Last Night's Dinner

My boyfriend is a sweetie and preapred dinner for me last night.
I just wanted to share a picture. Doesn't it look nice :) Thank
you very much Honey!

Be Thoughtful and Not Speak Ignorantly...

Today's blog originates from a conversation that began over poker last night. Let me begin by stating that 9.11 coverage by the media is a bit excessive considering the event happened 5 years ago in my personal opinion. However, I was terribly disturbed by the comments that followed the questions one of the players posed, What do you think about all this 9.11 coverage?... This young lady proceeded to say that she thought

1) it was media hype because it is an election year

2a)that she heard some child (and a may not quote this verbatim)...that they would be scared for life and would never heal

2b)that this child and others need to "get over it.. because it happened 5 years ago

The table conversation proceeded to discuss that acts like those of 9.11 occur in other countries all the time and American's should move on.

Now that I have had a night to marinate I would like to address each of these statements 1) every year is an election year for something... if you are referring to presidential... that would be next year ...if referring to legislative branch elections ...I think commonly we are coaxed by the media and politicians to link the events of 9.11 to the current war in Iraq... not to confirm or deny that one event led to the other... but I must say that I understand this point to a degree

2) it may have happened 5 years ago and it may occur in foreign nations ...all the time... but its frequency or location is irrelevant when dealing with the individuals that were/are affected nor does it make it right. If it was one or a few of their family members, a group of their friends or loved taken from them how would they feel? Would their opinions remain the same?

I do believe that the excess media coverage could be a partially harmful to the healing process if on practically every channel and with each flip of the daily paper from dawn to dusk that is all you read or hear...then yes it maybe dwelling a tad much on a past eventÂ…instead I think we have to be able to help individuals cope instead of criticizing their reactions (as long as they are not harmful to themselves or others) and if we are not going to do anything to help them... remain quiet...but EVERYONE is entitled to their opinion...The thing is you do not know what it takes for each individual to heal

Although these things may happen daily in other countriesÂ… be it right or wrong ... good or bad the US is commonly seen as a pattern of how to handle situations and formulate processes...therefore when a statement is made like "get over it, it happens elsewhere often"... annoyed me because maybe just maybe they are looking at the United States to formulate the proper recipe... or maybe not.. just a tcondescendinge open.. not so condesending

It is my personal thought that commonly humans lead/led a sheltered life, and it is my desire for all humans to be able to at least see outside of their immediate surrounds to see how others live, work, believe etc. I am not asking people to change necessarily, instead to first be respectful and open to the thoughts and beliefs of others... to be thoughtful and not speak ignorantly.

God Bless the World

Purses Made from TIRES?

Chec out the SECCO Rub-A-Dub Briefcase... these bags are maid from used tire inner tubes. Talk about recycling! Just ran across an article on these in a magazine and wanted to share. Hope each of you are having a pleasant day today.

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.

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