I'm Getting Married!

The title words are what most mothers and fathers want to hear when their child grows up.  Many little girls dream of the day as early as six, while other girls turn into women thinking that it will never happen to them.  But, once those words are uttered, a host of thoughts can go through ones head.  You instantly think about when, where, theme, colors, and dress.  Flowers are actually equally as important on that special day as the flowers are what the bride carries in her hand, or what the gentlemen wear on their lapel, the decorations on each table, and on ones chair.

The Knot, one of the major online go-to wedding websites, chose a Toledo wedding florists for a 2011 pick.  Hafner Florist serves the surrounding Toledo, Ohio area and has been doing so for over 18 years.  One must put as much enfaces on the flowers as one would their dress, tuxedo, and location.  Without a beautiful arrangement of flowers to adorn oneself and/or tables, one would truly miss out on something extra special.

 (source)

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Time For A New Mailbox!

One thing is for sure, it is time for us to invest in a new mailbox.  We live in a cul-de-sac that has very similar mailboxes all the way around.  Some of our neighbors where smart earlier on, to upgrade.  While ours is functional, our mail is wet when it rains outside.  Red brick and mortar with a rusting metal box is so 80s.

Being in the market for new residential mailboxes led me to search various online retailers as well as my local home stores.  There are several advantages to looking at online retailers like www.mailboxpoint.com; the options are seemingly limitless.  No matter your need, they have you covered even if you are looking for the slotted style or the multi-family style mail boxes.

When shopping for your next mailbox, here are a few things to consider:
1. Color coordination with your home
2. Style of your box; modern or old-school
3. It's location; at the street (which may be required depending on where you live) or right next to your entry door.

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Calgary, Alberta

One of my favorite HGTV shows was Property Virgins.  Often times, they featured homes in various areas of Canada.  That show has inspired this post and may become a multi-part post feature.  The City of Calgary is located in the Province of Alberta, Canada.  It has nearly, if not over, 1 million residents that occupy it; while it's metropolitan area has greatly exceeded 1.2 million.  Like most, if not all, of the North Americas, Calgary was settled by the Europeans.  Before they came along, its inhabitants were called the Clovis people or Paleo-Indians; they may have been there for more than 11,000 years. There way of life began to change in the late 1870s.

Being the first Canadian City to host the Olympic Winter Games, Calgary's economy stems from tourism, agriculture, and petroleum industry.  One of Calgary's highlights is the Southland Leisure Centre; which boast 227,000 sq. ft.  It is a recreation center that powers its indoor pools with a solar system.

When considering relocating; consider renting first to get a feel for the place before investing in any real estate.

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Become a Frugal Shopper

The Christmas holiday is right around the corner and so is '2012' with its promises of being a great year.  Many people shop during the numerous sales that retailers offer and I don't blame them.  I found this website that not only shows you where the deals are, but at Become.com, they will link you directly with the deals.

My favorite page was with the purple cheap chaise lounge.  Purple is my favorite color and with a grey wall as a backdrop, I imagine it to look beautiful.  To make your sitting area nice, you can even get floor vases cheap too. The cheap fleece throws would make wonderful gifts for all the special someones in your life.

I love to shop, but like most during this economic time, I need to be as frugal as possible.  Be sure to check out www.become.com, you won't be disappointed.  I'm not.

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Cucumbers Too Sexy For Women?

I am not Muslim but as a woman, I am highly offended that this cleric would even think that a woman is soo lowly, that she would be in a damn produce aisle of a market or seating at her dining room table eating a banana and having "sexual thoughts." I mean come on, are you serious. OK, I have seen a cucumber that may remind me of a penis, but for all I know, that may make the night time with my husband even better. All jokes aside and on a serious note, I think this is preposterous. Read this quick article and tell me what you think.

Muslim Cleric's Warning: Cucumbers Too Sexy For Women | Fox News:

http://kblog.lunchboxbunch.com/2010/05/sweet-chili-marinated-cucumber-salad.html

'via Blog this'

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Lasting Memories with Impact Signs

Losing someone is not easy, but what better way to celebrate their life or contributions than with  commemorative plaques.  At Impact Signs, you will be able to choose from 2 styles; etched or cast, and have the ability to add an image, 3D sculpture or artwork.  Commemorative plaques are not only for humans but for 'man's best friends' too.  Your plaque will be fitting for churches, colleges, and memorial parks.


'Giving back' is a term that's often used when someone wants to give time and/or money to an organization such as the Ronald McDonald House.  If you plan on giving money to an organization, perhaps they have donor walls where you can put up a plaque and everyone will know that you or your organization contributed.


For more information about Impact Signs, visit their website at http://www.impactsigns.com/.

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Being A Mom

Thanks for the post, Vernon Lowe

Being a mom is definitely the toughest job in the world but my kids really run me ragged. My oldest was 30 and he was still living at home as of 6 months ago so I told him he needed to shape up or ship out. To my surprise he found a place of his own because he said he didn’t want me breathing down his back all the time! (Fine by me – one less mouth to feed and less laundry to do!) Anyway, things are quieter here at home and I’ve finally got my home office back which is nice. I paid for him to get Home Security Louisiana systems for the new place because he’s sort of on the wrong side of the tracks but you know, I would do anything for that boy so I don’t really feel bad about “kicking him out” as he calls it. He needed to stand on h is own two feet because he’s an adult, for goodness sakes. I can’t believe I let him live here so long!

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What is your top misspelled word?

As much as I love writing, there are just some words, OK, one word in particular that I always misspell.  Needing the word once again, I turned to Google because as you type, it tries to figure out what you need and so, it saves time.  OK so, here is my word: 

D-E-F-I-N-I-T-E-L-Y

I came across this site and this is how I always try to spell it: definately.

As you can see, there are a number of ways to misspell the word, and trust me, I constantly pick 2 or 3 before I give up and go searching. Believe it or not, the built-in dictionaries (spell check)don't know how to spell it either (that's why I always have to use Google for that one).

So, what's you word?

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To Marry Your Rapist

Growing and living in a Western Society does little to prepare you for how the rest of the world lives.  As a woman, I am naturally compassionate towards all things having to do with woman that I personally feel is not right.  I am also against people who like to go into these non-westernized countries and demand changes are to take place because it is wrong.  I am fully aware that what I feel is wrong, others may not.  

With that said, I came across this article titled, "Jailed Afghan woman freed but urged to marry rapist."  When it comes to women, (I have read or heard) many Middle Eastern and African cultures treat their woman in a negative way.  What I mean by that is by stoning to death or jailing women for committing adultery or being raped and vaginal mutilations (which takes the pleasure out of sex and causes problems during child birth).  I do admit, that hearing stories like these makes me glad that I am a westerner; however, those events does not occur in all non-westernized countries. 

"Gulnaz said, 'My rapist has destroyed my future,' " Ms. Malpas said, recounting their conversation. " 'No one will marry me after what he has done to me. So I must marry my rapist for my child's sake. I don't want people to call her a bastard and abuse my brothers. My brothers won't have honor in our society until he marries me.' "

I have found it most interesting that the judge has suggested Gulnaz, the victim, to marry her rapist.  Given the logistics on how this society works, it is a plausible solution.  As you read the brief article, you will see that Gulnaz is willing and will probably marry the rapist for her daughter's sake, however, she wants an insurance policy along with it.

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Baby, it's warm outside!

Yesterday morning as I sleepily took the girls to their bus stop I noticed another humid and warm morning.  Here in NC, Decembers can be a bit cold, frost on the window type of thing.  Well, it hasn't been that way this week and I am a bit surprised.  How's the weather been where you are?

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My name is Jenise and I am a TABaholic!

I am so serious.  I have a lil over 50 tabs open.  I love Google Chrome, even though it does some sort of freezing thing, which kills some of my pages.  There is an easy fix, I just refresh the page.  I really can't help it.  I am an information hog and every time I find a site, it usually leads me to finding another site.  I do take advantage of the bookmarks, but that usually takes me some time to get to because I want to make sure I catalog that correctly.  I have numerous bookmark folders and sub-folders; health (sickle-cell, recipes, smoothies), SC, NC, Greensboro, teen pregnancy, women..... My list goes on.  I am really just wondering if I am the only one that utilizes the tabs in such extreme way.  Oh, I forgot to tell you, I also use Firefox and IE and when I do, before I end my session, I have about 3-5 tabs open.

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Racially-Charged Anti-Abortion Bill Angers Civil Rights Community

Why are we still having this conversation. What are the motives behind the GOP's need or desire to have this be a never ending thing. I don't think I will ever truly understand, but what I do know is, I will never agree with any type of bill that prevents a woman, albeit any skin color, to not have a right to abort.

Racially-Charged Anti-Abortion Bill Angers Civil Rights Community: ""If proponents of this bill truly wanted to help minority women, they would support Title X family planning clinics like Planned Parenthood, comprehensive sex education and the myriad preventative health benefits, such as free birth control, in health care reform," Rep. Mike Quigley (D-Ill.) said. "But they don't, which should tell us something about their true motivations behind this bill.""

'via Blog this'

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Wake Up Black People; 14% population and 44% HIV/AIDS

Being Black is not a predisposition of catching this virus.  It is just pure ignorance.  I am pleading to my people, please stop laying down with people without knowing yours and their statuses and without protection.  Please stop sharing needles if you are a drug user.


Watch the video here. 


We have to do better for ourselves, our futures, our people.



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Thanksgiving Menu

I have written the menu for our Thanksgiving menu and now it is time to shop for the ingredients that are missing from our kitchen.  I have found some recipes that I want to try while searching the net and the links are included.

Turkey Wings
Ham
Candied Yams
Mac and Cauliflower Cheese Bake with veggies? maybe squash or maybe just regular mac and cheese
Deviled Eggs
Potato Salad
Rice and Peas
Shang Hai (a type of bok choy) with kale
Sweet Potato Buttermilk Pie
Pumpkin Velvet Cake
Nutella Pecan Pie

What are you making?  Did you like the site - Culinate?  It is my new favorite.

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Forget Your Christianity and VOTE For What's Right!

BEFORE YOU READ THIS POST: I will say that these are my views and they may not match yours and that is OK.  Just be respectful in your comments or don't comment at all.

I am sick and tired of Christians and their self-righteousness.  From what I remember the bible says, 'judge not less you be judged.'  America has a long history of tearing Presidents and President-Elects to shreds if they as to so much smoked anything, lied about something, and cheated on their spouse.  Who are we to judge in the matter.  When looking into someones character for running an office, we can't lose sight of their the big picture.  I know some will read this and say WTF, but I don't give a hoot.  European countries have scandles all the time, but that does not stop them from voting or standing by a public official.  Why, in turn do we?  According to the Christian belief, we are all sinners.  We all have and are continuing to not live by the 10 Commandments.  All those who are overweight, OMG.  How many pastors and church members are overweight.  I know I am going on a tangent here, but I am just trying to prove a point.

I really think Americans consistently lose sight of the things that are right in front of their faces.  I am not a Cain supporter, but gosh darn it, he has to have a secret service staff now; just to continue to run for President.  I can't help but come up with reasons why people would want to make death threats.  Is it because he is black and his accuser(s) are white; or because he was married at the time of these suits or lack thereof.  If he did what they say and that was in the past, why can't the man be a successful President.  We all do our shit (I couldn't think of a better word, sorry) and then we live and learn and move on.  Remember Clinton?  I mean, was it necessary to impeach the man.  Many people liked him as the President, that matter with Monica was a marital one, not a political one.  I'm just saying.

Don't you hate the fact that for 5 years, you moved form job to job and finally in the 6th year, you find the perfect job.  What that employer will look at most, is the fact that you went from job to job and that employer just may not give you that chance.  OR, you had a bad patch in your life, but things are looking great.  Nowadays, you need to have a credit check to get a job, an apartment, a cell phone, and a house.  Your past is coming back to haunt you and for what.  We don't live in the past.  We make mistakes and learn from them.  Not many of us, repeat.

All of our behaviors are wrong, and it is up to you to change them.  We need to speak out more AGAINST, acts like all the ones mentioned.  If we don't, things are going to get worst.

I am speaking out with this blog post, and I dare you to do the same.  I am no longer your puppet, give me the damn string, and I will puppet my damn self.  I am in control of my thoughts, and I will think clearly about situations, without being influenced by politicians, the media, nor marketing giants.

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Dakota Fanning's Ad Banned!

Marketing has long since evolved into pre-porn in my eyes.   SEX is all around you and it is pretty darn difficult to "turn a blind eye."  Walking the city streets, flicking through the pages of a magazine, or just looking at TV; you are sold cars, tools, food, and perfumes.  The banning of this ad tells me that those that appose it, are winning.  It may be a small win, but we are winning.  I can't tell you how many times, I have seen an ad that makes me say, HUH!  I think that is how its spelled. Now, according to the article below, Dakota Fanning is only 17.  I am sure her parents and agent and herself, think nothing of the photograph. BUT, I can think of a few places, other thank in between her legs, that damn bottle could have gone.  It is the little things that pique our interest.  It is sooo subtle that many of us don't realize its bearings.

Read the article HERE.

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31 days in Oct; 31 post completed

Hooray!  I have written 31 post in the month of October, 2011.  I am sooo proud of myself.  As I stated in post 1, I had never completed the Ultimate Blog Challenge.  This day, I can say that I have completed it; I look forward to doing it again.  If you are a blogger, come join us next time. You see the button to the right of the screen.

Photo Source: http://www.artistsvalley.com/images/icons/Professional%20Vista%20Software%20Icons/Calendar%2031%20Days/256x256/Calendar%2031%20Days.jpg

Here are a few of my favorite post from this month:

$89,000
"People Should Be Born Twice"
Barack Obama, Student loan reform can't wait (This was my highest viewed post for the month thus far)
Slide Show Mania (This is an intro to a new series and the 2nd highest viewed post)
Just Pay Your Damn TAXES!


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Poem - You Care About What........

You Care About What I Do, But Not How I Live

I’ve come from countries near and far

Witnessed the despair of the generations before me

Lived in many a places

The favelas of South America, the shacks of the Caribbean, the projects of North America, even the ghettos of Europe, and shanty towns of elsewhere

My dignity is non-existent

I eat by any means necessary; will work for any dime, nickel, or cent

When you see me, you remove the Help Wanted signs from your windows

Not interested in employing the likes of me

You don’t bother to travel through my part of town with your bull horns announcing employment opportunities

But you will knock on my door to tell me that Jesus is coming and that I must repent

So, I lay where I can, with whom will receive me

Some people take what they want and give me what they can

There’s a seed that grows within and I, by no means, don’t have a plan

I’ve sowed many fields and planted many gardens

I can get by, but by whose grace?

You turn up your noses, you stamp decline on the papers that I submit

When will you have time to help me; take the time to direct me?

Don’t bother, it is OK.  I am my own person, right?

Many beautiful plant lives grow out of the cracks; lush green grasses and floral weeds

But there isn’t any crack big enough to sustain another human life

So save your mumble jumble for yourself and let me do what is best for me

For within me grows a seed that doesn’t, that won’t, that can’t fit through the cracks

Where you live, how many cracks in the ground do you see?

All poems published at www.iamsocialbutterfly.com are original and copyrighted. If you need a poet to perform or are looking for guest speakers, feel free to contact me. If you would like to republish, please contact me for prior approval.

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Poem - Mother to Son

For now, this poem is called Mother to Son by Jenise Bradshaw.  I have some thoughts about changing the title to From a Mother to her Son or something like that, but I need feedback on that.  I have also included my son and I photo (a lil personal touch).  If you are a mom or a son, hopefully you will like it, and possibly relate.  This poem also came about because one of the first poems I ever read was "Mother to Son" by Langston Hughes.

Mother to Son by Jenise Bradshaw

I look at you every day in utter amazement at the shear essence of your being

I know that I played a major part in your existence; there’s no disagreeing

There’s not much I can control

As I am unable to control your every move

You were raised to be independent; I taught you all the (my) rules of life

Yet you continue to disappoint me and leave me with strife

Love is a word that is not often spoken but much understood

I do what I can for you, all for the greater good

Yelling and screaming is a part of me now

Even though when you were a babe, I didn’t know how

Oh, you take me there; to a very dark place

I cry many days and many nights

All while trying to remember you are to be embraced

Well, I’ll tell you life for me is not much of anything

Many days are sacrificed to make sure that you have essentials

I do pray my sacrifices are not in vain because you have potential

You were and still are given the best of me

In hopes that your eyes will see what a woman is worth

I have high expectations; so son don’t let me down

It’s really hard to look past the shit that you do

Often times I wonder if my blood is really running thru you

Living life vicariously through someone else’s lens

Will cause you to suffer and you’d need to make amends

So take heed to my words as much as possible

To avoid the same mistakes that was made before you

So Son, know that I love you

This is my handsome 16 year old.

All poems published at www.iamsocialbutterfly.com are original and copyrighted. If you need a poet to perform or are looking for guest speakers, feel free to contact me. If you would like to republish, please contact me for prior approval.

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The New Wedding Dance - The Wobble

At black weddings we love to do line dances.  "The Electric Slide" is the number 1 song to play and dance to, followed by R. Kelly's "Step in the Name of Love" and Cupid's, "The Cupid Shuffle" (not necessarily in that order.  Well, fast forward to present day and I can clearly see how the Electric Slide may not even make it on the playlist at the next wedding you are invited too.  My advice, learn the new dance and have fun.

As you will see; big people, little people, old people, young people, and white people; enjoy the song and dance.  Have fun watching and learning.






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Do you have an extra $225/month?

If you do, then you are on your way to becoming a millionaire.  I haven't tried this, so I can't swear by it.  If I had that much extra, at this point in our lives, the money would just go to pay more on any given bill.  So, this is truly for those that have all of their bills paid every single month.

Make a million with $225 a month

Starting small can pay off big.....  That's what the article says.

Photo Source: http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTDnrBw8d082vf9wevrTH0ns6YzotlshtWUEHz9XDixdnvdO6ouHg

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Slide Show Mania 4 - $-$$$ I Want To Live On The Cheap

It would be grand for my family of 6 to just pick up and move to a place where our money can sssstttrreetttccchhhhhhhh. Well according to Forbes, there are 10 cities where you could live cheap, it has good schools, the unemployment rate and crime are low.

10 Best Places To Live Cheaply

The State of Ohio and about 4 of its cities made it on the this top 10 list. Wow! Go Ohio!

Related Post:

Intro To Slide Show Mania

Slide Show Mania 1

Slide Show Mania 2

Slide Show Mania 3

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Slide Show Mania 3 - Where Are We Gonna Sleep?

Americans love big spaces. For some reason, we hate to be cramped. It may have stemmed from all of our ancestors voyages over to the Americas. Think about it. Those boats that traveled here had quarters that maximized on space. I am sure if you could afford the trip yourself, you'd have a bigger space than say, an indentured servant. And forget about the slaves that were forced over; they didn't have a choice. So to answer the title questions, I hope you find answers in the slide show below.

10 More Ways To Get Rid Of The Bed

I chose this picture, not because of what the apartment looks like, but because what the description says about it. It is 400 sq. ft with 4 people living in it, including 2 children. Americans were not impressed and called it child abuse while the Europeans said, it was the way they live and that outside is their living room. I loved it. I also know that I can't do it. Well, maybe, but not today. I hope you enjoy this show as much as I.

Photo source: from the above link

Related Post:

Intro to Slide Show Mania

Slide Show Mania 1

Slide Show Mania 2

Slide Show Mania 3

Slide Show Mania 4

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Slide Show Mania 2 - The Trees Of Our Earth!

Civilization is a blessing and a curse. It is blessed because some of the civilized peoples still manage to have been passed down, in a way, the noble savaged way of life. We care about things like tree extinction, animal extinction, and whether or not a swamp is dying. The thing is, had we not been so civilized, we would not have known what extinction was in the first place.

Avatar Trees Found On Earth

Here is the photo of my favorite tree from the slide. I can just imagine a warm breeze, my pen and paper, and the feeling that I would be blessed with the atonement of my spirit. Masterpieces can be written there.

Photo source: taken from the link above.

Related Post:

Intro to Slide Show Mania

Slide Show Mania 1

Slide Show Mania 3

Slide Show Mania 4

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Slide Show Mania

I spend a lot of time on the internet. I am ever greatful to have been born and still around at this time because, my brain is still like a sponge. Absorbing knowledge like crazy.

I have decided to call this series Slide Show Mania because I am obsessed with knowing new things. The next few post will have links to slide shows that offer some insightful information. Enjoy!

Related Post:

Slide Show Mania 1

Slide Show Mania 2

Slide Show Mania 3

Slide Show Mania 4

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Slide Show Mania 1 - What can oil do for you?

10 Natural, Organic Oils With Huge Health Benefits

I was most surprised by 2 of the oils that made it to the list and that was black pepper oil and pine oil (from pine tress), who knew. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Photo Source: from the link above.

Related Post:

Intro to Slide Show Mania

Slide Show Mania 2

Slide Show Mania 3

Slide Show Mania 4

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How do you Work and Study?

So many of us, adults, want to get a higher education; albeit, you are finishing what was once started or started fresh. Often times, we wonder how in the world can we fit it in. As many of you know, I have been in school full-time for the past 3 years. I moved to Greensboro and got into ECPI for Medical Assistant, when a teacher gave me an F, I quit that school. It was a gateway for me anyway and just part of a bigger picture. Then I took a course to become EMT certified, but never took the test. I chickened out big time and the economy at the time scared me. I wouldn't have been making anymore money than what I was currently making so at that point, I gave up the idea of going to school just to change my job so that I can go to school to do what I really want to do. Confusing, I hope not. But that stint at ECPI helped me transfer some course into the local Community College; I had hopes of getting my Associates. Well, that didn't pan out ( a few variables; including the teachers and their work) and I then transferred into one of the many local universities; but with 54 credits to boost. Knowing that the work can be tedious, I opted to go from full-time to part-time while maintaining my full-time status at school. It is working better for me and there is less stress.

If you are planing on going back to school, note that it would be best to work full-time and school part-time or vice-versa. And that advice is from personal experience. I found this great article that gives good advice for the adult looking to go back to school and I hope you find some great tips. "What can I do to manage my work and study combination?"

Above image is from the online article featured in post.

Related Post:

School, ALREADY?

Schools In (LWL #1)

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The Infamous "HIV Vaccine"

I have heard about this vaccine for many years. I have often wondered why they hadn't come out with one yet, too. After reading the article, "Vaccine could reduce HIV to a 'minor infection,'" I realized scientist are on the money. There is a Spanish and European groups of scientist that are leading the way with what seems like similar results. As with many things, it takes time. And during this time, many more will contract the disease while others will develop AIDS and die. I do look forward to the day when these vaccines will be available to the world and it would be wonderful if there is no 'ulterior motive' (money) behind it. But, that won't happen.

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This weekend is my "mad dash" to finally complete

This is my 3rd time trying to complete the ultimate blog challenge; however the farthest I've come. I fell back midway, but with many ideas to blog about. I did have post set-up to automatically post each day, but obviously didn't do enough. But, I am so determined to have 31 days of post in these 31 days of October and I am not far behind. So yes, there will be a few post a day. Thanks for reading and for your support.

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Barack Obama | Student loan reform can't wait

Here's a program that I'll benefit from.

Barack Obama | Student loan reform can't wait:

'via Blog this'

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The Writer In Me

Poetry is my refuge. I write when I am happy and sad. It is my therapy. I love when I get inspiration from unexpected places too. Today, I decided that I was going to work on my 3rd poetry book. The problem is, I haven't published the 1st one and did not finish the 2nd either. My works are always in progress and I am soo disorganized (in my mind) sometimes. Here's to my future as a published poet.

Photo source: http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQWpSUp0kPjsQuqaL3sbk7oeEz0bjKnFfw3grdx6qf7woq0CLkf

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Come On BOFA! ! ! ! !

Source: http://www.jurug.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Bank-of-America-Corporation-Logo-Image.jpg

Bank of America made great profits this quarter after grave losses last year. Let's see what happens to real people, Corporate America, when they have a lost one year and a gain the next.

Here's the scenario:

I lost my job last year making 70,000. My home was foreclosed on and I had to sell most of my belongings because I couldn't afford to put it all in storage. This year, I am working and making 30,000 full-time while I am able to make an additional 16,000 part-time. I see less of my family and we live in a 1200 sq. ft. apartment. How's that for a years gain.

Although this scenario is not a real one, the reality is real. A whole corporation and those working in it, are thriving and surviving while many working class people aren't. I am not mad at the fact that a company can make a comeback. I am mad because this company and many like it, are bleeding regular people dry, while making that comeback.

SN (side note), if they can clear out a few bad investments and make back more than half of what they lost last year, imagine the profits in a few quarters once they start charging people $5 per month for using their debit cards. More on that one in another post.

SN #2, did you see the slogan under their logo above. I didn't make this up. Unbelievable!

Read original article here: Bank of America post earnings increase

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What's Really Going On FICO?

This recession has and still is affecting millions of people. People that have been secure in jobs for years have found themselves without one for years. People that once made 6 figures are now making 3,4, & 5 figures. People that have lived in mansions are now living on the streets.

All the past and current political party members are vying for your vote, with promises to fix the problems that seemed to have plagued this country for the last 6 years. So, what is going to happen when things start rebounding? Do you think you will be breathing a sigh of relief? Think again honey. You are going to be yelling and screaming; and cursing too. I just read an article in my local paper that says that your credit score will get more personal. These people will be determining what your score will be based on your late or missed insurance payments, cell phone bill, evictions, etc. Now understand, if you were not negatively impacted by this current era, lucky you; but if you were, HOLY SHIT! When you need a loan to buy a new house or car or start a business; they will charge you more interest and get more money out of you.

This has me remembering the housing bubble. There are many people blaming the general public for not being responsible spenders. If you really think about it, we are only a product of our current society. Marketers, lenders, and government officials (just to name a few culprits) prey on us so hard and so often, we don't even know it is taking place. We are naive and we believe in the unbelievable. So, screw us darn it.

You have to admit, these people are geniuses. They thought they were going to get buku dollars from people for 30 years by not only helping everyone get into a house, but an unaffordable one; then when that wasn't going to happen, then someone stirred up a great scare called the housing bubble; it popped and thousands lost their homes; then people started losing their jobs. A look into the future; people start working again, earning great salaries; buying land, houses, and cars. They are coming back to bite us in the ass and there is nothing that we can do about it. You can't run and you can't hide. Employers want to know your credit score, landlords want to know it, and so do the lenders.

Everything is taken away from you now. I just want to save and spend cash; but they are raping me of that cash at the gas station and in the grocery store. Will you ever have enough money to live without needing to borrow money from the bank?

Read the article, "Credit scores about to get more personal." What are your thoughts?

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Look at the stickers on your Fruits and Veggies (ETL #6)

I have been buying and eating more fresh fruit and vegetables lately. Before washing, I simply remove the little stickers and throw them away. I had no idea that those stickers were universal (the same brands has the same number no matter what store you are shopping in). Well, a fellow facebook friend alerted her audience about what those stickers can mean. You can use those numbers to determine if your produce is organic, conventional, and genetically modified.

Yes, really. I felt the same way. WOW!!! Read the short posting here.

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A Vegetarian Meal Tonight ETL #5 and LWL #2

Me and my hubby threw down tonight in the kitchen. Well, it is no secret that we are LWL and ETL so a meatless meal was what we needed to do. With 4 children, esp one as old as 16; we need to start slow. Eating healthy is not necessarily on our children's minds these days. Well, they liked it and the adults loved it.

On the menu tonight:

Boiled African Yam (white and on the right), (Bajan like) Sweet Potato (yellowish and on the bottom left), and Korean Yam (Silvery white and top right)

Curried Lentils; this served as our gravy

Shang Hai; a type of Asian Cabbage like Bok Choy. The green leafy part tasted surprisingly like spinach (Sorry I didn't think to take photos and uh, it is gone yall.) I think I will make a video showing how I make this next time. It is real simple. We just saute it.

That was it and it was good. OMG!

Related Post

The Death of the Carrots ETL #1

Schools In LWL #1

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Just Pay Your Damn TAXES!!!

How many times will we have to hear about the deficit. How easy or hard is it to fix. There is no one person to trust or believe in at this point. The sad part is, the problem will never truely be fixed. When life is good, who is really paying attention to what the government is doing? Not the ones who is living it up. Here is the thing, this current economy has nothing to do with what Pres. Obama did or didn't do, neither does it have to do with what Pres. Bush did or didn't do. There is no one person to blame, however, my fellow Americans don't get it. This trouble has been brewing for quite some time. So what can we do? I wish I had the answers.

This outrage has people rallied up and they have decided to take it to the streets; while others are simply asking to do their share by paying more taxes. I wonder if it can be that simple. Can some or all of these mega rich people pay the same percentage in taxes as I do and somewhat fix the mess that we are in. Russel Simmons believes it will help; see it here. Try not to dwell on the fact that he doesn't even look at you nor the interviewer while he is talking. I mean, is it just me that would notice something like that. Strange. Anyway, Warren Buffet asked the same thing (not about Russel and his shyness, but raising his taxes).

"Famed investor Warren Buffett and Def Jam co-founder Russell Simmons have at least one thing in common: They both want the U.S. government to raise their taxes." http://nyti.ms/pS5HvE

2012 is right around the corner and you know what, these same idiots who don't want to pay more taxes will open up their purses and fork over thousands, if not millions of dollars to help ensure that their candidate gets into office. Hmmmm, shame, shame, shame.

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Arthritis; it's not the beginning of the end. (ETL # 5)

As we age, some of us tend to believe that we are destined to have a Sunday thru Saturday pill box. Many ageing Americans are taking pills for high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, and heart medications. If you are prescribed as so much as one pill for any ailment, note that you can reverse that. These pills cost money, whether you have medicaid, medicare, or private insurance; and best believe no one really has that kind of money to be making the pharmaceutical companies pockets larger.

So, I will share with you what your MD may not be telling you. 'EAT TO LIVE'

Put some spice in your life. I for one eat cayenne pepper all the time because it is good for cholesterol (it has gone down over the course of a year without much exercise); but it is also good for Arthritis. Yes, you can take it in pill form but it is just as easy to just sprinkle it on your food ever night too.

Anti-inflammatory foods are also essential to your diet. Cook with a lot of garlic; eat an apple a day; make some fresh ginger tea daily; and when seasoning your food, add turmeric.

Foods to eliminate. This elimination will also help you maintain a healthy weight. Although not a complete list; dairy, soft drinks, flour, sugar, and additives, need to be permanently eliminated.

Supplement your life. Everyone needs supplements. There are just too many good stuff out there that we just can't seem to get them all and the easiest way is to take some vitamins and minerals. If you never heard of MSM, then you should do some research. MSM is sulfur; and this is not on the glucosamine msm neither. MSM is Methylsulfonylmethane. I have been taking the MSM for a little over a week and it has helped my asthma which was starting to act up as soon as the weather changed. My hubby has noticed a little difference with his inflammation that he has in his arm. We are just starting out but we will continue with this supplement, because it has many benefits.

This post is dedicated to my parents. I love you and wish you much health.

REVISED 10/13/11:

How can I forget WATER THERAPY. Water is essential to our health. This type of therapy ask one to drink just four (4) glasses of water when they first rise for the morning; even before brushing your teeth and to not eat until after at least 45min. It is simple and effective. Yes, you will have increased urination and increased bowel movements. Instead of thinking about it as an inconvenience, look at it as what it is; your body doing what it is supposed to be doing - getting rid of waste. It's relation to arthritis,

Related post:

Tired? Drink Water!

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B The Difference

Problem Solver

If I were native to the north Americas, my name would be Problem Solver. It is in my nature, my blood. I, intuitively, assess problems and spend lots of time thinking about how to solve it. It is somewhat difficult to explain, but very similar to how parents feel when their children comes to them with a problem.

I am having great difficulty solving my own problems. These problems that I have take more than just me to solve and I am at a place where my intuition is just saying:

Let it go. Worry not for you can't control all things on your own. It is collective and if the WHOLE community is unwilling, then your fight is for nothing. All battles can't be won and these are those battles.

I am still the problem solver, I take on that task with great pride. I know that all problems can't be solved and all problems can't be solved by one person. I don't have time to be stressed nor depressed about the situations in which I can not change. I am letting go.

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Netflix (LWL # 2)

I got a Netflix account a year ago, when my World Religion professor required videos for instruction. I later realized that this is the answer to reducing my family's monthly bills. Since then, Netflix has gone up on pricing and now they are splitting themselves into two. I was not at all impressed with the rise in price and doubly upset with the split (it just doesn't make sense to me), but all in all, it is still cheaper than cable (my family gets DVDs in the mail and watch streaming).

What is ever so priceless is the shear volume of documentaries that you can watch instantly. I have learned so much and will put together a list of must see's really soon.

Do you have Netflix? How has it worked out for your family?

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My Top 5 Smoothie Ingredients (ETL #5)

As many of you know, I am really into smoothies these days. AND, I have stated before -I think, that smoothies are a great way to incorporate raw food into your diet. I have yet to try any of those exotic recipes like raw chocolate pudding or raw pizza, though.

I have never wondered what the health benefits were of anything that I have eaten before, so why now. Plain and simple, IDK, but it sure is fun to know. I feel smarter and informed. So, I will share that info with you. In addition, you know Google and me are buddies, so that is how I found the links below.

Here are my top 5 ingredients I use in my green smoothies.

1. BANANA - Here are 8 health benefits of this fruit. (When I purchase my bananas, I peel, break into 2, and wrap in aluminum foil to freeze. I never use ice for my smoothies)
2. DATES - I use this as a sweetener and I add about 2 or 3 per smoothies. Here are its benefits.
3. KALE - This is where the green comes in. I love it because it is dark and the taste is mild; which means you won't taste it once you add all of your fruit and spices. This vegetable has 9 health benefits.
4. APPLE - An apple a day, keeps the doctor away. Here are 10 health benefits, many of which is a cancer preventor. Hmmmm, it is Cancer Awareness Month (breast).
5. AVOCADO - I usually cut it in half so I can get 2 uses out of it. The 2nd cut is put in the freezer too. These have 10 health benefits too. I have also heard that avocados should be eaten every day.

Here are the links to the past ETL (Eating To Live) postings:

ETL #1

ETL #2

ETL #3

ETL #4

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B The Difference

"People should be born twice."

"People should be born twice. Once rich and once poor. So the rich will know poverty, and the poor will enjoy life."

The above excerpt is from a foreign film, Solas. It is on Netflix.

I so wish the same. Once you've had certain experiences in life, you tend to never be the same again. I remember the first customer service job that I had, while working there and even still, if I have to call the customer service department of any company, I make sure I am a little bit more patient even if I am highly upset. It is ridiculous how people treat people that they feel inferior too and it is doubly ridiculous that we don't take care to treat everyone we come in contact with with the utmost respect.

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B The Difference