Comments

I commented on Angie's Blog post entitled "AT&T && The iPhone" about her excitement and resentment for her iPhone.

Comments

I commented on CynTurner's blog about the hype of Valentine's Day.

It's that time again...

The Winter Olympics have arrived-it carries the excitement and hope that our country to bring home the gold.

With the Winter Olympics making it's debut I can't help but be in another frame of mind. Sadness. It was eighteen years ago when my family and I watched opening day of the Winter Olympics in 1992. Both my grandma and grandpa lived with my family at this time. My sister and I were still quite young and they were there for us so our parents could work and not have to worry about us.

This cold February day in 1992 was also one of those pivotal moments in my life. My grandpa had been sick for a while and died in the shower that afternoon. As a five year old, I didn't truly understand what had happened- but I knew that I would not be seeing him anymore. I still wonder how I can miss him as much as I do considering I only had five years with him and eighteen without him.

Eighteen years later...I visited my mom's house this Friday also on a cold February day and was greeted by her and my stepfather watching the opening program of the Winter Olympics. I knew the connection between these games and my mothers emotions. It's funny how those little moments or memories make their way into your life a time when you need it. My birthday was this Saturday and it was almost like a little reminder that he was still here. We should all remember those little moments in time when you can just sit back and feel a much needed connection.

Comments

I just commeted on Angie's Blog, "Wake up and Smell the Roses" about her sister's pregnancy and family dynamics.

Are you ready to rumble?

This Super Bowl Sunday we will sit in anticipation as the Indianapolis Colts play the New Orleans Saints. Payton Manning will lead the Colts in the same arena in Miami where they defeated the Chicago Bears in 2006. The New Orleans Saints will be lead by their quarterback, Drew Brees, who probably has the coolest name ever! However there is one large distinction, the Saints have never been to the Super Bowl. So, are you going to root for the underdog or the top dog?

Personally, I am hoping the New Orleans Saints will defeat the Colts this Sunday. There are a handful of reasons why I feel this way. Firstly, I think that taking the Super Bowl title back to New Orleans will be uplifting to many of the people of Louisiana. Secondly, Drew Brees is not only a strong quarterback but has donated much of his free time to charities such as Habitat for Humanity while encouraging other football players to join him. Brees is a leader and I believe he will lead his team to a much needed victory. Thirdly, I heard through the grapevine of media that Reggie Bush of the New Orleans Saints will propose to his girlfriend Kim Kardashian if he brings home the win. Finally, I will be sporting the Saints this Sunday because I am all for the underdog! The Colts won a few years ago, I say let the Saints have it.

Archie Manning, the father of both quarterback sons, Payton and Eli was a past quarterback of the New Orleans Saints....I wonder who he will be cheering for on game day?

To everybody out there who eats, sleeps and drinks football....enjoy your Super Bowl Sunday. Have fun with friends and family and remember to be safe. We need all the fans ready for next year when it’s the Chicago Bears turn to take home to title.

Comments

I posted a comment to CynTurner's Blog which discussed the topic of the Duggars 19th child and the Octo-Mom.

Comments

I posted a comment on Sarah's Blog about Conan O'Brien leaving NBC.

A Little bit Ironic...don't you think?

Are you one of those people who make a wish when you see 11:11 hit the clock? If so, I bet you have wished once or twice that you would win the lottery, I know I have.

Earlier this month in Sandusty, Ohio a woman named Deborah McDonald received the chance of a lifetime on a popular lottery TV show, Cash Explosion Double Play. Deborah had brought some luck with her that day as she did win. She didn't win the millions we all wish for but she did win $8,000 and was extremely happy with that amount.

Deborah had been married to the love of her life, Robert, both of course thrilled because of the win. Their first priority was to buy new wedding rings for each other. They always meant to purchase "nicer" rings when they had the money to do it, now they have it. How exciting it must be to finally get that little bit ahead and be able to purchase something your have been longing for over the years. One January 28th Deborah walked to the mailbox and pulled out her winning check. First thing first- off to buy their new wedding bands.

Now, who remembers that Alanis Morrissette song, "Ironic"? One of the verses of this song reads, "an old man-turned ninety eight; he won the lottery, and died the next day". This past week Deborah McDonald was celebrating her win with friends over dinner and drinks at a nearby bar where she met her fate that same night. Tragically, that's where I found the ironic twist to this story. She was walking home and was struck by a vehicle, she was declared dead on the scene. But wait- this woman wasn't ninety eight, she was only forty-seven. I don't think she was ready to go; she had just received her check for $8,000 a few hours ago but her fate was out of her hands.

You may be asking yourself, "Why do things like this happen?" I asked myself the same question, repeatedly. I am guessing it is one of life's most unanswerable questions. Here was a woman and her husband, celebrating with family and friends practically floating on cloud nine, and their dream had become a nightmare. Now, her loving husband, Robert is left with a very small token of her love, his new wedding band. This story truly stuck with me during this past week. I think the lesson that we all must learn from this tragedy is to count each day as a blessing. With all the hustle and bustle of today's lifestyle from work to school to home life- it's easy to get caught up in the messiness. Take a step back, enjoy your life with friends and family and most importantly seize the day.

Carpe Diem

Here is an interview with Robert McDonald and the late Deborah McDonald's closest friend, who was with her on her final night... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7UZLXMQrNU

Comments

I posted a comment on Orlando's blog, "Interracial Relationships" about his struggle to find peace in a bi-racial relationship.

Comments

I posted a comment on Sarah's Blog about her recent home redecorating project.

You can't judge a book by it's cover...

Doctor. Nurse. Teacher. Firefighter. These are all common careers that children wish to be when they grow up. What did you want to be when you were a child? Now answer this, is that your recent position?

When I was younger I had a different career choice everyday, whether it was an artist, veterinarian or even a gymnast. In all reality, I finished high school and enrolled in cosmetology school where I put my creativity to the test. I received my cosmetology license in 2005 and worked in a hip, Lincoln Park salon and spa. Life was great!

In 2007, I was diagnosed with a severe case of psoriasis; this rash-like skin disease covered about 97% of my body. I worked in a salon where it felt like high school all over again, gossiping, clicks and a primarily woman staffed salon where if you didn’t fit in you were out. Here was my problem; I had a common skin disease that covered my body including my arms and hands. How can I cover up my hands when I work with them every day? I was embarrassed and I wore long sleeved shirts and pants in the blazing heat of summer while being under constant heat of blow dryers.

After a while co-workers would ask me why I always wear long sleeves, I responded with the truth. To my surprise, most were taken back and almost disgusted. I soon felt like an outcast who was constantly being looked at and judged. Even though I was a talented stylist the confidence I had was gone and the love I had for my career also disappeared. The beauty industry can be an extremely surfaced field where you must look the part no matter how skilled and talented you are. That is what made me change career paths and go back to school to become an Early Childhood educator. I want to help children realize and understand that each person has qualities, traits and talents that set them aside from all others.

I often see both children and adults who point and stare when they see someone who is different from themselves. Next time you see someone who is different then yourself- try something different, offer a helping hand, introduce yourself or simply just smile and say hello!

If you want to learn more about psoriasis please visit...

http://www.psoriasis.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=1336