Summer Lessons

Hello... I have returned to earth. I know, I know I haven't written anything in over a month. The only good excuse I could come up with is that I have been working on my book - honestly- and I have made pretty good progress. School begins for me next week so this will be my final blog for Summer Bloggin. Nevertheless, you will be proud to know that my summer has been filled with a few lessons that I would like to share with you:

1. Don't leave the house in the summer with the central air turned off longer than 2 days without taking out the garbage filled with chicken, fish, etc..- you'll only return to find 2 generations of magets that have moved in and refuse to leave! Lesson Learned: Take out the garbage everyday!

2. Don't sit on the patio in the heat- majority of the summer I sat on my patio during the day and talked on the phone - since I was the only person I know without a job- and repeatedly felt ill. Reason being? I am glad you asked because the air quality is so bad in Atlanta that it wasn't healthy to breathe longer than 1 minute a day. Lesson Learned: STAY INSIDE!

3. Bug Off - I have realized that insects - indoor and outdoor- have a natural attraction to me. I have been bitten/attacked so many times this season that I thought about getting tested for West Nile. Lesson Learned: Bug repellent doesn't work on me anymore!

4. This summer I have been working on my book and dealing with some personal issues that I have never truly confronted. The writing process has given me the courage to be candid about some issues that have been ashamed to admit. When I finally decided I wouldn’t hide my issues any longer the end result was very positive. Lesson Learned: Honesty and transparency frees you!

5. Without going into details, this summer I met someone who made me think about the benefits of being in a loving relationship. I have learned a lot from him. I realized that I didn’t always consider the possibilities of love. Lesson Learned: Love is possible for me.

6. Besides romantic relationships I believe that this summer has allowed me to evaluate my friendships. My friends have been my anchors through a lot of life challenges. This summer I have had to depend on my friends in ways that have been very uncomfortable for me. I had to open up about things that I had never talked about and relied on their support in ways that was hard for me. Lesson Learned: True friends are custom made gifts from God that are given to challenge you to grow.

7. I have a lot of decisions to make about my future. The pressure and competition to get into a PhD is overwhelming. I don’t have a perfect GPA, nor can I speak fluent Greek coupled with the limited New Testament slots each year. I don’t always think I will pull this off. Then I realize that I am focusing on the obstacles not the opportunities. Lesson Learned: There is nothing impossible for God.

8. I have been told, on several occasions this summer, that I have unrealistic expectations of people- including myself. And when these unrealistic and inhuman expectations are not met then I am devastated. Lesson Learned: Give people, including myself, the room to be less than perfect!

9. I left United Way in June to take some time much needed time off. During this time I have been faced with a lot of financial, business and personal issues. Some days I felt that I should just throw in the towel because things weren’t going as smoothly as I had planned. My natural inclination to plan out every single detail of my life for the next 10 years was backfiring on me. One day I opened up my bible and began reading about story of Moses leading the people of Israel out of Egypt to the Promised Land. And during their journey to the Canaan God provided fresh food (manna) to them every day. The food provided could only be consumed for the day. The people could not eat more than what they needed. And then the next day God would provide fresh food. I then realized that every day God would provide. Lesson Learned: God’s provisional care is given to us everyday


10. I start school on Tuesday. Lesson Learned: Enjoy everyday of summer because before you know it school is back in session!

I have been on hiatus from bloggin but I had to come out of the cave to vent about what I just saw on television! I was watching a tlc program "Baby Story" while eating a late lunch. I won't go through all the details of the show but it chronicled the events leading up to the delivery of a baby. This particular episode there was a young couple expecting their first child. Well the husband was adamently against his wife receiving an epidural during the delivery... WHAT? Now I am not from the school of thought that men should have no say so in issues of pregnancy and childcare. But this is a entirely different issue! This man thinks that he has so much control over his wife that he can tell her how much pain she must endure to have their child! I could not believe my ears. I do have to add a few hours into an intense labor his wife looked at him and said "listen to me. I can not take another minute of this. I am getting the epidural." and he just nodded. You Go Girl!!!!

Funniest Sound Bites this Week!

"One day the good Lord will take Fidel Castro away."
PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH
on Cuban leader Fidel Castro, responding to questions at the U.S. Naval War College in Rhode Island

"Now I understand why I survived Bush's plans and the plans of other presidents who ordered my assassination: the good Lord protected me."
FIDEL CASTRO
Cuban leader, in response to Bush's remarks

iphone Frenzy

Ok.Ok. I am jealous of everyone today who purchased the hottest phone out... Apple's iphone. Its a sleak new phone that literally puts advanced technology at your fingertips. With a touch pad screens and access to phone,internet, itunes, video etc. at only about $500 or so. It leaves the Blackberry and Treo in the dust. I would love to replace my Treo with a iphone but I can't validate spending $500 on anything right now that is not essential to shelter.

Today as I watched lines of mostly men lined up overnight just to get the latest phone, I couldn't help but get a little peturbed. Because I thought to myself if I surveyed how many dads were in line and how many of those dads stayed up late to get a teething baby back to sleep or how many gave their kids baths everynight I am sure a significantly low number of them would raise their hands. But here they are standing in the hot sun waiting on a possible chance to get a cell phone. Priorities people. Priorities.

When Dating Isn't Enough

Recent events have led me to the title of this post. For those who are jumping up and down because you think I am ready to march down the aisle, I am sorry but that's not what I mean. What I am talking about is a certain disposition that MUST go along with dating. I love dating. I wished that I had been more open to dating years ago. However my dating escapades,although never dull, they never evolve into anything long term. And then I realized what many of my friends had been telling me for so long.. that I was apathetic and lacked the necessary hope that I would meet a good man. I realize that just being friendly and open is good but it isn't enough when dating. My outlook needs to be more positive. For example, have you ever known someone who always thought people didn't like them. Rather it was true or not their attitude caused them to have feelings of isolation and loneliness. Therefore they would withdraw from people, people would steer clear of them and then they would say "Look, I told you no one likes me."

So I have changed my perspective. I will continue dating but pour in a little hope and optimism into the pot and see what I can cook up! I will definitely keep you posted.

Revenge and Justice

I know the everyone has heard about the latest murder incident with Jessie Davis the 9 month pregnant mother and girlfriend of police officer Bobby Cutts, Jr who has been charged with both murders (and his burly friend Myisha Ferrell who is charged with obstruction of justice.) I am a news junkie and I hear about countless murders all the time. However, this story has been a difficult case for me and in many ways I feel personally invested. Possibly because 2 very close women in my life are pregnant (but not attached to crazed men), or that my hometown is about 30 minutes away from Canton,Ohio. Either way this case is disturbing on so many levels that it has become my daily obesession to follow all breaking details on CNN, FOX, and online news channels.

There have been reports, unofficial, that Cutts was an abusive man with a history of violence. It is unbelieveable the number of women who are victims of domestic violence everyday. Its disheartening. Ohio has the death penalty and if Cutts is found guilty of double murder he will more than likely get the death penalty.I believe that justice is best served when an individual, who would murder their pregnant girlfriend in front of their son, is allowed to remain in solitare until he dies not placed on death row. I believe that he should spend the rest of his life alone to be haunted by his cruel and abhorable acts of violence.

Billy Graham's Wife Ruth Dies

Today, Ruth Graham, the wife of the first evangelical Protestant Billy Graham, died at 87. Billy Graham is legendary for his "tent" meetings that have made him a contemporary father of the faith. Graham and his wife had 5 children.

Reading the headlines from Associated Press and other news outlets the first line of the story begins with "Ruth Graham, who surrendered her dreams of missionary work in Tibet to marry a suitor who became the world's most renowned evangelist died at 87." I began to research and learn more about Ruth and found out that she and Billy Graham met at Wheaton college. Upon graduating she wanted to travel to Tibet but Rev. Graham convinced her to stay in the states and marry him. What a beautiful love story. But I think that if they met today, 2007, and she was a recent graduate of Wheaton College she might be better off telling him to wait until she got back. They married in 1943, over 60 years ago. Ruth was in college during a time when many women received their college education only to find within 5 years they were no longer employed nor using their education for anything beyond mopping floors, changing diapers and singing ABC's. Their career pursuits and I am only referring to white middle class women, were limited to secretary or teacher. (Betty Friedan in 1960's wrote the Feminine Mystique to deal with this issue.)

Mrs. Graham was obviously a very special woman married to a very special man and their lives together touched millions of people around the globe. What is unfortunate is that the type of faith that she had in the longevity of her marriage is almost non-existent today. I remember reading an article in Time Magazine about Graham that stated he has been faithful to his wife since the day they married - now that's a testimony. I think what is most admirable is that their marriage had a purpose outside of procreating and subsiding loneliness, they committed their lives to helping others. Definitely a good example of what a marriage can be.

God reaches Paris

Maybe I should have said Paris Hilton reaches God... Who doesn't find God when their in trouble -me included. If its not jail, its the death of a loved one or friend, financial trouble, relationship problems the list goes on and on. Most people whether Christian or not believe in sprituality. Maybe this is what Paris needed to get back on the right track. Now I am not convinced that Paris will show up at Rick Warren's church or even Rod Parsley's but she might join TomKat or Madonna within their respective "hollywood" temples.

Change is strange it can happen at the most inopportune time and can occur within a brief moment or over a long period of time. I won't judge Paris but I am glad that she is at least re-evaluating her life. Many people have experienced significant life changes in jail: Paul and Silas, MLK, Malcolm X and many others and Paris is no different.

The Lost Art of Courting - Serenade Me

I know I know... for most of you courting is obsolete, never to return again. But I am from the old school and I think if you are to take any man seriously he must first court you.. all other men are stand-ins. Although most people think I am cynical about love in reality I romantize about the perfect date and relationship. I am a little skiddish about how much personal information I put out on the blog but I think this personal experience deserves to be shared with all who will read this. I am dating someone (aka we've gone out a few times) nothing particular but our first date was a catastrophe and I only agreed to the second date if he made the first date up to me. Well, we went out and we had a wonderful time and we met up before he had to leave town. He returned this weekend and we scheduled a date. I was expecting something creative or at the least fun. Well, there was nothing but dinner and a walk and that was not going to do. So I nicely let him know that this was the last time we were going to see each other. I got in my car and went home. While out doing some "angry" shopping he called. I debated should I answer or not. Well I did and he began playing the keyboard ( I had no idea he played the piano) then he preceeded to serenade me! The song was about everything that happened and it was so funny (he wasn't a singer) and so ahhhh.... romantic. Nevertheless it got him another date.

You might think its lame but I ate it all up! I love creative men and especially the tough kind that are as gentle as a lamb... Ahhh...Be still my beating heart. It has been so many years since I have been serenaded I almost forget who did it last... then I remembered and immediately try to forget it again... (Another story for another day) It's a shame that more men aren't willing to be risk takers when it comes to dating. I am not venerating this guy but at least he pulled something admirable out of the hat.

No Roads Lead to the M Bar

Friday, I celebrated a good friend's 34th birthday. She and I along with one of her friends headed to Twist and then decided to end the night at the M Bar on Peters Street. Well if you have ever visited the M bar it is basically the hardest place to find in Atlanta. I can never figure out how to get there and I have been there at least 4 times. Well, I was feeling lucky on Friday and decided to lead the way. I must say I did better than other times I got us one street away from the lounge but I ultimately ended up in the parking lot of Magic City. Now many of you may not now about this place but...ahhh I guess you can call it a "gentleman's" club although I don't think a true gentleman would visit such a place but nevertheless I was in the parking lot asking the attendants for directions. They were very helpful but my friend who was following me wasn't. She had drove ahead of me and left me to fend for myself. So here I am yelling at her on my celll phone to calm down and let me wait on the guy to give me directions so that I could get my Christian, Theology Student, mother raised me better than that- behind- out of the infamous Magic City parking lot. Finally, the attendant stopped arguing with one of the strippers over her parking space and directed me to the M Bar. Once arriving we had a great time, laughing and listening to good old school music. Needless to say I have printed out directions and placed them in my glove compartment for future use. So if anyone needs directions feel free to give me a call!

New Places to Go!

Yet again I find that I am facing another life transition. I am preparing for PhD program applications. I am excited but a little nervous about finally approaching my life dream. In many ways I don't feel completely prepared and in other ways I am fully ready to take the bull by the horns. Today I began downloading PhD applications and viewing GRE software in preparation for entering a doctoral program for Fall 2008. My prayer is that I get accepted without having to acquire a post graduate degree. Nevertheless, one more year of school won't kill me... I don't think it will. Next year this same time I hope to be moving to Nashville (Vanderbilt University) or either Madison, NJ (Drew University) but if nothing else I will be attending a local school in Atlanta to continue the journey to Dr. Wanda Scott (please note you won't be able to address me in any other way for at least a year or two - hee hee)

The Devil is in WebMD

I know you've heard the saying "The Devil is in the details" well I have just realized that he is also in WebMd.com. I have an active imagination and a curious mind. So if I ever feel sick I usually begin my self diagnosis on WebMd and then I proceed to contact close friends to enumerate my possible illness. About 2 years ago I discovered WebMd which serves as an online doctor...sort of. It is an aid to your doctor's visit. But I, however, use it as my first line of prognosis typically focusing on the most extreme possibility and then I proceed to blaze off to my wonderful doctor who looks me in the eye and tells me she is not running any tests... I just need rest. You would think I have learned my lesson by now but nooo..... I went online tonight to do some "medical" research and then immediately fell into a state of depression. Clearly, nothing is wrong with me but that darn website lists out all the possible problems and they are usually so drastic! So I have promised myself, and you will hold me accountable to it, that I will never visit that darn website again!

Danny Glover, Sen. Edwards & Hugo Chavez: "Mister" making friends and enemies

"Mister" as my mother would call him or Danny Glover his real name, has made a big stir in politics this week. Just today he attended a luncheon with presidential hopeful Senator John Edwards and mainstream media is outraged. Reason being... Glover has befriended President Hugo Chavez of Venezula, who in case you've been living under a rock for the past few years, is anti-Bush amd even called Bush "the devil" and has recently gone to great lengths to control the media outlets in his country. Chavez is funding Glover's 2 films; one being a film about Hatian Revolutionary leader, Toussaint Louverture, which obviously would not have been supported by Hollywood. Glover has received $18 million dollars from Chavez to produce the films.

Mainstream media including the hosts of Hannity and Colmes are labeling Danny Glover, along with Harry Belafonte and others as anti-Americans, individuals without American pride and a disgrace to this country. It is Anti-American to not defend our leader or befriend one who despises our government however, it is American to deny citizens of this country many inalienable rights. Go figure.

That Tricky Email

Yesterday it was reported that the new Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line coach Larry Zierlein accidentally emailed an sexually explicit video to several NFL staff members including NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. Zierlein, 61 years old, stated that he doesn't know how to use computers that well, and hit the "wrong button." The email had been forwarded to him from another staff member...I wonder who that was. I feel sorry for the guy, sort of. First off, he should not be viewing sex videos as an old married man and secondly why didn't he just delete it. Nevertheless, I have been the culprit of sending an email to the wrong person because I hit the reply to all instead of the reply to sender button or thought I had forwarded the email instead I replied to sender... very embarrassing.

Let's take a lesson from Coach Zierlein, double check what button or item you are selecting before pressing enter. Otherwise you might not be as lucky as ole Mr. Zierlein and loose your job or offend all the wrong people.

Kidney donor reality TV show

DUTCH broadcaster BNN plans to air a television show next week in which a terminally ill woman will decide who out of three young patients will get her kidney. What?? I don't know much about Dutch culture or media but this should be crossing the line whether you're Dutch or Yugoslavian! The three contestants will compete to get the kidney ...soon we'll start "selling" our kidney's. The kidney transplant process can be performed while the donor is still alive, so the donor can select the recipient as long as their is a relationship between them. But to have a contest is plain ole unethical! Nevertheless, I am sure the reality show will receive the highest ratings that BNN has ever seen.

What if My Life Was Different?

The other day I had dinner with a friend. It was one of those "let's try to give a brief overview of our entire life" conversations. We talked about what new things were happening in our lives. And somehow we got on the subject of college. I told him that I applied to Hampton, Fisk, FAMU along with some other Ohio colleges. He asked me why I didn't apply to Spelman. I immediately started laughing because the reason I didn't apply is quite embarrassing. Spelman was one of the colleges I considered but not seriously because it was an all girls school and there was no way I was going to school without the opposite sex. At the time I was not aware that Morehouse is a neighboring school. So I told him... "Nobody told me the boys were right across the street- I would have applied!" We both laughed uncontrollably.

But I thought about the difference between my Alma mater, Cleveland State University, and Spelman College and how the focus on education was uniquely different. Would my life have been totally different had I attended Spelman?- probably. If I had to do it all over again, would I do it differently? nope. My early adult life was pretty intense and I don't know if I would've matured the way I have if I had not gone through those experiences.

We always wonder if we had made different choices what our lives would be like. But I can honestly say that my only "regret", and its not really a regret, is that I wasn't seriously focused on my career after graduating from college. Although, I wasn't extremely focused... I did have a blast!

Where Have You Been All My Life?

Tonight I was channel surfing and stopped on the O'Reilly Factor. There were two guests: I have no idea who one of the guests was but the other was Marc Lamont Hill. They were discussing the Rosie O'Donnell comments about the war in Iraq and the explosive argument on The View earlier this week with co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck. And I was pretty impressed. Now, I am sure all my political savvy, intellectual friends know who this guy is..but I have never seen him before but his name seems remotely familiar. I was hanging on to his every word. Needless to say I Googled him as soon as I could get to my laptop. It is official I think I have found the new love of my life ( hopefully he is single and straight - if you know otherwise KEEP IT TO YOURSELF - a girl needs her fantasy guy.) Anyway, I read through several of his articles on his website and posted a comment (no, I did not include my phone number but I did list my blog- thank you very much.)

Ok in all seriousness, from what I read he seems like an improvement from Michael Eric Dyson and I can't wait to read some of his books and also secretly "comment" aka stalking... just kidding...ahh maybe not!! LOL

To read more visit his site: www.marclamonthill.com

I Can See Your Heart...

....Well that will no longer be a figure of speech. Today, Canadian researchers announced that they have developed the most detailed model of a human, a movable "4D" image that doctors can use to plan complex surgery or show patients what ailments look like inside their bodies. Called CAVEman, the larger-than-life computer image encompasses more than 3,000 distinct body parts, all viewed in a booth that gives the image height, width and depth. Doctors will now be able to show you how a disease is progressing and encourage a patient to get surgery right away. The researchers also claim that it will help to study genetic diseases. The progam will be able to use in conjunction with CAT scans, x-rays, etc to show the patients result in a 4D image. Whether my pcp will be able to afford this type of machine who knows and I am not sure if I want to pay the medical insurance premium to cover such a cost but it would be cool to see.

For more info: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/virtual_human_dc

The Element of Surprise

Do you ever have those days when you don't know what's going to happen next? When it appears that your life will play a little hide and seek with you. Each hour presents new issues, decisions to be made, and rather interesting phone conversations. My day, which started quite early, well actually yesterday never ended since I stayed out late, but nevertheless it started out quite well to say the least. And as I began returning phone calls and text messages each one delivered a new situation, dilemma, opportunity for me to consider. Many times on days like this I feel a little anxious, not sure if I should lay low or embrace the possibilities. I have still not decided which strategy to take because neither will stop the day from unveiling itself to me.