Kira has built up an awesome ING portfolio over the past year after I suggested she open the account and DeAnna gets some pretty sound investment advise from her brother who is independently wealthy all of which are Black women. Maybe be are just that rare breed Tariq was talking about.

Now I said all of that because I am a bit offended because Mr. Genius, like I said earlier has been talking to me about this for a few months now repeatedly and even took it a step further by giving me the materials he felt I should read in order to gain further insight needed to step my game up. That is if once he leads the horse to water it actually takes a drink.

Now that is all fine and dandy if his intentions are to help me. But when someone not always but quite frequently is pointing these topics out to you what would you think and how would you take it. If you are a black woman who does not fit into the category some would consider an attractive size and someone was almost always talking to you about black women and weight how would you take it or if you were a single mother and you had to hear on more than one occasion that single mothers should step their game up in order to compete would you not feel like someone was trying to let you know that your position was one of inferiority to other single women without children. Now Mr. Genius was kind enough to let me know that he feels like I have potential (I guess in spite of…) and was just trying to help me upgrade myself. But in my opinion, there is a difference between giving someone a little advice in an effort to let them know from your perspective how they can show improve, and constantly letting them know their inadequacies from your vantage point. And when I say repeatedly, I mean I hear it quite often from, it is actually almost all we talk about, how I can better myself and step my game up in an effort to compensate for my shortcomings when it is direct, when it is indirect the comments are usually about black women. At this point not only are my feelings hurt, but I am offended. I even asked Mr. Genius this morning, “If each time I saw you I asked you if you brushed your teeth this morning how would you feel.” He acted as if I was taking what he was doing out of context. He has also said I am a bit sensitive which I do not think is true.

Needless to say I have cut all ties with Mr. Genius as our interaction is not healthy nor is it the type of friendship I need at this point in my life.

Let me know what you think, am I reading what is truly intended to be a kind gesture or nudge in the right direction out of context. And how many times should someone share advice with a friend or acquaintance before it becomes naggingly inappropriate.

As previously state I have no problem working on me and fixing the things I can.

j

Monday, March 30, 2009

Mark of the Beast

Over the next couple of weeks, I will be sharing what I hope to be thought provoking information regarding End Times prophecy. Contrary to what you may believe, this information is not intended to create in you the spirit of fear, nor is it designed to place you on the edge, but instead its purpose is to elevate your level of awareness to the fact that the emanate return of Jesus Christ, also known as Maranatha, is at hand. We, unlike any other generation, are living in a day where technological advances, human behavior and political alliances are paving the way for end time prophecies that were given through scripture to come to fruition.
The VeriChip was the first RFID to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) refers to technologies that utilize radio waves to automatically identify individual items. When RFID first emerged, it was used in tracking and access applications. Since then, it has developed as a robust technology with ever increasing processing speeds, wider reading ranges, and larger memory capacities.
At the size of a grain of rice, the microchip inserts just under the skin and contains a unique, 16-digit identifier. The chip itself does not contain any other data other than this unique electronic ID, nor does it contain any Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking, however tracking capabilities are available.
Once implanted, the VeriChip is scanned with a handheld or fixed-mount device called a reader that emits electromagnetic (radio) waves. These waves can range from one inch to 100 feet and is dependent on power output and the radio frequency being used. This small amount of radio frequency energy passes from the reader energizing the dormant microchip, which then emits a radio frequency signal transmitting the individual’s unique verification number. This number can then be used for purposes such as accessing personal medical or financial information in a password-protected database, as well as assessing whether somebody has authority to enter into a high-security area.
I am not making a claim that the VeriChip is the mark of the beast; however it is surely a strong template for the anti-Christ to work with. The VeriChip is currently being implanted in infants and elderly people with chronic illnesses as a way to keep record of and have convenient access to medical information. The chip is also being used to track household pets and animals, as well as a tool to identify and track human remains recovered during major catastrophes like hurricane Katrina.
Revelations 13:15-17 reads, 15 the second beast was allowed to give breath to the statue so it could speak. He was allowed to kill all who refused to worship the statue. 16 He also forced everyone to receive a mark on the right hand or on the forehead. People great or small, rich or poor, free or slave had to receive the mark. 17 They could not buy or sell anything unless they had the mark. The mark is the name of the beast or the number of his name.
Revelations 14:9-11 reads, And another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he also will drink the wine of God's wrath, poured full strength into the cup of his anger, and he will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name.”
We the Ecclesia, also known as the church of God, must keep our eyes and ears open in preparation for Maranatha, the coming of Christ. It is most important that we know what the Word of God says, in order to be able to guard ourselves and warn others against the enemy as the stage is being set for the Ecclesia to be caught up and the anti-Christ to step on the scene.
Saints of God, Be Ye Also ready.

Friday, March 6, 2009

THERE IS NO MORE ROPE.....

............SERIOUSLY.

For those of you who read my last post. Things were not going so well, but I was slightly optimistic that they would get better. And after I had my little rant, I really just sat back and chilled because I did feel really childish for complaining, after all life is life and we all go through rough patches.

But then things didn't get better, despite my efforts, but still I didn't complain. I tried to make the best of my 30th Birthday with the help of my extremely sweet friends here in Dallas despite the fact I really wasn't feeling much like doing anything.

I literally make it from day to day because I am able to cope. I can't keep coping. I have put my foot to the pavement to better things yet my efforts are always stopped for this reason or another. And although I am my and come with my misgivings and shortcomings I am really not that bad of a person. So why it that week after week I get blindsided with crap. I mean literally my outlook now is be prepared for the next boulder to shatter what small amount of peace you have so that way I am not shocked when it happens. And I know I am not dealing with any severe, it is just that I keep having these things happen without any let up.

I was at home on my lunch break doing laundry and I hop in my car and it does not start. This is the same car, I just put more than $1000.00 into just a few weeks ago that I still have a car not on. So I automatically think me being me I just waited too long to change the battery in my key. So I go to the dealership so conveniently located right down the street from my house only to discover what I thought to be a $10.00 quick-fix is actually a $800 to $1200 issue.

REALLY........

I mean seriously, I can deal with the fact that my life isn't going to be all roses, but does it have to be filled with thorns. Hell I am not even asking for petals anymore just give my a little stem.

And I know I know I am just being tested. But unlike Job I am obviously not up for the challenge. Especially when the there seems to be no end to the test. I am on question 153,225,325 and my #2 pencils has been sharpened down to the eraser.

I don't complain about being a single parent, as that is a situation I got myself into. I don't complain about being sexless as I know I am single and I am trying to what is right. I don't complain about not having extra money so long as I have enough to take care of the necessities. I don't even complain when I am feel alone and lonely since I chose to move to Dallas 1348 miles away from the people who love me most. I have tried not to complain about not getting sleep since I have a comfy bed to lay in. I don't complain when it's a little chilly and I can't afford to turn the heat on since I have a really cool fire place and tons of sweaters and blankets. But really. Now is where I start complaining.

THIS IS RIDICULOUS. I mean ridiculous. I literally don't know what to do at this point. My options/solution/remedy box is bare. Are you there God it's me Jasmine by myself without the slightest clue of what to next. And all I ask is even though I know it is customary when you Satan talk to point those who really are trying, can you PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE take your finger off of me for a little while. Just a little while, because really I am one paycheck from being homeless especially since the next two paychecks are about to go to Ewing Autohaus and although I would be able to cope (because I think I have one more scoop left and the ability to literally just check out mentally) my child does not deserve the misfortune soon to be bestowed upon us because I can't figure it out.

Over the edge and throwing in the towel.

j

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

The Rope Is Just About Gone

So,

I am here in Dallas pretty much all by myself, which was not a big deal when I moved out here because I had a grip on my life back home.

I had a healthy and happy child, dependable transportation and enough time with my support system to try to figure out how to juggle things on my own.

Well I get here and my car is no longer as dependable as it was when there were two others in driveway for me to drive and my son has not been as healthy as he once was (but will be soon)

I finally get to a point to where all my credit card bills are paid and I pay off my $800.00 electricity bill while fighting with Green Mountain Energy to fix whatever is wrong and causing this issue only to be smacked in the face with a $350.00 for this months payment.

That on top of the always unexpected Dr.s bills for Joe only to pay Dr.s who refuse to look any deeper than what they want to see appointment after appointment only to be sent home with a child who is still in pain and wakes up periodically through the night. Sometimes he just lays there quietly, and other times he wants someone to complain to or someone to be up with him.

So I am running on way less than a full tank of gas. My eyes literally burn all day I am so tired and needless to say at the end of my rope.

And to be here in Dallas all alone with noone to really talk to face to face (who is older than 10). And I am not usually a woulda coulda shoulda person, but had I not moved to Dallas I would not have so many miles and so much ware on my car, my son never would have been in a pool as we lived in a state where there are beaches and he never would have gotten sick and he wouldn't be suffering now and I would not be so tired nor would I look like Tammy Fae Baker did on her last Larry King interview. I looks like the Alamo was fought on my face. Dallas has aged, not to mention I have not had a real facial in almost two years.

In trying to make good decisions I seem to always end up screwed. What is it about my thought process of the way I see things happening or panning out that is so jaded.


I honestly and truly need more rope. And this time i promise I wont hang myself with it.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

LIARS

Okay, first and foremost let's take a look at the definition as it is posted on dictioary.com:..:
l
i·ar a person who tells lies. ..>
And the given definition for a lie is as follows:

lie1 noun, verb, lied, ly·ing.
–noun

1. a false statement made with deliberate intent to deceive; an intentional untruth; a falsehood.

2. something intended or serving to convey a false impression; imposture: His flashy car was a lie that deceived no one. ..>

3. an inaccurate or false statement. ..>

The word deceive as it is given in the first definition of lie is a very strong word. In order for one to deceive you they must either think you are dumb or feel some sense of intellectual superiority that gives them the impression they will be able to out wit you. Thus insulting your intelligence and showing absolutely no respect for you as a human being.

We have all told lies, tell lies and will more than likely lie in the future. In my book there is not little white lie, or harmless lie. Each false word that comes out of our mouth has a definite reaction somewhere down the line.

It is a new year and I have a new agenda....take out all liars. Catch them up in their tracks. Let them dig themselves into a hole that will be impossible to get out of and then stand there once they are all caught up and watch them scoop dirt onto the crowns of their heads until they are suffocating in their own enunciated filth.

Maybe I hate lying so much because I am not very good at it and have never really had the opportunity to reap anything positive or beneficial from the act there of. But for all those individuals who feel the need to out wit me or trick me, or fool me...I can't not wait to hear the sounds you make while suffocating and gasping for breath as you are choked by your own words.

j

Thursday, January 15, 2009

If YOU WANT IT YOU CAN GET IT

This past Saturday I went out with a friend of mine to a lounge to support his efforts on finding a white girl. Now when I go out in Dallas I usually put very little effort into my appearance because one I am in Dallas and two I really don't want to hurt anyone with my flyness. But this particular Saturday I was in a black dress 4" stilettos and juicy reddish pink lips sort of mood. And since it was a little chilly out, I went ahead and threw on a fur to keep from catching cold, and to lok fly.

Throughout the evening I chopped it up with a few men, but one held my attention most of the time I was at the lounge. Very nice looking, smooth skin beautiful complexion and perfect teeth. And surprisingly enough he was black. I felt like I knew him from way back. He got my weird sense of humor and understood my slang. Well come to find out he was from Nevada and had spent a lot of time in Los Angele so I guess we had some sort of west coast connection. We laughed at various club-goers and shared our experiences living in Dallas.

Well towards the end of the night he offered his number and I gave him mine thinking finally I am starting to meet some cool people in Dallas. People that I can vibe with and understand. We talked well after the lights came on and as we were walking out of the club he came up behind me and whispered in my ear, "You can get it if you want it."

WTH is that. I can get it if I want. Well now I don't want it because you just let me know it was on the clearance rack. I wish I could find some sort of happy medium when it comes to men in this part of the country because I can not figure them out. Even the transplants.

He then called me later on that evening to see if I made it home safely and to reiterate his closing statement. I felt more than obliged to let him know that I thought he would make a really good friend as we seem to have quite a few things in common, but as far as anything else I really wasn't interested in a relationship whether serious or just a friend with benefits. Which was hard to say especially since, I was trying to stop my mind from wondering places it shouldn't the whole time we were talking.

These weirdos in Dallas make my celibate life more than easy when it comes to the stock of men I have to choose from. WOW, nine months, eleven days and almost two hours.

What is a girl to do?

j

Weight Loss Jounral 2

sO THIS IS WEEK TWO OF THE WEIGHT LOSS EFFORT AND i HAVE DECIDED THAT i NEED TO STEP IT UP ANOTHER NOTCH. nOT ONLY WILL i BE WORKING OUT TWICE A DAY ALL WEEK NEXT WEEK, i AM GOINGT O CUT EVEN MORE OUT OF MY DIET. i HAVE GOT TO WIN THIS COMPETITION. i ABSOLUTELY HAVE TO.

wE HAVE TO WEIGH IN ON SUNDAY, AND i AM NOT SO CERTAIN THAT i AM GOING TO BE HAPPY WITH THE RESULTS. tHE PAST TWO DAYS HAVE BEEN A LITTLE ROUGH.

bUT i AM NOT THROWING IN THE TOWEL, i AM GOING TO PRESS TOWARDS THE MARK AND i WILL WIN.

j

Laughing @ U Not w/ U

Every year around this time I find myself in front of the television waiting for the new season of American Idol to start. I am not a fan of the show at all but I love to watch them rake through the tens of thousands of Americans that truly believe that have that spark and don't.

I don't care to see the Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson's-to-be. My main goal is to laugh uncontrollably at the William Hon's and Big Bird Girl's. I don't want to see if I can determine who will be the next American Idol by their auditions. I want to see the social rejects, the IT nerds with the harmonica's and the Goth's and with their tone death harmony and multi-colored hair.

I watch for the looks of shock and disappointment on their faces when Simon says thins like, That sounded like the noise a cat makes when it falls from the roof of the Empire State Bldg while a siren is going off.

And I am laughing at these poor people in all of their ignorance. Can they not hear themselves? Do they really not know how horrible they sound? We can hear them, but they can not hear themselves?

And I do not feel bad about it, because I feel that any that puts themselves out there is open to the response of the public.


j

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Complainers

I CAN NOT STAND PEOPLE THAT COMPLAIN ABOUT THINGS THAT ARE OUT OF THEIR CONTROL, OR THINGS THEY SHOULD NOT COMPLAIN ABOUT AT ALL.

THERE IS A LADY AT MY JOB WHO IS JUST PLAIN OLD RUDE. AND SHE DOES NOT LIKE THE COKE ZERO THAT THE COMPANY BUYS. SO ONCE ALL THE DIET COKE IS GONE SHE IS FORCED TO DRINK THE FREE COKE ZERO AND SHE COMPLAINS ABOUT IT. WHICH FOR THE LIFE OF ME I DO NOT UNDERSTAND. IF YOU HATE THE COKE ZERO SO MUCH, STOP DRINKING IT. WALK YOUR HILLBILLIE BROKE A** 10 FEET IN THE OTHER DIRECTION TO THE VENDING MACHINE AND BUY A DIET COKE FOR $1.00 IF THAT IS WHAT YOU WANT. BUT GET OUT OF MY OFICE COMPLAINING ABOUT FREE SODA THE COMPANY DOES NOT HAVE TO PROVIDE FOR YOUR THIRSTY A**

IF I DO NOT LIKE SOMETHING I DO NOT PUT UP WITH IT OR TAKE IT JUST BECAUSE IT IS FREE. THAT IS STUPID. AND EVEN IF I AM IN ONE OF THOSE WELL IT'S FREE MOODS, I DO IT GRACEFULLY AND APPRECIATIVELY WITH MY MOUTH SHUT AND DO NOT COMPLAIN ABOUT WHAT IT IS NOT.

MAN
I HAVE TURNED INTO ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE I STARTED OUT TALKING ABOUT......grrrrrrrwwwennnfed>kddddd

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Race Relationships

So I am sitting here at my friends birthday party and a guy friend and I were talking about a relationship issue he is facing, and the whole time he is talking to me about his current non-relationship with this one chick the only thing that came to mind is that no matter what race or how old we are relationships are the same when it comes to male/female encounters across the board.

My friend is white and his non-girl is white and he was telling me how she comes up to his job and so forth. And I started to laugh because I have so many male friends that are black that tell me they are gonna start dating white women to avoid all the drama that comes along with dating "sistas".

Well all I have to say men is that relationship drama and the cause and effect factors never change. No matter what the race, creed or social-economic status you are relationship mishaps are pretty much the same. Especially when we are dealing with men a and women who are immature.

Don't think for a second men that white women will not put your shit outside, or show up to your job or put holes in condoms. Because they do.

I just read a BB message archive that proves it on my friends phone that proves it is so.

If you as man continually meet women who do not demonstrate stable behavior maybe you may want to take a look at your behavior and see what it is you are doing to merit such negative and unwanted rebuttals from the women you are dating.

Just food for thought.

j

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Weight Loss Jounral 1

So I made a bet with a lady at church that we both had to have 20lbs off by the first of march and we made a little friendly wager.

I have started to this process and I am proud to say that thus far the scales are tipping in my favor.

I have used various weight loss remedies before that gave me instant results with minimal effort other than discipline.

Actually working towards this goal with the little progress I have made makes me feel good. I am doing it and I am doing it on my own. Well not completely. A friend trains me and I have a son who is "dieting" with me to help me loose the lbs and inches.

I will be sharing my progress with the www which will hopefully help me stay focused.

Like Ruby, I CAN.


j

Monday, January 5, 2009

Joseph

My sacrifice is for his growth and my heartache is for his joy. My love is all his and he is my world.
His laugh tickles me, his cry pricks me and his smile reminds me.

I believe in his dreams, chastise him for his behavior and build his esteem.

I will hoist him on my back throughout the hardest leg of the journey. I will tie him in my arms. I nurtured him in my womb.

I know he will be great, I want him to have success, I pray he will be happy

Joseph

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Wigs, Weaves and Hair Pieces in Dallas

I don't know what it is wrong with the women in Dallas, but I have seen some of the wackest and most horrible weaves, falls, wigs and pieces here than I have ever seen in all my years as a black woman. There are some ruler we need to follow when wearing hair other than one own natural locks. Please read and pass the word on to any one who is breaking any of the rules listed below.

1. Try at all times to avoid synthetic hair. Make human hair a priority. If that does not fit into your budget (which you should when time permits) please note that nylon, yaki and other types of man made hair extension you need to switch the hair out frequently.

2. When wearing a wig, NEVER, I mean NEVER put the wig up into a ponytail of it is not a lace front with a nape added on. Do not take your Big T's Bazaar 29.99 fuchsia and black wig and try to maneuver the hair into a ponytail. The fact that hair does not naturally flow into a ponytail and you have to fold/bend the hair in the back should be a clear indication that something is wrong and you should stop what you are doing immediately.

3. If you do have a weave either sewn or glued in, please make sure you have enough hair to cover your tracks. Always remember to cover your tracks. This rules out the ever so trendy South Dallas style that allows you to gel all your hair down and glue your tracks on top of the helmet of hair. This is not cute no matter how many times your home girl Shamina tell you it is.

4. The only time it is acceptable to have more than one color of hair is if you have highlights that are done at a professional salon or a skunk that is tastefully done. Rainbow hair wigs are not allowed not for one minute. This also mean you can no longer match your hair to your outfit. A hot pink dress with blue polka dots should not be work with a hot pink wig with blue tips.

5. If you do opt for a full head weave, please make sure your beautician knows how to sew that last track at the top in to that we can not see the circle of hair attached to your hair. She/he should take the last track hold it in a circle and sew it in standing up so the hair comes up and away from the scalp thus hiding the tracks.

6. Last but not least, if your gran-papi was a slave you the nappy hair of a slave, do not put Italian mink or silky straight hair in your head knowing it doesn't match the texture of your own blended hair once it is pressed out. You can not have Oprah Winfrey and Ellen DeGeneres's hair issues on the same head and not expect me to laugh at your when I walk in to room. It makes me think you are bi-polar or have split personalities that could not agree on a hair style.


If you think I have left anything out, please add whatever rules you think need to be added.

j

The Holidays Are Finally Over

I have never been so excited to see Christmas come and go like I am this year. My first year away from my mother on the holiday and I hated.

Bah fricken hum bug


j

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Home for The Holidays

Never really got into this song until now. Now I play it over and over and over and over again.

Man, to be home for the holidays.

j

Monday, December 15, 2008

Guys and Dolls

So I am sitting her watching Guys and Dolls wondering how many women born in 1966 where named Adelaide.

I am also noticing the super thug swagger Frank Sinatra and Marlon Brando have. Gangsters they are.

j

Thursday, December 11, 2008

The Grading Curve (Didn't Get to Proof)

Kira often tells me I am way to harsh on people and need to let up sometimes. She feels I often times write people off too quickly. DeDe thinks I expect too much from people and often times set my standards a little too high.

I look at it this way and probably will until Jesus says otherwise. I grade those who are closest to me a lot harder than others. If I feel like if a close friend who is in my circle has betrayed me, lied to me, doesn't have my best interest at heart, just get written off a lot quicker than a lower class friend.

Now a lower class friend is a friend that you may work with or go to the gym with and you hang out from time to time, maybe do dinner or have a cocktail but you are not thick as thieves type homies. Now a lower class friend has the potential to become a good friend so long as they don't accrue too many marks against them and get the boot. Since this friend is not a good friend to you and vice versa you don't expect much and you don't give much. Now you have to let a lower class friend know their place or else they may be disappointed that they don't get better treatment.

Groundskeeper friends fit into the category of keep your friends close and your enemies closer. This is the chick you can't leave around your man unsupervised cause she will make a move, you can't let her know too much because she will talk about you but you keep her around and she corresponds with you because you benefit from each other in various ways. This broad means nothing and you rarely talk to her on any real level.

I have a friend that was surely on the way to being a ride or die friend but because I think this person was not completely honest with me they will surely be deleted come January 1 if not sooner. The rest will be deleted via lottery selection this year as I am not particularly fond of anyone on the list.

toodles
j

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

IM Conversation

josephelijahsmom: he didnt say that
josephelijahsmom: oh my gosh
josephelijahsmom: i am sooo glad Bob can not talk
josephelijahsmom: men are wrong
josephelijahsmom: real wrong
josephelijahsmom: i have relationships with men like all sane women, via the telelvision Burgunday Jones: LOL
Burgunday Jones: LOL
Burgunday Jones: LOL
josephelijahsmom: when i want to fall in love i watch hallmark
Burgunday Jones: d
Burgunday Jones:
josephelijahsmom: when i want to feel betrayed i watch lifetime
Burgunday Jones: WHOWWWWWWWWWWWWEBurgunday Jones: CHUCHHHHHH
josephelijahsmom: when i want some ghetto lovin i watch a movie on BET
josephelijahsmom: lol
josephelijahsmom: and when i want something new i go to on demand

Monday, December 8, 2008

PEOPLE WHO KNOW HOW TO SOLVE ALL YOUR PROBLEMS

Don't you just love those people who are more than willing to let you know where there is room for improvement in your life. Will boldly tell you what you have done or are doing wrong. Are able to let you know how wonderful they are an how they have done everything correctly. Swear they want to see you do better. Understand you have a tough road ahead.

Yet, with all their insight and wisdom and upper hand never offer nor do they intend to give you hand or help you lay out plan to get the said place their eyes believe you should be in.


j

I....

...CRY IN THE SHOWER WHEN I HAVE A BAD DAY
...LABORED FOR THREE DAYS WITH MY SON AND AN HOUR TO PUSH HIM OUT
...HAVE BEEN CHEATED ON
...HAVE NEVER CHEATED ON
...AM I BAD LIAR
...HAVE READ THE BOOK OF ESTHER OVER AND OVER
...WOULD'VE LIKED TO HAVE HAD A DAUGHTER AND NAMED HER ONE OF THE FOLLOWING
1. ARDEN MARIE
2. HANNAH SELAH
3. SOMETHING WITH GRACE IN IT
...HAVE PROMISED TO NEVER LOVE A MAN WHO DOESN'T LOVE EQUALLY AS MUCH
...NEED TO REPAIR SOME HICCUPS ON MY CREDIT REPORT
...WOULD HAVE LOVED TO LIVE IN THE PRE-CIVIL WAR SOUTH AS A WHITE WOMAN WHOSE HANDSOME HUSBAND DIDN'T WANT KIDS AND HAD TONS OF SLAVE FREE CASH
...TOOK MY SAT'S WHEN I WAS SEVEN MONTHS PREGNANT
...HAVE PLAYED IN THE WATER AT ZUMA BEACH NUDE MORE THAN FIVE TIMES
...LOVE TO LAUGH OUT LOUD
...AM NOT AS STRONG AS SOME MAY THINK
...NOT AS WEAK AS SOME WOULD LIKE
...HAVE GOOD INTENTIONS
...AM SOOOO HAPPY DEDE IS CARRYING A BOY
...WANT A STRAWBERRY AND CREAM LATTE SO BAD
...HATE DENNY'S AND LOVE IHOP
...CAN NO LONGER USE MY FATHER'S MISGIVINGS AS MY EXCUSE
...AM A LATE BLOOMER IN A NUMBER OF WAYS
...OFTEN WISH I COULD BE 14 AGAIN
...WILL SUCCEED

j

Saturday, December 6, 2008

"All By Myself", Grey"s Anatomy

Each week at the end of every episode of Grey's Anatomy, Dr. Grey gives her soliloquy or monologue or whatever you want to call it none of which are ever really profound in my opinion and are only things that people who don't have any real issues can relate to. Like the cute Latina surgeon who can not make up her on mind about her sexual orientation or friends who swap sex partners at work because they have no life out side of each other.

But this morning I was laying on my couch in an effort to clean out my TiVo box off all the things I can't watch during the week when the lispy little Meridith Grey said something that to my surprise was not only noteworthy but also had me in tears. I was literally sitting on my couch crying my eyes out over this forty-five second speech that was meant to inspire nothing more than viewers to turn to NBC next Thursday for another episode. But there I was unable to catch my breath because of the following statement:

"We enter the world alone and we leave it alone and everything that happens in between we owe it to ourselves to find a little company. We need help, we need support. Otherwise we are in it by ourselves, strangers cut off from each other and we forget just how connected we all are. So instead we choose love we choose life and for a moment we feel just a little bit less alone."

I started thinking, here I am all alone in Dallas no where near the ones I love and love me. No wonder I am sooooo lonely. No wonder my son is soooo miserable here in Dallas. We have no one here that really loves us and I have no support.

Yes we have met some wonderful people who have included us into their lives and shared some good times with us and friends from the past who reside here as well, but on a day to day basis we are alone. So what is it all worth. What is it worth to be here in Dallas alone, not happy.

I had actual become accustomed to being by myself during the year I lived here before Joseph arrived. But it is hard to get a child to understand that there is really nothing wrong with solitude.

I realize that I have friends in California. Ride or die to the end of the earth Thelma and Louise homegirls. Friends that I see all the time, whose ideals and values are like mine and we understand each other.

I have a family that loves and supports me no matter what. So why am I here, why are we 1432.41 miles from the people who care for us the most.

I have made the threat a million times, but this time it may be a promise, I am going to move home this summer.

j





Friday, December 5, 2008

Luby's

So today, thanks to Tricia I experienced what my life will be like here in Texas at the ripe old age of 65 if I don't put enough money into my 401K and Roth IRA accounts.

A group of coworkers and I decided to head to Luby's, a place I thought was for feeding cars and not humans for lunch this afternoon. Considering the fact that the last place we ate at was a taco stand in the back of a mini mart adjacent to a gas station Luby's is surely a step up for Team 1.

As usual I talked major trash prior to arriving to our lofty little lunch venue. And once we entered the cafeteria style (which is something I have never had to describe but for my Cali friends is like Souplantation) eatery I noticed we had just barely missed the Golden Girls rush. So I scampered to the line and pick the safest things I could find, like steak, potatoes and cabbage as I was hurled through the line by a Southern Baptist named Miss Shirley and her helpers, whom none of which could say anything in English other than what was one the menu I was shocked by how decent the food option were.

I pick my dessert and beverage and stop at a register where I assum I am supposed to pay only to be greeting by Esperanza who could only say, "Pay when you leave."

As I stepped into the dining area of what looked like the Sally Struthers Senior Citizens Revival Life Care Center I totally wished Bitten was with me to share in this marvelous experience.

I sat down with the rest of my team mates and enjoyed, yes I said enjoyed what I would consider to be the best lunch line food I have ever had.

The next time I go (which will solely be so Joe can experience this with me) I will more than likely have the chicken fried chicken which is evidently chicken that is friend like steak that is fried like chicken. hahahahaha, who knew.

I love the southern region of the US.


Holla,

j

Thursday, December 4, 2008

A Woman's Shoe Size

Why is it so frowned upon for women to have big feet. My whole life I have been embarrassed to tell men in particular what size shoe I wear.

A coworker of mine told me he bought his wife some boots similar to he ones I was wearing but they are a softer leather and they are brown. I was sitting there thinking how nice of you to do something so sweet for her. I love men who love and support their significant others love for fine footwear. Then he proceeded to ask me what size shoe I wore and I froze and couldn't speak like a lump of mucous was lodged in my throat blocking the words from coming out.

He laughed and was like no seriously, my wife doesn't like the boots and has never worn them and can't find the receipt. There are yours if you can fit them. Even still I hesitated.

I then asked him what size the shoes where and he told me and I told him I would take them. After we laughed at uncomfortable situation I told what size I wore and we laughed.

I think the Chinese started this problem with their foot binding rituals, the stigma that large feet are a bad thing.

I am sure Heidi Klum wears a size 10 or 11 so why should I care about my size 9 1/2 feet. I am a tall girl and I have rather long feet and a new pair of high heel brown boots for the winter.

holla

j

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

The Don Mega

For those of you who had to read the title an ask yourselves who is he, please close out and stop reading now.

For those of you who couldn't wait to hear what I have to say about O'Shea Jackson then you will understand my excitement.

I have loved Ice Cube ever since I can remember. And although the thuggy, rapper gheri curl thing has never really been my style OMGosh there is something about that man.

His complexion his mi vida loca moles on his face. WHew. So please know I was more than happy when I turned on my radio this morning to hear him on the Ricky Smiley's morning show.

There is something about a west coast man's swagger. (Please note I left out the "N" word and substituted with man).

The What it do?, the Fa sho, No doubt, Playa Playa and my fav What's cracking. Man. I was grinning so hard that I had to catch myself at the light on Custer and Park and bring it all together.

I remember one night my old boss and I were in the sky box right next to Cube's at the Staple Center and for like 20 minutes I sat there wishing his flawlessly hood built wife was not with him so I could put my major groupie hoe stroll together and approach him. And I had just finished Ivy's so I was really smelling myself too. Hahahahaha.

Man, I love that man.


j

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

I THINK MY FRIENDS MAN IS GAY

Okay, so if you had a friends who was dating a guy that she really liked and you had suspicion but no real proof that he was gay would you tell her how you felt and why?

j

OPI Nail Polish


I have totally been on OPI's tip ever since Helen (my old nail tech of a very long time) and I decided we hated Essie Nail Varnish because it chipped to quickly and she was sick of seeing me wear Pinking up the Pieces.


The brand that started off by swearing to not only have the best colors, but promised their "nail lacquer" lasted the longest has truly held up to its promise. With names like Louvre me or Louvre me not and Malaga Wine (a personal fav) OPI's variety of colors is able to take your mani/pedi to places it has never been.

Well, this season I have totally been trying to stay away from my safe granny colors and usual opaques as Kira calls them and have taken the traditional dark tones of fall and winter to uncharted territory with OPI's Lincoln Park After Dark (not to confused with their Lincoln Park After Midnight which has more of a violet undertone) that is until I got a Blackberry Messenger message from Kira who told me I had to have Black Cherry Chutney, a part of the India collection. http://www.opi.com/india.asp Black Cherry Chutney sums up this seasons signature color in three words PLUM, PURPLE & VIOLET. And although it is vaguely described as a deliciously dark black-red Black Cherry Chutney will look as scrumptious on your hands as it sounds.

Stylistas, please feel free to share your favorite nail colors for the season.
j

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

What do I need "HIM" for

As I creep up the hill o' age I am constantly reminded that I am "still" single at the ripe but not rotten age of 29 3/4. To the more mature women in my family who were probably married and had birthed 3 children by the time they were my age the only thing that stops them from assuming I am a lesbian, next to my great taste in shoes is the fact that I have a son which is proof enough for them that I like boys. Funny enough the fact that I am still single seriously unnerves them and they make it a point mention the finger closest to my pinky on my left hand is "still" bare every time they get the chance which in turn unnerves me.

Throughout history, marriage was essential to men and women because there was a definite need or dependency. Men needed women to have their children and women needed men to feed said off springs. But as our species has evolved the male/female dependency rate has dropped.

With women becoming more independent and men becoming less dependable, I find myself asking the new age question of, What do I need him for? A couple a weeks ago a friend and I were chopping it up and the more we talked about the subject the more I realized I don't. I don't need him. Now I am not speaking for all women, some of ya'll need a man(or 3rd Party Consultant as I like to call them). You couldn't keep your sh*t together if you had adhesive and a KKY zipper to hold it together. But for the woman who works a 40-65 hour work week, takes care of kiddo, cooks and cleans, and maintains her household and finances what does she need said spouse around for if she can juggle all the balls on her own. Is it necessary to throw his balls into the mix as well? In your average more traditional relationship the brunt of the non-financial family and household responsibilities falls on the woman. With today's' woman being less dependent on a man as her mother was for monetary stability the financial responsibility tends be just as much hers as it is his. And from my observation being married means the occupation of my time by another entity other than myself. Outside of the traditional forms of sexual fulfillment and procreation, there really isn't anything we "need" men for anymore.

I totally believe in outsourcing. There are gardeners, mechanics, handy men and the brother or uncle who will sit with you during the long drawn out car buying negotiation process. Plus, outsourcing tends to be cheaper. You don't have to carry as much insurance or overhead and there is way less risk and involvement for the one doing the outsourcing.

With that said, when you weigh the amount of sacrifice, time and compromise it takes to have a lasting relationship (that does not offer any sort of guarantee) that will endure the test of time is it really worth it for the sake of having him around. I am not promoting fornication, but wouldn't it be equally as easy for Ms. Independent to hold down all she has and be committed to hooking with Larry Late Night for a few hours a week who doesn't mind having to creep out before the sun rises if sex is a must. A relationship that takes minimal effort and whatever time you are willing to commit without the messiness of emotions and obligations. Or what about a visit to the local Zone d' Erotica (conveniently located at North Dallas and Park) to pick up a rabbit and a super pack of batteries on your next trip to Costco(conveniently located at North Dallas and Plano Parkway).

Love is a fickle emotion says my friends Kira and and often causes spells of temporary blindness and insanity. So far all you readers who are sitting there saying to yourself she is crazy and just hasn't found love don't be fooled. Love is the one thing I believe that jades and confuses people and creates so much confusion. I have already written a novel so I will stop here, but I want to know what your thoughts are. Please, share.


j

Cowboy Boots

It has been over a year since I arrived in the Lone Star state yet I am amazed when I see someone out in cowboy boots. And not the typical Melrose short Grecian dress, cowboy hat, long beaded necklace and maybe a cut-off denim jacket way of wearing cowboy boots. And not in the sense of it's my birthday let's go to Saddle Ranch have a couple of hunch punches and ride the bull way either. I mean let me get up put on a pair of dress slacks and nice crisp collar shirt and tie and a pair of my best I wrangle cattle boots and start my day.

I remember being in Costco one Saturday afternoon after having a little wine while at lunch with a friend a seeing a rather old man in a t-shirt with his Wrangler jeans tucked into his....you got it, cowboy boots. And no one thought this was odd but me. And maybe it was the wine, but I could not help but laugh hysterically with tears streaming down my face and all. It took everything in my power not to take a picture of him and blast him on the Internet.

I know I am in the land of cattle, Dr. Pepper and backyard (piss)beer and I have learned to except that. I have even given into the philosophy of when in Rome...... But I can not get over the boots. What do they symbolize and why is it a fashion trend that Texans won't let go of? Only in Dallas can you be sitting in the Living Room Bar of the W Hotel with all of its black suits, couture martinis and trendiness only to look up and see JR. Ewing circa 2008 ordering and shot of Johnny Walker Blue Label or be sitting at a table at Kirby's only to see a group of men with their ten gallon hats sitting in the chairs next to them. I remember reading the book Bridges of Madison county and Francesca commenting that there were no more real cowboys left. Well maybe there aren't any left in Iowa, but Texan men sure have held on to the tradition of big belt buckles pick-up trucks and the infamous pair of cowboy boots.

Heee haaawwww, lets all go to Gilly's!!!!


j

Friday, November 21, 2008

Acqua di Gio

Acqua di Gio

What the heck is it about this cologne that makes me want to do bad things. It is like one whiff and I have to go into my prayer closet and repent, if for nothing else but my horrible horrible thoughts.

Anytime I smell it on someone I always ask the person who is wearing it what it is they are wearing like I don't know what their response will be hoping they will say something else in an effort to prove I am not the looser girl whose "pheromones" are ignited and released sending out a mating call to men whenever I smell Acqua di Gio.

If there is anyone who knows what sex on a man should smell like I guess it would Giorgio Armani, but my goodness did he have to do such a good job of capturing that essence and putting it into a bottle.

Being celibate makes inhaling this fine fragrance no easy task let me asure you. I feel like I am at the Abby or RAVE with Joey on a hot wear-next-to-nothing summer night with WEHO's finest gay men surrounding me on the dance floor sweating and dancing until 2am only to return home felt up, aroused and alone.

The last time there was a cologne that made me this crazy was while I was in high school reading How Stella Got Her Groove back. I sprayed my book with Calvin Klein Escape for Men at the Robinson's-May counter in the Fox Hills Mall before boarding the 108 Slauson bus one afternoon so I could feel like Winston was in the room with me at night when I read. L-A-M-E. My goodness, I am weird. Self-proclamation you read it here today or tomorrow, or whenever you read this post. I need to gain control.

Ha-ha just remembered, before Escape it was Obsession for men. And for a while there it was L'Eau d'issey by Issey Miyake and Carolina Herrera for Men

WOW, ok ladies and gentlemen what fine fragrance if any sends you into a tizzy. I know I can't be the only one. My goodness, don't let me be the only one.

Please share

j

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Gwen Gwen




Lady Gweneth decided to have a baby or two and then poof instantaneously became the weird American/Euro trash junkie we see photographed before us.




With this dress Banana's mommy is saying breast feeding did not do for me what it did for Heidi Klum.




Women who have man chests like Nicole Kidman, Sienna Miller and that one dark haired 80 year old cougar from Desperate house wives should showcase their really great hair or long legs or newly injected lips. But please don't make me have to look at this horror of a site again, ever.
I can just see her having one cocktail too many and totally exposing her nipplette to the pappos and being totally unaware until TMZ posts the flicks on their website with a ? mark asking people to take a pole on whether her nipplette is exposed or she has a really big pimple on her chest.

And please Paltrow fans, don't blame the dress. Blame her sorry a** homegirl that told her the dress was hot even though she could see plain as day the midget elbows busting out from under her shoulders. If she would have been able to get that extra breast meat from her upper chest area to get along with her nipple area, this ensemble may have been more of a success than a disaster and this blog would have been all about those adorable shoes she she should not have worn with the adorably petite cocktail dress.


I know a personal shopper who works at the Beverly Center who could have put together a better non-red carpet ensemble than this.
All publicity aint good GP. You might as well take that off and let little Grape have some funplaying dress up.

Lindsay Lohan Calls Obama Colored

Just call her Lindsay Bunker

Lindsay Lohan used a derogatory term for African Americans most commonly used by racist character Archie Bunker in the 1970s sitcom "All In the Family."
"It's an amazing feeling. It's our first, you know, colored president," the 22-year-old actress said in response to a question from Maria Menounos on "Access Hollywood" about her reaction to Obama's win in the 2008 presidential race.

Click over to Access Hollywood for the interview and hear for yourself.


http://www.hollyscoop.com/lindsay-lohan/lindsay-lohan-calls-obama-colored_18394.aspx



Shortcut to: http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=2082692982653292551

The video speaks for itself.


j

Friday, November 14, 2008

Swagger

swagger
–verb (used without object)
1. to walk or strut with a defiant or insolent air.
2. to boast or brag noisily.–verb (used with object)
3. to bring, drive, force, etc., by blustering.–noun
4. swaggering manner, conduct, or walk; ostentatious display of arrogance and conceit.
(swāg'ər) Pronunciation Key v. swag·gered, swag·ger·ing, swag·gers v. intr.
To walk or conduct oneself with an insolent or arrogant air; strut.
To brag; boast.
v. tr. To browbeat or bully (someone).
n. A swaggering movement or gait.
Boastful or conceited expression; braggadocio.
//-->[Probably frequentative of swag.]
//--> swag'ger·er n., swag'ger·ing·ly adv.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language,

Once again "Hip Hop" culture has managed to take something that has a negative meaning and turn it into something positive?

j

The Puff-Gina

Okay so the about five years and two jobs ago I am sitting with my pale skinned red head alter ego Bitten and we are talking about fat women. At the time I was not "officially fat" so of course I thought the conversation topic was appropriate and hilariously entertaining.

About ten minutes into the conversation she says a word that almost made me turn blue I laughed so hard. "Puff-Gina". Once I was able to catch my breath, I made her explain what a puff-gina was. Had she seen some foreign Hustler like film where women had enlarged private parts? I didn't quite understand. Bitten went on to explain that a puff-gina is what's created when a woman's lower belly meat folds over and dunlaps onto her private parts and rests there. This is usually a result of being pregnant and not loosing the excess flab or just by being morbidly obese. The only cure for a puff-gina is to have a tummy tuck as the hanging flesh has not elasticity.

So kids, your new word for the day is Puff-Gina. Be careful where you use it as it is a little offensive and a puff-gina can actually be used as a weapon.


Please feel free to share your thoughts and puff-gina stories with the rest of us.

Happy Friday!!!

j

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

The Law of Attraction

Do we really get what we put out?


If I have heard it once, I have heard it a million times, you get what you give you give what you get, which has prompted me to take a "scientific" look at the Law of Attraction. Yes, I said scientific. If I am receiving what I put out, I am obviously omitting Liar, Cheater, Insincere, Pathological, a sprinkle of Misogyny & Selfishness (And those are just starters). Which is totally different that the Funny, Witty, Friendly, Honest, Giving me I think I am. Over the next few weeks, I will be working on a series of blogs that will track my "Relationship Experiment" in an effort to discover and correct my dysfunctions and show off my progress.

Your comments during this process will not only help me focus on areas I may have overlooked but also give insight to behavior I may display that others find abnormal or obtuse that I may not. By the end of my study, if there ever is an end I hope to know why it is that I have been putting out and forcing others to deal with that may not necessarily be adding positive vibes to my environment.


This means I will have to put down my People magazines and pause Chelsea Lately and actually do some real studying.

I am up for the challenge 100% .

j

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Can Men and Women Really "Be Friends"

At times I am a little free spirited in my way of thinking and have also had to recently admit that I can sometimes be a little naive. But 3/4 of the way into 2008, I was shocked one night when talking to someone I thought was surely on his way to being my new BFF when he shared his views on male/female relationships. It burned my ears to hear him say things like men and women can not have strictly platonic friendships. And when it comes to men, if they are friends with a woman it is because of an underlined sexual agenda that the man in the relationship may be harboring. He also stated the only men who could be friends with a woman without their being any sexual benefits are gay men.

So me being the nosey rosy I am started picking the brains of men some friends and some just acquaintances, and out of the the men I talked to six men were able to give me an honest answer and four of them agreed with the aforementioned anonymous neanderthal. Then, I began to wonder which of my male friends were genuinely my friend and which ones really just wanted to get laid.

Well needless to say, I am one "friend" less, but I am curious to see what men and women think about truly platonic relationships. Are they possible?
j

Friday, November 7, 2008

Judges 4:1-16, A man names Barack

Judges 4:1-16
1After Ehud died, the people of Israel once again did what was evil in the sight of the Lord.
2 So the Lord gave them over to the power of Jabin. He was a king in Canaan. He ruled in Hazor. The commander of his army was Sisera. Sisera lived in Harosheth Haggoyim. 3 Jabin used 900 chariots that had some iron parts. He treated the people of Israel very badly for 20 years. So they cried out to the Lord for help.
4 Deborah was a prophet. She was the wife of Lappidoth. She was leading Israel at that time. 5 Under The Palm Tree of Deborah she served the people as their judge. That place was between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim. The people of Israel came to her there. They came to have her decide cases for them. She settled matters between them.
6 Deborah sent for Barak. He was the son of Abinoam. Barak was from Kedesh in the land of Naphtali. Deborah said to Barak, "The Lord, the God of Israel, is giving you a command. He says, 'Go! Take 10,000 men from the tribes of Naphtali and Zebulun with you. Then lead the way to Mount Tabor. 7 I will draw Sisera into a trap. He is the commander of Jabin's army. I will bring him, his chariots and his troops to the Kishon River. There I will hand him over to you.' "
8 Barak said to her, "If you go with me, I'll go. But if you don't go with me, I won't go."
9 "All right," Deborah said. "I'll go with you. But because of the way you are doing this, you won't receive any honor. The Lord will hand Sisera over to a woman."
So Deborah went to Kedesh with Barak. 10 There he sent for Zebulun and Naphtali. And 10,000 men followed him. Deborah also went with him.
11 Heber, the Kenite, had left the other Kenites. They came from the family line of Hobab. He was the brother-in-law of Moses. Heber set up his tent by the large tree in Zaanannim near Kedesh.
12 Sisera was told that Barak, the son of Abinoam, had gone up to Mount Tabor. 13 So Sisera gathered together his 900 chariots that had some iron parts. He also gathered all of his men together. He brought them from Harosheth Haggoyim to the Kishon River.
14 Then Deborah said to Barak, "Go! Today the Lord will hand Sisera over to you. Hasn't the Lord gone ahead of you?" So Barak went down Mount Tabor. His 10,000 men followed him.
15 As Barak's men marched out, the Lord drove Sisera away from the field of battle. He scattered all of Sisera's chariots. Barak's men struck down Sisera's army with their swords. Sisera left his chariot behind. He ran away on foot.
16 But Barak chased Sisera's chariots and army. He chased them all the way to Harosheth Haggoyim. All of Sisera's men were killed with swords. Not even one was left.


Thanks Uncle Will for this one.

j

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Election Day

This morning I spoke to my mother during her morning commute as I do 3 to 4 days out of the week about random events, family etc. But this morning, her voice was weak and she was surely emotional. She told me that she sat on the side of her bed this morning before getting dressed and cried almost without ceasing. Today is a day of CHANGE for sure. And although it could be a milestone for women having the first female Vice President elected to office, my mother was emotional because today could be the day the voting citizens of the US elect the first African American President to office.

During our entire conversation, all she said the whole time we talked was how she wished Ed Ward (my grandfather) was alive to see this day. Ed Ward, the man who opened his home to voters and had “polling” in his living and dining room, who made sure I voted for every election from the time I turned 18 until he died and instilled in me a belief that my vote was my voice and the most powerful way to be heard. A man who knew what is was like to not be counted as equal. And even though he himself was half Irish, he was not light enough to pass like many of his siblings so he was often times passed over. He always believed that there was a power in your vote that could create CHANGE.

As I talk to more and more people from my moms generation and read various posts online, be it black or white who are open to the ever so popular concept of CHANGE Sen. Obama has ignited the country with, many of them are astounded that this day is really here and that the possibility is closer than ever. For those who lived during the civil rights era and were able to see the division and unity it caused a day like today is one that was probably hoped for, but never seen as a reality. On the other hand, many people who were born in the late 70's early 80's just always knew we needed someone other than Jesse Jackson to represent us, but the idea of there being a Black president in the white house was definitely more than just a notion. I think having minorities whether they are classified by gender or ethnic make-up as candidates in this year’s election is surely a sign that the people of American are ready for CHANGE. The good ol' way of doing things is not the way we want them done.

Please let your voice be heard and get out and vote and adding your comments, cares and concerns to this blog post.