My Evolution...

Good times...

2011-10-17T17:12:00.001-04:00

Dog days of summer are supposed to be gone but a few hot days still linger here and there. It was beautiful this weekend and I was able to enjoy Fall For Greenville without sweating too many buckets at the outdoor festival. That would not be good for me during my natural hair journey!
I spent quite a lot of time people watching, like I always do and as usual, folks didn't disappoint this weekend. Where is our fashion sense or is there none anymore? Makes me think I can just put on whatever no matter how it fits! My, my, my and not in the Johnny Gill sense of the word. I did enjoy spending time with my Soror and her 5 month old son who is amazing. Thankfully, I've not been bitten by the baby bug but I enjoyed watching this wonderful little boy discover the world. I've come to the realization, painfully I might add, that I must stop and enjoy life and spend time with my family and friends now. I always say I don't have time but doggone it, I'll do it before it kills me! My dog sang a song for me this weekend. His vocals are getting stronger. Lol! This time he's chosen Miss Independent by NeYo. He's a funny pup. I'm glad he chose me...

Until next time, I remain...
SimplyDione

Time

2011-10-16T00:02:00.001-04:00

"I still find each day too short for all the thoughts I want to think, all the walks I want to take, all the books I want to read, and all the friends I want to see." - John Burroughs

Time.
There's barely enough minutes in the day to finish the bare minimum on my workload, much less enjoy precious moments with family and friends. I've cone to the realization that it'll always be this way unless I make a change and step away from minute things that will always be there.

Deep breath. Ahhhhh. Refreshing!
Goodbye paperwork... Hello fun!

Until next time, I remain...

Peaceful Times

2011-04-10T20:47:00.001-04:00

"Just living is not enough... One must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower." - Hans Christian Anderson

YouTube Video

Taken during a Sunday morning stroll on Hilton Head Island.

Until next time I remain,

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

God's Country

2011-01-22T17:14:00.000-05:00

What a magnificent view! Taken while I sat on the runway in Dallas, TX. God is amazing. Today, ask yourself not how you can include him in your plans, rather how will he include you in his.

Fur Kids

2010-04-03T15:40:00.003-04:00

If you know me, you've heard the news that I recently had to put my beloved chow mix, Imani, to sleep. She had advanced in age and had numerous problems including blindness, joint issues and in the last few days, incontinence. She was my first baby and I'd had her as a very young puppy. She was mixed with an American Terrier (commonly known as a Pitt Bull) but she was the sweetest and most gentle combination of two commonly feared breeds. She did have a ferocious bark but once you got in the door, it was tummy rubs until your arm got tired..
I knew in my heart of hearts that Imani was nearing the end of a good quality of life. I also knew that with the recent loss of my mother in December of 2009 AND the loss of my first puppy would be like a double whammy. In the back of my mind, I was thinking of the type of dog I would wanted to add to my family. I guess fate, or good Karma led my path to cross with Tonka, my new furkid. Never would I have considered a Siberian Husky as a dog breed for me. A tenant in my rental property asked if she could have a dog and I consented. My neighbor had a coworker that had a litter of huskies and could not keep them all. They were all sooooooo cute and my tenant just had to have one. I ended up babysitting and totally fell in love with this animated and charismatic black and white furball. Sooooooo, I kept him :-) and he's been a great companion and gives me a good laugh, as well as a run for my exercise money daily. (that's a good thing...)
Before Imani passed, I bought her a pet stroller (yes, she had a stroller for dogs. I couldn't take one dog for a walk and not the other...) I'd hook Tonka's leash around the handlebar and let him help me pull Imani around the park. That was a BIG help and it's what he was bred for...
Tonka and Imani got along fairly well. Tonka was a bit high strung but at least they could sit side by side like siblings and not fight :-) Imani would of course take the attitude that she's the head dog around here and ignore Tonka and all of his squeaky toys. Tonka, being a puppy, could've cared less, he just wanted to play. It was my dysfunctional furkid family.

The day I didn't come home with Imani was of course a sad day for me. I went to my room and just sat in the chair and stared into space. As I sat there, I heard this strange, sad sound from the living room and when I went to look, it was my 9 month old puppy howling. His first howl ever. It was a sad sound but it was cute to see my puppy looking so "cinematic". Of course, I thought he was howling for his lost canine companion but upon closer inspection, he was howling at the song playing on the radio. To be sure, I downloaded the song from iTunes and each time I play it, Tonka runs to the room and begins howling. I researched this behavior online and experts say it's a very talented canine that howls to certain songs. Some say the dogs will even attempt to match the pitch of the song. Well folks, that's all this furkid mommy needs to know! There's TALENT in my household! Not that there was any needed because Tonka had already won my heart...
Anyway, you can check my little musician out for yourself. Oh, don't worry about the spot on his nose. Tonka also likes playing in the shower, so the spot on his nose is just the drops of water that had not dried from his romp in the shower. Go figure...
For those of you that want to know, Tonka's howl song is "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz
Enjoy!

Until next time I remain,
Simply Dione

It's Just A Bill

2010-04-02T10:44:00.001-04:00

Why? Why? Are people going crazy over this Health Care Bill??? Hello.
It's just a Bill which, if you're a thinker, means you KNOW you have
the opportunity to AMEND it. People, let's get over our egos and move
FORWARD.

Drip...Drip...Drip...

2009-07-27T23:37:00.004-04:00

Dear Michael Jackson's Doctor,
Ummm... Do you realize you probably won't get an impartial trial? Ok. Maybe in some remote area that has never seen the likes of a TV and radio. You're up for manslaughter. It should be innocent until proven guilty but it really sucks to be you right now.

If there is a next time, NEVER compromise your values and faithfully execute ethical decisions that have been clearly thought out. Please. Do tell. What was going on in that house? Were you star struck? Yeah, I can see MJ having that effect but dang man, you coulda said no. You coulda said no...

Enlighten Me...

2009-07-27T19:18:00.019-04:00

Random things going through my mind lately...

I recently had the weekend off but still had someone to watch my Mom so I took advantage of some "Me Time". I hadn't been to the movies in a minute so I decided to check out a couple of new releases. I went to the counter to get some snacks and Good Lawd! It cost me near $20 just for my ticket, popcorn and a drink. Heck NO lady, I don't want to add a box of candy for an extra $2.50.
That's when I remembered that unspoken rule that you're supposed to take your own candy and drink with you! Obviously we start it at a young age because I took my class to the movies this year and one of my 6th grade students asked me if he could go get a cup of ice for the bottle of soda in his pocket. This was the norm for him but as his teacher, I could not condone such behavior!
Anyway, back to my point. The theaters should be hip to the game by now. Geez! I had people all around me cracking soda can tops, unwrapping Big Macs and fries and passing a bag of Fun Size Snickers down the aisle. One would think they could actually make more money if they simply lowered their prices to something reasonable. Come on. $6.00 for a small popcorn?? Get it together or errybody will be racing to buy snacks ahead of time. By the way, Orphan was a TRUE horror story. Let adoptive parents beware!

Ummmm... Excuse me Jillian from The Bachelorette. Sorry. NO WAY can you be totally in love with two different guys. You're snogging two different people in the same day. Helloooooo. There's a name for that where I'm from...

The LuvGuv. Ha! This is one of my soror's hot topics. Don't get her started! I read the $3.5 million house on the beach was on the market but was removed after Sanford's indiscretions came to light. I guess scandals don't sell houses huh?

Personally, I wonder why he just didn't take his mistress to this castle by the ocean and save everyone the expense of looking for him hiking the trails. This man keeps taking vacations. Please, stay on the job for one straight week and take care of South Carolina Business. As often quoted in my business meetings, "It's not personal, it's POLICY".

Sarah Palin
Listen, you stepped down. Threw in the towel. Gave up a job you took an oath to finish. Please. Stop telling the media to leave you alone. You cannot control this anymore than you can control your Russian neighbors. Hee Hee! :-) Sit Down.

What's up with posting R.I.P. decals on your automobile? Where did that practice come from? Everywhere I go these days, I see these decals plastered on people's back windshields, on the trunk, on the hood, wheverever they can fit in... The girl that does our lawn has two of those MoFo's on each of her back windows. I dunno. Maybe that helps ease the pain but then again... Nah...

I'm loving Facebook and I enjoy thoughtful, meaningful status updates. It's cool because I get my friend's updates sent as texts to my phone. I'm always in touch even when I'm at work where they've blocked it of course :-(
Just one thing. It's Facebook, not Twitter, right? Right?? I've had to hide some folks from the newsfeed due to an update every 1/2 hour about how many people have walked through their office and how many grapes they had for lunch. Also, please. Chill with the Ghetto Drink gifts. I don't understand the point of the application. Oh wait. I just blocked that ish from my feed! Ahhhh. All is better with that part of Facebook for now!

Do you see this picture? Please comply. Thank You.

Divine Intervention

2009-07-24T22:34:00.009-04:00

Heaven has really called some talented people home! All of these deaths really make one appreciate this thing called life. Ups and downs aside, we are blessed each time we wake up and we are here to fulfill a purpose each day. I resolve to do better to make sure that before my head hits the pillow each night, I have in some way, somehow, done something to fulfill God's purpose for me.

My prayer
Heavenly Father, I seem to have forgotten my Divine life purpose, and I ask your help so that I may remember the reason I am here on this Earth at this time. I know that I have been given all gifts to fulfill my mission, and I ask for your continued guidance. Please help me immerse myself in meaningful actions that serve you. In your name, I serve.
Amen.

Today's talented soul that was called home is E. Lynn Harris. Great author of African-American, urban, alternate lifestyle books.

P.S. In case you're wondering, I'm the short one :-)

Until next time, live each day to the fullest and resolve to fulfill God's purpose for you.

A "Man" Apology

2009-07-21T00:10:00.009-04:00

Hey, hey now. Far be it from me to pass judgement on ANYBODY. I am neither a judge nor jury and Tupac said it best; "Only God Can Judge Me." No way am I going to sit here and say Chris Brown was dead wrong for putting his hands on a woman. Correction, no way am I going to sit here and say he was dead wrong for putting his hands on a woman in a violent, life threatening way. I'm not going to call him less than a man because he should have gotten out of the car, walked away, held his composure. Uh uh. I won't say that as a grown man, HE SHOULD KNOW BETTER and just remove himself from the situation especially if his girlfriend did something to deliberately press his buttons. Note to Chris- Women do this. Ya know. Press your buttons from time to time. I'm not saying we have a right to do that but hey, if one does such things to you, you don't need to be with them anyway...
Obviously, he is trying to make amends and set the record straight and show us he's still a good guy. He even posted this nice apology video for all of us.

Ummm... Thanks Chris.

I'm not going to say you were dead wrong. There are plenty of other people who have done that for me...

On a brighter note, Welcome to Blogger to one of my dearest Sorors, Hesha! I can't wait to read what you have to say on your blog Dropping Knowledge!

Until next time I remain,

On The Line

2009-07-14T00:21:00.002-04:00

I'm still alive over here.
It's summer time but I don't feel "summery"; if that's a word...
Oh well. People keep sending me messages that this too shall pass.
Yeah, well. Ok.

I've been thinking about this blog.
Alot.
I miss posting.
But I have been working on two other blogs. And Social Networking...
Mostly for my students.
Because.
They need to know how to do this when they get out of school.
And do it right.

It's summer time, but I don't feel "summery"; if that's a word...

I know my blog buddies are doing well. I keep up with most of you through Facebook.
U may think, facebook but not blogging? Mobile facebook updates are easier than mobile blogging...

The state of our society is REALLY depressing. REALLY.
REALLY.
Did I say that already??

I facebook'd (if that's really a word) a riddle me this the other day.
You love your husband and have a beautiful family. It's you two against the world; or so you think. You suddenly find out he's been killed by a mistress. How do you plan a SPIRITUALLY fitting funeral to lay his body to rest. The LORD would have to intervene because I'd be BITTER.

How about you?

Politics have been politics as unusual...
I live in the state where our gov is trying to fall back in love with his wife. Oh, we're also in the middle of the bible belt but no one is giving this man grief about his escapades. Oh well.

I recently had conversations with this guy.
He likes me.
You know there's a "but" coming right?
He's not the ONE.
And I grew tired of going round and round about nothing.
DRAMA.
No substance.

I recently saw a picture of my ex's ex and I couldn't help thinking, "Wow. He did alot better with me." I'm sure he'd be in a state of OMG to see what she looks like now.

Someday, my TRUE prince will come and I'll not settle because it's my life and I don't want to be stuck with no smiles and laughter in my day.
I deserve to be Shelia in Why Did I Get Married. You know the line-- "He loves me for me and who I am and I wake up with such JOY in my heart! Oh! I wake up with such JOY in my heart!"

Still in a DAILY state of shock about Michael Jackson. Of course, I almost posted the day he died but I didn't want to be cliche. How do you make that little accent on your computer for the 'e' in cliche. I'm sure I could find it if I looked for it.
You know what's next.
Oh well.

Back to MJ, I was a fan of MJ. I could probably say I loved him as a fan would love him. I could see his pain but feel honored to live in THIS lifetime to see his talent.
Flashback to one of my facebook status updates; Dear Sensational Media, I think you are angry because Paris did what you are unable to. Love her DADDY unconditionally. Yes, she has a right to speak and NO, it was not staged. Leave those kids alone.
I mean that. Really.
Of course, I bought The MJ Ultimate collection as any fan would and I wonder how in the world I ever missed the song "On The Line". Guess I didn't pay attention to the opening of the movie Get On The Bus. It is truly one of his most under rated songs. I'm a sucker for ballads and this one has become one of my new favs. I've been blasting it for a few days now.

I'm going to post the song before I go.
As you can tell; Life is just Life right now.
One of my sorors just posted she's in an odd state spiritually and emotionally.
I can say; I feel ya.

I did this song an injustice by skipping over it the 1st time. How wrong I was...

As always, I remain,

Lost Generation

2009-04-01T19:46:00.005-04:00

A co-worker sent this video to me a few weeks ago. It must've caught me on a good day because my multimedia emails usually pile up for quite awhile before I get around to reading them! I thought this was a profound way to say all is not lost with our generation...

Hope you enjoyed it! Until next time, I remain

The Teacher's Desk

2009-04-01T18:41:00.007-04:00

Does this desk look almighty and powerful?? How many of us hold the teacher's desk with such high esteem to bestow upon it super powers beyond human measure? Maybe I'm off on one of my rants again but lately I have started noticing how many people seem literally tied to this piece of wood in a classroom. Ok, my school has gone through HOURS upon HOURS of Professional Development so we understand the importance of circulating around our rooms amongst the students. Personally, I have long ago given up that "Sage on the stage" role and have taken up my proper place among my students as their "Guide on the Side". Research tells us that our students must be involved in collaborative learning in order for them to "get it". Collaboration certainly cannot be done from behind this inordinate object that serves as a barrier between you and them. Hmmm... ok, in all fairness, I must say it's usually substitutes that exhibit this behavior; but not always... Almost as if that desk will put up some protective shield should the kids look at them the wrong way... It's quite funny actually. One such lady looked like she was one with the desk. Caressing it's every crease and crevice and looking lovingly against the grains!
Why? Why I say? What makes you think that furniture will give you the power you are seeking? It just gives me an uneasy feeling. Almost like the person doesn't really know what they're doing. Just in the room as a babysitter... Kids are different these days and they were born in the digital age. That sitting behind the desk ish ain't kosher! Me? Sure, I have a desk, but when do I get a chance to use it?? I sit smack dab in the middle of my classroom...

That's where all the action happens. Sure, I'm also a little bit of a control freak so I sit where I can bop em upside the head if I need to. (Just kidding. Don't want anyone to haul me off to jail...)

Anyway. That was my quick, pointless rant for the day.

One of my sisters is now on the Blogging Circuit! Her blog is Scrap In Color and I'm soooooo proud of the fact that she is out there doing the dang thang! I dabble in scrappin' but Step is the Master, guru, head scrapper in charge of this realm and I gladly step aside and yield to her in the presence of patterned paper and paper cutters!
Congratulations and Best Wishes to you Step! Luv ya and I'm adding ya to my blog roll!

Pray that our Governor will come to his senses and stop refusing our state's cut of the stimulus money!

Until next time, I remain

Freedom of Expression

2009-03-08T08:44:00.009-04:00

I teach, therefore I am... No, really.
By now you know I'm a people watcher. I'm usually the one sitting a little off from the others, arms folded and quiet. It's earned me quite the reputation for being a snob but it's not really that, it's just that I'm taking in the scene. Doing my thing. People watching. Anyway, I digress. Well, this week, some kids at my school decided amongst themselves that they were going to have their very own tacky day. Wow. They came up with that on their own. Ok, I'm a sarcastic people watcher:-) Anyway, in their mind, it's waaaay cool to wear plaid pants and striped shirts with totally unmatching colors and two totally different pairs of socks on each leg pulled all the way up to the knees. *complete silence* Ok. If you want to express yourself, go for it. yadda, yadda, yadda. They coordinated the WHOLE thing and walked into school like "What??". They were so proud... Then...IT happened... In comes the ONE who will mess it up for everybody... Yep. The ONE... In walks a grown azz 15 year old size 16 but wearing a size 12 hot mess. She. went. too. far. SHE decides it's cute to wear a d@mn DIAPER to school over her tacky clothes. I'm mad that she either: 1. Went to the store and bought diapers that big or 2. Stole some depends from her disabled relative. Those things are hella expensive. My reaction?? *mouth drop* *complete silence for a minute* Grab the cell phone, take a picture and send it to my other co-workers lucky enough to not be in the midst of this atrocity... Maybe I was wrong and I'll pay for it one day but for that moment, someone else had to share in my misery. She had NO shame in this game and the facial expression to match it. Seriously. I had a flashback of Jamie Foxx's Wanda as I took in her mean mugging face... My previous attempts to reach this child were fruitless and unappreciated. By her and her momma... Somebody, anybody, everybody please, help me out here! I'm supposed to understand these things but what the heck was that big "A" diaper supposed to prove?? If you were still a student, would you go that far?? If this were your daughter, would you allow her to go to school dressed like this all for the sake of "expressing oneself?? If she were mine, she'd be UNDER the house before I allowed that freedom of expression. No way, babycakes... Amendment rights do NOT apply to you... Get a job to pay for them diapers you wanna wear and then you have a bargaining chip! Ugh!

Congrats to 12kyle on the new job and Mrs12 for joining the ranks of the greatest sorority in the world. Welcome to the Sisterhood!

Until next time, I remain...

Photo Fun!

2009-03-02T14:45:00.014-05:00

Ok. Ok. Ok. So I've been M.I.A. for a minute. Ok, well... maybe an hour! Y'all (like my southern slang?) it's been more than a notion making everything happen in a 24 hour period! As most of you know, I teach 6th, 7th, and 8th grade Science to middle school special needs children. If you know anything about South Carolina State Standards, you'd also realize that each grade level has an entirely different curriculum. Beyond inquiry and process skills, no class learns the same material. That rules out teaching the same lesson to different classes :-( Phooey for me. Add that to Special Education paperwork and taking care of my mom, it's a no go for my blog posts!

Fast forward to today. I'm sitting at home due to 6 1/2 inches of snow on the ground. Wow. Snow. Falling on the 1st day of March. Talk about March coming in like a lion! Deep breath. Aaaaahhhhh! It felt so good to sleep a little late and not have the usual deadlines and pressures of work, get home, check on mom, fixing dinner, taking care of the dog, etc bearing down on me. You get the point! Soooo, after doing a few household catchup things, I played around on a website I found out about at a technology conference. It was a great way to relax, relate, release (Go Whitley Gilbert!) and I found myself just playing around with different photo effects. I don't have an earthshattering blog topic today so I'll just post a little of my PhotoFunia work. Enjoy!

Check em out for yourself- www.photofunia.com
I look forward to your creative pics!

Until next time I remain,

Where I find my Spirituality...

2008-12-05T21:02:00.002-05:00

Spirituality.

"Spirituality as a way of life concerns itself with aligning the human will and mind with that dimension of life and the universe that is harmonious and ordered"

Peace and tranquility. My sense of calm and comfort. A thought occured to me the other day, how and when do I really get in touch with my spirituality??

Hmmm. When I allowed myself to sit quietly and contemplate, I realized that I do not get a harmonious alignment of my human will and mind from activities such as going to church and participating in weekly bible studies. Sure, don't get me wrong, hearing the word of God in the midst of his flock is important but for me, that is simply another appointment on my calendar rather than a metaphysical connection. For the longest time, I wondered, is it just me?? I didn't get the whole shouting, praise dance thing that others displayed in religious services. As a lifelong scholar, I used that time to of course LEARN more about the WORD but...
it still wasn't a SPIRITUAL connection...

It simply wasn't the experience of connecting with the healing powers of my higher power...
So...
Where do I find my spirituality?

That was probably best answered when I figured out my dominant intelligence.
Intrapersonal.
Highly self aware and best served when allowed to concentrate on matters by myself without outside influence.

Inner Peace.

I am most at peace when I can block the influence of the world and just be allowed to meditate, focus and connect. A melodious quiet song in the background. A non cluttered environment. An honest time for reflections.

My spirituality is tied directly to Christ. I truly believe that. I simply have a different medium from the norm and before I really allowed myself to think rationally about it, my way of connecting was a source of concern for me.
Answers come when you least expect it. I don't know why that topic came to mind. I'll never know... but, nevertheless, it is no longer a source of anxiety for me.

“We need to find God and he cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. Nature - trees, flowers, grass- grows in silence; see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence... We need silence to be able to touch souls.”
~Mother Teresa

Until next time, I remain...
Simply Dione

Remember when I said no angry posts?? I CHANGED my mind!

2008-10-16T22:03:00.006-04:00

Well, well, well...
What do we have HERE!

Complete story can be found here...
http://www.pe.com/localnews/inland/stories/PE_News_Local_S_buck16.3d67d4a.html

This picture was sent to a Republican Women's Group recently. The editor of the newsletter said she was trying to refute a statement Democratic Presidential Nominee Barack Obama made when he said his face does not look like the other faces on American money. Soooo, this "woman" and I use that term loosely, decides to create this image of Obama's face on a food stamp with KFC and Watermelon in the background. About 200 people received this racist piece of crap. When our lovely little editor was called on the carpet about the error of her ways, THEN she wants to sincerely apologize for offending anyone! WTF?? Too M%^&F*$#ng late!! Her truth has come to light. Ohhh wait. Maybe I should not say error of her ways. She IS entitled to an opinion... Let's say, when she was contacted about OPENLY stating the views of more than one republican... I guess John McCain was there to shut her down since he does not allow ANYONE to make fun of Barack Obama...

I digress...

One would think in THIS time in THIS day in age, that we as a people could overcome racism, but to my chagrin, it is alive and well. I have watched debate after debate and have loosely followed Republican and Democratic campaigns without falling into political-ese talk that would leave my friends and co-workers looking at me like I had two heads. They already think I'm a nerd so to add Washington jargon on top of that would be overkill!

Anyway, yes, we do live in a free country and everyone has freedom of speech. It is just a shame that we do not see that right as a RESPONSIBILITY to interject some INTELLIGENCE with it!

As I sit back and think of the turn this election has taken, I scold myself for even being angry with anything that has unfolded. The polls are out. Obama is in the lead because the country is tired of the flat line of the economy. The Republican nominee used his very last debate time to whine about nit picky things and the Vice Presidental nominee has not been the golden girl savior as expected. She is a divisive figure and her mouth and lack of knowledge of simple things like the names of National newspapers does not fare well for the GOP.
I guess as I break it down in my head, and if I were in GOP shoes, I'd be upset too but as a thinking, human being, I owe it to myself to conduct myself with some kind of decent decorum. That, in my eyes, transcends race, creed and color...

Oh, I'd also be upset if the guy I was running against looked so damn fly...

Until next time, I remain...

Diddy Blog #24

2008-10-13T21:35:00.002-04:00

I'm back from Homecoming 2008 and I must say, even with the rain, I had the time of my life!! Plus, we won the game so that was par for the course... To my friend that missed it this year, yeah, I got your text message about me not partying too hard but I decided to ignore you for once! Hope to see you in the 'burg next time!! Haaaaa!! Now, as for my video post...
Well, if you haven't registered to vote by now...
SHAME ON YOU!!
I'm keeping up my end of the bargain, I'M not posting any angry posts, but I can't stop others from their opinion! I ran across this HILARIOUS video by Diddy. Usually, he's not one of my favorite actors but he had my stomach in stitches on this one!!
Enjoy!

It's Not a pity party post, it's just fuunnnnyyy...

2008-10-09T20:54:00.004-04:00

Top Ten Messages Left On Sarah Palin's Answering Machine

10. "Hi, it's John McCain; I had to go to bed. How'd it go?"

9. "Hi, Katie Couric here. Have you thought of a Supreme Court case yet?"

8. "Hi, it's Bill Clinton. Let me know when Todd's out of town"

7. "My name is Joseph Sixpack - knock it off"

6. "Hi, Katie Couric again - think of any newspapers yet?"

5. "Buy the Late Show Fun Facts book. It's a bridge to hilarity"

4. "John McCain again; could you pick up my prescriptions?"

3. "Senator Larry Craig here - do you have Joe Biden's phone number?"

2. "McCain again; do you remember where I parked the Straight Talk Express?"

1. "It's President Bush. If you're at the debate, who's watchin' Russia?"

Haaaaaaa!!!! What a great way to go into the weekend. A little light humor. Saturday is my college homecoming and I can't wait to see all of my old friends!

20 Things I Love...

2008-09-29T19:59:00.011-04:00

I'm staying true to my "No Pity Party" posts so I decided to write about 20 things I Love...

Snuggling underneath a warm blanket with the one you love in the middle of winter...

Time change in the fall...

Coming home after a hard day at work and my dog meets me at the door and just rolls over on her back and gives me those side eyes that say, "I've been waiting on my tummy rub all day!"...

Having someone else wash my hair...

Getting money I never expected...

How Obama is just so damn cool...

Those few friends I have that really understand ME! They don't let me down and they are there exactly when I need them. Whether I called them or not...

Catching up with old friends and feeling like time never passed...

Snow Crab Legs...

Accomplishment of a tough task...

A cold nose and cuddle time with my doggie...

A good movie with a happy ending...

Seeing the light bulb go off when a student finally understands...

Final car payments...

Seeing a man truly appreciate the beauty of a woman. One that gives sincere compliments, not a gawk or a stare and most certainly not crass statements about a woman's body parts...

A well put together melody...

Southern Sweet Tea. Enough said...

Curling up with a good book and no distractions for hours...

My people...

How my family just fits together like the patchwork quilts my grandma used to make...

My list could go on and on, but I must get back to work! Take time today to reflect on those things that make you smile. Then, SMILE!

Until next time... pay no attention to those pesky gas signs...

Oops! That was a pity party remark! Sarcasm is creeping back upon my shoulders...

So Today I needed a laugh...

2008-09-20T16:56:00.016-04:00

My good people.
I've been between the paperwork.
Under the microscope.
Feel like the whole world's a stage.
Can't even reach the beloved mountaintop.
What is we gone do?

A message to Y'all know who you are...
I'm turning down the invitation to your pity parties.
Don't want to hear your crying.
Please, find someone else to gripe to.
I gotta do the same thing and still make it through my day.

So...
today..
I...
LAUGH...
with...
or...
without...
YOU :-)

Ahh! I feel better now...
Until next time... I remain...

Kudos to Go Zack!

2008-09-04T20:28:00.002-04:00

I finally got around to visiting my favorite blogs today. Posts, including mine are buzzing about politics, politics, politics... What a mess we have here with folks name calling and finger pointing! I read fellow blogger Go Zack's post about the "dilemma" of Gov. Palin's daughter and I must say, I had a good chuckle about that one! Thanks Zack for the light moment!!

The Republican National Convention was...

2008-09-03T23:29:00.003-04:00

...the cheesiest low blow action I've seen in a long time. I viewed the Palin speech just now with a serious feeling of downright disgust. I've never seen so many wax faced country folks wearing big ole Texas J.R. Ewing hats in one place. They look dead I tell ya! Dead mannequins hanging out at the convention! The arrival of the hurricane on the 1st day should have been fair warning. The convention did not need to go on!! The one's that didn't look dead looked like the were starved for SOME kind of attention! Who the heck wears a button that says "Our state is voting for the HOT CHICK"?!?!? Don't get me wrong, I'M NOT ANGRY... I'm disappointed in how totally classless tonight's speeches were. This convention is on a whole different level and I don't mean on a higher pedestal than last week's DNC... In my humble opinion, the McCain-Palin ticket needs to work on trying to create a better America rather than collaborating to come up with put down after put down of Obama. CLASS-LESS! This came even after Obama defended Palin and told the media her 17 year old unmarried pregger daughter should be off limits for media discussion... The choices the GOP are making and the stance they are taking and the non-tasteful manners they are showing the rest of America does NOT endear their camp to me nor should it to anyone with half a brain. Even their venue is cheesy. What was up with those images of America they were showing in the background?? Two words :-) CHEE-SY!!!!! What y'all need to do is get some serious sex education over there in Alaska so PALIN's state wouldn't rank at almost the #1 state for sexually transmitted diseases! Low Blow that you Hockey Mom!

Ok! I'm dog dead tired and have tons of work to do and should NOT be blogging right now but hey, I feel better now...

Beginning of the School Year is kicking my butt!

2008-08-26T00:10:00.004-04:00

Hi out there fellow blog buddies. I've been away for far too long and I miss reading your posts... The beginning of the school year is always the worst when you're trying to grab an extra moment to simply ahhhhhh! BREATHE! Don't get me wrong, I'm really enjoying my students all and I even have a student teacher this semester to give us an extra hand but still, there's so much to do all at once to keep everything organized and on track. My 7th and 8th graders aren't that far off the organized mark but ohhhh, my little 6th graders. They are so cute because they have that deer in headlights look about them being in a new school and all. Unfortunately, we also have to hold their hands until they get the swing of middle school...
Ohhhh, I so can't wait until we get to that auto pilot mode!
Anywhoo... that's my little update from my corner of the world, whether anyone cared about it or not!
Oh, and I'm sooooooo mad at Keith for his last comment on my page :-) "I was livin the American Dream...with my Box haircut and Polka dot shirt and hammer pants to boot!-lolololol..." Yeah Keith, we're going to need to see some pictures of you with the box haircut and HAMMER PANTS!! Man! I think Hammer had to sell his at his bankruptcy auction so he might need to borrow yours!
KD, that Hip Hop Junkies song was for YOU!!
Until next time,
Muah!

And the Winner is...

2008-08-15T23:48:00.012-04:00

The winner of the Old Skool Name that tune contest is

Beautifully.Conjured.Up!!

BCU was the 1st one to get all of my tunes correct. If you were in my class, we'd have to do an interview for all the fans out there that want to know how you stay so kool with all of that old skool music knowledge. It's OK BCU, I'll fend off the reporters and play some of that music and get the party started right... *Dancing and Singing Set It Off in my head. "Set it off on the left..."* Oh, gotta get back to myself... Anyway, Beautifully.Conjured.Up, one point of clarification, the #1 song was Keep ON Keeping on... but your response was good enough to get you the gold! No worries, no one is here to challenge that fact, much unlike the sore loser that tried to Challenge the reaaaallllllyyyyy close win tonight by Michael Phelps when he beat old boy by 1/100th of a second. Haaaaa! Here's your award BCU!

For everyone else, thanks for participating. I had fun reminiscing and chillin to some classic music. For the record, here are the correct responses... I posted the videos for the songs a few people missed so you can catch up on your old skool rhymes!!

#1 Keep On Keepin On - MC Lyte Featuring Xscape

#2 Creep -TLC

#3 Beat It -Michael Jackson

#4 Doo Doo Brown -Two Hyped Brothers and a Dog

#5 Hold On -En Vogue

#6 Real Love -Mary J. Blige

#7 Tootsie Roll

#8 Cake and Eat It Too -Nice&Smooth

#9 If I Ever Fall In Love -Shai

#10 Poison -BBD

The following video is for someone who's SUPPOSED to be the HIP HOP JUNKIE. I can't figure out why he missed Nice and Smooth but maybe he was having a bad day! Haaaaa!

Thanks again blogger buddies! I'm out for the weekend getting lesson plans together for next week so I may be dropping by your blogs but I probably won't post here for a few more days.

Until we chat again,
I remain,

Name That Tune...

2008-08-11T22:48:00.008-04:00

Old Skool music challenge...
I love my old music, from back in the day when artists took time to coordinate their clothes and actually had them up on their hips instead of hanging low...

Yeah, I know, ole boy STILL looks good even though he's teaching our men to go out looking like that. Too bad all of our boys don't have bodies like that though. I digress... Back to what I was saying, some of my friends pick on me because I still have a box of cassette tapes that I will actually listen to from time to time. Call me a pack rat or whatever but I'll be the first to admit, I have a pretty nice music collection in record, cassette tapes, CD's and finally MP3 format. The 1st record I ever bought was Atomic Dog by George Clinton. No lie. My mom took me to the record store to buy it. Then I bought Prince's Soundtrack Under The Cherry Moon and New Edition's Candy Girl Album. Then I moved on to Cassette tapes and I must say my cassette and CD collections are rather large and I just can't see getting rid of perfectly good music so I keep my tapes for my listening pleasure. Just for the record; no pun intended, I will say that I don't sport portable cassette players and portable CD players outside of my home domain like this one friend I know but shall remain nameless to protect his coolness :-0 This weekend, I drove to Florida for my best friend's grandmother's funeral. I drove my mom's car because it's easier for her to get in and out of her car than my SUV. My mom bought her car juuuussssttttt as CD players were becoming standard in cars in 2001. She didn't know to insist on the CD player soooo her car has a tape deck :-( I was FORCED to pull out my tapes from back in the day which inspired this post. Great songs from my collection. I've posted some of the lyrics to see if you can recognize any of them. Some of y'all are young bucks so it may go waaaay over your head. If so, you need to run down to the CD store and tell the owner you are missing a huge piece of musical history and you need some help with a musical revolution! Haaaaa! Please know this is not a list of my favorites nor is it indicative of ALL i have in my collection but I wanted to keep the list to about 10 so I chose the 10 I could get lyrics for rather quickly.

I can't wait to see how well you do. The winner gets a "lovely" prize from me!

Here Goes...
1. B-Boy, where the f**k you at?
I been looking for you're a** since a quarter past.
Hot peas and butter, baby, come and get your supper.
Before I make you suffer That's when you had enough-a
Can I get hot when you hit the jackpot?
Surely I can, if you the man.
I get loose and produce large amounts of juice.
Can you get used to that or do you need a boost of energy to enter me ang
get it on.
You're gettin' warm.
I can feel you getting closer.
Now baby, down this Mimosa.
You better believe it's time to give a toast to.
The woman of the decade, too bad to be played.
Get vex and I'm bound to throw shade.
All over your body.
Who's body?
You're body.
I can rock a party like nobody.
Leavin' time to take home the loot.
Choosy about who I let knock my boots.
Now let me take sight while your lovin' the ___.
Life ain't all that unless you're doing it right.

2. The 22nd of loneliness and we've
Been through so many thangs
I love my man with all honesty
But I know he's cheatin' on me
I look him in his eyes but all he
Tells me is lies to keep me near
I'll never leave him down though
I might mess around it's only
'Cause I need some affection

3. You Better Run, You Better Do What You Can
Don't Wanna See No Blood, Don't Be A Macho Man
You Wanna Be Tough, Better Do What You Can

4. Buffed up wax back
Armor All down
Tell him, homie
Who's in town
(That's my man,__________

5. Oooh, my first mistake was
I wanted too much time
I had to have him morning, noon, and night
If I would of known then
The things that I know now
I might not have lost the time I complain about

6. So I try my best and pray to God
He'd send me someone real
To caress me and to guide me
Towards a love my heart can feel
Now I know I can be faithful
I can be your all and all
And give you good lovin' through the summertime
Winter, spring and fall

7. To the left, to the left, to the right, to the right
To the front, to the front, to the back, to the back
Now slide, slide baby slide, just slide baby slide
just slide baby slide, come on come on
To the left, to the left, to the right, to the right
To the front, to the front, to the back, to the back
Now dip baby dip, come on let's dip baby dip baby
Dip baby just dip, baby dip baby dip
Just Dip, Cotton Candy sweet and low

8. I've spent most my life, searchin for yours true
And when we first met I thought that girl was you
You really captured me, right there from the start
But how was I to know that today you'd break my heart?
I bought you Fendi, Louis', diamond rings
Mink jackets all the fly material things
Thought you were mine, from the heaven above
But I see another knucklehead sharin my love
I thought you were the lock and I, had the key
My personal jewel, my life's entity

9. The very first time that I saw your brown eyes
Your lips said "hello" and I said hi
I knew right then you were the one
But I was caught up in physical attraction
But to my satisfaction
Baby you were moooorrre than just a face

10. Girl, I must warn you
I sense something strange in my mind
Situation is serious
Let's cure it 'cause we're running out of time
It's oh, so beautiful
Relationships they seem from the start
It's all so deadly
When love is not together from the heart
It's drivin' me out of my mind
That's why it's hard for me to find
Can't get it out of my head
Miss her, kiss her, love her (Wrong move you're dead)

Good music, good times, good memories!

A brief word to the angels that were taken to their heavenly home this past weekend. You will be missed and the world has lost a great comedian and a talented musician. Both icons in the entertainment industry. Rest In Peace Bernie Mac and Isaac Hayes...

Disgusting things...

2008-08-06T00:09:00.006-04:00

I was just sitting here trying to get my mind right to go back to work for real for real next week. (I've been working all summer with summer school and content planning but the REAL clock starts Aug. 13th)

A few things ran across my mind; productive stuff like how much more organized I'll be, different beginning of the year activities for my students, which grad school I'll choose, people I will be glad to see and people I'll just wave at and keep on walking. We've got new people in the building and several people have moved on. Which brought me to today's topic. Disgusting stuff. Barring names and other identifying info, I had several people that just downright disgusted the helloutta me! For instance, there was this one chap that used to smack so loudly when he ate his food. Not only that, god forbid he had any sauce to go with whatever he was eating. Trust. We saw any and everything that was in his mouth. Numerous times. Then he had nose AND ear hair that was clearly visible from the upper part of the atmosphere. I'm saying, how can a woman KISS up on that?? Oh, and once, when he came out of the bathroom AT SCHOOL, his doodie aroma followed him. ewwww.... Please. Do your extended squats at HOME and spare the rest of us from a slow death!

One of my friends dated a guy that used to lick her face in public. wtf?? I mean come on! I'm all for the little cutesy games couples play behind closed doors and hey, if that's how y'all got down and if it works to keep the love alive, do your thang while hanging from the chandelier or the pole y'all installed in your bedroom. But dayum, don't do that ish while we at TGIF ordering our food. I almost fell under the table watching the waitress try to keep her composure. You know they already think we don't know how to act and this buck is at the table licking his woman's face up and down like he's painting a wall veeerrrryyyy carefully!

I'm a prude, I know but I also think loud azz burps are totally disgusting and not for public earshot. Especially if it is followed by the foul aroma of your effin lunch that has crawled up in your intestines and cohabitated there for 7 days. (Ok. The Science teacher in me knows your body doesn't take that long to digest food but work with me here). If your burps go past 70decibels, you need a Gastrologist (I think!)

I finally peeped that video Two Girls One Cup. Apparently the phenomenon is that you show the video to someone and you tape their response. I can usually put gross stuff outta my mind but that doggone video had me freaked out. I almost wish I hadn't seen it but I couldn't resist getting caught up and videotaping a few of my co-workers while they watched the video. Classic! At least I wasn't the one watching the video again. My Stomach couldn't handle that one... and neither could my co-worker. She almost threw up right then and there. Then I'd be posting about her too :-)

We won't even touch picking noses in public, a woman's pants so tight she has that "camel foot" in the front, or washing yo drawers and hanging them up for errybody to see while at Girl Scout Camp... too many bad memories on that last one. Guess with thoughts like these, I'm not getting in the right frame of mind to go back to work!

Anyway, what's the most disgusting thing you've witnessed and did u tell them off for ignoring public protocol and common decency?? Let me hear your stories!

Until next time...
I remain,

Me!

2008-08-04T00:29:00.006-04:00

** If you are viewing a picture of My Meez below, you are toooooo late for my actual slideshow :-( I warned you to not delay for my pictures would not be up for very long. 48 hours max! For those of you that did get a chance to see photos, how well does my Meez match up to the real thing?? :-)**

Folks, today, I thought I'd share a few photos of me and my world. This is a chance for you to see another part of who I am and things that I do. The slide show on this post comes from my Divine9Online page so most of the photos are sorority related. Some other time, I'll share my BulldogUnit photos and you'll have an opportunity to see a more rounded out part of my life. Don't delay in viewing my pics for they may soon be goooonnnnneee... :-)

Before I share, I'd just like to say that lately, I've had this strange feeling that I have major moments to experience in my life and that there is greatness within me still yet to be revealed. Somehow, I just KNOW that I have better things ahead and that God does not intend for me to remain stagnant and stuck on my one way street. "No man was ever great without divine inspiration". I will be an obedient follower and will allow him to order my steps...

Oh yeah, to all my blogger buddies, I MISSED you guys while I was away! I logged on briefly to send some replies but that was about all I had time for. Glad to be back in the mix. Welcome back Writer's Dream. You took a long vacation on us but I hope all was well with you and you are blessed and highly favored.

Until next time,

P.S. For some odd reason, some of my photos are cut off on the right side. Don't know what that's about but it seems like some of my stuff on my blog always gets cut off. Oh, well. C'est La Vie!!

Let the convention begin!

2008-07-25T09:52:00.004-04:00

Hey folks, I intended to have a post ready to go before now but you know how we women are when we are trying to pack a suitcase. I stayed up waaaay too late last night/this morning packing. You know it's bad enough just trying to get my suitcase packed but I was packing my mom's suitcase too so I overextended myself a little by underestimating my time! I had been working on the draft for two days but oh well! I'll post it when I get an opportunity a little later. I HOPE that will be tonight at the hotel but who knows, I might crash in the bed when I get there!
I am headed off to my National Convention in sunny Orlando, Florida. I am very excited because this is the first time in four convention years that I have not been obligated in a delegate seat. I am a regular registered delegate this year sooooo, my mom and I are freeeeeee to pick and choose the meetings and sessions we will attend! When she is ready to leave a luncheon, out we go! That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it! I truly hope to get back to my Blog Buddies before the weekend is over. Y'all hold it down as I know you will and I'll be trying to not be a crack addict and check blog rolls from my phone while driving down the highway! Until next time, be a champion for your causes. The little guy will appreciate your dedication and compassion...

I remain,

Good ole South Carolina... Back to our past...

2008-07-22T00:57:00.008-04:00

Folks, I ran across this post on a blog of one of MY state senators. I read through more of the posts from www.kevinbryant.com and I became even more enraged that THIS is a person in a PUBLIC office representing ME. As an educator, scratch that... As a PUBLIC school educator AND a tax paying citizen, I was totally blown away by Senator Bryant's July 21 post.

I'll be the first to admit that I have a romantic view of life. I like to think that in the end, everything will always work out and happily ever after will happen for everyone. Lately, my eyes have been pryed open whether I wanted it to happen or not... This is one of those times.

The unmitigated gall of a public servant to post obviously derogatory comments without care nor concern for ALL the people is beyond what my common sense and political support can handle. I'm sarcastic. It's in my personality and I know how to get under someones skin when I'm tired of going tit for tat and I want someone out of my hair; but, I'm a well educated professional and I know when and where to allow sarcasm to rear her ugly head. This man (and I use that term loosely) could care less that he has alienated a large portion of South Carolina residents. We are supposed to be more progressive than this... We come from determined stock. Our state showed up in record breaking numbers to vote for Obama during the Democratic primaries and well exceeded republican primary numbers by the thousands... Sen. Kevin Bryant and those that are showing support for him, how could you just blow that off like you can still carry this backward way of thinking into OUR future?? How can you still sit on your high horse and pretend that YOU aren't the change that WE are talking about when WE win this election??
This is asinine and it's making me puke.

I'm ashamed.

because there are MORE people out here that think just like him

because we happily put him in office

because his views affect my students and the funding we DON'T get to give them the best education they deserve

because he sees NOTHING wrong with posting ish like that on his website

because my state was 1st to secede from the Union but only because we WANTED to keep slavery alive...

because we are STILL fighting about having a Confederate flag on our statehouse grounds where people like Senator Bryant make decisions on MY behalf

because HE's not MAD as hell about the state of our economy and he doesn't see that a vote for McCain is a vote for 4 MORE years of the same Dubya administration

It is AMAZING that I live among such people. I'll pause for the moment of silence you obviously need after reading that atrocity...
Now, for those of you that would like to try and stop me from opening up this:

Senator Bryant's CELL phone number and address are posted on his Senate page. I would like for you to kindly step aside...

Until next time, I'll be working on a few Social Action Items...

I remain,

Me

2008-07-20T09:20:00.005-04:00

I am Me.
In all the world, there is no one else exactly like me.

Everything that comes from me is authentically mine, because I alone chose it -- I own everything about me: my body, my feelings, my mouth, my voice, all my actions, whether they be to others or myself.
I own my fantasies, my dreams, my hopes, my fears.
I own my triumphs and successes, all my failures and mistakes.
Because I own all of me, I can become intimately acquainted with me.
By so doing, I can love me and be acquainted with all things being me.
I know there are aspects about myself that puzzle me, and other aspects that I do not know -- but as long as I am friendly and loving to myself, I can courageously and hopefully look for solutions to the puzzles and ways to find out more about me. However I look and sound, whatever I say and do, and whatever I think and feel at a given moment in time is authentically me.
If later some parts of how I looked, sounded, thought, and felt turn out to be unfitting, I can discard that which is unfitting, keep the rest, and invent something new for that which I discarded.
I can see, hear, feel, think, say, and do.
I have the tools to survive, to be close to others, to be productive, and to make sense and order out of the world of people and things outside of me.

I own me, and therefore, I can engineer me.
I am me, and I will be Okay.
~Virginia Satir

I am ME. But this world is heavy. I am also my mom, my dad, family, friend, co-worker, teacher, caretaker, and a hero.

I grieve, I weep, I pray.
For me, for them, for all.

Hope is not in my possession at this time.
Maybe, just maybe, soon we'll chat over a tall glass of wine.

I look in the mirror and who do I see?
Maybe. Just Maybe. Today. Just Me...

Political Humor...

2008-07-12T23:49:00.012-04:00

It's strange, the business of politics. Seems like everyone has a hand in one of the jars. Lying, Cheating, Stealing, Making promises, Pretending to support one another but stabbing your compadre in the back the first chance you get, pocketing mad loot while the rest of us face a SERIOUS energy crisis. It's a mad, mad game and I for one, question why anyone in their right mind would even want to get ivolved in the first place. Yeah, I know the usual- Heal the world, make this world a better place, for you and for me and the entire human race. There are people dying... (you know the song too. Finish the lyrics on your own. I forgot the rest...) Somebody's got to step up to the plate, right??

I've always been perfectly happy being by myself. I'm an only child so I have NO problem finding ways to stay busy. I think I should just close in the little section of land we have here and become my own self sufficient entity. Grow my own food, create my own media entertainment, and live off of residual income from my financial portfolio. Take that gubment! No $5/gallon of gas from ME! Alas, that could be a perfect world but, I admit, I'm not that much of a loner and I would miss human company and meeting new people. Sooo, we the people of the United States of America are forced to deal with the politcal antics that are front page news, instead of actually concentrating on REAL efforts to fix the upside down twist we are currently facing. Case in point. Front page news. Rebbie Reb Jackson... WTF?? I don't care if you didn't think the mic was on, why would you discuss another man's nuts with a total stranger?? Dude, why would you even go there?? I've long since discounted Joker Jessie and dismissed him school teacher style. That means go straight to the office. Do not pass go and do not return without a parent for a conference...That was loong ago during his FIRST presidential bid for office. He should have saved himself the embarassment and quit at one but noooooo... he felt the need to put us through that twice... His own son has even expressed publicly his disappointment in Rebbie Reb. Speaking of Rebbie Rebs. I met Al Sharpton once. At a part time gig I had at a high end Hotel chain. If you really want to know what a person is like, see how they treat people they think are beneath them... It was not a memorable experience and he was above arrogant in his demeanor which means I discount Rebbie Sharpton too...
McCain is no better. He's just plain scary...
Even the old guy he's reaching out to has a look on his face that tells it all. "You no gooder will keep my grandson oberseas and keep taxing us country folk just trying to make an honest living on our family farm!" and Hillary??I'm not EVEN going to go there with her. You all know I could go on for days and days about the Hell and deceit of Hillary. She loaned her campaign millions of $$ because of what?? Can you say EGO?? Stop trying to pimp Obama supporters to help you retire your debt. Between you and Bill, y'all got that. Handle your bidness at your own bank without our money. As a matter of fact, sista can you spare a dime? I'm good for it. NOT!
You might be wondering what I've gotta say about Barack Hussein Obama. Well folks, I KNOW he's not perfect and I KNOW he's got to play this polictical game just as hard as everyone else. Has he lied? I'm sure he has. Did he participate in double talk? I'm sure he has. He's still, IMHO the better candidate out here today. I for one think that the conservatives should be tired of the Dubya empire and should be on their hands and knees thanking ANYONE that someone ELSE is willing to step up to the plate and FIX what George has put asunder. That's a whole lotta mess for one little Obama to clean up. He's got two things of his own to get straight first though...Haaaa!!!!

Look at me, turning this thing into a big ole gripe session. I'm signing off. Until next time, I remain...

If you don't know your history...

2008-07-11T01:20:00.011-04:00

You are doomed to repeat it...

I had never read in depth about Frederick Douglass's speech and views on Independence Day. Someone referenced it in an earlier comment and I began my research.
What can I say? This blog IS part of me becoming the most enlightened and best person I can possibly be. With help from my community of friends...I'm so glad someone took the time to push me to get the facts about OUR history. It's important so we can pass along the right information to our younger generation behind us...

Independence Day Speech by Frederick Douglass
Fellow citizens, pardon me, allow me to ask, why am I called upon to speak here today? What have I, or those I represent, to do with your national independence? Are the great principles of political freedom and of natural justice, embodied in that Declaration of Independence, extended to us? and am 1, therefore, called upon to bring our humble offering to the national altar, and to confess the benefits and express devout gratitude for the blessings resulting from your independence to us?

Would to God, both for your sakes and ours, that an affirmative answer could be truthfully returned to these questions! Then would my task be light, and my burden easy and delightful. For who is there so cold that a nation's sympathy could not warm him? Who so obdurate and dead to the claims of gratitude that would not thankfully acknowledge such priceless benefits? Who so stolid and selfish that would not give his voice to swell the hallelujahs of a nation's jubilee, when the chains of servitude had been torn from his limbs? I am not that man. In a case like that the dumb might eloquently speak and the "lame man leap as an hart."

But such is not the state of the case. I say it with a sad sense of the disparity between us. am not included within the pale of this glorious anniversary! Your high independence only reveals the immeasurable distance between us. The blessings in which you, this day, rejoice are not enjoyed in common. The rich inheritance of justice, liberty, prosperity, and independence bequeathed by your fathers is shared by you, not by me. The sunlight that brought light and healing to you has brought stripes and death to me. This Fourth of July is yours, not mine. You may rejoice, I must mourn. To drag a man in fetters into the grand illuminated temple of liberty, and call upon him to join you in joyous anthems, were inhuman mockery and sacrilegious irony. Do you mean, citizens, to mock me by asking me to speak today? If so, there is a parallel to your conduct. And let me warn that it is dangerous to copy the example of nation whose crimes, towering up to heaven, were thrown down by the breath of the Almighty, burying that nation in irrevocable ruin! I can today take up the plaintive lament of a peeled and woe-smitten people.

"By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down. Yea! We wept when we remembered Zion. We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof. For there, they that carried us away captive, required of us a song; and they who wasted us required of us mirth, saying, Sing us one of the songs of Zion. How can we sing the Lord's song in a strange land? If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning. If do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth."

Fellow citizens, above your national, tumultuous joy, I hear the mournful wail of millions! Whose chains, heavy and grievous yesterday, are, today, rendered more intolerable by the jubilee shouts that reach them. If I do forget, if I do not faithfully remember those bleeding children of sorry this day, "may my right hand cleave to the roof of my mouth"! To forget them, to pass lightly over their wrongs, and to chime in with the popular theme would be treason most scandalous and shocking, and would make me a reproach before God and the world. My subject, then, fellow citizens, is American slavery. I shall see this day and its popular characteristics from the slave's point of view. Standing there identified with the American bondman, making his wrongs mine. I do not hesitate to declare with all my soul that the character and conduct of this nation never looked blacker to me than on this Fourth of July! Whether we turn to the declarations of the past or to the professions of the present, the conduct of the nation seems equally hideous and revolting. America is false to the past, false to the present, and solemnly binds herself to be false to the future. Standing with God and the crushed and bleeding slave on this occasion, I will, in the name of humanity which is outraged, in the name of liberty which is fettered, in the name of the Constitution and the Bible which are disregarded and trampled upon, dare to call in question and to denounce, with all the emphasis I can command, everything that serves to perpetuate slavery-the great sin and shame of America! "I will not equivocate, I will not excuse"; I will use the severest language I can command; and yet not one word shall escape me that any man, whose judgment is not blinded by prejudice, shall not confess to be right and just....

For the present, it is enough to affirm the equal manhood of the Negro race. Is it not as astonishing that, while we are plowing, planting, and reaping, using all kinds of mechanical tools, erecting houses, constructing bridges, building ships, working in metals of brass, iron, copper, and secretaries, having among us lawyers doctors, ministers, poets, authors, editors, orators, and teachers; and that, while we are engaged in all manner of enterprises common to other men, digging gold in California, capturing the whale in the Pacific, feeding sheep and cattle on the hillside, living, moving, acting, thinking, planning, living in families as husbands, wives, and children, and above all, confessing and worshiping the Christian's God, and looking hopefully for life and immortality beyond the grave, we are called upon to prove that we are men!...

What, am I to argue that it is wrong to make men brutes, to rob them of their liberty, to work them without wages, to keep them ignorant of their relations to their fellow men, to beat them with sticks, to flay their flesh with the lash, to load their limbs with irons, to hunt them with dogs, to sell them at auction, to sunder their families, to knock out their teeth, to burn their flesh, to starve them into obedience and submission to their masters? Must I argue that a system thus marked with blood, and stained with pollution, is wrong? No! I will not. I have better employment for my time and strength than such arguments would imply....

What, to the American slave, is your Fourth of July? I answer: a day that reveals to him, more than all other days in the year, the gross injustice and cruelty to which he is the constant victim. To him, your celebration is a sham; your boasted liberty, an unholy license; your national greatness, swelling vanity; your sounds of rejoicing are empty and heartless; your denunciation of tyrants, brass-fronted impudence; your shouts of liberty and equality, hollow mockery; your prayers and hymns, your sermons and thanksgivings, with all your religious parade and solemnity, are, to Him, mere bombast, fraud, deception, impiety, and hypocrisy-a thin veil to cover up crimes which would disgrace a nation of savages. There is not a nation of savages. There is not a nation on the earth guilty of practices more shocking and bloody than are the people of the United States at this very hour.

Go where you may, search where you will, roam through all the monarchies and despotisms- of the Old World, travel through South America, search out every abuse, and when you have found the last, lay your facts by the side of the everyday practices of this nation, and you will say with me that, for revolting barbarity and shameless hypocrisy, America reigns without a rival.

I stand humbly enlightened...

Part time gig...

2008-07-09T00:52:00.004-04:00

OK folks, I'll write a more serious post later but I wanted to get this one out there... As most of you know, I teach for a living. That's my real bona-fide career. We all know that teachers do not do what we do for the $$ because we get paid pennies. Normally, I'm not one to complain about money and for the most part, I've been happy with the money I make and the benefits that I have. Knuckleheads aside, I truly enjoy my line of work. However. You knew that had to be coming right?? However... with gas and food prices rising with no relief in site, increasing problems with our economy and the decline of the American Dollar it's really putting a hole in my pockets. I personally don't have any major bills. I have two cars in MY name and the titles are tucked away safely in my file cabinet. We own our house and I rarely charge stuff. But we have medical bills in this house that are not going to ease up any time soon. Soo, a friend and I brainstormed some things we could do to bring in extra cash without spending 1 million MORE hours hustling. We came up with trying our hand at SlumberParties. No, not the sleepover kind... Well, we must have expensive tastes because when we started researching and settled on the one we wanted to do business with, we found out, we can't just buy the kit and get started, we have to write an ESSAY to prove we were uninhibited enough to be part of the company!! I guess we went for the motherload of Slumber parties when we chose that one. When I think about it, I can't really blame the company...
Back to the basis of the post though. My Partner was NO WHERE to be found when it was time to write that lovely little essay so I had to produce that erotic story on my own...
Soooo, if you see me sporting some new digs at the end of the summer, you'll know that my essay was OFF DA CHAIN!! Those people who know me would NEVA believe it and I sooo love that!
By the way, the company is eroticanoir, a division of businesses by the Author ZANE...

Words of Wisdom...

2008-07-07T02:01:00.004-04:00

You have to be taught to be second class; you're not born that way.
~Lena Horne

Today is the day we celebrate our Independence...

2008-07-04T14:57:00.005-04:00

In the United States, Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, picnics, baseball games, and various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States, but is often also viewed as simply a summer festival, apart from its patriotic overtones.

Hey folks! Thanks for dropping by today! I always loved that part of the movie Independence Day. Aside from looking at Will Smith that is :-) The only thing I would add to that speech now is that we ARE at war with something more frightening than those crazy aliens in the movie. The enemy is even closer and quite elusive. It's our great gubment and their high food and gas prices, backwards policies and agenda to suppress the little people. I digress... Anyway, I hope everyone is enjoying the day with family and friends and have erased all worries, at least for the day...

I'm home with my mom just relaxing and taking my absolute own time to get anything done. We woke up late, we ate brunch late, I went to the store to pick up a few items at my own leisure. Since it's just the two of us, I asked mom what she wanted for our 4th of July meal. I figure since we didn't make the trip to Charleston, SC to visit the rest of the family, at least today's meal would be all about her. She has 6 other brothers and sisters and they are all in Charleston, SC. She loves to go visit but with high gas prices and my tight schedule, we couldn't swing it this time around. Mom has chosen the following for her 4th of July cuisine- Low Country Boil, Shrimp Fried Rice, Grilled Chicken, My Special BBQ Baked Beans, Potato Salad, Watermelon, Marinated Veggie Salad, Peach Cobbler with Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream and Sweet Tea. A real Southern Meal! Guess who gets to cook all of it???? It's all good, I don't mind and we'll have plenty of food for days. With that being said, I'm going to share my Special Baked Bean recipe before I sign off for the day. And for those of you that are wondering, Yes, I can get down in the kitchen with the best of them.
Actually, the recipe is from my best friends mom. She currently lives in ATL but she's from Jacksonville, Florida and she should be on the road right now headed home. If you read this, I hope your travels are safe! Give moms a big hug for me and tell her I'm still cooking up those beans! Taste so good, make you wanna slap somebody!!

BBQ Baked Bean Recipe
1 3lb can of Baked Beans, drained
1 8oz can of crushed pineapple, drained
1 1/2 cup of brown sugar
1 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce (I prefer KC Masterpiece)
1 teaspoon liquid smoke
1/2 cup of chopped onions and bell pepper

Combine the baked beans, pineapple, sugar, BBQ sauce, liquid smoke, onions and peppers in a 13x9 baking dish. Sprinkle black pepper on top to your taste. Place the slices of bacon on top if desired.

Bake in oven on 375 for 30 minutes.
Enjoy!

Until next time,

The Village is looking at you from the window...

2008-07-02T01:34:00.012-04:00

Thanks for dropping in folks. I've been blog hopping like crazy lately. Thank goodness I'm off this week because I've been going to bed seriously late hours this week. You know- 2,3,4:00 in the morning. All cause there's way too much out there these days that pique my interest. I now know how people with ADD/ADHD feel :-)

My post for today deals with our youngins and their seemingly lack of values and respect.

To quote my man Tupac,
"Say there ain't no hope for the youth and the truth is it ain't no hope for tha future..." Gotta luv Tupac...
Now, I must be clear that I'm not categorizing ALL young people as being immoral and disrespectful but since I'm in the education field, I'll just say that I run into inordinately more of these kids. I will also say that the ones that do show their azz in public end up doing it BIG so they get waayyy more coverage than your typical nice and all around good kid around the corner. I left a comment on fellow blogger RawDawg's blog the other day about the fine line we, as the village supposed to be raising the child, must walk when we don't directly know some our peeps we see doing the wrong thing on the street. Back in my day, I knew to keep my attitude in check because there was always somebody that had permission to cut my tail if I stepped outta line. That person coulda been my aunts, uncles, an older cuz, my neighbors, heck- even my teachers coulda hit me upside the head if they needed to. Now don't get me wrong, I wasn't a bad child and none of that was ever needed to keep me in line but it was just an unspoken rule that everybody I came in contact with was expected to have a hand in raising the responsible, law abiding, respectful young lady I am today!
What disturbs me about some of our kids today is that they just don't give a dayum! I mean walking around with pants down to their ankles, shorts that are beyond coochie cutters, girls giving head any and everywhere and boldy cursing in public as part of their natural conversation without regard to who's around, including an elder. I ran across this video a month or two ago. My mouth dropped and stayed on the floor as I watched. I still cannot believe this actually happened and for most of it, the people on the subway just sat by and watched. I guess it was that fine line between "do I help, or stay the heyl back because this chick is off the wall crazy??"

SOULJA GIRL goes crazy on the Marta

Her mom was interviewed shortly thereafter and her family has been all over the internet posting the fact that Chicka is Bi-Polar and needed medical help long before she blatantly disrespected OUR grandmother on the train that day.

Mom's response

Now, Bi-Polar or not, IMHO, ole girl shouldn't have been walking free in the streets. Her village should've stepped in and said you gotta have some stability when out in the community but, it could be a case of folks being dayum tired of the disrespect that they turn the other cheek. Folks out here are unstable. Speaking of unstable, the news has been buzzing all day about a 14 year old here that is being charged with the sexual assault, kidnapping and murder of an 8 year old child in the community. I knew the 14yr old and I always thought he was one of those good kids that seemed pretty stable. He always said "Yes, Ma'am and No Ma'am" when you spoke to him and he had that infectious smile that made you believe he was a sincere kid. You simply never know... therefore, our Village has closed the doors and now everybody's looking at you from behind the curtains in the house. I have mixed feelings because after all, these children are our future and I believe that we should not and cannot give up on them. Then I would be directly responsible for the decline of a nation. So, I propose that we start carrying phasers and stun the hell outta these kids when they get out of line. Now what you got to say kid? Say it again and I'll turn up the juice on this stun gun!!

That'll teach 'em to try and cuss me out!

On a lighter note, part of my earlier tag post was to find a video or song that I think represents the people I tagged. I'm one of those people with a ton of stuff on my plate so I often get to one part and have to come back and finish the rest. So, today's video is for fellow blogger Beautifully.Conjured.Up because she is a female in the male dominated field of Science and many of her posts deal with becoming a better woman, naturally.

Don't worry 12kyle, your video will be posted in the near future...

Until next time...
Keep your eyes and hands on your children so nobody else will have to...

Aaaagghhh! I've been tagged...

2008-07-01T18:53:00.008-04:00

Ok, I guess Kyle figured I was getting slack on my blog posts so he tagged me to flex his blog muscles. I told him that this blog is my work in progress... therefore, my evolution but we know how men are... don't listen! Well, I'm an educator by profession and you know we are notorious for giving directions but we never follow them soooooo, I'll cooperate partially. I gotta make up my own rules :-) Besides, who am I going to tag?? I'm still a newbie blogger...

On to the Meme... (pronounced like dream. I had to research what all this tagging business was about and came across that word) Shhhhh... I'll let you in on a lil secret. I found a really good one on the Meme website that I'm going to get Kyle with!!

Tag Rules:
"List seven songs that you are into right now. No matter what the genre, whether they have words, or even if they're not any good, but they must be songs you're really enjoying now, shaping your spring summer. Post these instructions in your blog along with your seven songs. Then tag any other friendly bloggers to let them know they have work to do. They are to find one video or song that they think describes you and post it on their site."

Now, the responses for my tagged assignment... I LOVE all kinds of music and I have an old soul. Most of my songs are from back in the day and they are all over the genre spectrum. Oh yeah, I also go out of my way to find the remixes of many of the songs I listen to. You know me... Dare To Be Different!

1. "Planet Rock"(the Classic Mix) by Afrika Bambaataa and the SoulSonic Force

2. "Do Me!" the Bootcity Remix by BBD

3. "Twenty Minute Workout" by DJ Kool

4. "Shake a Lil Something" by @ Live Crew

5. "Faith" by George Michael

6. "I A'int Mad Atcha" by Tupac (Actually, I like the original song "A Dream" by Debarge that Tupac sampled on this cut. I listen to that version as well.)

7. The Hidden Beach "Unwrapped" Collection especially Volume 5.0 which was just released on June 24th. The Hidden Beach artists mix jazz with today's Hip Hop music. It makes today's stuff a little more "bearable" for me. Also, most of it is instrumental. I play music quietly in my classroom during the school year so I use these in my class sometimes. The kids stay alert without going overboard with excitement that could get them in trouble!
Here is the YouTube video for the new 5.0 release. I've been rockin it in my car since this past Sunday. If you haven't heard their music before, go to www.hiddenbeach.com and check them out. They have free sample downloads!

I'm tagging...
12kyle
Beautifully Conjured Up
Writers Dream
The Punkin Patch

Until next time, get back to work! We have people out there that need to get a good education!

U.N.I.T.Y.

2008-06-28T00:20:00.010-04:00

Today Hillary and Barack made a joint appearance in the lovely happy go lucky town of Unity. A city chosen for it's name and the emotions it was supposed to make the rest of the country have and experience the feelings of euphoria needed to light a fire for the upcoming election.

You know the media had a feeding frenzy worse than a zookeeper trying to feed a pack of pork chops to 5 hungry lions that haven't eaten in 4 days... Here come the body language experts...
They nitpicked every little move and every little breath. CNN actually posted a description about Obama- "Arm Up=Wall" because they observed Obama in this picture with his arm up/between he and Hillary while they were on the plane to the Wizard of Oz place in Unity, New Hampshire. They implied that the arm up meant Barack had some kind of subliminal message of distrust towards Pantsuit. I saw the picture and listened to the comments and I was like DUH! Would YOU trust Hillary after all her F*ckery??? I mean Dayum. The Hill and Bill connection CAN'T just be openly embraced by the Obama camp just yet! In the back of his mind, Obama knows what's up... Keep your enemies close and keep your hand on their back so you can slap them the Heyl off the stage when they get beside themselves! I just don't trust it. All of a sudden everything is supposed to be Hunky Dory for the sake of unifying the party?? No waayyyy... there is something up somebody's sleeve... I don't know when and I don't know how but in the words of Keith Sweat, Sumthin sumthin just a'iiiiinnnttt right! She's shown her true colors before and we all know a leopard does not change her spots. Or shall we say, a witch is true to thine own self...

Keep your eyes open Barack...

Black Men Boycott R. Kelly

2008-06-25T23:16:00.005-04:00

Hey, Hey folks! I can finally breathe! I just finished two presentations on how I manage technology in my classroom for a Technology Conference that is here this week. My boss "volunteered" my services which is how I got caught up doing this in the first place. I do consider it an honor, however, it's still stressful and intimidating to prepare and present to folks you've never met.
This is my summer vacation but I'm busier now than when I was on a 8-5 regular schedule!

On to the basis for my post today... Maybe I'm late on this one but better late than neva! I'm curious as to how you feel about the online petition going around boycotting The Urinator, oops!, I mean R. Kelly. I read the letter to Concerned African Americans and I read through a few of the signatures and comments...
Well...
I for one applaud the black man for putting his foot down and sticking up for us. We are the mother of civilization, a Queen to behold and the backbone of our race. We were born to walk with our men, not separate in this journey of life. I believe that just as I believe R. Kels was GUILTY of his crime. I do believe he deserved SOME kind of punishment but to me, the TRIAL itself was a mockery and was tainted several times over so it was predictable that he would be free in the end...
Introduce the petition
Well...
Sometimes, I think we (meaning us women) can get in the way of our own sake. *Here come the daggers...*
This petition was started by a man for men to speak up and have their say about one of the few times one of ours was let go when he should've gotten something MORE than the slap on the wrist he received. I read through a few pages of signatures, not all 1,261 (at the time I logged on) and there was signature after signature of women with their comments. That's all well and good but hey, I want to see 1,261 MEN stand up for me and my virtue... It's selfish, I know but it's my blog... (Just kidding) Seriously though, we women can be so impatient at times when all we have to do is sit back and give our guys some support from the side every once in a while. Heck, if we want to be heard that bad, we could start a Black Women Against the Exploitation of Black Women Petition...

Well that's just my two cents worth. Sometimes the smallest of things bother the heck out of me. Some of my co-workers say I have a Type A personality...

Until next time... say something positive or give a word of encouragement to a young lady you see or know... Part of our future depends on them.

Addition to the post. This is how R. Kelley got a not guilty verdict... Haaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!

I'm baaaccckkkkk....

2008-06-23T13:48:00.008-04:00

Many thanks to my peeps for checking on me. My peeps that never leave a comment that is... One of these days, I'll actually hear from you on the blog instead of in my email :-) I've been away on a mini-vacation with a couple of my Sorors. We went to Pittsburgh to attend a wedding. As we prepared for takeoff out of Charlotte this is what we saw...

Now, I'm not the biggest sports junkie in the world but I just happen to be a Pittsburgh Steelers fan... I made the request of my traveling companions to be sure we drove by Heinz Field to get a picture of the Steelers home field before we left.

Needless to say, I did not have to make that request because this is where my soror had her wedding reception...

How could I have expected anything less! My soror and her new hubby are Steelers fans and of course, that had to be part of the celebration. Words cannot express my excitement to be in such a beautiful city AND home of the Steelers! Industrial cities are drastically different from where I live. Buildings take up an entire city block and they have REAL skyscrapers...
The temperature was perfect and consistently 10 degrees below the sweltering southern heat. For a brief moment, I was able to forget about lots of stuff on my plate here at the homestead and enjoy this beautiful getaway! Now I kinda know how sports fans feel about the passion and love they have for teams they actually follow and root for on the daily.
I just may become a REAL sports fan yet...
More to come later. I just wanted to get this out there so people would know I'm still alive and have bloggin on my mind!

Toxic Relationships

2008-06-16T21:53:00.005-04:00

"When a blind man leads a blind man, they both end up in the ditch."
Your development, and in some cases your healing, can only take place when you walk with the right people!
Remember the story of the scorpion that asked a frog to carry him across the river because he could not swim? How do I know you will not sting me? the frog asked. If I do, we'll both drown, he replied. So the scorpion hopped on. Half way across the river the scorpion stung him. As they were drowning the frog said, 'You promised you wouldn't. Why did you sting me? The scorpion replied, I cannot help it, it's my nature to sting.
Learn to recognize toxic relationships and walk away from them before they take you down with them. A toxic relationship is like a body part with gangrene; if you do not amputate, the infection will spread. Unless you have the courage to cut off what will not heal, you will end up losing much more.
You cannot partner successfully with someone who does not share your goals. When you feel passionately about something but they do not, it is like trying to dance the fox trot with someone who only wants to waltz. You picked the wrong dance partner. Do not get tied up with someone who does not share your God-given purpose.
Some issues can be corrected through teaching and leadership,but you cannot teach somebody to care. And if they do not care, they will infect your environment, ruin your productivity and break your rhythm with constant complaints.
So ask God, Who belongs in my life?

This was so on time and just what I needed to read at the right moment in my day. All too often us "single sistas" get caught up with the wrong man for the wrong reason . Many times, this guy is just a leech, moocher, jerk, busta, table scraps, well, you get the point. Why hang onto 'em?? When I was younger, I kept a guy around just because it gave me someone to call, it was nice to just have SOMEBODY to talk to, you know-ahhhh!!, or just to have the illusion of being in love. Fulfill that dream of a wedding, white picket fence and two point five children :-) It also gave me a real answer to that age old question, are you seeing anyone? Ugh!
Now that I'm older, I guess I have less patience, I'm not as vulnerable as I used to be and quite frankly, I value my peace and quiet. Those of you that have been here before know I recently had a scorpion in my life. I found out things about him that let me know it's not in his nature to do right by me. I didn't fuss, cuss, or beat the helloutta him. I just cold turkey dipped and said we weren't compatible and left it at that. Sorry, but at least I didn't wait until some special occasion like a birthday or something!

Now I have no answer for that stupid question but I'd rather be alone and at peace than with someone in a toxic relationship.

To my friend that's out there reading this post, I'm writing this for you too, girl! Keep ya head up! The one is out there and you'll KNOW it when the time is right... Then me and you know who won't have to carry picket signs at your wedding!

Your thoughts??

Spying

2008-06-14T12:18:00.008-04:00

Good folks, this article recently ran in my local newspaper:

Councilmembers reported strange computer behavior
By Ben Szobody
STAFF WRITER

County Councilman Joe Dill said Thursday that his county-issued laptop computer began operating sluggishly after Councilman Tony Trout put files on it during a County Council meeting, and that county IT staff subsequently found a computer worm on the machine.

Dill is among three council members who say their computers have been acting strangely and who have turned them over to be checked by the FBI. Council members say they are unsure whether their problems are related.

Dill said he was sitting in a council meeting when Trout said, "I’ve got something here I need to put on your machine."

"I said, ‘OK, here,’ " Dill said, adding that Trout put icons on his screen that linked to council rules and other folders. After the computer slowed to a crawl, he said the county staff found a worm and had to remove it.

Trout could not be reached for comment.

Councilwoman Judy Gilstrap said she uses four computers, but that for a long time Trout didn’t include her on frequent e-mails to county officials. Recently, she started receiving them again.

"Unfortunately, I opened those e-mails," Gilstrap said, adding that her machines have been giving her trouble.

Councilman Fred Payne said Thursday he primarily uses his home computer to access his county account, and that his wife told him earlier this week that it stopped working, and wouldn’t let her log on.

Council members Butch Kirven, Xanthene Norris, Lottie Gibson, Willis Meadows, Cort Flint, Jim Burns and Bob Taylor said Thursday they’ve seen no signs of trouble on their machines. Sid Cates could not be reached.

"I wouldn’t care, I ain’t got nothing on my computer that can’t be public information," Gibson said.

Subsequent articles have uncovered spyware secretly installed on one particular county councilman's computer that bypassed GOVERNMENT firewalls and anti-virus software. The County Council Chairman responsible was referred to in the paper as having the following stance:
"Trout declined to comment to the local newspaper but told WYFF-TV that he accessed information from Kernell’s computer and sent it to the state Attorney General’s Office. Trout told the station that the access was legal because Kernell is his employee."

Here's my reaction *mouth drops, speechless; looking for the April Fool's link"
I really, really can't believe that this kind of thing goes on in MY hometown. This is some Enemy of the State shyt for ya. In this case, I'm getting cheated because Will Smith is not the main character.
What is God's name would give someone the unmitigated GALL to secretly install spyware on someone Else's computer? This spyware recorded key strokes (to gain access to passwords as the user typed it in) and gave access to download information from one computer to another! Yes, I'm aware that COMPANIES reserve the right to access all employee work computers but in this case, the company (our city gubment that is) did not act to access an employee computer, an INDIVIDUAL did. Rather you had probable cause to monitor or not, there is a right and a wrong way to gain access to information. The spyware was installed in such a way that it sent emails to other council members that accessed their work accounts from work and home so yep, you guessed it, people's home computers were compromised as well!
This man clearly crossed the line. Clearly. He had been advised by lawyers to decline comments but he has complained that this news broke on the eve of elections when voters would be persuaded by this story to vote for someone else. Duh!

Whether this was politically motivated or not, wrong is wrong. There is an IT department set up for this very kind of thing. Also, if you're the boss, you should've handled any concerns of your employee in your yearly review. It is above and beyond your duties to personally spy on another individual. That kind of stuff should be handled at the discretion of a committee so you'll have several opinions, several level headed people and BACKUP when shyt hits the fan!! He could've been given admin rights to all computers as an alternative to this. But then again, he didn't have admin rights for a reason...
Now this man is facing all of litigation and heat ALONE which is what he deserves for trying to be James Bond. He should've taken a lesson from Sean Connery, even the real BOND had folks helping him. He didn't get all of his gadgets on his own!

Whatcha think?????

Until next time... Don't use clue words like George Bush, secret spy, conspiracy theory, and secret intelligence while on the phone. You may get a knock on the door from Jason Bourne coming to save you from the enemy...

Lessons from Love and Basketball

2008-06-13T13:01:00.008-04:00

Folks, today I watched an age old favorite movie from back in the day. Love and Basketball. Now there's one of those classic movies that never gets old! Great cast, AWESOME soundtrack, and a stellar cast! Of course, U gotta give Sanaa her props because she played the hell outta her role, Omar was quite a looker but his dad, Whew! Q's daddy was the eye candy here.

I digress.

As I sat watching this for the 30th time, I realized the lessons that could be taken from this movie:

1. Just because you're a girl doesn't mean you can't bring it even in the company of all males
Young Monica entered the movie by whoopin some young male azz just cause they ASSUMED that she couldn't handle her own on the court! She had game. She brought it and made no apologies for her skills. She paid for it by gaining a battle scar from a male temper tantrum but hey, that comes with the territory!

2. Forgive the opposite sex for the error of their ways. It's ok to give them a second chance if they appear to have potential
Monica forgave Q after he reluctantly apologized for his (Mis)ASSUMPTION of her skills. They even had a decent convo about sports stats. A great friendship was created because they had something in common and they were both genuinely good kids. That's the great thing about being a kid. You have fewer inhibitions than adults. It's easier to create lasting friendships when you're a kid...

3. Be ye a lady
My man Q wanted to be Monica's boyfriend. Even though he was just a kid, he knew a good woman. Of course, back in the day, you had to seal that kind of deal with a KISS. Monica, smart young lady that she was, said the kiss could not take place in public. Way To go girl! Don't air your bizness in the street. Take it to a private place! I gotta give it to Q though. He counted down to make sure he got his 5 seconds in!!

4. If your hubby comes home from a 4 day bizness trip and says he needs to go back out for a meeting, HECK YEAH hire a Private Investigator!
Q's dad was a tall dark piece of chocolate. He put his family in a nice neighborhood and a more than comfortable house. But he was a ladies man. Tippin out all all hours of the night. What good is that chocolate if u ain't getting none and he's supposed to be your man? I'm sorry, my piece of mind (not to mention my health) is worth more than that. Snooping is wrong. I agree. BUT, if I find damaging evidence, then so be it. At least I'll be freeeeeeee of yo lyin azz.....

5. Momma makes sacrifices too
Monica's mom appeared a little intimidated by her hubby. She was "susie home maker" in Monica's eyes. I can't say I totally disagree with Mom's stance on that one. Hey, we all have career dreams. Today's woman has it all. Career, children, pays the bills. Everything. However, if you CAN afford to stay at home while your children are young and impressionable, I'm not going to look down on you for that. They had young African American children clearly surrounded by folks that did not look like them. I don't blame Mom's for being there, showing them a complete family unit, and taking care of hubby. (Ok, well, I have a little problem with being THAT SUBMISSIVE to your man but I know she was working in the best interest of her family for that time) Remember, I said this was a lesson so I still have learning to take from it...

6. Sometimes the Hot Hunks get their ego checked
Boris Kodjo.
Whew, I'm back... As fine and experienced as he was, he still had a hard time making conversation at a simple senior prom aannnddd, he went home alone (or at least without Monica) at the end of the night. Just goes to show you, compatibility is key when selecting your love interest...

7. Your 1st should be with someone you KNOW, TRUST and LOVE
Ahhh! You watched the movie, you remember the scene. What a tender moment.
enuff said about that.

8. Get your education no matter what
Don't be a hard head and not do the right thing just cause you mad at your daddy. Q learned that lesson the hard way because he was blinded by anger over his dad's infidelities. I'm not saying education is the ONE answer for everything and NO it won't open ALL doors for you but you'll have a better chance on cracking the window with an education than trying to get along without it...

9. Be passionate about your chosen craft
Monica LOVED basketball. She had Spalding Dreams! Haaaaa! Sometimes her passion got her in trouble but nobody could take away the fact that she knew BASKETBALL!
That's the lesson I try to get my students to understand. When you decide on what you want to do in life (and hopefully, you'll choose something you ENJOY) by all means, go all out to understand the ins and outs, EVERYTHING! Nothing worth having is easily gotten and you must work to be at the top of your field!

10. If it's something worth having and giving up everything else for, go Double or Nothing
You remember the scene in the backyard two weeks before Q's wedding. That's what I'm talking 'bout!! Don't make a huge mistake just to save face. Follow your HEART!

Umm Hmmm. Lessons from Love and Basketball.
Gotta Love it. I can't wait to see the lessons you come up with!

I hope that all the DAD'S out there have a GREAT weekend! Until next time... Relax and watch a good "Back in the Day" movie. It'll put a smile on your face!

Ramifications

2008-06-10T23:34:00.007-04:00

Good people. If you've been here before, you know what is at the top of my "mad list"

GAS PRICES.

Deez prices are so high and I'm mad as hell. I was listening to Michael Baisden this afternoon and some of the family was venting about what high gas prices would lead to.

Ramifications

People were calling in with all kinds of sad stories and what choices they would have or not have if the prices continued the way they are.

Some folks are pumping and driving... I saw one such case on my very own HBCU networking site... I still can't believe she actually posted that...
One truck driver said their fuel is already above $5/gallon and the company was having to cut back. He's a single dad with no options without a job. He said crime DOES pay and that's how he was going to make ends meet.
Some folks calling up Ray Ray n them to get in on the next drug deal to make some extra cash.
People around my parts have actually started riding a bicycle for short errands.

All I could do was shake my head in shame because if we don't see the end of the tunnel and SOON, Imma be right up there with the rest of the folks!

But on the real folks, my mom had an undetected stroke two years ago in her frontal lobe. This affects her personality and behavior. She also has Akinetic Parkinson's which affects her movement. What this means for me is that she must have a sitter during the day while I go to work because she either freezes in one spot for a loooong time unable to move or she will make an irrational decision that will affect her safety. Her sitter was hired to get her bathed, dressed and OUT of the house because all my mom would do is lay in the bed all day long and get bed sores. She gets a disability check. Our great gubment graciously sends $1600 a month to my mom. The retirement check doesn't cover the rest either. Her sitters for the weekends and weekdays easily cost $2000. Remember, they are there to get her out of the house. My mom loves to get out of the house. Her sitters have told me about times when she would just want to ride through different neighborhoods for 30-40 minutes. That and she LOVES going to SONIC erryday to get a Strawberry slush with Cherries. She's still an intellectual person underneath the medical problems. She likes seeing what's in our community asking a bunch of trivia questions about what she's seen. It breaks my HEART to have to tell her that she simply CANNOT go out like she used to because we can't afford the gas for her car and mine. U finished the math problem from earlier right?? U figured out it takes my check and hers to keep this household afloat... above and beyond the sitters and gas, we still gotta eat and stay cool too...

It is simply not FAIR!! And THOSE people will not do anything about it because it does not affect them!! I wonder, how far will some people have to go just to LIVE and how many people have NO OPTIONS and will resort to WHATEVER so they can hold their head up and say they took care of their families NO MATTER WHAT??

Thanks for letting me vent! Until next time... Say a prayer for our nation. We need it...

Black People and Nggs

2008-06-06T21:55:00.011-04:00

Hmmm, when was my last post? Tuesday? Well. I'm trying to get better at keeping a regular schedule... Anyway, as I told my buddy, school is officially out and I'm freeeee... (ok, only for a week. Summer school's in session on the 16th) but hey, it's all good cause I'm sleeping erry day next week past 8am! I got a voicemail from the busta I thought I'd gotten rid of... ummmm, sorry dude, I ummm, I have a headache! :-)

It is HHHOOOOTTTT here in the dirty south and this heat is unforgiving. I'm a science teacher so experiments are my thing. This was so cliche but guess what me and my kids did last week?? Fried an egg on the sidewalk. It actually worked!!

My poor baby...

doesn't even like to go out anymore. She tinkles then ruuuunnnnsss back to the door to come inside... It's so funny to watch her sitting on the floor eating ICE. All you see is a 70pound furball hovering over an ice bucket crunching for 10-15 minutes. That is sooooo unlike a CHOW...

Someone sent me an email and asked when was I going to post a picture of myself. I call this "My eyes are watching you"...

Ok, forgive me, I'm not a poet, but I'll keep working on it. I will EVOLVE into a lyrical mistress one day!

Speaking of email, here's one I received recently. I've never really been into the "N" word. As a matter of fact, I hate it with a passion but I am open enough to understand the difference in behavior of our people. In the words of our "where are they now?" brotha Arsenio Hall...These are things to make you go hmmmm... After I read this email, my question to the author was, how can we reach out to our unenlightened people to help them see it's so easy to tear down what our proud ancestors hard worked hard to build?? I digress, that's another blog topic...

The Difference...
Contrary to what many may think, there is a difference between Black people and n*gg*s...

Black people spend thousands of dollars on higher education and see the value of owning real estate.
N*gg*s spend thousands of dollars on ''getting high" and are concerned only with keepin' it real..

When Black people have children, they try to get better paying jobs to make sure they can support their child...
When n*gg*s have children, they change jobs to avoid paying child support.

When Black people have children, they invest in college plans, piano lessons and braces...
When n*gg*s have children they invest in designer clothes, platinum jewelry and mini-Air Jordans

Black people watch out for their neighbors and understand the importance of strong neighborhoods...
N*gg*s watch their neighbors, and look for an opportunity to take advantage of their weaknesses.

Black people appreciate the sacrifices made for them by, their families to help them get ahead in life...
N*gg*s will sacrifice their Families and steal from them in order to get their next high.

Black people appreciate expensive jewelry designer clothes and nice cars but realize that they don't make the person....
N*gg*s define themselves by their designer clothes platinum jewelry and nice cars.

Black people will know the people at their local bank branch by first name...
N*ggas will know the people at the neighborhood Check Cashers and liquor store by first name.

Black people see hard working brothers and sisters with legitimate jobs as potential mates...
N*gg*s won't even look at you if you're not a Hustler, Baller or a Bad Ass B**ch.

Black people will work hard to be innovative or to build something out of nothing.
N*gg*s will work hard at getting something for nothing.

Black people work hard all week and then go out on the
weekend to relax and chill at the few Black night spots we have...
N*gg*s relax and chill all week and then go out on the weekends and work hard to mess up the few Black night spots we have.

In the words of Chris Rock, "I love Black people... but I can't stand n*gg*s!!
Do you know the difference and which one are you ?? ? !

Until next time... go easy on the errands. Gas is expensive ya know...

I wonder...

2008-06-03T19:32:00.005-04:00

Hey all,
I've been away for a minute dealing with last minute things for the END of school. Tomorrow is the FINAL day for our students!! I can breathe without the constant hover of lesson plans and deadlines!

Now I can finally concentrate on this new obsession of mine... BLOGGING!! I can't begin to tell you how many blogs I have visited just trying to get the hang of the whole thing. I've been enlightened to say the least. There's a lot of talent out there and most of it comes from my people! *sticking chest out* This is a strange but eye opening experience for me because I'm normally not a talkative person but I am constantly thinking and analyzing everything.
Today, instead of my usual rant and rave blog, I'm going to make this a shortie and post some of my I wonders...

I Wonder...

Why did this young lady think she could wear this dress to the prom? Why not spend the money to fix her hair instead?
One funny thing though, they told her she wasn't wearing any underwear and then handcuffed her to get her out of the building. Why? She obviously could not hide any weapons in that dress!

Why gas just hit $4.05/gallon and the government only gives us a measly $600 to stimulate their economy! It's damn ridiculous I tell ya!

Why my last man was such a busta. That fling lasted 4 months and I was OWT! It was a long distance relationship (Big no, no from now on...) and the more I got to know him, the cornier he seemed. How could he not know he was a busta?? Good riddance bruh. I'm back on the market...

There's a crackhead that lives 6 blocks down from me, she got a man and now she's pregnant! Why do the ones with the most dire of situations get the blessings?

I wonder if Michael Jacko has to remove the artificial tip on his nose before going to sleep so he won't lose it in the bed?

Did OJ do it? aannndddd... WHY did he write a book called "If I Did It" for the 10 year anniversary of Anna Nicole's death?

What is the ONE biggest blockbuster black movie of all time?

Who shot Tupac?

Until next time... Be good to each other...Muah!!

Beauty is only skin deep... or is it?

2008-05-28T19:04:00.006-04:00

The other day, I had a conversation with some co-workers about plastic surgery. One of my co-workers is obsessed with her looks. Everyday she asks our opinion or makes some kind of comment about her nose, her eyes, wrinkles, blah blah blah. She's had a face lift, at least two chemical peels, botox and some kind of roseacea procedure. How much is enough and, will it ever be enough?? Quite frankly, I don't see that much of a difference after her procedures. It's like she's chasing an eternal fountain of youth. I ran across an article about the Top 5 reasons women have plastic surgery. Men, Career, Beauty, Coveting the neighbor's looks, and to look like a movie star. I could easily see which categories she falls into... #'s 3,4, and 5!! I feel bad because I believe she is already a beautiful woman inside and out and it's sad to see her and millions of women go through so much to seek beauty they will be comfortable with. Heck, the industry is even seeing a rise in the number of women having Vaginal Plastic Surgery That's a bit too much for me too handle!

Why do we let others define our beauty and then put what God has given us in the hands of another human being to shape according to their creativity? I'm guilty. I had a breast reduction in 2005. I like to think that my reasons were more medical than anything... You know~ hurt back, grooves in the shoulders from the heavy duty support needed to keep the girls still while at work and in the gym. It was a medically approved surgery but I know deep in my heart, I was simply not comfortable with the abundance I'd been blessed with. It was a chore to shop for clothes, two piece bathing suits were totally out and I could never wear cute tops to the club... It wasn't a hard decision to go under the knife...

I was a different woman as soon as I woke up from the surgery and I had a renewed confidence in the difference I was going to make in the world now that I'd altered my looks. Or... was I a new woman?? Did it change any of my inner beauty or the light that shines from within me? As I reflect, I'm still the same person. I still have a bleeding heart for injustice to any living thing. I still live life, love hard and give everyday my all. In the end, the woman in the mirror is still the same. I'm convinced I won't be like my co-worker and chase that eternal fountain of youth. Especially at today's plastic surgery prices! Gotta pay for gas ya know! Anyway, I'm at peace with me and my beauty. I'm satisfied with how I look whether someone else finds me attractive or not...In the end, that's what's most important... I gotta say, I LOVE ME!!

Memorial Day Shout Outs...

2008-05-26T13:08:00.013-04:00

"Memorial Day is a United States Federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May. Formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates U.S. men and women who perished while in military service to their country. First enacted to honor Union soldiers of the American Civil War, it was expanded after World War I to include casualties of any war or military action."

Memorial Day is a special time for families and friends that are serving in any Military capacity. When I was in high school, I was well on my way to a career in the Armed Services myself. I was an Officer and Platoon Leader in my high school Navy Junior ROTC and I had two years of Army ROTC in college. I KNOW the day to day sacrifices our military as well as their families make to serve and protect our country. I have family and friends in various branches of armed services and I would like to say to each of them, I Love You and I appreciate all you do. Words can never truly express the gratitude I have in my heart for your sacrifice. To my cousin Gene AND his wife Nikki, my best friend Trese, Monica, Jared, Anthony F., Uncle Dave and my high school sweetheart Maceo, THANK YOU for a selfless job! I dedicate this song, "In Harm's Way" by Bebe Winans to you today because it is a beautiful song with a POWERFUL message. Enjoy your day!

If you have friends or family of the armed services that you'd like to acknowledge, the floor is open...

Stuff that bothers me...

2008-05-24T21:27:00.013-04:00

By now you know I spend a considerable amount of time watching people. Since I'm over 30, I have several YEARS of images in my head of stuff that just a'int right. Why do people go to such extremes or better yet, how can they NOT know betta?? Here's a list (not necessarily my top five or in any particular order) of Stuff That bothers me...

1. Sagging pants

Why?? What is the purpose for the saggy pants?? Where I teach has a dress code that requires a collared shirt and belt for all pants with loops. The guys look ready for success while at school but as soon as the 3pm bell rings, all I see as I drive home from work is underwear! Young fellas, this look is NOT Sexy and really does nothing for my faith in you as my gangsta savior...

2. Thinking just cause you have a chest, it's OK to "promote" them

What the heck is this?? When you can fully support a paperback book underneath your breast, without assistance, this type of shirt is off limits for you!! This, is also not sexy to me. When I think of what I want to wear to the club, it is nowhere remotely related to this! My family always taught me to carry myself in a lady like manner in public at ALL times. Save sumthin for my man's imagination. Let the freak out once you get home. It'll be well worth it for you AND him...

3. Tight pants

Over the years, I have gained weight. Lost it. Gained it again. Lost it again. U get da picture. (BTW, I'm the recent winner of The Biggest Loser on my job!) Anyway, one thing I've never forced was my huge azz in a pair of tight pants... with or without the weight. I've always been blessed back there:-) Come on! Be comfortable. Be ladylike tight, not "Beware she's gonna explode tight" and spare the rest of us the agony of seeing you struggle around the office or in the streets trying to keep air in your nether regions and the sound of your pants rubbing together like stockings as you walk past. Do u and us a favor, go the next size (or two) up...

4. Ghetto Prom pictures that circulate every Spring

Uhhhh... WTF?? Call me old fashioned but I believe children hit intimacy waaayyy to early these days. Heck, can they even identify how LOVE feels?? I'm not knockin nobody's mama that had them at an early age, fought the struggle and came out smelling like a rose... what does bother me is the fact that children these days glorify pregnancy just because they wanna have a "baby daddy". I've heard it many many times in my line of work. Young chics watching the guys go past and declaring to their friends "that one is gonna be my baby daddy..." I teach in a middle school and there are several mama's in our midst. Several. Missing school erry other day because they don't have a babysitter or money for diapers. Perpetuating the cycle instead of uplifting our legacy... then someone had the unmitigated gall to go to the prom with their young pregnant belly out like this!! Get mad at me if you want. Pregnancy and Prom dresses with the belly out do not go together. If you don't have respect for yourself, at least have respect for the dignity and miracle of an unborn child...

5. The Hell of Hillary...

Where can I begin and end on this one?? I'm guilty, just as many other people were of being an early Hillary supporter because Bill was our "brother from another mother" while he was in the White House. I mean he played the saxophone, lied about gettin it from the white girl, sported nappy hair... The Clintons may as well have been The Smiths, Jackson, Jeffersons,_______ *insert any other black family name*
How could I not think Hillary would be there for us? As this election has unfolded, I have not only withdrawn my support for her as a qualified candidate, but I've grown to dislike her more and more as a person. I've watched her lie about supporting the war, then deny she was ever involved, she lied and said her online campaign was collecting millions of dollars a day (where?? From your bank account to your campaign's?), she childishly attacked Senator Barack Obama when the nation (and Super Delegates) have given their support and money to the better candidate, and the clincher for me for that UGLY scowl she had at one of the televised debates! I'm getting off on a Hillary rampage so I betta leave well enough alone; for now...

Obviously, I have lots of stuff that bothers me but I'll leave it at five for now. What about you?? Give me the rundown of stuff that drives you insane...