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I survived the A to Z Blog challenge! With not one, but TWO blogs! Yeah, I'm the woman. Heehee!
Blogging practically everyday on two blogs is quite tiresome, so I'm taking a short break. My regularly scheduled blog posts will return in June. I figured, since I'm behind on my Netgalley reviews, I can use this time to catch up. Sooo, I'll be posting about 2+ per week. Then, come June, when school is practically over and summer is close to starting, I can return to normal blogging.
By the way, you'll be seeing a new look on both of my blogs within the month. So excited. I've had this look since I started this blog back in 2008, so I'm thinking it's time for a new look. And my other blog, The International Diva definitely needs a new look, seeing as though the girl in the header isn't even a black girl. She was the closest to my skin color as I could get for a free blog template.
So, my loves, in the words of the great philosopher, Arnold Schwarzenegger (heehee), "I'll be back!" Until then, enjoy some book reviews. Muah!
Ok, so yes I'm cheating. This week has been...draining to say the least. I just didn't have the energy to even think about blogging. So, I ended up getting behind in my posts. To catch up, I have to put a few of the letters together. Mafi mushkila, right? BTW, "mafi mushkila" means "no problem" in Arabic. See, I'm learning a little something something while living here in Abu Dhabi.
Anywho, on to my post...
I'm going to visualize what I want my life to be like...where I'd like to see myself in 10 years. Of course, God has the final say, but He gives us the desires of our heart (if it's according to His will), right? So, here it is. In 10 years, I see myself...
Married to a wonderful, God-fearing husband who loves and cherishes me. He's the head of the house, but he doesn't mind me being me cos of course, that's who he fell in love with. I see us as sort of a power couple, only for the Kingdom of God. Everything we do, whatever job we have, will be for the glory of God. And people will see Christ through us. Will our marriage be perfect? NO. I have a feeling God is going to send me someone who's the opposite of me, so I'm sure there will be some head-bumping going on. But after all is said and done, we'll work our problems out. I know this can happen cos my parents have done it. 35 years of marriage - 39 years of being together - and my parents are still together...still in love.
A mother to wonderful children, including twins. Honestly? I'd love to have a set of boy/girl twins and be done with child-bearing. Not so far-fetched considering the fact that my dad was a twin (she died at birth, though). So, it's quite possible one of his children will have twins. I've discussed this with God: boy/girl twins then I'm done. But of course, God may decide to give me more. Or less. My children will not be perfect, but who is? But my husband and I will be rearing them with God's help.
As Dr. Raenice B. Weakly, EdD. I will finish my doctorate. I'm determined. I had to take a break because of financial hardship, but I will go back. Soon. Prayerfully, if all goes well, I'll be back in school this summer. And since I'm on that final leg of my program - my dissertation - I can be finished by sometime in 2013. My degree will be used more for research purposes. I'd like to research reading education. I'd especially like to research aliteracy, which is when people know how to read, but they choose not to. My main focus will, of course, be on kids - teens to be specific. I've heard of so many tweens/teens who hate reading. They don't do it. Unless they're forced and that makes them hate it even more. I want to research ways to get children and teens into reading. Being a total book nerd myself, I can't fathom people NOT liking to read. I just can't.
Successful entrepreneur. I'm still panning out the details of my business, but I know I plan to open an enrichment center for youth. I've had this idea in my head since I was about 14 years old. It was an old Cosby show episode - the one with Theo working at a community center - that planted the seed. I saw the kind of work and the difference he was making at this center, I knew that's what I wanted to do. It wasn't until 2 years ago that God reminded me of my dream. So, one of my goals while here in Abu Dhabi is to come up with a business plan and afterwards, start looking for places and funding. Whether or not the enrichment center becomes a franchise, I'll leave up to God. But I plan to do big
6 Comments on U/V are for... Ultimate Vision, last added: 4/27/2012
I am thankful to say that God has blessed me with point #1. :)
The rest are still dreams for me, too. We would like to have kids but have only been married two years so are not rushing into that yet. I have no degree but would like to furhter my education as well. We've talked about starting business together and it is my dream to be published!
I look forward to reading about your life adventures and seeing you check these items as complete.
You have some awesome ambitions and I think you can do each and every one of them. Good luck on finishing your doctorate! What a wonderful degree to be working toward, too. I am a high school teacher and I hear on a daily basis how much kids hate reading. It breaks my heart. I'd love it if you could figure out what to do get teens to want to read more.
This is a wonderful post and I wish the best of luck to complete it!
Author: Anne Warren Smith Genre: Fiction, Children's Novels Release: September, 2011 Rating: 4/5
Description: This year, instead of celebrating Thanksgiving in the family's traditional way by eating pizza in their pajamas, nine-year-old Katie wants to create the perfect holiday and be just like a "real" family. But by Thanksgiving Day, Katie has invited guests Dad didn't expect, festooned the house with what may be poison oak, and set the sweet potatoes on fire. Ultimately everyone sits down to a most unusual dinner--one that succeeds because it comes from the heart.
Review: Nine year-old, Katie, does not have what we'd call a "normal" family. Her mom is off chasing her country star dreams, so it's just Katie, her dad, and her three year-old brother, Tyler. It is a tradition in the household to order pizza, stay in their pajamas, and watch football all day on Thanksgiving. The perfect Thanksgiving for Katie until now. Her supposed best friend, Claire, who lost her mother in a car accident the year before, keeps bragging about how she and her dad were going to have the perfect Thanksgiving. Suddenly, pizza and football doesn't sound so perfect compared to what Claire says they'll have. So, Katie works to come up with a perfect and normal Thanksgiving. But the more she thinks of, the more her plans go awry. Will Katie's Thanksgiving turn out to be the best - or worse - Thanksgiving?
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE
Claire was annoying, but that's how it was supposed to be. Her character fit in.
WHAT I LIKED
I liked how the single dads were represented in this book. There are plenty of children's books with single moms, but not enough with single dads. It was awesome to see them well represented.
I liked the message - that because your family may not be a "normal" family doesn't mean it isn't a real family.
I loved the family tradition of pizza, pajamas and football! Sounds awesome.
I can picture what was happening in the book as well as feel what Katie was feeling.
This is a cute book with an awesome message about family. Perfect for your 2nd or 3rd grader.
Description: Ride the rollercoaster of Shiloh Jacobs’s life as her dreams derail, sending her on a downward spiral from the heights of an AP job in Tokyo to penniless in rural Virginia. Trapped in a world so foreign to her sensibilities and surrounded by a quirky group of friends, will she break through her hardened prejudices before she loses those who want to help her? Can she find the key to what changed her estranged mother’s life so powerfully before her death that she became a different woman—and can it help Shiloh too?
Review: Shiloh Jacobs lives in Japan where she has the perfect life, perfect job, and perfect fiance. Sure she overspends to keep up an image, causing her to have stacks of credit card bills, but other than that, life is good. Until her mother back in the States dies and leaves her house to Shiloh. Shiloh was not close to her mother. At all. Yet, she goes to Staunton, Virginia to the funeral and to sell the house. While there, Shiloh loses both her job and fiance. Life couldn't get any worse. Only it does. Her hopes for a quick sale are dashed. God has funny ways of getting your attention and this is His way of getting Shiloh's. So now, Shiloh's stuck in Staunton, surrounded by her mom's friends, people Shiloh thinks are rednecks. What Shiloh doesn't realize is, these "rednecks" are teach her about true friendship, happiness, and most importantly, God's love.
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE
The beginning was a little slow. It picked up more after she receives the call about her mother's death.
It was slightly stereotypical of the South, but not enough not to like the book.
WHAT I DID LIKE
The cover and title immediately grabbed my attention! I mean, come on. "Southern Fried Sushi"...what a cool title. The cover is colorful and the mix of cultures is evident (Japanese dress & fan with cowboy boots).
I loved Shiloh's character. Throughout the book, you see her growth and will be rooting for her by the end.
The secondary characters are pretty awesome, too. They're well-rounded, three dimensional characters, just like Shiloh. Her mom's friends all have their little quirks that makes them endearing.
The message of God and His love is written in the story without being too preachy. It's subtle, but...obvious. I know that's an oxymoron, but that's how I can describe it. It's not the "beat
2 Comments on S is for...Southern Fried Sushi (Book Review), last added: 4/23/2012
There are some books that share a Christian message minus the "hellfire, brimstone and damnation if you do don't as I say" theme. This sounds like one that would be right up my alley. Thanks for sharing this review.
Today's post is dedicated to my name. My mom had special reasons for both my first and middle names.
Raenice. My mom wanted to give me a name that would give me the nickname, Rae. In her mind, she saw me as an adult; a businesswoman. She said she imagined a room full of men waiting for a businessman named Ray to make an appearance in the meeting, but in walks this sexy businesswoman named Rae. The men's mouths would hang open and they'd all be enamored by my beauty and sexiness. I see where I got my imagination from. I'm so gonna use this set up in a romance novel sometime in the future. Anyway, so her middle name is Denise. Add Rae to the last part of her middle name and you get Raenice (pronounced "Rae-niece"). My name is actually spelled Rae'Nice, but I don't use the hyphen. Maybe I'll use it when I'm a best-selling author. Hmm...
Beatrice. This one is not as "glamorous" as my first name, but it's just as important. I was named after my great grandmother, GaGa, who died seven months before I was born. Remember, she's the one who saved my life when I was a baby. If you didn't read the story, you can read it here.
I love names that mean something. Since Raenice is made up, it doesn't really have an official meaning. I say it means "unique" cos it's not a common name. Beatrice means "voyager of life" and "blessed" (source). It also means "she who makes happy" and "she who brings happiness" (source).
So there you go. Raenice Beatrice. A unique voyager of life, who's happy, blessed and brings happiness to those around her. Yep. That's me.
I love my name.
6 Comments on R is for...Raenice Beatrice, last added: 4/21/2012
Beautiful story, Rae. Yep, your mom definitely endowed you with more than a unique name--that imagined boardroom scene is fantastic :)
My name is also made-up. My dad was a creative artist, and he spent the nine months of my gestation playing around with letters to make up a sui generis name--Guilie is what he came up with, and because I was born when ultrasound was still the stuff of sci-fi, he said that would be the baby's name whether it was a boy or a girl. Most people think it sounds feminine (although maybe that's because they meet me first), so I guess it's good I was a girl :)
Mine also has no meaning, but a long-ago summer flirtation said it sounded like "quiet laughter"... And it stuck. Hence the name of my blog.
It's about a couple and the night they almost lost their baby girl.
One cold winter night, this couple slept in their bed while their baby girl slept in her crib close by. Sometime during the night, the woman noticed her grandmother standing in front of their bed.
Her grandmother had died the year before.
The woman didn't think it weird that her dead grandmother stood in front of her. She was just excited to see her. The woman and her grandmother were so close and she missed her so much. Unfortunately, the grandmother died before she even got a chance to meet the baby girl. The woman excitedly told her grandmother about her new life.
"GaGa! You've got to see her! She's so beautiful."
All GaGa said was, "Check the baby."
"Yes, but GaGa, I'm so excited. You should see her! She..."
"Check the baby."
This went on for a few minutes before GaGa started to fade away. The woman cried, "No GaGa! Don't go! I miss you so much! And the baby...you've got to see her!"
"Check the baby."
Finally, GaGa was gone. The man heard the woman call out for GaGa, but he didn't see GaGa. He shook the woman awake and asked what was wrong. The woman described what happened and her excitement at seeing GaGa again. Finally, she told him all GaGa said was, "Check the baby."
The both decided to see what GaGa was talking about. When they checked the crib, what they saw made their hearts stop. Their baby girl was blue in the face...not breathing. Scared and alarmed, they rushed her to the hospital where the doctors worked to bring the child back to life.
They succeeded. The couple breathed a sigh of relief.
GaGa sav
5 Comments on Q is for...Quite A Story, last added: 4/20/2012
I think that's a lovely story, and I am completely convinced that our dead ancestors maintain a strong desire to be part of our lives. Thank you for sharing such a personal story.
I can't remember a time when I wasn't all about Pepsi. It seems as if I've always been addicted. But if I had to choose a time my addiction worsened, I'd say in adulthood.
It started out with just a can here or there.
Then I upgraded to 20oz bottles.
Then I discovered one liters.
I got to the point where I had to have a Pepsi everyday. I couldn't function without the burn of the yummylicious carbonated drink. I've discovered that, instead of being an emotional eater, I'm an emotional drinker (of Pepsi...not alcohol). Stressed? Drink Pepsi. Had a bad day? Pepsi makes it all better. Celebrating? Have a can of Pepsi.
I thought moving to another country would help me. Perhaps the UAE would be more into Coke, a drink I can't really stand. I was so wrong. They're into Pepsi. In fact, there's a Pepsi factory two minutes away. TWO MINUTES.
I know Pepsi is bad for me, but it's soooooo good! All other pops - or sodas, as some of you say - pale in comparison.
In my defense, though, Pepsi-holism runs in the family. My great great grandmother, great grandmother, grandmother, and mother were and are Pepsi drinkers. See? It's hereditary. So, really it's not my fault. I was doomed from the start.
So, is there a cure? Will I ever get over my addiction? I sure hope so. I've actually gotten better. I don't drink it as much as I used to. Of course, this tall, glass of Pepsi I have in my hand right now may say differently. But it's the thought that counts, right?
8 Comments on P is for...Pepsi-holics Anonymous, last added: 4/19/2012
I...um...yeah, I sometimes refer to "crack" at my blog. This is not that stuff purchased from Pookie off the street. This is a dark, liquid, yummy addiction I yo-yo back and forth with.
TUPAC RISES FROM THE DEAD TO PERFORM WITH DR. DRE AND SNOOP DOG!
Ok, so it was only a hologram of the late (and much missed) rapper, who died almost 16 years ago, but seriously? How cool is that? I miss Tupac. One of the best hip hop artists ever, in my humble opinion. I loved how the image is so realistic.
Wouldn't it be funny if, one day, communication among other things, went to holographic images. Like, instead of Skyping on the computer, we'd Skype with an image...making it feel like the person you're skyping with were really there with you. I wouldn't be surprised at all. It's coming. Mark my words...
OMG, this is so cool!
I must warn you, there are some profane language.
3 Comments on O is for...O.M.G., last added: 4/18/2012
I do plan on visiting other blogs and commenting. I just haven't had the time or the energy. But I will soon.
N is for...Natural
I have an anniversary coming up.
Next Tuesday, April 24th marks the one year anniversary of my being natural. This means I have not put a perm in my hair for almost a year.
I didn't think I could do it. My hair is crazy thick. The perm not only straightened it, but it also made my hair more manageable. My mom first put a perm in my hair when I was a little girl...about five years old. So, for about 30 years, I'd had permed hair. That's a long time. Last April, I'd decided maybe I'd try the natural thing. But I didn't think I'd last (I'd tried before, but just couldn't do it). Then, I was hired to work in Abu Dhabi. I honestly didn't think they would have perm here. And I don't trust just anybody to touch my hair, so that counted beauticians here out. I figured I'd keep doing the natural thing.
And now, one year later, I'm still a naturalista. I love it! Not having to stress about whether my hair gets wet...not worrying about "sweating" out my perm when I exercise...not taking forever to style my hair...being able to wash and go. My hair is even thicker without the perm, but I don't have to spend a long time to style it.
I did the "Big Chop" this past January. For those who don't know, the big chop is when you cut the rest of your permed hair off and become 100% natural. One day, I just realized how tired I was of having two textures of hair (permed vs natural). I took a pair of scissors and started chopping. I still call it temporary insanity cos it wasn't until I was about halfway through when it occurred to me: "I'm really cutting my hair." Yes, I panicked a bit, but by then, it was too late. I don't regret it, tho.
It's funny because my hair seems to be a source of fascination for my students. It's like they try to figure out how my hair is the way it is. They have a habit of touching it...or trying to. Like I said, I don't trust just anybody to touch my hair.
I enjoy watching my hair grow and seeing my natural curl. I can't wait to see what it will look like when it's long. It may not be as easy to maintain then. For now, I'll enjoy the low maintenance of having short natural hair.
What a beauty!! Let me tell you that Natural suits you perfectly!! Visiting from the A to Z Challenge.... http://takingbackmylifemakingitmyown.blogspot.com/
The timing of this post couldn't have been more fortuitous. The Chris Rock documentary, Good Hair, has been out for a while but I never really got a chance to see it. I just happened to catch a big chunk of it this weekend. So many opinions regarding hair, hairstyles, the definition of good hair vs bad hair, it is just amazing. I'm glad to see your beautiful natural do.
Yup, I'm with the rest of this crew - your hair, with your eyes and huge smile - GORGEOUS. Just last week I read a great post from someone who let her gray hair grow out and it was really tempting, I gotta say.
I saw the Chris Rock documentary. It was awesome. As a stupid boring white girl I had NO IDEA what all was involved with hair like yours. Perms? Weaves? Straighteners? GAK! I'd be leaving it natural, too. Besides, it's HOT.
I have a twin.Well, not really, but you may as well call her that. She's my sister, born six years after me. But we may was well be twins.
We look alike. We think alike. We even sound alike sometimes. It's kind of creepy how much alike we really are. People are always getting us confused. I don't see how they can confuse us, but they do. I mean, if we really wanted to, we could play some serious tricks on people (insert evil laugh). But we wouldn't do that. Hehe.
This is our relationship in phases:
Mother/child: When she was a baby, I treated her like she was mine; helped take care of her.
Big sis/Little sis: As we got older (when I became a teen), she was like a typical little sister, always following me around, wanting to be and do whatever I was and did. She was my mini-me.
Besties: As adults, we grew even closer and she became my best friend. This is where we're at now.
I'm blessed to have a good relationship with my sister...with my whole family, actually. I have a tight, close-knit family and I am so thankful for that. Not everyone is close to their fam. And not every woman has a sister they can call their best friend. So yeah. I'm blessed.
4 Comments on M is for...My Twin, last added: 4/16/2012
I have a younger sister, very different personalities so not as close knit, but the love is strong.
And look at how you both are so gorgeous, those bright eyes, sparkly smiles and brilliantly wonderful way you pose perfectly together. Your facial features are close in resemblance.
I always wanted a sister. I adore my brother, but thought having a girl in the house to share shoes and hair accessories would have been fun. I too, am blessed with a wonderful family and have acquired some awesome sister-in-laws. They are honestly like my sisters, only we don't look alike.
You two are beautiful! Have a blessed rest of the A-Z Challenge! Carrie
Angela, my sister and I are the same, but different. Our personalities are different, but that's what makes our bond so awesome.
Carrie, I have a brother too. He's in between my sis & I. We're all pretty close. Although he's my little brother, he acts like a big brother. Lol. Takes protecting his sisters very seriously.
To be honest, I believe that they're the reason God has me here on Earth. I've known this since I was a teen. I may have even subconsciously known this as a kid. It started when my brother and sister were born. When I was seven, my brother three and my sister one, we played school in my room. They'd sit between my stuffed animals as my students. It was a game, but I taught them how to read, write, and count. They were the first children God used me to educate. After them, I kept going: working in the church's nursery before I was even 10; babysitting as a teen; teaching children's Sunday school & working with preteens & teens at church; tutoring; teaching...the list goes on. And now, I'm working on a writing career, mentoring program, & an enrichment center.
Everything I do will always go back to my purpose. My writing career? Children & teens. My mentoring program? For girls (ages 5 - 18). Enrichment center? Children & teens. When I graduate with my doctorate - prayerfully within a year or two - I plan to use it to do reading research so I can help better education for our youth. I even thought of becoming an advocate for youth who can't speak up for themselves.
Some people go through life never knowing their purpose. Why am I here? What should I do? I'm blessed to have had my purpose revealed to me at a young age. My mission is to educate, enrich, & empower children/teens. I have no doubt this is what God has called me to do.
5 Comments on K is for...Kids, last added: 4/14/2012
That's amazing that you are so close to your doctorate. I might maybe some day maybe go for my master's degree. It's a nice feeling to know what your purpose in life is. As far as careers go, I was an administrative assistant, then went back to school to become a teacher (and totally felt called to do that). It took 6 and a half years to get certified. Then three years after graduating a second time, still no permanent teaching position. Only a few temporary positions here and there, for which I was also extremely grateful. Then, I got back into my writing. But this time, I write for kids. Picture books. All my experiences have led me to this place. Life is a fun journey, especially when we recognize that God is on our side.
I so agree about life being a fun journey when God is on our side. I taught for one yr, went to get my Masters, subbed for 8 years, & now I'm back in the classroom, except on the other side of the world. But I know I'm not meant to be in the classroom forever (hence my enrichment center/writing career). Isn't writing for kids awesome?!
I'm lucky enough to work with children, so even though I don't have any of my own yet, I know how precious they are. Infuriating at times, yes, but precious. :)
You a blessed to know God's purpose for you at a young age, Rae, so you don't have to waste precious time! Enjoy the remainder of the Challenge. MakingTheWriteConnections
Description: In the whole state of Montana, there's nowhere to hide. . .
Laurel Hodges has changed her identity twice. She's been on the run for the past four years, trying to outdistance the men who blame her for the death of one of their own. She's finally found the peace and stability she needs, for herself and her two children, in the small town of Pineview, Montana. But just when she thinks they're safe — the nightmare starts all over again.
The Crew, a ruthless prison gang with ties to Laurel's brother, will never forget and they'll never forgive. And now that they've finally found her again, they'll stop at nothing. It could all end in seconds.
Only Sheriff Myles King stands between Laurel and the men who want her dead.
Review: In Seconds is Ms. Novak's second book in her Bulletproof series (Inside, being #1). Where Inside focuses on Virgil, In Seconds focuses on his sister, Laurel, who now goes by Vivian. She's running from the gang called The Crew, set on revenge. She's left witness protection with her two kids and now live in a small town, Pineview, Montana. Her next door neighbor happens to be the town's sexy sheriff, Myles King. Laurel develops feelings for Myles, but she fights them, believing she can't trust anyone in law enforcement. Myles develops feelings for Laurel, but is still hurting from his wife's death three years ago. Will these two lovebirds be able to get past their hurts and mistrust? And if they do, will The Crew get to Laurel before they can get something started? You'll have to read to find out!
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE
The fact that I couldn't put the book down. This is only cos it meant I stayed up til all hours of the night trying to finish the book.
WHAT I LIKED
5 Comments on I is for...In Seconds (Book Review), last added: 4/12/2012
Oh, man, I love Brenda Novak novels. She writes some of the best. I gotta get that one at the library tomorrow. Thanks for reminding me of her. Best regards to you. Ruby
Ruby, I've only read one other Brenda Novak book before this one. I agree, she's pretty awesome. I will be reading more of her stuff. Thanks for commenting. :D
I know I'm a day behind with the posts. No worries, I'll be all caught up by Sunday.
Today is my parents' wedding anniversary. Thirty-five years and still going strong. They're high school sweethearts, which means they've actually been together longer than 35 years. From what they tell me, their relationship started out as friendship and progressed into something more.
Thirty-five years is a LONG time. Not all couples make it that long. According to statistics, only 50% (or some high percentage like that) of married couples stay together. I am so glad my parents are a part of the group that has stayed together. Although their mushiness is something kids - even grown kids - would rather not witness from their parents, I'm glad to see they're still in love. I must admit, their mushiness is kinda cute. But don't you DARE tell them I said that.
They've made mistakes in their marriage; some I know...some I don't know. BUT I still consider them to be models for what a strong, godly marriage is supposed to look like. Watching my parents, I learned how important it is for couples to put God first in their relationship. I learned how a real man treats his wife and how a wife can be submissive without being a doormat. My father treats my mother like a queen. He's very protective of her...of all his girls (Mama, my sister, and I). My future hubby has some big shoes to fill. My mother knows when she needs to step back, but at the same time, she'll let Daddy know when he's wrong. She knows when to submit, even when she doesn't want to. We joke and say Mama is really the one who runs the house, but make no mistake. My dad is the head of the household as God intended him to be.
I pray that, when my time comes to be married and have a family, my marriage is as strong as my parents. No, each generation is supposed to be better than the previous, right? So, I pray my marriage is even stronger than my parents'...and that's pretty strong.
I absolutely adore my parents and am so blessed God chose me to be their child. My parents are all kinds of awesome and they deserve every good thing that comes their way.
16 Comments on H is for...Happy Anniversary!, last added: 4/11/2012
I've been married since 1987. So in August that will be 25 years. I'm not a Christian Fundamentalist. I don't believe that a woman should obey a man or other things that Christian Fundamentalists believe. However, I am a Unitarian Universalist Christian and I know that my husband and I love each other. Our marriage works because we love each other and we are each other's best friend.
Thanks for commenting! Honestly, I just consider myself a Christian...a follower/disciple of Jesus Christ, a child of God, & believer in the Holy Trinity & the fact that the Bible is God's Word. All other labels, to me isn't important. Lol.
Happy Anniversary! My 16th is coming up soon. I like to think it's definitely a combination of love and commitment. In writing, you have to be committed despite your feelings of motivation. You'll do what needs to be done no matter how you feel. I think marriage is the same way. We know we love our spouses very much, but sometimes the feeling of love may waver. That's where commitment comes into play. Going on regular weekly dates will help both the love and the commitment. My parents were divorced (twice each) and my husband's as well. I pray I make it to 80 years!!!
I'm not sure if I should feel weird or not but your parents have been together as long as I've been alive. Okay, so instead of weird, I'm just in a state of WOW. That is so awesome.
Having been married and divorced, I can say that maintaining a marriage for any length of time takes work. Sounds like your parents have shown how and why that work and love pays off when combined efforts are put together over time.
Hey great post!! I love your blog set up and look!! Keep up the good work!!! You are invited to check out or folow my blog anytime!! Have a great day!!
Thanks, everyone! My parents don't always get to do the weekly dates, but every once in a while, my brother, sister, & I send them away for the weekend.
Christie, congrats on 16! That's awesome as well.
Angela, I was 7 months when they got married, so they've been married just about as long as I've been alive.
I like listening to all kinds of music. Pop, R & B, Hip Hop, Spanish, Classical, Gospel, Contemporary Christian, Neosoul, old school, new school...the list goes on. My iPod has a mixture of music; from Jay Z to Taylor Swift...From Celia Cruz to Daughtry. If the song has a cool beat and gets my body moving, chances are I'll like it. This becomes hard sometimes when I listen to the lyrics. The beat is tight, the rhythm gets me moving, but the lyrics are all wrong. The lyrics may be too profane or just plain cheesy (like most of the Disney songs). Most of the time, I can ignore the lyrics and just feel the beat. Sometimes, I can not. I've been known to get the edited version instead of the explicit one.
Looking for good music? Music with both tight beats AND awesome lyrics? I have a close friend of the family, Lee-Lonn, who's starting his journey in the music business. I remember when Lee was a youth, he used to always sing. We always knew his voice was amazing. I'm so glad he's using the gift God has given him. When his cd comes out (not sure when, but it WILL happen), I'll definitely be one of the first in line. Here's a video of one of his singles, my favorite song of his so far. It's all him...background & lead vocals. VERY talented artist whom I'm very proud of. LOVE this song!
12 Comments on G is for...Good Music, last added: 4/10/2012
Music is more than just the spice of life. It's the soundtrack. And I can understand what your talking about when it comes to finding music that has that right composition with the perfect lyrics to match. This video you shared definitely sounds like one with the right combination. Thank you so much for sharing and best of luck as this young man's career takes off.
Thank you all for commenting! Welcome to any new followers. And listening to music helps me when I'm writing, especially when I hear songs that my characters would listen to. :D
I love fragrances! I'm not quite sure at what point did I become obsessed with so into fragrances (perfume/cologne). I DO know how addicted to in love with fragrances I am. I can honestly go broke in a perfume store. And I don't have any one kind of scent that I like. Floral, sweet, fruity, soft...I love them all. I'm like a chameleon when it comes to wearing perfume. It all depends on my mood. I may or may not wear the same fragrance in a row. Bath and Body Works fragrances, Arabic fragrances, Baby Phat, Mariah Carey...my vanity is full of different kinds of fragrances.
I actually had way more than this, but I'd gotten rid of most of them when I moved to Abu Dhabi, eight months ago. And within that eight months, my collection of tantalizing scents grew. Again.
Don't even get me started on fragrances for men. I LOVE a good-smelling man! Seriously. I remember when I first moved here to Abu Dhabi, and an Emirati man passed me. I got a whiff of his enticing cologne; I had to do a double take. My nose said, "Follow that smell!" Of course I ignored it. That would've been creepy. And weird. And a bit stalkerish, perhaps?
You do not know the depth of my love for fragrances!
2 Comments on F is for...Fragrances, last added: 4/9/2012
Rae, I too have a thing for frangrances. I'm stumped each time I smell and nice perfume and as the owner what they're wearing and they say they don't know. :)
Tomorrow will be one of the most important days in the life of the Christian. EASTER! I can't assume that everyone who reads my blog are Christians or know about the Christian faith. With that being said, for those who don't know what Easter is about, it's the day we celebrate the resurrection of our savior, Jesus Christ.
Here's the short story...
It the beginning, Adam and Eve disobeyed God, which introduced sin into the world and caused a rift between God and man - God's most cherished creation. God needed someone or something unblemished and sin-free to be sacrificed to atone for the sins of man. Regular humans couldn't do it. Only God's son, Jesus, fit the bill. So, God sent His son to Earth to live as an unblemished, sin-free human (while being still maintaining His deity).
The Bible doesn't say much about Jesus's life from 2 - 30. We catch a glimpse of Him as a 12 year old, but that's about it. His ministry began when He turned 30. For three years, Jesus went around preaching, teaching, and performing miracles. Of course, this ruffled the feathers of the religious community (the Pharisees/Sadducees). They disliked Jesus so much, that they plotted ways to make Him look like a liar. Eventually, they found a way to have Him persecuted.
Basically, Jesus, an innocent man, was crucified on trumped up charges, thanks to the betrayal of one of his disciples (Judas). Sounds horrible, and it was. They treated Him horribly...beat Him til He was practically unrecognizable, then killed Him in an inhumane way. BUT, this was all a part of God's plan. Though Jesus didn't want to go through the pain and humiliation (read about His Garden of Gethsemane prayer in Matthew 26:36-46, Mark 14:32-42, and Luke 22:39-46), He went through it because He knew without it, the rift between God and believers would remain.
Jesus was tortured, humiliated, and crucified on Friday (which is where we get Good Friday, which, really wouldn't sound so good), then three days later, He was resurrected...He came back from the dead. We celebrate Easter cos a dead Christ wouldn't have brought God and man back together again. A dead Christ wouldn't have provided victory for God's people. Satan would've won. Through Jesus's resurrection, believers can experience a close and personal relationship with God. Before Jesus, God's people needed a priest to go to God on their behalf. We no longer need that mediator; we can go to God ourselves. We celebrate Easter cos it reminds us of God's grace and mercy. We don't deserve His grace and mercy. Humans will always continue to sin. Sometimes we knowingly rebel against God. But He still shows grace and mercy toward us.
The Bible tells us, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). This means ANYONE who believes that Jesus died for o
5 Comments on E is for...Easter, last added: 4/8/2012
Hi Rae, great Easter post, and that's the entire message of Christianity, that Jesus does indeed live, and we will continue to live beyond this life too.
This is me, Duncan D. Horne, visiting you from the A-Z challenge, wishing you all the best throughout April and beyond.
Do you remember the dreams you had as a kid, for your future? I remember mine.
According to the young me, I was going to be married by 25. By 35, I'd be a mother of 4. As far as careers go, I'd either be a dancer, singer, actress, teacher, writer, pediatrician, pediatric nurse, entrepreneur or a combination of any of the above. I'd be living in a massive mansion, have the world's best behaved and smartest kids, own a vacation home on the beach, and my life would be all kinds of awesome.
Did my life turn out the way I'd dreamed? That would be a very big, HA! At 35, I'm still single with no kids. I do not live in a mansion nor do I own a beach house. Out of all the careers I wanted, only 3 of them have already or will come true: teacher, writer, and entrepreneur. I'm currently a teacher with dreams of owning my own business (enrichment centers for youth) and becoming a published (best-selling, ahem) author of novels for preteens and teens.
Does that mean my life isn't all kinds of awesome? Nope. I still believe I have a wonderful life. I'm still looking to get married and have kids, but I'm in no rush. That will happen when God says it'll happen. And the huge mansion? I still want a big house, but the massiveness, not so much. I don't have a beach house, but I do live in a high-rise apartment only a 20 minute drive from the beach. As a matter of fact, I can see beaches from my window.
So, yeah. All my kiddie dreams may not have come true, but I still consider myself blessed. And at 35, almost 36, I still have dreams that I'm working on to see come true. Hey, you're never too young to dream!
2 Comments on D is for...Dreams, last added: 4/8/2012
Hi Rae! Nice topic you have there. As for me, I had so much in mind when I was a kid. I dreamt to be a teacher, a doctor, and a newscaster. But I ended up a programmer! :)
My D, E, and F posts are coming. I've been busy showing my mom, who's here in Abu Dhabi on vacation, around town. But I promise the posts are coming....just running behind. :D
Hope you are having a refreshing time, and can get back on schedule. Good to know that you have the desire to serve our Lord! Happy blogging...and a blessed Easter to you... http://4ambassadorsofchrist.blogspot.com/
You're in Abu Dhabi?! I'm jealous! That's where my husband and I had our first date and fell in love :) Some of my sweetest memories are sitting on the Corniche with him.
I'd love to see any pictures you take, especially of the Corniche and the Souks (if you went there). Enjoy!
Today's post is dedicated to my crushes. Yes, I, at 35, have crushes. Two in fact. I mean, there are other men who I think are absolutely gorgeous, but there are two that I am obsessed with in total awe of. These two men are my adult crushes. If you've visited my blog before, you'd probably already know who they are: Laz Alonso and Adam Rodriguez. I'd go see them in any movie, any tv show, anything, I don't care if the movie flopped or not. Adam Rodriguez is the reason I started watching CSI Miami (of course, now I'm hooked on the show). My goodness these men are muy caliente! If I were to ever have the pleasure of meeting them, I don't think I'd be able to handle it. I'd try to play it cool, but, knowing how I've always been around attractive men, I'm not so sure. I'd probably get all tongue tied and enamored by their beauty. Laz and Adam are both gorgeous and have a swag about them. And Adam Rodriguez will be in a movie (Magic Mike) where he plays a stripper? I am so there! *swoon*
Don't take my word for it. Drool over Look at the pics. You can't tell me Laz and Adam aren't beautiful!
These lads are not my kind but I do recognize their body is fantastic. I'm all flustered like that when it is about Jared Padaleki and Jensen Ackles (the Winchester bothers in Supernatural) and I drool all over my TV every friday...
Author: Fran Manushkin Genre: Picture Book, Fiction, Children's Book Release: February, 2012 Source: Netgalley Rating: 5/5
Description: Becoming a big sister is an exciting time full of smiles, smells, hugs, and kisses. For ages 2-5. Bringing a new baby into the home is a time of wonder and challenges. Author Fran Manushkin celebrates this special time with tales that emphasize that there is plenty of love for everyone, baby and all.
Review:
WHAT I LIKED
The sentences were short and sweet...perfect for children since they're attention span lasts a short while.
This book can help children appreciate and understand the role of a big brother or big sister. Children who aren't sure or too happy about the new baby can understand that they can become helpers for mommy and daddy. The book also gives it an "I'm the boss" feel to it.
The illustrations are colorful and pleasing to the eye.
It explains the joy of being the older sibling. Doesn't make it out to be such a bad thing.
This book shows that just because there's a new baby, doesn't mean parents love you any less.
This was a cute book, not only for older siblings, but for younger siblings also. There's also a Big Brothers are the Best version too!
7 Comments on B is for...Big Sisters are the Best, last added: 4/3/2012
Hi! Found you on the A to Z challenge. I'm #539. I love your blog title; it's so cool! I like that the book has a big brother version. Thanks for sharing. I blog about picture books on my blog.
"Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference."
Winston Churchill
Do you know and understand how important your attitude is? I mean, truly understand? I'm realizing this more and more each day, especially here in Abu Dhabi.
I love living here. I love my kids, the opportunities I've had, and the new friends I've made. But, it's not always easy. Sometimes, it gets rough. I mean, I kind of expected challenges since they're in the middle of an education reform, but MAN! Things have been harder than I thought they'd be. And I'm in one of the better schools. I did stress last trimester. I struggled a bit.
And then, I changed my attitude. I made a vow not to let the challenges get to me. I decided not to complain about what's going on (especially since there are other teachers in far worse predicaments). It was time for me to think positive about everything that came my way, even the challenges. I refuse to let them get me down.
Attitude is everything. When I changed my outlook, things didn't bother me as much. Don't have resources to teach like they want us to teach? It allows me to access parts of my creativity that I didn't even know I had. Have double the amount of work cos they added more students who don't understand my language? That's more children for me to reach. Our principal wants us to do what by when? That's ok. I'm strong. God's got my back...I've got this.
I can still smile. God has given me such a peace that I can't even explain. Since I've changed my attitude, I'm loving it here even more. I've even started going out and enjoying myself more, which says a lot cos I'm normally a homebody. I live in a beautiful high rise apt (rent free), I'm minutes away from the beach, I'm part of an education reform that will help build up a new country, I'm touching the lives of children who, because I taught them, will be bilingual before they even reach 6th grade. I've met people who have the potential of being life-long friends. I'm doing things that, this time last year, I wouldn't have thought I'd be doing.
Are your circumstances giving you grief? Try changing your attitude. Think positive instead of negative. I know it's so cliche, but go on...try it and see what a difference it makes!
Ok, so I had to be creative for my X post. I'm posting 2 vids that I think are xtra cool.
So, we all know about the First Lady's "Let's Move" Campaign for raising healthier kids, which I think is awesome. Heck, adults need to follow along, too. Anyway, Beyonce has joined the "Let's Move" bandwagon by creating, Move Your Body, a song she wrote to the tune of her song, Get Me Bodied. The first video is the actual routine and the second one is the official video taken at a school (with Beyonce actually in it). The 2nd video is my favorite. I love how she included kids (you know I'm all about kids, right?). They were gettin it! I love it! And you know what else I love? The fact that not all girls in the first video are skinny minnies. Most of them are thick. Yeah buddy!
I LOVE to dance and let me tell you, this makes you move your body and it's a great workout. Did I mention that I love to dance? I'm so learning this routine!
5 Comments on X is for Xtra Cool, last added: 4/30/2011
@ Sig, I'm learning this dance. I tried it and after the first time I was like, "WOW." Doing this will definitely help me lose those unwanted pounds. And I LOVE music that makes me move.
Writing. I am a writer. I've been in love with writing, ever since the first time my parents put a pen in my hand and taught me to write. Journal entries, plays, stories, songs...you name it, I wrote it. I no longer write songs or plays, though, if I really wanted to, I can. I still journal and write stories.
Writing, for me, is therapeutic. Having a bad day? I write. Someone pissed me off? I write. Something awesome happened? I write. After I'm done, I usually feel so much better. It wasn't until about 6 years ago that I decided to write professionally. That was about when my first character started talking to me. SIDE NOTE: For all you non-writers, talking characters in my head doesn't mean I'm crazy, it just means I'm a writer. Anyway, when I sat down and listened to my character, I ended up with a book idea and my first page. Since then, I've never looked back.
Even after 6 years, I'm still not published, but I refuse to give up. I will become a published author. Of that I'm sure. Not only that, I'm sure kids/teens/adults will like my books. I don't say this out of arrogance; I say this out of confidence in God, who gave me this talent. I've asked Him to bless my writing...to let it give whoever reads it the same kind of enjoyment I got when I read as a child (and even now, as an adult). God gave me this talent and I know He wants me to share it, not keep it to myself.
We writers - or any creative person, for that matter - are a special breed and it takes special people to deal with us. My family is special. My parents; my brother; my sister; me; we're all a creative bunch, whether we're writing stories, drawing pictures, coming up with ways to make lessons fun, thinking of creative marketing strategies, or writing songs. My family so gets me! They're my biggest cheerleaders. They encourage my creativity. As a kid, I wrote plays for ever special occasion. They were long; very long (maybe a hint that novel-writing was in my future, perhaps?). And my parents, bless their hearts, sat through them all. I absolutely adore them for that. When I said I wanted to have a career in writing, my parents didn't shun it as an "unsuitable" career. In fact, they're cheering me on. When I do become published, and my books do as well as I'm praying they would, my family will be the first to benefit.
Weight Loss Journey. I am on a mission...a mission to lose weight. I've been going back and forth with my weight and I am tired. I'm ready to lose weight for good.
Now, don't get me wrong. I love being curvaceous. I love my hips. I love my big butt. I have no problem being "plus size." In fact, I don't want to lose my curves. My journey to lose weight has nothing to do with what society says I should look like. I could care less what others think of me. You may think I'm fat. So what? I'm trying to lose weight so I can lead a healthier life. I have high blood pressure and I HATE taking medicine. I hate how my ankles and feet swell up. I hate how I get so many HBP-inspired headaches. I hate having HBP period. Besides high blood pressure, my family also have history of diabetes, heart problems, cancer, etc. I'm not trying to check out of here earlier than I'm supposed to. Besides, I have little brothers and sisters, nephews and future nieces, future kids, and the youth that I work with. I want to be able to run around with them without having to feel like I'm hyperventila
7 Comments on W is for Writing and Weight Loss Journey, last added: 4/30/2011
I've finally decided to start writing a few weeks ago because I couldn't contain all the ideas I had any longer. I've always wrote in diaries and journals, and when I was younger I used to write stories too. I can relate to the weight loss thing too. I'm considering the lap band because I have about 50 pounds to lose, and although I've made changes I'm not seeing results.
@ Julie, Thanks! And when I mention hearing my characters to nonwriters, they tend to give me a funny look. And these are from members of the family, lol.
@ Thomasina, I've thought about Lap Band, but that'll be my absolute last resort. I've got to get my eating habits together, first.
I started back at the gym at the end of Jan. It has been slow progress for me. Waching the Biggest Loser has inspired me...
I want to try out for the biggest loser. Are you interested in trying? I think it would be a heck of an experience. They do singles and couples (Friends/coworkers/family members), but I wonder if they prefer couples.
I will have my daughter start taping a video for the "audition". I have about 85 pounds to lose,in my opinion , although the weight charts say 100+. I could NEVER be as skinny as the weight charts say.
The characters in my head mostly just tell me to write faster - every once in awhile I just need to tell them to back off a bit. :-)
I can definitely relate to the weight loss thing too. I've the same five pounds about six times in the last year. I'd like to keep that five pounds off and add about 80 more!
@ Sig, I haven't thought about trying Biggest Loser. Guess it's something to think about. I think if I get my eating habits straight, and actually start eating, I'll lose more weight. The 5 pounds I've lost is more from working out. Imagine what I can lose if I workout and eat like I'm supposed to. For me, it's all about breaking the "one-meal-a-day" habit. And I don't want to be as skinny as the charts say, even if I could. Like I said, I like my curves and big butt. lol
@ C R, LOL! I do need the characters to back off once in a while, too. And I've been in the same weight range for about a year. I so wanna get out and finally get rid of these unwanted 85 pounds.
Today's post is dedicated to those dreadful spam emails. I can not stand them and I know I'm not the only one. They're annoying. They're unwanted. They're hated.
I've had emails about my email winning the online lottery. Or emails from people overseas telling me if I just give them my bank account info, they'd deposit millions of dollars in it. Ha! Yeah, I'm giving my info to a bunch of strangers. NOT! And the troubling thing is people really fall for this! What about the emails mentioning the spam email victim compensation? That's hilarious to me. Spam email targeting spam emails. HAHAHA!
And I can't forget the emails that have women who want to cheat on their hubbies or women who want men with big...you know what I'm talking about. Or the ones with the penis growth pills. It would probably sound tempting...IF I WERE A MAN! Ugh!
Remember the Jack Prelutsky poem, Homework! Oh Homework? Well, in honor of the annoyance that is the spam email, I present to you, Spam Mail! Oh Spam Mail.
Spam Mail! Oh, Spam Mail!
I hate you! You stink!
I refuse to read those annoying, dumb links.
If only a spam bomb
would explode you to bits.
Spam Mail! Oh, spam mail!
You're giving me fits.
I'd rather take baths
with a man-eating shark,
or wrestle a lion
alone in the dark,
eat spinach and liver,
pet ten porcupines,
than tackle the spam mail,
those spammers design.
Spam Mail! Oh, spam mail!
2 Comments on S is for Spam Emails, last added: 4/23/2011
In five months, I'll be 35 years old. I keep thinking, "Gah! Already?" Twenty year ago, at 15, I thought I had a loooong time before my 35th birthday. Ha! It's here and it arrived faster than I thought it would. But I'm not tripping though. I look forward to 35 and beyond. So, in honor of my approaching 35, I've decided to take a walk down memory lane...reminisce about some of my favorite things as a child and teen. It would take forever for me to post all of my favorite things, so I only posted some. Care to join me?
During the 80s, I went from 4yrs old - 13yrs old. I had a wonderful childhood, so thankfully, I can look back at the 80s with a smile. Well, besides the fashion. I can't smile too much on the fashion. I was so into Cyndi Lauper and Punky Brewster, that I wanted to dress like them. Problem was, I didn't have their money nor their stylists to make my outfits look as good as theirs. I don't even wanna think about my fashion sense in middle school. *shudder*
During the 90s, I went from 14yrs old - 23yrs old. I have to say. My teen/early adulthood years were pretty good, but I wouldn't wanna go back. I love being an adult, despite the bills/real life thing I have to deal with. In the 90s, Will Smith came into his own. I loved his show, Fresh Prince of Bel Air - watched it faithfully - but I didn't think he had cutie status til towards the end of the show...during his box office reign (Independence Day, Bad Boys, Men in Black, etc). Other shows I watched faithfully were Saved By The Bell (I mean, come on...SLATER with those dimples), Martin (HILARIOUS show I still love), and Caliente, a show that introduced me to Puerto Rican cutie, Ricky Martin and Spanish musica.
Here are a few of my favorite things of the 80s and 90s...
Oh okay, no wonder you and I have some similar memories, we're the same age. I'm 34 too. I remember being in 2nd grade and dying for a Michael Jackson pin and florescent clothing. I'm also with you for all the '90s memories. I remember watching In Living Color and absolutely excited because Jennifer Lopez was on there representing Hispanics. We didn't have many back then in the spot light to look up to. She was so cute chubby.
Inspired by you, I'm re-posting my blog on fashion memories. Check it out.
Yeah, I loved watching Jennifer Lopez and the Fly Girls cos they were thicker than other girls. I was so glad to see curvy women on tv since I was curvy myself (still am). Being thick wasn't celebrated enough back then.
OMG - you and I are so similiar it's eerie. I turn 35 next November (eek!) and let me just say - eighties sitcoms are still shows I will watch if they are on. Geez I loved Mike Seaver and believe it or not, I was punky brewster for like three months. It started off as a halloween outfit and then I couldn't bear to take off the bandana LOL!
Wow, 35. You have had some wonderful living already and so much more to look forward to. I'm turning 62 this month. But I still feel 30 inside. Does that count? Found you thru the challenge. Nice to "meet" you. Karen
@ Lindsay, I LOVED Mike Seaver! And I wanted to be Punky Brewster's best friend.
@ Karen, It's awesome that you feel 30 inside. My brother and sister (both younger than me) say I'm getting old, but I say you're only as old as you feel. I don't feel old at all. Nice to meet you too.
@ Thomasina, Martin is hilarious! One of my fave shows. You're the same age as my little sis. She'll be 30 July 2012. Cool!
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What a great list!
I am thankful to say that God has blessed me with point #1. :)
The rest are still dreams for me, too. We would like to have kids but have only been married two years so are not rushing into that yet. I have no degree but would like to furhter my education as well. We've talked about starting business together and it is my dream to be published!
I look forward to reading about your life adventures and seeing you check these items as complete.
You have some awesome ambitions and I think you can do each and every one of them. Good luck on finishing your doctorate! What a wonderful degree to be working toward, too. I am a high school teacher and I hear on a daily basis how much kids hate reading. It breaks my heart. I'd love it if you could figure out what to do get teens to want to read more.
This is a wonderful post and I wish the best of luck to complete it!
You go girl! I'm sure you can do it!
I LOVE it!!! Thinking and dreaming big is the only way to go!! :-)
That's a good list to work towards. Keep positive.
http://francene-wordstitcher.blogspot.com/
Thanks everyone. I can't wait to check things off this list. Believe me, every time I get to check something off, everyone will know. :D