Updates and A Change...MUST COME!!

Today started off a little slow because I went to bed so late, but woke up to a great day indeed!! I forgot to mention yesterday that I completed another task on my DIY to do list: I de-cluttered and took a bag of “bad” clothing (stained, ripped, etc.) to Goodwill. I wanted to take them to Salvation Army, but their line was always busy and I didn’t want to make an uneventful trip, so I called Goodwill and found out they ship “bad” clothing to third world countries instead of throwing them away. I’m good with that.

I started off the day with another task completed. After having breakfast and adding flaxseeds to my waffles, I dusted the entire first floor. This included the furniture, all my windows, blinds and light fixtures. Now just as quickly as I finished these things, I added two more things to my list: tighten all the screws in my drawers and chairs, do the treatment on my living room furniture. I was supposed to do it every six months, so I’m a little overdue. I’ll get to it before summer ends though.

Now, I just want to chat about some observations that will need actions!! Yesterday, I stopped in a gas station and was dumbfounded by a magazine I saw there. I was shocked and offended; just couldn’t believe my eyes. It was called High News, and the front cover was covered in “herbs”. I asked the attendant about it, and she said simply and nonchalantly…”oh, that’s a magazine about weed.” *serious side eye* Umm…I thought she was joking and that it was fake, especially with headlines like, “grow big bunches in small places”.

I was so outdone...especially because this woman was defending this magazine and she went on to say it informed people on different flavors and would be no different if there was a magazine about different scents of shampoo. The DIFFERENCE is it’s not illegal use shampoo. Even though marijuana is used for medicinal purposes, you have to have a prescription and can’t just grow your own herbs. Isn’t that right or am I missing something? I did not care I was holding up the line looking at her in disbelief…I was so done talking to her and just decided someone needs to be written about this. I later went online and could not find a website for the publication…imagine that. Now, I’ll have to go back to the store and get the contact info…that is a mess…

Now, today, must be a writing campaign day, because I was appalled to hear that a private CATHOLIC school in my hometown was ordering a returning student to remove her Sisterlocks before starting school on Monday. While I agree with some styles being a distraction to the learning environment (unnatural hair colors, etc), Sisterlocks is NOT one of them and sounds to me like blatant discrimination, mainly because non-ethnic people are not aware of ethnic groups who celebrate culture, hair diversity and natural textures as a standard for beauty.

If this was a business, I might yell for a boycott, but when it comes to a child’s education in a place that may or may not want her there, BUT accepts government funds to allow certain students to be there, this is a cause for other tactics. She is approaching her senior year and it should not be sprinkled with rhetoric implying that she is not good enough. Why should she be treated differently and unfairly because she’s being her natural self? There are plenty of professional men and women who wear sister/brother locks and dreadlocks alike. It does not take away from their intelligence or professional demeanor. In fact, it enhances both, having a proud, confident and competent person working there or attending that function.

My challenge to all, make your voice heard!! If a cause is important to you, call, write and once you have all the correct information, put the situation on blast!! Blog about it and tell someone. This school policy and any other policies violating our rights to be who we are, but more important, this attitude behind the policies is what must change. We are all people, eligible and worthy of acceptance everywhere we walk. You don’t have to like my hair, but you will respect it. Stop allowing policies, in the name of Jesus, to berate and mistreat us, and the children we raise to be proud of whom they are. We should be proud of who we are, what we look like and how we treat other people!! PEACE and LOVE!!

Love yourself today!! ALL of yourself!! I LOVE me and I LOVE my hair!! Help our little brothers and sisters know it's ok to love theirs too!! Let folks that don't appreciate OUR hair know too!!

Thinking about them...Day 18

Have you ever had one of those days where everything you saw, heard or did reminded you of someone? Then, on top of that not many things seemed to go quite right? Well, it was one of those days…

I didn’t really have a bad day, it just wasn’t one of my greatest. Don’t get me wrong, any day on this side of the dirt is definitely a blessing, as well as a possibility for great things. But today…first I woke up to terrible cramping that pretty much lasted all day long. I couldn’t get myself together, still staring at the same couple of sentences from last night and I didn’t feel like doing anything.

I did manage to finally make some breakfast, which I added flaxseeds to, so I was happy about that. When I turned on the stove, I was reminded of a name…I started drinking my water and I drank that all day long. I did spend some time with my parents, which was good, since I haven’t seen them all week. Dad shared his cucumbers so I was getting in some veggies. While watching tv with them, I heard a name…

All week long I’ve been reminded of a friend of mine that I haven’t spoken to in a while. Several times this week I kept hearing variations of this person’s name, even though they weren’t talking about this person…they didn’t even know this person. It finally hit me when I was reminded of the date. It was their birthday. Unfortunately, I only have an email to reach them, so I sent one, hoping it would get to them soon…

I don’t know why this person is on my heart so heavily. Most people would say, he/she is really not my responsibility. Today was a reminder to me to think about others and say a prayer if you can. It never hurts and it certainly can help. When you get a feeling or unction about someone, contact them somehow. Give them a call, a text, an email or even sit down and write them a letter. You never know how their day or even life might be going. It could brighten their day…

I hope I hear from them soon…

It's "Do Whatever I Can Wednesday"...

It’s a great report day!! Confessions first, though, I missed my gym appointment, but my body got plenty of movement walking, dancing and working throughout the day. I wanted to start off the day writing, but nothing would come, so I started cleaning and putting things away. I sat down to write again, but still nothing, so I went on to gather up some items to declutter.

Decluttering is the process of getting rid of items no longer needed, wanted or loved. It always helps me clear my space, as well as my thoughts. So I gathered a couple of bags and freecycled them, including clothes, food and coupons. They no longer had a place in my house or my life, so I gave them away. So, what was next…yes, went back to the computer.

Sigh…still nothing, so I grabbed my screwdriver and completed the first task on my DIY (Do It Yourself) to do list that I wrote about last week. I opened up the boxes, took out the screws, read the directions and put together my jewelry box. It was a Christmas present and I actually need to have been using…YESTERDAY!! I won’t even tell you all the places I have my jewelry scattered around this house. Every time I need a pair of earrings, a necklace, a bracelet, or that one pin, I ALWAYS have to look for it. No more!! Everything will have a place!!

As far as the other challenges go, I can say today has been a good one, quite frugalicious, I might add. I spent no money today, did very minimal driving and I cooked and ate all meals at home. I found a new recipe in a cookbook I received for my housewarming two years ago and I will be making an improvised version of it today, using what I have on my shelves. It’s all about the creative cooking ya’ll!! Try it, you’ll like it!!

After all this today...I'm FINALLY on the verge of writing something...it's only a couple of sentences and a concept, but it's a start.

Enjoy your evening!!

Healthy and Abundant Living...Thank You!!

Hello everyone!!

Today was a much better day than yesterday. I'm feeling better and not quite as weak. I have been drinking water and juice all day, but not much to eat. I did get in some tomatoes and lettuce, but that is the extent of my vegetable intake. No real energy for any exercise, although it was my intention to get to Zumba. Definitely plan on getting there tomorrow morning.

One thing I'm happy to report is that I did get some rest and due to the quiet atmosphere, I was also able to complete a few more tasks and writing assignments. I got out of the house, had a successful meeting with my Sorors and wrote out some plans for next week. It felt pretty good.

I just wanted to stop and have gratitude. I love looking out at my backyard. It's full of green and lively plant life. I look at it everyday and I think sometimes that we are programmed to always improve what we see. Today I looked at it and noticed all the "weeds" and greens growing and thought something different. It reminded me that just like my backyard, I am abundant and full of life. For that, I am grateful. It was a great reminder to stop a complaint mid sentence and just give thanks. Thank you Lord.

Good night all!!

P.S. I Love My Z-Phi-B!!

Day 15: The Body Speaks...Taking it Easy

After all that excitement and fun this weekend, it was time to buckle down on this Monday. I got up early and was able to get some writing down. I finished one assignment and started on another. I cooked a little and thought I was really going to get down to business...but my body had another plan.

I'm not feeling the greatest and having some...discomfort. It will clear up in a few days I'm sure (I know all the women reading this know what I'm going through). In the mean time, I did what I could, but had to lay down and take a nap. Got up, took a walk and again I cooked, but I really haven't been that hungry. I'm sipping on some green tea now, with strawberry syrup. I also had some strawberries earlier. My aunt, rest her soul, said strawberry anything will soothe the uneasiness. We'll see...

Anyway, just checking in. Still determined to finish my "to do" list today...again, we'll see. Chao!!

Day 14: Tell Us Your Story, We Can Always Learn!!

Today was such an eventful day!! It was all good through and through!! First, my daughter and I visited a new church and it was awesome!! The people were friendly (not to mention I seemed to know alot of people there), the message was great and it felt like a good fit. It has been a long time since my daughter and I attended and sat in church together (normally she's working on the video cameras and I wasn't there). It was a good feeling and the message was good!! I have to say again, it was a nice fit. I'm not ready to make a decision about joining yet, but I will definitely be back.

That was just the beginning of my day, and although it was great, it wasn't even the highlight of my day. I headed over to Elizabeth's House for a production called "Your Story, Writing Memoirs/Writing Plays". It was the completed writing works of some dynamic women who completed a summer writing workshop and today they were sharing their stories on stage. I laughed and teared up hearing these stories. It's the perfect close of this awesome VOICE themed weekend series. It seems like everything that happened this weekend was about our voices, using them to share our stories.

For this reason, I was elated to be in the presence of such great women opening themselves up to share a little piece of them. My favorite story of them all included a conversation between us and our hearts. The lesson I learned is that the heart is always speaking and sometimes we have to stop and listen in order to hear it speak to us. The heart know US, who we are, what we were created to do and how to BE that which we were created to be. Such an awesome display (Great job LaToya!!) of a candid conversation we should all have. Often we're busy doing what we "think" we should and what others tell us to, but our desires, our passion, our heart speaks for itself. It knows where we need to be. Let's listen and see what's next!! It's sure to be easy and fun!! (Right Beth? RIGHT!!)

Now, I know I haven't mentioned the healthy side of the challenges in a few blogs, but let me tell you what I learned today. It was the icing (not literally though...that would NOT be healthy) on the cake of my day!! God is so great and life is so funny...we ALWAYS get what we need when we need it. At the event, I met a woman who is a naturalist guru (she wouldn't accept guru, but she is). Anyway, I asked her about a natural weed killer for my back yard. Her response...

"I don't kill my weeds, I eat them." 

She took a couple of us outside and starting educating us on the edible "weeds" in the yard. I was so tickled to learn this and of course, I tried a couple. I can't wait to make my next salad with what I picked from my own backyard!! That's pretty darn frugalicious if you ask me!! Just sharing, enjoy your evening!! 

Day 13: Using My Voice and Living My Dream!!

Speaking of voices (from yesterday)...Let me tell you how freeing it is to write this blog and use my voice. A year ago I only thought about blogging, but felt like I wouldn't have anything to share, anything to write about. This 30 day challenge has opened me up to all kind of opportunities to talk and share.

This challenge has given me the strength and confidence to go on and do more things, just so I can share more things!! It's given me the courage to stand up to my past fears and just GO FOR IT!! I would suggest to anyone to do try this challenge as well. It is so exciting!!

Today was no different. A little background...in case you don't know, I'm a voice over actress. I have it on my facebook page, of course my business cards and even...my car!! If you don't know what it is, let me explain. The simple answer, it's the person(s) in commercial you hear, but don't see. My excitement today is because there is this AWESOME animation project I have been wanting to be part of...today was our table reading/casting/rehearsal. You should check out his work, he's a very talented animator/artist: http://www.blackwolf3dentertainment.com/FullBleed_Index.html 

I've known about this rehearsal for about a week, so I was okay at first. Then I started getting nervous about mid afternoon today. I had to tap on my anxiety to calm myself down. (Read about tapping here) LOL Then I remembered some advice my voice over mentor told me about making the characters my own and interpreting the script the way I saw that character. I re-read the script, channeled the characters and made them my own.

So fast forward to the table reading...I decided to conquer the jitters and volunteered to go first. I was prepared to read for ALL the female characters in the script. When I say I was prepared, I mean it. I had a different voice ready for each of the women for which I was going to audition. I only ended up voicing the main two, but I was excited to hear the writer, director, the BOSS say I nailed them!! I received a multiple character job!! YAY!! I felt very comfortable...like I was born to do this. Yeah, I was.

Day 12: I Have a Voice!!

Last night my book club went to see the movie The Help. We read the book a little while back and we were elated to find out it had been made into a movie!! We vowed to see it and we were not disappointed. There were some differences between the two, but there were so many subtleties in the book, there was no way to capture them all on screen. The special parts they did highlight, were done so very well.

Two things stood out for me, as they directly related to my life and why I am who I am and do what I do todxay. Aibileen, a black maid who was the main character, said at one point in the movie…"no one ever asked me how I felt before." This was in direct response to a female writer, who’d come back to their hometown after college, to write a book from the black maid’s (who raised white children) perspective.

Another key point throughout the movie was where Aibileen was shown with the white child for which she cared. She knew early that the child’s mother would not give her a fair chance at life, because of the way the little girl looked. So Aibileen taught her to feel good about herself, having her often recite the words, “I is kind, I is smart, I is important.”

This lesson is one we can all learn. Although she taught the little girl she was somebody, she didn’t feel that way about herself initially. It wasn’t until someone asked her for her opinion, did she realize her words were important too and what she thought and said counted for something. When she was asked to participate in the book, she was given that gift; learning just that. She had an opinion that counted; she had a perspective someone wanted to read; she had a VOICE.

THIS is why I blog and more importantly, why I share it. Everything I learn, I’m excited to pass it on because I believe EVERYONE matters. Sharing helps out someone else, whether we know it or not. Speaking a kind word, giving a little advice and sharing an experience with someone else can make great impacts on the world, one person or group at a time. It encourages strength, confidence and love. I’m reminded of a video of Oprah where she mentioned why she wanted to be a journalist…to give information to people, because sharing it will make the world a better place. I agree with her. I HAVE A VOICE and so do you!! USE IT!! Peace.

I Know...and You Should Know Too!!

Today's been pretty laid back. I cooked and we ate leftovers. There were plenty of vegetables on my plate and plenty of green tea in my cup. I updated my budget sheet, mapped out my finances for the rest of the month and even put another load of laundry away. But...confession time: I never did complete my task of getting that dining room tabled cleaned off. I did a lot of it yesterday, but did not finish. I was too tired last night and today I just couldn't get motivated to do it. I am cooking again tonight, so hopefully I can get up enough energy to get it done.

Even though the last couple of days were driven by motivation, I have not been able to keep up the momentum today. I have a couple of projects to finish and I just can't bring myself to do them right now. I don't usually beat myself up because I always get the things done that I need to get done, but I sure would like to do it now!! At least I have my trusty "to do" list, because that keeps me on task. I just need to work on making it my "ta da" list instead!!

I was thinking earlier about what I wanted to say in today's blog, then I realized it's Thursday. Then I thought this is the perfect opportunity to focus on another side of healthy living: HIV testing. If you live in my hometown, then you (should) know that there are walk in hours for FREE HIV testing at the Aids Resource Center. I called in to verify because I was basing this information on some old information I obtained a while back. I'm glad I called because they moved the center!! If you have questions or you want to take advantage next Thursday, check them out: AIDS RESOURCE CENTER

Edited to preach...

If you are a mature adult, young or old, then taking care of your health and the health of your loved ones SHOULD be a priority!! This is ALL aspects of health, not just the ones we hear and agonize about (ie losing weight). I have heard so many excuses advocating the idea of NOT getting tested:

- People are scared. Well don't you want to know? Put your mind at ease. It would be scarier to have something, not know and pass it around. That is also very selfish to put others at risk.

- Negative stigma. This reason is plain stupid and quite frankly VERY immature. There is nothing wrong with you looking out for your own health. If you're adult enough to do adult things (drink, have sex, use drugs, pay to play), then you are adult enough to protect yourself and others. If someone has the nerve to make you feel uncomfortable about getting tested, then PLEASE DON'T MESS WITH THEM!! Oh, and encourage THEM to get to a center!!

I don't care WHAT reason people come up with to not know their status, because ALL of them are BS!!
Although I lacked motivation today, this is something that I decided to move on and and quickly. The staff was knowledgeable, friendly and makes you feel really comfortable!! Shout out to the SUPER cool Jared at ARC Ohio!! Listen, you don't have to wait until you think the worst or until December for World Aids Day. You can get tested anytime you like.

NO BLOOD!!

It's SAFE and CONFIDENTIAL!!

It only takes 20 minutes!!

It's FREE!!

There are no excuses...KNOW YOUR STATUS!!

Day 10: A Change in Plans

After an awesomely productive day yesterday, my day's plan was supposed to be spent out in the country watching and brushing horses, but unfortunately, it didn't work out this time...oh well, c'est la vie!! Maybe we'll try again next week...

Anyway, I was still motivated (after a little encouraging self talk) to get up and get moving this morning. It felt so good to get back in the gym. Today, it was one hour of Cardio Mix, which includes a half hour of floor aerobics and another half hour of Zumba. I LOVE the Zumba part and usually get a gust of excited second wind when that part of the class starts!!

So, needless to say, I have had a great deal of water today. I enjoyed some of the sweetest strawberries I've ever had too. In fact, I was so motivated when I got home that I began preparation for tonight's dinner - my own veggie fried rice. I added spinach to the rice while cooking then refrigerated it to use for later (the recipe calls for cold rice). I cannot wait!! This might just be a great meatless Wednesday after all!! I try to go meatless every Wednesday, but I rarely make it. We'll see about today...

Also, I was glad to have been able to sit and chat with a new friend I met in my writing class. She's 70 years old (and does not look it at all) and has the best stories about life: what she's done and where she's been. I had my favorite green tea (goodness, I have been to the coffee shop alot lately) and she had a tea latte, although she's an avid coffee drinker. Our chat was so colorful; filled with laughter and even a couple of tears. We plan to get together on a regular basis. I will be helping her work with the computer and her household appliances and she's advising me on how to do some gardening in my backyard.

I wish I had gotten a pic with us both...next time for sure. I did however document my post workout water break!! LOL Enjoy your day!!

Committment Today: Clean up my dining room and clear off the table. It's my clutter magnet!! I INTEND to complete that task TODAY!! Until next time...