Friday, October 31, 2008

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Happy Halloween to EVERYONE!

I love Halloween for two reasons: cute babies in their Bumblebee & Batman costumes and CANDY!!! My nephew, Devin, is Winnie the Pooh again this year and I think it's the most adorable thing. I can't even recall the last time I dressed up for Halloween - it was probably something lame like a cat or devil.

The best Halloween memory I have is back in 3rd or 4th grade when I dressed up as a witch but it seemed like everyone else had cooler costumes. I think the hat topped it off for me - made me feel like I won the contest and when i didn't I told myself, "Next year, I'll have an even better costume!" Unfazed by the other kids, I wore that hat each year and it became my thing.

I haven't dressed up since, it bores me. Just give me some Twix or Krackel and I'm good...

How do you feel about Halloween? Did you get dressed up or could you care less?

Thursday, October 30, 2008

I'm just SPENT.....

What a week, month, hour & minute it has been.....

I'd like to blame it on the cold weather and early nights, but I think I'm just overall SPENT! Work, school, family, and friends - it's been quite hectic. However, I haven't had this much fun since (insert sarcasm here). I'll accept that week long vacation to Turks & Caicos please...I WISH ha-ha :p

On that note: Grace Bay Beach in the Turks & Caicos Islands is one of the most exquisite beaches around because of its ivory, soft sand & is not as crowded like most Caribbean beaches are. It's approximately a 90-minute flight from Miami and definitely worth the travel.

Located on the northern shore of Providenciales (Provo), the country's most popular and populated island, Grace Bay Beach is 12 miles long, so it never feels crowded. The turquoise water is phenomenal, so have your camera ready.For the latest information and special deals on the different activities you can find in Provo, try the country's tourism Web site at www.turksandcaicostourism.com.

(Source: www.abcnews.go.com)

Monday, October 27, 2008

ELECTION DAY.....

There's EIGHT (8) more days left until ELECTION DAY!

I've finally caught up on some shut-eye and Sunday is usually Family & Football day so to sum up the weekend: FANTABULOUS! Political discussion was up in the air with the fam --- even my mom is enthusiastic about the Obama-Biden ticket --- but one thing has lingered in my mind. My bro mentioned that it seems like I've put Mr. Barack Obama on a pedestal. Which made me think: Am I enforcing my beliefs and confidence on others in regards to the future President of the United States?

I'm guilty of it. I've even blocked several McCain- Palin articles because my mind has been programmed to receive only Obama info, stats, etc. However, I think my low tolerance on bullshit is stronger than ever. Each and every single time Sarah Palin does an interview, I would rather shave my head than to listen to this woman's attempt to sound even the least bit sagacious. She proves me right though - each and every time. During an episode of Larry King on CNN, they posted an interview she had done where a third grader asked, 'What does a Vice President do?'

She replied, 'The Vice President stands by the President and is a team player. They go in the Senate and help make decisions...' Excuse me for a minute while I shoot myself with the thought of someone who can't even answer a third grade question, possibly becoming second in command. I think even the third grader knows the Vice President doesn't go in the Senate to shake things up. She didn't answer the question! It goes the same for McCain!

I'm not looking for an eloquent speaker like Barack but what I do want is for someone to address the current concerns of the American people with great knowledge and concrete plans to do so. A politician is a politician is a politician ... I get it. But I stand by my choice and will go to the polls on November 4th and self-assured Mr. Barack Obama will come through.....

What are your thoughts on this? Are you also guilty of coercing your beliefs - about Barack Obama or the leader of your respective party - to your family, friends, or co-workers?

Sunday, October 26, 2008

HAIL TO THEM SKINS

WOOHOO! WOOT! YYEEAAAHHHHHH......

THE WASHINGTON REDSKINS WON ON THE ROAD YET AGAIN! As predicted, they beat the Detroit Lions 25-17...This means we're now 6-2! Next Up: Pittsburg Steelers on Monday, November 3rd at 8:30 p.m.

In relevant but not so important news, the DALLAS COWBOYS barely got by with a win against Tampa Bay 13-9. They're now 5-3 and I CAN'T WAIT UNTIL SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16TH for our second attempt against those COWGIRLS...HA-HA! It'll be such an interesting game......

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Gas Prices

I have never been so amazed. Not since jelly sandals I bought in 7th grade. Not since Sex and the City. Not since I discovered Rita's. Not since I paid $4 for a cute top on sale at Target. Not since I found the perfect pair of jeans (and ladies you know how difficult that can be). Not since Barack Obama's win as the Democratic Party's Presidential Candidate.


On a trip to the movies last night, the sign stated $2.49 for REGULAR. AMAZED ALRIGHT. FLABBERGASTED TO BE PRECISE. The average cost of gas for the past couple of weeks has been $3.09/gallon. It has decreased every week in the past month. It seems like most of us favor public transportation over millions who choose to stay on the road. I'm aware that not everyone has the convenience of hopping onto the Metrobus or Train or MARC to get to work but for those who can, DO IT. Why not? It's a win-win either way. You can get your daily exercise and lessen your monthly cost of gas.

On the other hand, it's also good for our environment. Suffice it to say, the ozone layer is overwhelmed to the extreme, don't you think? If you live in Maryland, Arundel Mills and Laurel have some of the lowest prices in gas. Are there any gas stations you know of with low gas prices?

It's apparent that this is more than good news for those who drive daily. As TIME magazine reports, It doesn't feel like it, but we got a raise this week. The plunging price of oil, which prompted OPEC to announce a 1.5 million barrel a day production cut, has put money in the pockets of recession-worried consumers. (http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1853775,00.html?cnn=yes)

Thursday, October 23, 2008

HEALTHY EATS


The common adage, 'Live life to the fullest', means so much more if your quality of life is up to par. I've always been very health conscious but moreso in the past few weeks. Here's an interesting article from Men's Health:

Although some guys aren't opposed to smoking some weed, most wouldn't think of eating one. It's a shame, really, since a succulent weed named purslane is not only delicious but also among the world's healthiest foods.

The 10 best foods you AREN'T eating are:

Beets: A powerfood which is a good source of folate and betaine

Cabbage: Contains the nutrient, sulforaphane, which increases your body's production of enzymes that disarm cell-damaging free radicals and reduce your risk of cancer

Guava: It has a higher concentration of lycopene -- an antioxidant that fights prostate cancer -- than any other plant food, including tomatoes and watermelon.

Swiss Chard: A good source of lutein and zeaxanthin. These plant chemicals, known as carotenoids, protect your retinas from the damage of aging, according to Harvard researchers.

Cinnamon: Cinnamon helps control your blood sugar, which influences your risk of heart disease.

Purslane: It has the highest amount of heart-healthy omega-3 fats of any edible plant, according to researchers at the University of Texas at San Antonio.

Pomegranate Juice: Israeli scientists discovered that men who downed just 2 ounces of pomegranate juice daily for a year decreased their systolic (top number) blood pressure by 21 percent and significantly improved bloodflow to their hearts. What's more, 4 ounces provides 50 percent of your daily vitamin C needs.

Goji berries: They have one of the highest ORAC ratings -- a method of gauging antioxidant power -- of any fruit, according to Tufts University researchers.

Dried Plums: Prunes contain high amounts of neochlorogenic and chlorogenic acids, antioxidants that are particularly effective at combating the "superoxide anion radical."

Pumpkin Seeds: Downing pumpkin seeds is the easiest way to consume more magnesium.

I know some of these fancy words for the noted antioxidants/nutrients might puzzle you a little but they are ALL ULTIMATELY great for you!(http://abcnews.go.com/Health/ColdandFluNews/story?id=5334734&page=1)

I love this sushi place downtown called Kaz Sushi. They've got the best Shrimp Tempura I've ever had. I can't recall a time when I hated sushi but after a couple of visits with a few friends, I figured it's not so bad. WHAT SUSHI LOVERS HAVE TO BE WARY OF IS THIS:

10/23/08: Last Thursday, a Japanese sushi chef died after accidentally eating the highly-poisonous liver of the fugu, or puffer fish. While many parts of the fish are tasty and safe, certain organs can be deadly.

The 34-year-old chef was licensed by the Tokyo government to prepare the fugu dish, yet mistakenly thought the liver was safe to eat, according to reporting by The Mainichi Daily News.



For more on the articles above, go to www.abcnews.go.com

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Destination: Aaahhhhh.....



Fall began precisely a month ago today and it's actually one of my favorite seasons. I am not thrilled, however, with unbearably freezing weather fast approaching. According to the Farmer's Almanac, this Winter is supposed to be one of the worst. Ever. So, I decided to take a mental vacation day that I'll stretch out for the duration of Winter.

The one thing I'd like to do more of is TRAVEL. It's great to be exposed to different cultures and overall break from the norm. More and more, day after day...everything's become redundant.

MY CHOICE OF PLACES TO TRAVEL WOULD BE: ITALY, ENGLAND, PARIS, HONG KONG, HAWAII, FIJI, & OF COURSE, PHILIPPINES!

What are some of your dream destination places???

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Think Before You Eat those Fries!

As my beloved news website (ABC News) reports, the Western diet causes 1 in 3 heart attacks. Researchers reported that a study conducted in over 52 countries, showed people who ate a "Western" diet based on meat, eggs, and junk food were more likely to have heart attacks, while those who ate more fruits and vegetables had a lower risk.

You know what this means: Everything must be consumed in moderation. I love Five Guys little cheeseburger and fries with BBQ sauce but I DON'T GO every single day. As a matter of fact, I haven't been in months. The key to it is balance, whether getting your Coldstones fix for the month or having some McDonald's or Chipotle for lunch; have a salad for dinner.

I'm not an advocate for healthy eating though I can be for healthy living. I've had some very bad days or weeks of nothing but fast food or Mango Gelati's from Rita's but after regaining consciousness from a food coma, I realize no more (of course, until next weekend)! The way I balance is through exercise. I work out about a half hour, three to four times a week. Now, I think to myself, 'All this workout and I have to eat rabbit food?' I just ensure that if I do crave fries & shakes or pizzas & calzones, I'll split it with someone or save the rest for another day. For obvious reasons, you can't save fries for the next day, but what you can do is get a smaller portion so you're not burdened to eat it all.

LESSON OF THE DAY: TAKE CARE OF YOUR BODY BECAUSE IT'S REALLY ALL YOU HAVE. YOU CAN PREVENT ITS DEMISE BY WATCHING WHAT YOU EAT AS WELL AS REGULAR EXERCISE. ALSO, TAKE YOUR TIME WHEN YOU EAT BECAUSE ALL THAT FOOD AIN'T GOING NOWHERE.

Monday, October 20, 2008

NO FLU FOR ME!

Want to know how you can stay flue free this season? According to ABC News, you should do the following:

FLU VACCINE: You have two options - the inhaled FluMist or vaccine

Wash your hands or Use hand sanitizer regularly: Try to keep germs off your hands by using a sanitizer or washing your hands every time you come in contact with someone or something.

Use Antibacterial wipes to clean your Workstation: Someone could have borrowed the phone at your desk or you may share a cubicle - either way wipe before and after so you don't inherit someone else's germs and you don't leave your own.


Use a Humidifier and/or Nasal Spray: In cold weather, flu particles like the flu virus can stay airborne longer due to dry air.

EXERCISE: Boosts your immune system

Get Plenty of Sleep: The more shut-eye, the better


AVOID SHAKING HANDS OR CLEAN THEM IMMEDIATELY AFTERWARD:
Hand-to-hand contact is one of the best ways the flu has of moving from person to person


Don't Touch Your Nose & Eyes - Don't Put Your Hand in Your Mouth:
Simply put!

Don't eat FINGER FOOD with your FINGERS: Using utensils can keep any viruses on your hands from traveling to your mouth


QUIT SMOKING:
I think we are all aware of the obvious reasons why smoking is detrimental to our health. Here's a fact: Cigarette smoking can affect the membranes of the nose, inflaming them. Ultimately, this makes the nose more susceptible to infection.

For further information, please visit www.abcnews.go.com

Sunday, October 19, 2008

GO SKINS!

TONIGHT, MY BOYS DID THEIR THING: REDSKINS WON VS. CLEVELAND BROWNS (14-11). We are currently 5-2 however I can't say the same for the COWBOYS *insert chuckle here*!!!


The Dallas Cowboys lost to the St. Louis Rams (34-14) - now our misfortune was due to a field goal but the COWBOYS indeed got an ASS WHOOPIN' ha-ha

NEXT UP: We'll be playing against the Detroit Lions (currently 0-6) next Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET....WE GOT THIS ONE =p

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

FINAL DEBATE

Tune in tonight at 9:00 pm ET for the Final Presidential Debate: Senator Barack Obama (D-Illinois) and Senator John McCain (R-Arizona).

As we are all aware, no one is really concerned about blaming the guilty parties who has participated in the current state of our failed economy. My interests involve the following: economic plan, conscientiously ending the war in Iraq, and having someone in office with an immense understanding of all noted as well as international justice.

Hopefully by now everyone has registered to vote. No political paraphernalia is allowed at voting polls in VA and DC. In MD, if you want to hold up signs it has to be at least 40 ft. away from poll location (Thanks Nat).

NOTE: Whether you're voting for Obama or McCain, in VA you can not wear political based clothing. In MD however, it will not be an issue.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

OBAMA NEWS

At this time, Obama is in the lead: he currently "..holds double-digit margins over McCain in Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin and carries a nine-point advantage over his Republican rival in Colorado, according to a polling conducted by Quinnipiac University for washingtonpost.com and the Wall Street Journal."

Barack Obama's rising lead in national polling shows that people believe he can turn the economic crisis, war, etc. around. The daily Gallup poll shows that he still leads 10 percent over John McCain (51 percent to 41 percent).

I read an article in the Express this morning on my way to work and I was stunned! The "economic crisis" should be considered a devastating time of my generation. A catastrophe. An absolute disappointment. And it has probably been dubbed as such however I came into complete realization of its effects on the American people, especially families whose main concerns are sending their kids to college, utility & medical bills, and the list goes on. So far, I've learned about 3 families who has committed murder-suicides because of job loss and overall burden in home foreclosures. There are probably more that have been reported or has yet to be made public.

It made me realize that this election is not only for me to make my voice heard but also for the immeasurable lives lost.....


NOTE: Isn't John McCain the Senator in Arizona??? Hhmmm...

Monday, October 13, 2008

BAD WEEKEND IN FOOTBALL

SO, WE LOST DUE TO A FIELD GOAL?!?! DAMMIT LOL...

I thought for a moment 'we almost came back' against the St. Louis Rams (19-17) who has been 0-4 until yesterday's game. I hope they don't overlook the next couple of games against the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions & further prove the great team they have become. REDSKINS STEP IT UP!

In other rivalry news, the COWGIRLS lost yesterday to the Arizona Cardinals (24-30) in overtime. That means 4-2 to the two biggest upsets....hhhmmm...any thoughts???

NOTE: Tony Romo will be out for FOUR weeks due to a broken pinkie...interesting how this will work out.... New York Giants just lost to the Cleveland Browns (35-14) ..... I'm officially nervous about next week's game.

Sunday, October 12, 2008

CERTIFIED BOOKWORM

THE BIG BAD WOLF by James Patterson was so wonderfully written. It takes you on a journey of a Washington, D.C. cop turned FBI agent Alex Cross. Simultaneously, I'm reading the Women's Murder Club series which is about Lindsay Boxer, the first woman lieutenant of the San Francisco Police Department (California).

I'm drawn to mystery/suspense as well as history & law. I began to read WAR LAW by Michael Byers but didn't go farther than the second page because I can't seem to relieve myself from the series noted. I also love poetry so of course I'm naturally enticed by prolific poets such as Nikki Giovanni, Maya Angelou, and many others.

Studies show that a person who reads at least 2 books a month broadens & enhances their vocabulary and imagination. I think it can also be therapeutic because you begin to sympathize or somehow relate to the character and eventually it'll take your mind off some stress in your life. Often times, I find this to be true so, pick up a book and learn something new....

Friday, October 10, 2008

WOMEN FOR PALIN

As a woman, EACH AND EVERY SINGLE DAY IS NEVER THE SAME. It's quite difficult to decipher but I'll try my best.

Some days, I can be unkind but I will always empathize. I can be tough yet vulnerable. ONE THING WILL ALWAYS REMAIN THE SAME THOUGH: I'LL ENSURE THAT BEFORE I AGREE TO ANYTHING, I'LL WEIGH THE PROS AND CONS. I'D LIKE TO MAKE THE BEST POSSIBLE CHOICE - A WISE STRATEGY MOST PEOPLE FAIL TO ACKNOWLEDGE.

CNN is one of my favorite networks because I love my daily & hourly current events. Anderson Cooper's show had a mini-special on these women from Florida who are Conservative born-again Christians. I absolutely do not look down upon others with different religious or political views; there's actually only one thing that I HATE THE MOST: IGNORANCE. They have formed a group called WOMEN FOR PALIN. My interest and curiosity grew as I watched these women express their support in Sarah Palin. My interest turned into disgust as I listened closely to their idiotic remarks. One woman said, "...I think she's the type of person who will walk through my door, sit down and have tea and crackers with"....I may be off by a word or two but nevertheless that was close to what she said. The same woman created a blog called MOMS 4 PALIN....(Visit the site for some chuckles...lol)

Now, I don't know about you but I do not want to sit down with the Vice President and have tea & crackers or pasta & wine....I WANT HIM/HER TO DO THEIR FUCKING JOB! THAT MEANS GO OUT THERE AND MAKE ALL THE NECESSARY PROPOSALS YOU NEED TO, PLANS TO FIX THE ECONOMY & THE WAR AND HEALTH CARE, AND GET US OUT OF THIS DEFICIT. CAN I SEE PROOF OF HIGH EMPLOYMENT RATES, SURPLUS, AND NOT PAY MORE THAN $5 FOR MY HONEY BUNCHES OF OATS??? LOL

SERIOUSLY, IT WAS HILARIOUS TO LISTEN TO THESE WOMEN SAY THEY FAVOR PALIN BECAUSE OF HER LOVABLE AND LIKABLE PERSONALITY. I CAN'T TOLERATE LISTENING TO HER SPEECHES OR INTERVIEWS ANY LONGER; HER VOICE IS QUITE BOTHERSOME.

TO ALL THE WOMEN OUT THERE: PLEASE DON'T VOTE FOR SARAH PALIN BECAUSE SHE'S PRETTY OR HER HAIR LOOKS NICE. DO YOUR RESEARCH AND SEE IF YOU SHARE SIMILAR VIEWS IN ABORTION RIGHTS, ETC. THOUGH SHE ATTRACTS WITH HER BRAVADO SHE LACKS COMMON SENSE. SHE JUST RECENTLY MET A FEW PRESIDENTS FROM OTHER COUNTRIES - DOES THAT MEAN HER EXPERIENCE IN INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS IS NOW SUFFICIENT?

SHE IS THE LEAST EXPERIENCED AS MUCH AS SHE'D LIKE TO PORTRAY OBAMA AS "INEXPERIENCED" IN ALL MATTERS. SHE CONTINUOUSLY WANTS TO BRING UP PASTOR WRIGHT AND BILL AYERS....LET'S HEAR THAT ACCEPTANCE SPEECH AGAIN DURING THAT DEBATE - I LITERALLY COULDN'T STOP LAUGHING. LIKE, WAIT IS SHE SAYING SHE'S ALREADY THE VP...DID I MISS SOMETHING??? I GUESS SOMEONE MUST'VE NOTED THAT ON ONE OF HER MANY CUE CARDS AS PAYBACK DUE TO ALL THE IMPRUDENT SHIT THAT COMES OUT OF HER MOUTH.....ha!

ON THAT NOTE: Please choose the best candidate NOT because they have a nice smile or cute face. MAKE SURE YOU AGREE WITH THEIR VIEWS AND POLICIES because the next four years shouldn't be anything like the last eight.

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Political Chatter in the Workplace

Upon discussing politics at work, do you often feel hesitant? Or do you talk freely without a care in the world?

According to ABCNEWS, "50 percent of workers openly talk politics on the job" (from a survey conducted by Adecco USA). The percentage noted covers mostly the younger generation while 47 percent say "they listen to political banter in the workplace without sharing their own viewpoints."

I would fall in the 47 percent because as important as this particular election is to me, UNFORTUNATELY IT ISN'T ACCOMPANIED WITH PAY! Otherwise, I could talk for days about my political stance, etc.

Therefore, discussing opposing views at work is not recommended. Just imagine a scenario where you (Democrat) and your boss (Republican) begin to spar because you both feel one candidate is better than the other. Your first statement just may be your last. A possible consequence could be that you'd get "...penalized on the job by a petty partisan." Does that sound like it's worth it? I hope you'd say no.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Part 2: DEBATE

CNN polls show people who watched the debate favored Obama at 54 percent and McCain at 30 percent. For apparent reasons, McCain did not mention the middle class when asked about the economy. I especially did not like when he referred to Obama as "...this one." It was rude and as the correspondents said "condescending."

Independents favored 54 percent Obama; 38 percent McCain. That in itself is clear who took it home last night and who could possibly be the next President. When the undecided voters chose Obama - who has the utmost knowledge on health care, economy, and the war in Iraq (including where we should redirect our focus on) - then you know he's doing something right. Not only is he well-spoken, his policies and ideas are a bit more concise and sensible than that of John McCain. He doesn't need to "dumb it down" either because I'd be embarrassed to have someone, like Sarah Palin, in the oval office speaking on behalf of the American people. I believe that sums up my implication.

For those who watched the debate last night, what is your overall opinion? Tune in for the final debate on Wednesday, October 15th. GO OBAMA!!!

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

MONEY MATTERS

Essentially, the 3 "safe" places to invest your earnings at this time are: CD's, 401k's, and money market accounts.

As this is not the first or last time in history that the market has been in a decline, it isn't the worst either. The first and most obvious thing to do is to NOT take any money out of your 401k because of the penalties. You think that if you decided to withdraw the $3,000 or any other amount from your 401k, it will do you good but your a** will get taxed as if you never saved anything at all. Desperate times indeed but make every move a smart one. Think about it thoroughly. Also, very few employers are matching these days so, that is beneficial to those who have it.

Loan providers such as Sallie Mae, Freddie Mac or Lehman Brothers do not have the resources to loan money to those who need it for educational purposes or auto loans because the banks that provided them with it are now left in the cold. Basically,the bailout bill only "bailed" out these huge corporations and the banks, such as Bank of America, are experiencing the worst of it all. They'll never get the money they loaned back even after the "Financial Rescue Legislation" as what it is now referred to.

I have concluded that you need two things to save yourself from all this headache: SAVE & SAVE YOUR MONEY WISELY AND SPEND LESS THAN EVER BEFORE BECAUSE REGARDLESS WHO GETS ELECTED PRESIDENT, NO ONE CAN HELP YOU OUT BUT YOURSELF.

Monday, October 6, 2008

OBAMA

Currently, Mr. Barack Obama is in the lead in Ohio at 51 percent. Meanwhile, McCain has 45 percent alongside his airhead VP running mate, Palin. According to the Post, Ohio is "a state vital to his chances in winning the White House." WE ALL KNOW THIS MAN KNOWS NAN, NIL, NADA ABOUT THE ECONOMY AND THEN HE CHOOSES THAT JOE SIX-PACK AMERICAN SAYIN' PALIN.
HOPEFULLY, EVERYONE HAS REGISTERED TO VOTE AND WILL TAKE PART IN MAKING AN IMPACT IN NOVEMBER'S CRITICAL ELECTION. IT'S CLEAR WHO HAS MY VOTE - I HOPE THE RACE IS A PRECISE & CLEAN ONE. I CANNOT WAIT FOR MR. BARACK OBAMA TO BE AMERICA'S PRESIDENT.

GEMINIS








These are a few fave pics from the GEMINI BDAY Celebrations this past summer.

HAIL TO THE REDSKINS!!!

ANOTHER WIN FOR MY BELOVED REDSKINS!!! THE GAME AGAINST THE EAGLES YESTERDAY STARTED OFF WITH 14-0 -- one of the touchdown's were given to them -- but ultimately we won: 23-17...WWOOOOHHOOOO!!!! 4-1 ain't bad....right COWBOYS?? LOL

FIRED UP!








Upon our arrival on July 11th at Riu Negril, heavy clouds surrounded us (D, My Love & me).

We had some cold and old buffet food but all we were looking forward to was to nap up....lol. Our flight was approximately 3 hours long and the ride from the bus was at least an hour. Not to mention the long line at Customs, etc. The bus driver was like speed racer with special intentions. He made 2 "personal pit stops". Nothing to be mad about b/c within the half hour of that ride, we stopped by a convenient store and got some jerk chicken. We had a whole lot of that as well as Ackee - which I liked the least - fruits and PINA COLADAS!!!

After the rain and much needed sleep, we had dinner and some drinks. I had no idea what was in store for the rest of the night but Evan & I participated in a "dance off" - which included Dad & Renee - and lost! Then, a fiery play came on - literally - we were cheek-to-cheek with fire! Nonetheless, it was great and the pictures above prove it....

P.S. The other days were spent jet-skiing, partying at the disco (that's what they still call it), and spending countless hours on the beach :p

Part 2: PARADISE FOUND







Here are more pictures from my vacation last July in Negril, Jamaica. Ya mon!

Friday, October 3, 2008

Update: VP Debate

Have you ever heard such a moving speech from an influential & powerful individual (Joe Biden) and then moments later, it's all ruined by someone whose oration was so half-assed you are suddenly reminded of what 5th grade was like? It was like watching Joe Biden as himself debating with Peter Griffin (Family Guy) - minus the humor - in a sophisticated designer dress & blazer combo ..... LOL!

That was how I felt while watching the Vice Presidential Debate last night. In one corner, Biden gives a rhetorical comment about John McCain's billions in tax cuts for the oil companies. In the dark corner of the room, Palin seemed foreign to all questions asked of her - I had to maintain my focus on BIDEN B/C I COULDN'T TAKE ANYMORE OF THE "MAVERICK" & "JOE SIX-PACK AMERICAN" BULLSHIT.

Biden provided facts while Palin vividly described her "middle-class" life in Alaska and the "soccer mom" advertisement she has repeatedly used to death. Can she really empathize with the middle-class b/c that was how she lived "most of her life" in Alaska? As I told my friends....that "likeness" is similar to comparing SOUTHEAST VS. NORTHWEST Washington, DC. If you live in DC, you know what I'm talking about. And why the hell do we need to be reminded of fearing a possible money crisis? WE ARE IN A F*CKIN' RECESSION - YOU BIMBO!!!! IT IS NO LONGER "FEAR"....WE ARE WAY PAST FEAR! I AM PAST FEAR! AND I'D LIKE TO BE PAST YOU BUT IT SEEMS THAT THERE ARE OTHERS WHO THOUGHT YOU SOMEHOW DID AN "ASTONISHING" JOB LAST NIGHT. SHE WAS ASTONISHING IN DODGING QUESTIONS AND RETORTING TO WHAT SHE "THOUGHT" WAS IMPORTANT. I'm surprised she claimed to be thinking that night b/c she clearly had her cue cards.

Overall, Joe Biden did a superb job. He mentioned John McCain's vote against funding for troops and his lack of knowledge on our economy which he's made clear by now that he absolutely has no clue. Also, he says that he and Obama will be ending this war in Iraq. Good b/c we need 2 smart & practical people whose got a great understanding on our economy & the war and address the country's current issues on affordable health care, deficit to surplus, etc. We don't need another "war freak" in the office who is oblivious to concerns regarding the environment among other things.

GO OBAMA-BIDEN!!!!!!


P.S. THE HOUSE JUST PASSED THE "FINANCIAL RESCUE LEGISLATION" aka BAILOUT BILL!!! HHHMMM....

Thursday, October 2, 2008

PREGNANCY





I wasn't one of those girls who at 14 or 15 said, "I want lots and lots of kids."
I can recall that I was discovering my artistic talents at that time - drawing, painting, writing - and concluded that I was better off writing (ha-ha). As with most teenage girls, I liked boys. I always made sure I had my hair looking right and the hottest pair of shoes or clothes on to impress the "cute boys". Although at the time, babysitting was the only occupation available until a couple years later so the budget there was minimal. Then, I had my first official "boyfriend". He was an okay guy but a terrible friend. I wondered from time to time how my relationship with his mother was far more fulfilling than ours ever was. The reasons are as follows: 1) lack of loyalty and trust, 2) that "first" always cuts the deepest and 3) a certain comfort in communicating his intent on me having his "kids"...hhhmmm. Good thing I found a friend and confidante in his mom (otherwise I would've probably lost it lol).

PREGNANCY ..."is the most beautiful thing in the world" or so I've heard. I have a love/hate relationship with that thought and figured out that I am so not ready! I truly admire the following moms I know: my sisters - Ching and Sandra - Chanel and the best one of all: MY MOM! My nephew, Devin, was something else even before he was introduced to this world. I was certain about his greatness, unique & lovable personality prior to his arrival and thereafter because his mom possess those very same traits. Endless talks about nausea, vomiting, leg cramps, gestational diabetes, and contractions turned me off on that thought as well. The latter being the most challenging part of it all or so I've heard. A friend told me that PREGNANCY ...."can scare the hell out of even the strongest of women" which means she is TERRIFIED! I would be too but this proves the incomparable strength that a woman has over a man. They can't grasp through all that labor and pain because in the end all he can probably think of is his gain. 'I got a little mini-me now' --- My response would be to use all curse words possible because you have no idea what I've been through! I hope some men have matured way past that and keep in mind never to say that during or after labor.


I am so glad to have made the decisions that I did at the time and have few regrets to live with but I COULD NOT LIVE WITH BEING SOMEONE'S BABY MAMA AT 17? NO, NO, NO...I have nothing against the girls who've had their kids before they hit 21 but that's just not cohesive with my beliefs and I've got far too much ambition & purpose than to stay at home with my child as opposed to fully developing psychologically and spiritually as a woman first. Can I establish my career first so I can ensure my child's well-being? I'd like to provide my child/children with the best possible future - to have that choice whether or not they should go to private school - clothe and house them? No offense to the women who had their kids early; these are simply my views. Of course, I won't elaborate any longer about the past but I'm thankful for it. I've learned to seek higher standards in men: TRUST, LOYALTY, FRIENDSHIP, AND HONESTY. I believe I have found that....


I know that all of the women stated above are strong. They're great moms or soon-to-be moms and I AM SO PROUD OF THEM! Aside from the nausea, leg cramps, etc...I think I would do great. Of course, I won't find out until a few years from now....

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

VP Debate

As everyone should be well aware: THIS YEAR'S ELECTION DETERMINES OUR COUNTRY'S FATE FOR THE NEXT 4 YEARS! DO YOU WANT ANOTHER REPUBLICAN'S DISTORTED POLICIES AND LACK OF KNOWLEDGE ON THE CURRENT CONCERNS WE FACE SUCH AS OUR ECONOMY & THE WAR? OR ARE YOU READY FOR CHANGE IN THE SAME ISSUES NOTED AS WELL AS HEALTH CARE, THE ENVIRONMENT (UH, GLOBAL WARMING), AND AN ECONOMIC PLAN THAT IS MORE REALISTIC - SOMETHING THAT SEEMS LESS UNFATHOMABLE?

I've made attempts to get some people to vote - others have had an incredible amount of indifference because they think that it's all "politics". My response? YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO COMPLAIN! PLEASE DON'T ARGUE YOUR VIEWS BECAUSE YOU CLEARLY DID NOT DO A DAMN THING ABOUT IT....

I'll be tuning in to the VP Debate TOMORROW, OCT. 2nd - Palin vs. BIDEN - and hope that you will too! I'm already anticipating blank responses from Palin as she has shown over and over again that she is so unqualified to be VP....as a matter of fact she has inspired my friend and me to run for office in 2012 (HA!) .....