Children ... Praise for all ... Winners & Losers?

Las week as I was listening to the Today Show I was hearing the debate that in today's society we give all children who participate in things (pageants, sports, academic competitions, etc.) "trophies" because we do not want any of them to loose. They mentioned that this wasn't a good idea because the effects it has on them as adults. Meaning, when these children become adults and are competitive there will be only one winner... someone has to loose.

I have to admit I did not catch the featured segment, only snipits leading up to them. However, I discussed what I had heard with my friend, Denise, and we came to the following conclusion...

Children that win (meaning they come in first, second, or third should be recognized as such). And those children, or adults for that matter, that participate in competitive situations should be recognized for their efforts (because it took courage/work/etc. to participate).

We should find something to celebrate in all competitive situations. I also believe that, if possible, those that are not "the best" should be provided constructive critisim so that they can improve if they so desire.

Bianca Ryan

As many of you know... I claim that I can pick out an up and coming artist... and this time I want you to watch out for Bianca Ryan. After visiting her website I have found that she has been featured in several arenas, however she did not catch my eye until I saw her compete on America's Got Talent. If you would like to see her perform click below to see her performances.


Performance 1
Finale Performance

She is only 11 years old!

My First Dave Matthews Concert!

Hello All! Several of you have been waiting for this blog! On August 15th my wonderful boyfriend took me to my first Dave Matthews Concert! It was AWESOME! The seats were out of the weather and where we could get a good feel of the entire stage. I have been delaying this posting hoping that I could clean up some of the pictures that I took with my phone... but to no avail :( . But that is okay... NEXT TIME! The concert was GREAT! It was at the HiFi Buys Amphitheatre in Atlanta, Georgia. I love music and The Dave Matthews Band is composed of some OUTSTANDING Musicians! It was GREAT... Below is the Song Set from the concert!

Set 1: Pantala Naga Pampa *, Rapunzel *, Crash Into Me, Say Goodbye, Satellite *, The Idea Of You *+, Hunger For The Great Light *+, Louisiana Bayou *+, You Might Die Trying *+, Break Free *+, So Much To Say *+, Anyone Seen The Bridge *+, Too Much *+, Cant Stop, Warehouse *+, Dream Girl *+, #41 *~, Ants Marching *~, E: Sister JTR *, Tripping Billies *

Do a Good Deed Today

When we do good, when we are proud or pleased with ourselves because we have done something with no thought of our own profit, we do experience feelings of ...pleasure, and general well being. - Dr. Chris Keller -

Take time today just to do good. Do something for someone without any thought of building up self. Smile, open a door, return a shopping cart for someone else, pick up the groceries for the person in front of you in line.

Smile.

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.