My 29th Birthday !

Yesterday was my 29th birthday! I received birthday and other well wishes from so many people and so many ways (phone calls, in person, text messages, im's emails, facebook, myspace, and snail mail)! I would have to say I think yesterday was one of the best birthday's I have ever had as an adult. I didn't want much but to talk to and spend time with loved ones.

As I have been doing for a few years now...

My Birthday First List 2006!

My first phone call was from my sister a little after midnight ;) Davida
My first e card Anca & Alex (from a Romanian site...very cool)
My first blog shot out from Mellissa & the kids!
My first card was from Yvonne (three days early)
My first birthday lunch from my Kristopher
My first snail mail card from Alyssa
(holding the title strong for many years!)
My first e mail message Anca & Cristi
My first facebook wish Jamilia
My first myspace wish Michael
My first gift from my Parents
My first text message Yvette
My first im wishes Mellissa

I shared my birthday dinner with three very special people in my life, My Parents and My Boyfriend. Many of you may know... I am NOT a cook, (don't get me wrong I can bake some mean desserts but cooking is NOT my specialty)... hence my mama taught me how to prepare sirloin strips with a mushroom sauce. So, I got to spend quality time with my mama as she showed me how to prepare a meal...AND the four of us dined together later in the evening. Kris prepared a sugar free dessert of jell-o topped with whipped cream and a "trick candle" that all of us could enjoy (very thoughtful because my father is a diabetic). It was very pretty as you can see in the pictures.

I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to each of you that made my 29th birthday wonderful!

Update on...The Wedding Marathons

Hello All! I never thought these words would come from my mouth (or fingertips) but I think I am about tired of weddings. Don't get me wrong I have enjoyed every wedding that I have attended but 5 weddings in 3 months so far is what we call slight burn out. This weekend Kris and I attended our 5th wedding of the season together. That makes two garter catches for Kris and one bouquet catch for me. I still have several I have been informed that I/we have been invited. We will just have to see. Congratulations to each of the couples have united in holy matrimoney and have invited us to take part in your special day...whether we attended or sent gifts.

Please Pray for Me

It has just been a rough year for me. Don't get me wrong their are wonderful aspects too, but it just seems like the negative just keep on coming in my life. I work with a summer camp that I really enjoy, but this year it just hasn't been as fun for me. There were actually two components that were put into place that made it MUCH easier on me this year and I thank God for those two people! It just seems like I need a break. I want to go away and enjoy a weekend with someone I love very much but that really just doesn't look possible with our schedules and vacation time allowed... Please just pray good and positive things for me. I really really need them.

AOL Full CD Listening Party

Hi All! I just love music... all kinds... granted as stated in previous blogs... there are some genres that will always hold a special place in my heart but there I just love music.... except really heavy stuff. Regardless your preference I encourage you to check out AOL's Full CD Listening Party. Here, you can listen to several CDs coming out that week in their entirety for at least a week. So when you need to jam on the job or just relax at the house I recommend trying AOL Full CD Listening Party! You may even find out you like groups you never thought you would like or ever heard of... I am currently jammming the Steve Miller Band...what are you listening to?

You can catch more flies with honey...

"You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar" .... that was a favorite saying of someone that passed away recently. This year has been and continues to be a bit of a stuggle for me, and the passing of my "church godmother" Miss Ellen Naomi Childers" does not make it easier. I would like to take a moment and pay tribute to her in this blog. I never realized how much I enjoyed learning about history until I spent time with Miss Childers. She was a former educator that wrote books, poetry, and as many say was "walking history". She introduced me to Rosenwald Schools, genealogy, and much more. She lived a beautiful life and she will be missed by many. I love you Miss Childers.

One of Her Books...
A Journey of Faith-40 Years of Excellence: A History of Seneca Institute (Paperback)

BELIEVE AGAIN

Sometimes you may feel like your life is spinning out of control...from time to time I do. I am a control nut and I know it. So out of control... or not clearly understanding freaks me out! I am much better in recent times but lately I just feel a little unfrazzled and a lot of emotional weight weighing me down. However it is my nature to just be quiet... smile and nodd... unless provoked OR vent to close friends...(which I know they get tired of therefore I start holding more in)...When I do speak up... I am scared that I may push people away from me. I HATE negative confrontation under any circumstances but when pushed one too many times I push back when I can or get a little down when there is nothing I can do. I tend to stop believing in the good things in life, stop believing in the positives...

Recently I have been experiencing that and needed a little inspiration, and when I was cleaning out my email I found this poem my friend Demeterius recently shared.

BELIEVE AGAIN
What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it shrivel up and die?
Naw,
Grapes of promise may be gone
But even they leave evidence of hope
By becoming raisins when they dry
Tis not over, no where close
Pick up the pen again,
Start up your business again,
Open your heart again,
Trust Jesus again,
Run the race to win,
Believe again!
©2006 Demeterius Smith (By inspiration of The Holy Spirit)

It helped to inspire me at just the right time. I hope it inspires you. Smile it may just brighten someone elses day.

Best Heckler Week 5... Roz!

Hi Everyone! Please continue to support my cousin Roz on Last Comic Standing. Tune in tonight!

NBC - Tuesday, June 27 - 9:00 PM
Last Comic Standing EPISODE #6

Last week she won Best Heckler!

"When the last heckler heckled, it was up to the audience to decide on their favorite performers and hecklers. The votes were tallied with the audience deciding that the best heckler was Roz" - Last Comic Standing Website

India.Aire... Testimony: Vol. 1

Artist of this week is India.Aire The lady has an AWESOME sound. Don’t get me wrong I love all types of music, however there is just something about the Neosoul and Caribbean music that often offers to its listeners a “feel good” beat in one song that has you dancin’ at your desk and points of inspiration, meditation, and reflection in another soulful collaboration of musical notes and soothing melodies. I believe that India gives us just that combination in “Testimony: Vol. 1 Life & Relationships”. Check it out! If you like her sound and others like her please BUY their albums! You can often check out the entire album for free the week of release on AOL FULL CD Listening Party!

CORINNE BAILEY RAE

For year’s I have been able to pick out a great new talent that will make it big. Not necessarily new always but I just seem to hear a voice and just know. Man I would LOVE to get paid for this…lol.. Nonetheless, I will go as far as to say provided the right managers, good image consultants, and in some cases the right songs. I can pick a voice that will leave lasting impressions in the music industry as more than one hit wonders. I try to listen weekly to AOL’s Full CD Listening Party. This week’s new voice TO ME, and I believe to America, is CORINNE BAILEY RAE… okay so maybe I was drawn to her because her name is similar to mine, but when I clicked on her CD I immediately loved her voice and thought… THIS IS IT! So when you have time… visit Amazon.com and check out her sound… Her debut album hit stores June 20...if you are a lover of neosoul or just a smooth sound with a feel good beat check her out… and mark my words…. Here comes CORINNE BAILEY RAE!

Help Donate for Cervial Cancer Research

Go to this link and order a free bracelet kit - it costs you nothing, but for every one that is ordered, Merck Pharmaceuticals donates $1 for cervical cancer research.


Please Click Here

"With every order of the FREE Make the Connection bracelet kit you will get two kits, so you can invite someone to join you in showing support against cervical cancer. By ordering a free Make the Connection bracelet kit, you will be helping to advance cervical cancer education and outreach. For every pair of bracelet kits ordered, Merck will donate one dollar to Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation, up to $100,000, for cervical cancer awareness and screening programs among medically underserved women." - Make the Connction Website

Mastectomy Hospital Bill in Congress

I received this email from a friend in the medical field this morning. Please take a moment and act!

TWO DAYS IN THE HOSPITAL AFTER MAJOR SURGERY IS NOT TOO MUCH TO ASK.
Mastectomy Hospital Bill in Congress

If you know anyone who has had a mastectomy, you may know that there is a lot of discomfort and pain afterwards. Insurance companies are trying to make mastectomies an outpatient procedure. Let's give women the chance to recover properly in the hospital for 2 days after surgery.

Mastectomy Bill in Congress

It takes 2 seconds to do this and is very important...please take the time and do it really quick!

Breast Cancer Hospitalization Bill - Important legislation for ALL women. If there was ever a time when our voices and choices should be heard, this is one of those times. If you're receiving this, it's because I think you will
take the 30 seconds to go to vote on this issue and send it on to others you know who will do the same.

There's a bill called the Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act which will require insurance companies to cover a minimum 48-hour hospital stay for patients undergoing a mastectomy. It's about eliminating the "drive-through mastectomy" where women are forced to go home just a few hours after surgery, against the wishes of their doctor, still groggy from anesthesia and sometimes with drainage tubes still
attached.

Lifetime Television has put this bill on their web page with a petition drive to show your support. Last year over half the House signed on.

PLEASE!! Sign the petition by clicking on the web site below. You need not give more than your name and zip code number.

Click Here to Link to Petition

Vote for Roz! Last Comic Standing!

"Roz Gholston stopped the show with her set, but got into it with Kathy Griffin when Kathy suggested that Roz tone down her style. Roz didn't exactly take that suggestion to heart."- Last Comic Standing Website

I would like to congratulate Roz Gholston (aka Roz, Roz G)on making it in the first round on Last Comic Standing". She is a distant cousin who family members may remember me spotlighting in two of our past family newsletters. Way to go Roz!

Men Speak Up...

As promised, more results from LizaCorrine.com Poll Questions

In late August of 2005 I wrote the following ...

"I am reading a book that states...

"men are actually very simple creatures.All they ask is direct communication, respect, appreciation, food, and good lovin'.

Since I have a large male friend/acquaintance base I would like to know what your thoughts on the comment are. Do you agree or disagree, and why?"

Here are the responses I received in the order they were received, followed by their initials and current age. If there are additional responses. Please feel free to share at this time.

We are very simple creatures and I can prove this with a simple experiment. Ladies if your man is having a bad day do this simple task. Before he comes home take all your clothes off and wait for him at the door. Examine the expression on his face. Guys try the same thing look at her lovely face. The guy will forget all his problems and the woman might slap her man's face because he doesn't understand her feelings. - LLK - 37

Women ask for those same things; these questions are NOT soley
characteristic to men. - JCR - 27.

Respect yes. Appreciation definitely; you women love to take us for granted. Food, sure, but I can handle that one myself. Chances are I'll be a better cook than my wife. It ain't got to be good as long as I can get it when I want it. Direct communication? I guess as long as the female can stand to hear me talk, that's as direct as I need. -ABR- 31

I agree cuz! - BS - 30 something

I think that the book is right on all counts. I would add that the direct communication piece is critical as long as it isn't purposefully hurtful. The other little tidbit that I would add is that every man is different and that gender lines, in terms of responsibilities (who oughta do what), are more shared than ever. So I think it's entirely possible to find a woman that wants all of the same things that the book says that a man wants. In fact I think we all want the same things; it's just a matter of finding a person that we trust ourselves enough with to unload all of our childhood baggage, and create something better rather than recreating more of the same. -DJG - 26

I think only two of those criteria apply more to men than to women as I believe all humans want respect, appreciation and food. As far as direct communication goes, all I can say is guys don't get hints. It's that simple. If you have an opinion, just say it. If you want something, say "I want ... fill in the blank." Men aren't hard to communicate with, just don't make us guess, infer, mind-read, etc. As for good lovin' .... Yea, and more than just occasionally -SCT - 27

St. Louis, Missouri

On his way back from Missouri my boyfriend sent me photos of and from the arch and i just wanted to share :)

LizaCorrine.Com Poll Update - What food of your childhood do you recall...

LizaCorrine.com Poll Updates…
Today I will, by popular demand, start sharing LizaCorrine.com poll results for SOME LizaCorrine.com polls. I was asked by a few people what did other people respond.

On May 22, 2006 I asked…
What food of your childhood do you recall...

I personally loved Jell-O Pudding Pops, the frozen version of Jell-o pudding. My personal favorite was vanilla, contrary to my original email which was a cut and paste from the website that sparked this poll question.

You all also made me recall a few more childhood things … Big League Chew… oh why was it appealing to look like you were a child with snuff?

Also Mickey Mouse flavored popsicles… ahh those were the days… – Liza Corrine

But now to your responses…

“I have been craving Mickey Mouse Ears for about 2 years now.” – KST – Knightdale, NC


“The classic Chocolate Chips Ahoy!...the ones now taste like dust. Freezer pops and pop sickles...they taste like water now. I could go on....Ice cream sandwiches and ice cream bars...they were so big back then!
” – DB – St. George, SC

“Those hard bubble gum candies -- I forget what they are called. They are pink and the bubble gum was in the middle. That and Now and Later's.” – CMF – Snellville, GA

“Cinnamon toast crunch cereal! I wish it wasn’t so bad for you!!” – AAP – Greenville, SC

“ I remember Tab cola... : P” – JH – Louisville, KY

“PUSH UPS!!! Frozen orange sherbet treats in a cylinder container that you push upwards as you eat them.” – DS – Greenville, SC

Oh man, without question it is the 7-11 Slurpee!!!!! MMMM, MMMM!!! I get 'em still to this day!! :o)))) A close 2nd would be Sugar Babies candy!!! :o))) – LAJ – Edwards, IL

I remember coming home from school and popping open a can of Chef-Boyardee spaghetti. I used to eat it cold right from the can. My granny kept a few cans for me to eat when I got the munchies after school. I think these days I would warm it up. – MBA – Fredericksburg, VA

Thank you again for participating in a LizaCorrine.com poll. FYI..For those of you who mentioned a candy you recalled you may be able to find it at Cracker Barrel Stores.

Liza with a "Z"

One of my pet peeves is how people mess up my first name after I have told them how to correctly pronounce it. I even go as far as to say, "like LIZA MINNELLI".

While watching television the other night I saw a concert she did for television called Liza with a Z.... I have yet to see the movie but I can only imagine what issues she had in the entertainment industry correcting people. It doesn't bother me so much that it is mispronounce in the first place it just becomes elevated when you have told them how to correctly pronounce it and they insist on calling you what they wish... okay so that is my vent for today :)

Family and Friends

Family and friends are what can build you up or tear you down. I am blessed in my case to have both family and friends who indeed help build me up. Today I wanted to share a little slide show of just a FEW of the people who have helped to make me the person I am today. THIS IS BY NO MEANS EVERYONE ... but just a few pictures I had on my computer right now. Whether it be that they are there for me everyday or they took a moment to make a difference in my life. It could be just a smile, group I play poker with or that family memeber that calls every once and a while to say hello.... or just growing up seeing that if you stick together (though both good and bad)... that is something special to pass onto generations to come...I may decide to do this periodically...changing the pictures... but for today...enjoy

Words can make or break your day...

How many times has someone's comment made your day spectacular or ruined you completely. I have been going through a lot right now, but one of my personal goals is to stay positive... for that reason I would like to share the following.

On Mother's Day my mama told me how much she loved me. It was kind of in an awkward situation but she meant it and I knew it anyway. But there is something about sharing those words with someone that can change their lives.

On yesterday I was sitting playing with my boyfriend's guitar (not knowing what I am doing more than the man in the moon) and I could feel him looking at me... and with sincerity in his eyes, as I glanced up from the stings, he looked at me and said... "you know you truly are a beautiful woman". Do you know how that made me feel?

Then today as I was reading a friend's blog I read that her son looked up at her and told her "mom you are pretty".

You see these things were mere words, they didn't cost one thing. These mere words made someone's day. I challenge each of you who read this blog to choose kind words to say to someone today. Say I love you, tell someone how you feel about them... What makes it even better is the element of surprise.

Sale! Clearance! Discount! Oh MY!

If there are any of you who see the, Big Red/Yellow/or whatever brightly colored signs with the words SALE! CLEARANCE! that draw you right in... then this blog is for you! As soon as I enter just about any department or discount store I know EXACTLY where the sale section is. This little tidbit was taken from womenswallstreet.com and should serve as a point of reflection the next time that you are on a mission and stop by the sale rack :)

To counteract the spell of the sale, here are a few chants I use:

Nothing on sale is a bargain if I didn't plan to buy it anyway.
Nothing on sale is a bargain if I don't need it or won't use it.
Nothing on sale is a bargain if I must buy two of them.
Nothing on sale is a bargain if it doesn't really fit.

Happy Bargin Hunting! :) hehehe

Focus on Children's Strengths in Education

Education's purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one.-Malcolm Forbes

I cannot recall at this moment where, but I recently heard someone say something that to me made so much common sense but I don't know if it has been researched. I believe it deserves further investigation or study and I would like to employ a derivative of this principle to my children when I have them. The discussion was mainly criticizing education for focusing on children's weaknesses. Stating that is it not funny that instead of cultivating the things people are good at (starting in grade school) we make them work on things that they are not good at. [I.E. If you made straight As in Math but struggled in spelling parents/teachers/educators tend to give you overtime in spelling but basically push aside the idea of cultivating your stong point Math].

Education is a progressive discovery of our own ignorance.- Will Durant

Since I cannot recall the venue where I heard this information I personally think that a combination of the two ideas would be an excellent educational approach. Elaborating further the example, I believe we should address and understand that a child may struggle in spelling but also engage in activities that would further cultivate their math skills. What do you think?

Education is what survives when what has been learned has been forgotten. - B. F. Skinner

2nd Greenville Drive Game

Good Morning All! ... Last night some of my close friends and I attended my SECOND Greenville Drive game... one might think that I am developing a fondness for the game... and they would be right. I have attended both games with people who take the time to explain to me different things and who are easy to talk to during the uneventful eras. It has been great. Last night my friends and I went on what was intended to be our "tripple date" with; Alyssa, Joe, Stephanie, Cory, and Joe's daughter Anna. But my sweetie was actually on field emceeing while the rest of us were in the stands cheering for him. ENTERTAINING... All I have to say after last night I will RARELY bring up this pizza thing because of an afro and a hot dog eating contest.

Untapped Talent

As I was reviewing the hometown of the top 12 American Idol finalist for this year I realized that 50% of them were from states recognized as "Southern" and and 67% if you include Virginia and Florida. This thought lead me to think that there is a well of "untapped talent" because there is not a convenient outlet for talent to be found in southern states without extensive travel or complete uprooting. Yes, there is Atlanta and Nashville and those are wonderful places that one can be discovered, or make a name for yourself...However I wonder if it would be beneficial to establish or fund the establishment of some type of talent agency that looks primarily in small towns, rural areas, and/or southern states. I believe that there is this "untapped talent" that is waiting to be discovered that does not want to move to the big city or for reasons not yet known/researched/what have you... that if presented with the opportunity tailored for maintaining somewhat of a connection with their hometown or community that they would be inclined to share their talent with the world, as well as a lucrative investment for some willing soul...I don't know.. this is just another LizaCorrine random idea...

1st Greenville Drive Game

Last night was my first Greenville Drive baseball game. The drive won 12-1 It was Kris' first night as on-field emcee. He did a GREAT JOB! He is so good at things like that! To watch him is simply amazing, he has so much positive energy that it exudes from his being... but that is just one of the many reasons I love him! I never really thought I would enjoy baseball, however I believe that it may take the right recipe to really enjoy oneself. With the right person to watch the game with (THANKS ANGELA!) and the fact that my honey was the on-field emcee I had a GREAT time! My Next game will be this Saturday and since tickets are so economical that maybe I will treat different people to the games to enjoy the sport, get away from everyday routines, and see my honey in action.

Slower Traffic Keep Right

While I am not the fastest driver in the world I am often bothered by slow drivers. I try to convince myself that maybe they are God's way of keeping something bad from happening to me, kind of like my divine hold up so to speak...

However, today's blog topic is going to be my personal vent about slow drivers. One of my pet peeves is for people to drive under good weather conditions in the left lane when people are passing them in the right. If I recall correctly I believe Kentucky or Tennessee has a posted road sign that reads, "Stay in the right lane unless passing"... I remember thinking how much clearer could that be. South Carolina has signs that read, "Slower Traffic Keep Right"... maybe that is not clear enough for some, or that may leave room for interpretation error.. I don't know. I believe that if people could follow this simple rule of driving that there would be a slight reduction in traffic congestion and an even smaller decline in automobile accidents. I also believe that we would also see a reduce in the prevalence of road rage.

The following are a few personal suggestions to drivers...
- IF you choose to talk on a cell phone and drive ... PLEASE STAY IN THE RIGHT LANE
- If you really have no where important to be and you know that you drive slow, please do not leave around 8, lunch, or rush hour (especially in areas where there are only two lanes)
- When you are driving with your windows up and another driver is annoying you in some way.. please do not yell at them.. they cannot hear you and if you have passengers there is no reason to subject them to your disgruntledness

No I am not in a rush, I just think that by adhering to a few of these suggestions the world stress level will/would decrease slightly. Again I would like to reinerrate I am not the best nor the fastest driver in the world however the aforementioned are my opinions.

The spirit of the child

Quote of the day...The secret of genius is to carry the spirit of the child into old age which means never losing our enthusiasm - Aldous Huxley

Meeting Dr. Essie Mae Washington-Williams & Genealogy Research

On last evening my mama and I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Essie Mae Washington-Williams, the half African-American daughter of the late Senator Strom Thurmond. She spoke of why she kept quite for so many years, a little about her book, her strong support of education, and her current and future plans and thoughts about race relations. She conveyed in her talk something that I don't think one can truly understand unless they cannot trace their ancestors if desired... which was... the African-American/Caucasian union to create child was very common however she was just brought to light because of the notoriety of her father. This is a message I think needed(s) to be echoed because I am into genealogy. I research in my spare time and try to talk with the older people to record as much information as I can to pass on to my descendents if it be God's will. What intrigues me personally is not so much her birth father because once she has that she can find generations of records but her mother,Carrie Butler. I would love to be able to help her find a picture of this lady to pass along to her future generations.

I suppose why this sticks out in my mind is because my great grand father, Jessie, was a child of a biracial union as well, and to insure his safety (his mother was Caucasian and father African-American... from what I have been told) his mother placed him on the doorstep of an African-American family. I suppose, and this is only an assumption, that this was safer during this time because she may have been made to get rid of the baby or she may have been disowned by her family. And like Dr. Washington-Williams stated, during earlier times children were expected to be seen and not heard henceforth if adults of this time knew the true genealogy or if children were curious it would dare not be discussed.

Greenville Drive's Opening Game

Today is the opening game for the Greenville Drive... the new minor league baseball team for Greenville, South Carolina. My boyfriend, Kris, is on the promotions team and he took me out to see the stadium and just hang out while he practiced yesterday. That was fun... just to watch all the happenings and rush of everyone getting ready for the opening day and they hadn't put up this or that sign, hadn't finished that sidewalk completely, had mud all over the road... it was amazing to see the work .. then I watched the players practice... looked around some of the facilities... tried some of the stadium food... and watched Kris dressed up like a slice of pizza... who oh why did i not have my camera phone then? :) But there are still some Montana pictures that will be posted and post dated recording my last days of break spent in Montana.... Today is a great day!

Day 9 - The Last Full Day in Montana

Today was a relaxing day... slept a little late... got up packed up most of my things for the journey home tomorrow... then Yeoh treated me to a massage at the European Massage.... my masseuse was Tamara... This was my first professional massage ever and it was GREAT! So very relaxing and calming.... exactly what I needed and wanted it to be ... THANKS MELISSA!

Then later this evening we went to the famed Sir Scott's Oasis Steakhouse, Manhattan Montana!... Yes the place of the ALLEDGED infamous Ted Turner Jane Fonda refusal to serve (Urban Legend going around via email forward). Well it is actually a small place and not fancy at all!... and the size of the steaks served ... all I can say is OH MY GOODNESS... I got some ummie steak fries... Yeoh talked me into getting a large order but I should have just gotten the small, however her logic is they will be great plane food... we will see about that. It was great though!... also at Sir Scott's was the first time I have ever had pickled cauliflower.. don't even ask but I love cauliflower and it wasn't that bad. We were served veggies to snack on, soup, salad, meal, and dessert... man am I full! Here is a little about Sir Scotts taken from ultimatemontana.com...

This nationally known restaurant is the Sir Scott's of the "Real Beef in Manhattan" commercials. Locally famous for their outstanding steaks and seafood served up daily. Your entree selection comes with appetizers, soup, salad, choice of potato, dessert and coffee. The generous portions are something you won't forget! All of Sir Scott's beef is USDA Choice beef aged and cut daily on the premises. Try their Jo Jo fries and don't say no to their soups. The atmosphere is pure Montana and open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. They also offer a carry out menu. Reservations are highly recommended.

Day 8 - The Week's Educational Culmination

The week's educational culmination was today. Today we heard from our very own Bobby McCormick, visited North Star Consulting, and heard and concluded theday with an summarization of the weeks educational activiest and lessons from Terry Anderson.

While at North Star Consulting, we visited Clemson Alumni, Doug Fletcher. He told us of his path to where he is today, owning his own company and what steps he took to get there. He shared with us a little of his Career To-Do List top 10...they read as follows

1) Intern/co-op - seek out unique work and extracurricular activities-grades alone will not differentiate you

2) Grad School - work 2-3 years then go back to school

3) Experiment until 30 - then FOCUS - seek diverse work experiences - begin to focus by around 30 to 35

4) Become a Voracious Reader - diverse topics and surces - internet, magazines, books

5) Travel Extensively

6) Learn a Second Language - how good is your Spanish or Mandarin?

7) Write It Down - write and review your life goals every year

8) Work/Life Balance - keep things in perspective - dont' let relationships suffer - remember, job change but friends/family are there forever

9) Focus On Your Strengths - do that which you like best becuase that will be what you are best at doing

10) Money Doesn't Make You Happy - money will not make you happy, achievingperson goals and dreams will

If you like or are inspired by Doug's Career To-Do List you may also like to read his blog from time to time, "Friday's with Fletch"

This evening the gang went and enjoyed a closing dinner at Ale Works.

Day 7 - A Little Bit of Bozeman

The day began with us sleeping in... next we had great expectations of hiking the College "M"... those expectations were quickly squashed with a greater desire for a mid-day nap following a few personal chores. Once we were finally out of the house we picked up elk and bison jerky from the local Meat Shoppe.

Then we had every intention of going to Moooo Casa to enjoy a milkshake, however upon arrival Yeoh smelled something good and turns out Moo Casa is now Mooo Casa La
Tinga... half ice cream shop, half Mexican restaurant. The food was good, however my ice cream left something to be desired with its frost bitten aftertaste... while Yeoh enjoyed her creamy Chocolate Moose...

Our next stop was a brief one at the Museum of the Rockies to see Big Mike... featured here :)

Then off to Bozeman Hot Springs & Spa.. where we enjoyed the amenities of the spaand springs. A relaxing evening of soaking in hot tubs which felt wonderful to our aching ski muscles....


We then ran to Bobby's to change and get dolled up to paint the town orange! Per recommendation of Terry Anderson, icon of free market environmental movement :), we decided to grace the wine bar Plonk with our gorgeous presence. There we experienced fine dining, saw two of three African-Americans I have seen in Bozeman on this trip, and Yeoh was almost swept away by a middle age doctor, while I was in
the bathroom checking out the cool tile mosaic Yeoh insisted I see.

Late breaking News

Good Morning all. As my friends and family check back regularly many of you may or may not know. While composing yesterday's blog I got word that my townhome was on fire in South Carolina. No one was injured, which is most important. Had I been home, it was my afternoon "nap time", therefore thank God I was not there. To each of you that have called, emailed, imed, texted... Thank you so much for everything, words cannot express my sincere gratitude. Thank you for your offers of copies of pictures, furniture, clothes, places to stay, and so much more. Not that I doubted it but I truly know that I am loved! I would like to extend a very special thank you to my boyfriend, Kris and my parents who are handling thing until I return. They are a TRUE BLESSING. They requested that I continue to stay in MT and I agree there is nothing I can do there that they cannot handle until I return.

Many of you have expressed concern about me. Just please keep me and my family (biological, extended, and more) in your prayers. I am doing fine, and that I promise. Thanks to my extraodinary family and spectacular friends.

If you are in the area, Upstate South Carolina, and would like to help please contact me and I will either pass along Kris' information to you or let you know something when I do.

For friends and family that are away the following are news articles regarding the fire.

- Greenville News - There are pictures here

- WHNS Local CBS

- WYFF Local NBC - There is a video here with "interviews" of my next door neighbor Brian and the neighbor on the other side of them.

Thank you again.
Love ya,
Liza Corrine

Day 6 - Learning to Ski

My oh my... today Yeoh and I went to the Bridger Bowl and took ski lessons form Instructor, Rick... who was absolutely awesome and PATIENT. That in and of itself was an expereince. For one thing we never left the "Snowflake"(what we called the kiddie slope), however we learned. Then we stopped by the famed, Burger Bobs where I had "The Cardic Arrest" and Yeoh "Buger Bob's Inferno". Now is nap time. This evening the students are coming over for dinner and poker.

Day 5 - Let the Learning Continue

Good Day All! I am not sure why but my blog has been down and I do apologize to those friends and family are checking daily. If you have been following my blog daily go back a few days and I have added pictures.

Today we...
- picked up our special order M.E.L.E.E. vest that turned out great
- had lectures from Holly Fretwell & Don Leal
- Holly's lecture was interesting and discussed everything from incentives to natural burns of forest
- Yeoh, three students and I took a quick trip to Montana State University's Bookstore to pick up some university paraphernalia
- we then went out and had an AWESOME tour of Ted Turner's Flying D Ranch by Russ Miller and Ranch Manager Mark Kossler
- we got to see Bison upclose and personal
... a little about the Flying D taken from www.tedturner.com

Flying D Ranch, Montana
"This stunning 113,600-acre ranch is located in southwest Montana just north of Yellowstone National Park. The Gallatin and Madison rivers comprise the eastern and western borders respectively. The Spanish Peaks Mountain Range run along the southern boundary."

- Yeoh and I then returned to Bozeman for a little shopping and dinner prepared by Bobby and Bentley

And tonight I got to to talk to my sweetheart, mama, daddy (last night), and sister... I love you and miss each of you :)

Day 4 - Let the FORMAL Education Training in MT Begin

Hello yet again from the beautiful let rather cold state of Montana! On last evening the we were introduced to what a think tank actually is by the lovely Jane Shaw of PERC, Property and Environment Research Center.

This morning we were presented a lecture on Green Buildings from physicist, John Scofield, of Oberlin College in Ohio. He addressed everything from the efficiency of heat pumps to the specific environmental efficiency of two "Green Buildings". It was an interesting lecture, efficiency aspects of which I plan to share with my daddy and others I will share with friends about building design.

Next the students were presented a lecture on .... by Clemson's own Bentley Coffey.

Finally, we concluded the day of lectures with a presentation by Hank Fischer, the gentleman that reintroduced wolves back into Yellowstone. He spoke of his conservation ventures as well as much more. However his main points that he encouraged us to take from his seminar were...

1. When working on issues look for nontraditional partners
2. Think collaboration not compromise
3. Incentives really matter
4. Persistence counts
5. A deal is a deal (consistency = credibility)

We are concluding the day with a wonderful dinner prepared by, Yeoh, Bentley, & Bobby. After which several of the students came to Bobby's house where they are watching television and playing poker.

I believe I may call it an early night... we will see.

Happy Birthday DENISE!

Day 3 - Snowmobiling in West Yellowstone

Today I rose at 5:00 AM Mountain time. When Yeoh and I went to the car, it was covered in snow. We then proceeded to ride down the streets, not seeing lines anywhere. Along a main highway we met a snow plow. After a little snow off road excursion we united with the young men that we were meeting and were headed the 80+ miles to West Yellowstone on roads that were covered in snow, and looked to have been plowed and sanded.... Today was a snow expereince.


Today...
- saw a Bison on the way to West Yellowstone
- saw three states from the top of Two Top Mountain (WY, ID, & MT)
- went snow mobiling from 8:30AM to 1ish with the company Yellowstone Aventures - saw beautiful snow capped trees
- ate at the Meadow Lodge in snow gear in Island City Idaho
- drove the snow mobile only to play around (by CHOICE)
- enjoyed such beautiful scenery that it was just amazing

Potery Line 3
From the rising of the morning light to the twinkling of the stary sky God's snow has fallen so softly.

Poetery Line 4
How beautiful it was to see the tops of trees and snow as far as the eye can see. How beautiful it was to have moments that one could feel so peaceful and free

Day 2 - Exploring Bozeman - Shopping

Today Yeoh and I decided not to go skiing, instead to sleep late and do a little Bozeman shopping exploration.

Today...
- Yeoh prepared breakfast (I helped a little)
- we visited a nice little shop called Benjie's where everything is 1/2 off of the price marked
- MT has NO SALES TAX... so everything is at least 5% cheaper than South Carolina :)
- walked some of main street Bozeman visiting the shops
- a nice young lady that worked at one of the shops helped me to exchange dollar bills for Denver Minted State Quarters to add to the collections of my parents, mine, and Edric's
- we stopped at a quaint little coffee shop, had a coffee and wrote postcards
- checked out a local grocery store, Target, and Ross's


Poetry Line 2
People walking briskly, snow falling ever so quickly. Enjoying the town of so few frowns.

Day 1 - We're in Montana

Hi All... I have arrived safe and sound in Bozeman, Montana. The mountains are absolutely beautiful! We arrived in Billings and drove to Bozeman. It is certainly a place that I would hope to return.

Today...
-my wonderful parents brought Yeoh and me to the airport to make our 6:00AM flight
-we had two flight layovers Atlanta GA and Salt Lake City UT
-we had a group trip to the Bozeman Costco (I am quickly finding out it is one of Bobby's Favorite stores)
-Yeoh and Bobby STRONGLY discussed individual property rights
-Bobby took us on a McCormick Quick Automobile tour of Bozeman
-Bobby prepared dinner for all (umm umm good!) THANKS BOBBY!


Poetry Line 1
Flying overhead as the snow capped mountains peaked through the clouds the simplicity of life became more apparent with the decent into the beautiful "Big Sky" country of Montana.

Let me help YOU find $$!

As promised ... my unclaimed property blog!

Many people never realize it but... you may have unclaimed money somewhere. One of my hobbies is helping friends, family, and anyone who will let me help them search for unclaimed property. Just last month I helped friends find over $4,000. I would be willing to instruct you on how to do so… Simply …

 leave me a comment stating that you would like help
 give me the state which you reside

I will then shoot you a comment or email back telling you how to claim and search from your specific state.

I am often asked “Why would I have unclaimed money?” I have found a good answer provided by The National Unclaimed Property Database. “While state laws very in periods of dormancy, a wide rage of reportable property but is not limited to dormant checking and savings accounts, uncashed money orders, cashiers checks, unclaimed insurance benefits, mineral royalty payments, safe deposit box contents, unused gift certificates, unclaimed security deposits, cash dividends, stock, court deposits, and utility deposits.”
And why let the government have money of you or your loved ones simply because you forgot it was out there.

Here are some of the sites that I use to get you started…

NAUPA | The National Unclaimed Property Database | Missing Money

So far these are some of the people I have helped, approximately how much I have helped them find, and where they found it…

[AWARDED]
Don B - $90 – Alabama
Greg A – $300 – Michigan
Frank K - $300 – New York
Stuart K – $70 – New York
Sean M - $1,400 - North Carolina

[PENDING]
John W - ? – Virginia
Jean H - ? – Kentucky
Jon H - ? – Kentucky
Rhoda W - ? – Virginia
Ruth M - $190 – South Carolina
Ellen C - ? – South Carolina
Joel W - $60 – South Carolina
Lorenzo K - $800 – South Carolina
Lorenzo K - $4,400 – Pennsylvania

The Last Day of the Second Month of 2006

This twenty-eighth day of February marks yet the end of another month in the year two thousand and six. Completing 59 days in this blessed year at the strike of midnight tonight.

I think I like the idea of if I write no other blog for a month… at the close of each I will report the highlights of my month both positive and “antipositive” . We will see how this goes.


First…addressing the “antipositives”…
 I still have failed to volunteer at CCC 
 On last evening a friend’s grandmother passed away at the blessed age of 91


Now to the positives
 Traveled to Myrtle Beach South Carolina for business and was accompanied by my WONDERFUL Mama
 Celebrated my first Valentine’s day EVER in a relationship
 Helped one friend find over $4,000 in unclaimed property, and informed others about unclaimed funds that them and/or their family members may have out there (more on how YOU can find unclaimed property in an upcoming blog)… stay tuned…

These are not all the positives or “antipositives” in my life just a few I wished to share at this time.

306 more days of adventure and blessings in the year 2006. No one knows what the future holds but I pray that there are many positively wonderful blessings in it for all my loved ones and those who share in my message of encouragement, opportunity, and positivity.

I love hearing what you think about what I have to say ... so if you have a moment drop me response

Ed Gordon's 7 Step's to Success

I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody. - Bill Cosby

On January 20, 2004 journalist, Ed Gordon, visited my Alma Marta, Clemson University for our annual Martin Luther King Celebration. During his visit he shared his Seven (7) Steps to Success that I keep on my desk. I would like to share these steps with you in hopes that it will encourage and/or motivate you to succeed at all things positive, good, and blessed…

1. Believe you can succeed
2. Don’t let others define your success
3. Don’t judge your success against others
4. Be about it, don’t talk about it
5. Be ready for success
6. PATIENCE
7. Don’t rest on your success

You've achieved success in your field when you don't know whether what you're doing is work or play. – Warren Beatty

Since hearing that speech and writing down those steps I have been moved to share these inspirational words with others. Slowly but surely,(No. 6), I am beginning to see and seize my success. I challenge each of you that read these words to take this message and see the success manifest in your life with proper positive cultivation.

There's no secret about success. Did you ever know a successful man who didn't tell you about it? - Kin Hubbard