My Birthday Month Bed

For the last few months my bed has had themes and I have been waiting for April to put the Woodland Pattern theme from Pottery Barn. What do you think, do you think it is to busy!.  I just love the colors, they are just the picture of spring to me!!!!

My Birthday Weekend

Thursday, March 31st

My actual birthday is April 2nd however we started off a little early on March 31st I had an art party at Art and Soul it was Great.  The owner Lucy was awesome, very attentive and  would definitely recommend it and go again without the gang! The idea was for a group of my friends to paint a picture for me to hang in my excercise room.  What better way to decorate.  I have shared a few pictures of our evening of painting.

My Valentine's Day - Awesome!!!!

Friday Night Dinner

Eggplant Bolognese, broccoli and corn and toasted rosemary wheat bread

Honoring those before me - Emmett Till

Emmett Louis "Bobo" Till (July 25, 1941 – August 28, 1955) was an African-American boy who at 14 years old was murdered in Mississippi after reportedly flirting with a white woman. Till was from Chicago, Illinois visiting his relatives in the Mississippi Delta region when he spoke to 21-year-old Carolyn Bryant, the married proprietor of a small grocery store. Several nights later, Bryant's husband Roy and his half-brother J. W. Milam, arrived at Till's great-uncle's house where they took Till, transported him to a barn, beat him and gouged out one of his eyes, before shooting him through the head and disposing of his body in the Tallahatchie River, weighting it with a 70-pound (32 kg) cotton gin fan tied around his neck with barbed wire. His body was discovered and retrieved from the river three days later.


Till was returned to Chicago and his mother, who had raised him mostly by herself, insisted on a public funeral service with an open casket to show the world the brutality of the killing. Tens of thousands attended his funeral or viewed his casket and images of his mutilated body were published in black magazines and newspapers, rallying popular black support and white sympathy across the U.S. Intense scrutiny was brought to bear on the condition of black civil rights in Mississippi, with newspapers around the country critical of the state. Although initially local newspapers and law enforcement officials decried the violence against Till and called for justice, they soon began responding to national criticism by defending Mississippians, which eventually transformed into support for the killers. The trial attracted a vast amount of press attention. Bryant and Milam were acquitted of Till's kidnapping and murder, but a year later, protected by double jeopardy, they admitted to killing him in a magazine interview (in Look Magazine the Article titled  "The Shocking Story of Approved Killing in Mississippi,". Till's murder is noted as one of the leading events that motivated the African-American Civil Rights Movement.

referenced from Wikipedia

Sabbath Sermon in Review

Well this past Sabbath we had Pastor/Chaplain Barry Black to speak.  He is the chaplain to the U.S. Senate.  He had a really good sermon, the title was Surviving as Lambs in Wolf Country, and the points were

1.  Release the power of prayer
2.  Expect trials and difficulties
3.  Travel light
4.  Concentrate on the task
5.  Take care of people's physical needs
6.  Don't let rejection stop you

Week in Review

Well the last 7 actually 8 days have been pretty eventful for me in numerous ways.

First on last Sunday my Master plumber finished putting in a new water line for me.  He had to uproot my plants however he cut a nice line into my parking pad, which all the other plumbers just said they would essentially destroy the parking pad and I would need someone to come and lay me another concrete pad. Thankfully that did not happen and he was able to fill it in nicely. 

I must say the new water line makes all the water outlets in the house work with added pressure.  It is kind of nice.  He finished just in time before the Atlanta snow storm of 2011 hit. 

Patches did not like the snow to much and she especially did not like it when it turned to ice and all fours kept slipping.  Add to that she could not smell where she wanted to use the bathroom.  I had to dig up snow in  two places in the yard for her to relieve herself.  The snow lasted unbearabley till Wednesday. I was home Monday thru Wednesday however I was hard at work.  Nothing like teleworking.  I can appreciate the government 's encouragement of it for its employees, it keeps businesses going, if only more companies had policies in place that would keep them functioning even when employees cannot physically come into work.

While I was essentially home bound I did have a lot of time for introspection.  I came to a conclusion about getting SCRAPS.  I do not want any more of anyone's SCRAPS, I deserve more.  So I finally got rid of what first introduced me to SCRAPS and I feel a weight lifted.  I had my own eye opening experience and I did not need a psychologist to do it if anything he/she would have prolonged my dependence on them before I had my break through.  Oh the wasted years.  FATHER please restore what the Locust has eaten.

Also by Wednesday a good friend was finally able to get out of NY and we got to hang out for the next couple of days.  It was really nice, it was a sweet spot!!!

By Sabbath the roads were clear and I went off to church and home.  Sunday and Monday were dedicated to working on my thesis. I have read every article that I referenced againt to see if I could add anything more and started setting it up to be printed.  I have more data analysis to do, the snow days kept me from meeting with two data analyst.  Initially, I was beginning to feel overwhelmed, but then I remembered no weapon formed against me shall prosper and I started getting thru it with the help of googling SAS codes and the numerous SAS books I have.  I see the end of this tunnel.  Come on Feburary 15th!!!   

Park Edge Atlanta

This morning while all manner of noise was happening outside my door as the plumbers were laying my new water line I decided to go to brunch we a friend.  We visited the Park Edge in Inman Park.  It is in  a location that has been home to numerous restaurants over the past five years including a vegetarian restaurant that I enjoyed.  Well my review of the Park Edge is uhmmmmmm I am looking forward to see what restaurant replaces it.  My friend ordered fish and grits and the grits were hard (as if they had been sitting for while, you  know how grits turn stiff when they sit) and the fish was warm at best.  That was surprising to say the least because we saw people around us continually get their food however we thought well it must be his fish that is holding up delivery of our food.  I only ordered what amounted to was pinto beans, rice and fried eggs with wraps to put it in, I bought it home for my dog Patches. I try to get something different when I got out however this was a major disappointment.   My friend sent his fish and stiff grits back for pancakes.  The menu stated pancakes with strawberries and chocolate chips.  You know how I LOVE strawberries and chocolate imagine my disappointment to learn that they did not have it but submitted the strawberries for blueberries.  I am thinking to myself  stores are still selling strawberries why the substitution ( oh and we got their when they opened they did not run out, they opened not well stocked) Who has ever said I want blueberry and chocolate pancakes does that even sound good. Hence we just got the blueberry pancakes without the chocolate.  They were as good a pancakes  can be, you can not mess them up to much however when you bring  them out with in 2 container that hold about 2 tablespoon of syrup that is cold it kind of turns you off.  We were trying to bare thru it let the semi hot pancakes warm up the syrup.  We had a little and left the rest I did not even bother to  get a to- go container for Patches.  After we talked about it we realized it was worth a little less than we paid for it.  My friend got a groupon of sorts that was $15 for 35 worth of food.  We could not imagine spending more than that  for food that was a little above the local Waffle House.    

The Woes of Maintaining a House

Well for the past week and a half I have had 5 so called plumbers and 1 master plumber come by my house to figure out where the water is coming from that was creating a stream down my driveway.  It actually sickened me everyday to watch it waste down the street consdering there are millions of people in the world that do not have clean water and here I am  wasting water.  Where actually not intentionally initially we/ the plumbers could not figure out where the water was coming from and if it was actually my water or if it was water or sewage.  I had the water tested and it was confirmed that is was clean chlorinated water thus my water.  Once I realized I decided to take it upon myself and cut the water off wtih the the water shut off key during the times I was not using to to minimize on the wasted water.  All of that being said today I officially hired the Master Plumber to come and fix what turned out to be a busted water pipe.  He had determined two things were going to happen he could fix it where the pipe broke seen here

or he would have to replace the line.  Well he was wrapping up and we thought he was finished and that it was just the pipe that he replaced seen here


however upon looking at the meter we realized there was another leak, initially we thought it was in the meter box that was not it then he decided to start digging further up the line and then we found this little spring of water poop up




So you know what that means he will now have to replace the entire line.  He could just fix the two holes but the concern is that once he does that I will be calling him out again in a few weeks to fix another hole so I  have to get a whole new line. He stopped (will finish up Sunday before our little snow storm hits) after we realized that since he took the half the day digging up my tree that facilitated the broken line seen here.  My poor crape myrtle. 




But according to Reggie (the Master Plumber)   trees in your front yard  are a financial hit waiting to happen in terms of their roots wrapping themselves around all the possible lines you have in the ground.  Lesson Learned at a cost of about $2000 and counting!!!!

Year in Review - Happy New Year!!!

Well, how do I capture the year in review. I’ll just start at the beginning.  The year started by ending a relationship that had reached its max.   I have learned a lot through this experience which resulted in us being better friends for it.  He even said to me while we were getting to know each other and reminded me soon after we stopped dating that he was a better friend than boyfriend.  That statement has been oh so true.  That reminds me to listen to what men say, they really do know what they are talking about when they speak about themselves.

This year I bought a bike and have been biking and running regularly.  I had planned to do a triathlon this year that did not happen.  However, I plan to participate in one in June, stay tuned.  I feel accomplished to be biking on a regular and developing a love of running and the resulting figure is a nice bonus! 

Everyone in my family is doing well.  My mom and Luther are great.  They are my example on what I hope my marriage relationship with my husband will one day be.  I will add my brother and his wife to the mix as well.  They are starting off the year going on a three week European cruise, I am so excited for them and look forward to getting postcards from their every stop.  I am happy that my brother has found someone that compliments his personality and truly appreciates the wonderful man he is and that he is able to do the same. 

Patches is doing well she did not have that many ear infections this year.  She has had some skin issues but they would heal if she would only stop licking herself.  I may have to get her a cone for her head to aid her but I hate how it makes her uncomfortable.  We shall see how she does over the next couple of weeks.

I got  a chance to hang out with some of my high school and college friends this year more than normal.  Friends from this era of my life I realize are life friends.  They knew you when you were unsure of yourself, immature, materialistic, obnoxious and still stuck with you and you them.  They are priceless – so shout outs to Joseph, Keondra, Nicole, Symet and Tara.  Extra special mention for Dacia who is my resident relationship counselor.  Thanks for all of your wise advice, I look forward to seeing the end  result – do you all know what that is SMILE!!!!  I learned to appreciate my life friends more as a result of experiences I have had with individuals I realized were not friends at all. 

The new year (2011) will bring a better relationship with God,  the completion of my MPH and I pray a job as an epidemiologist with a great company, doing great work , with dedicated people and awesome compensation.  I am looking to travel more and maybe just maybe. 

Wordless Sabbath Breakfast

San Antonio, Texas

I spent  last week in San Antonio at at Material and Child Health Epidemiology conference.  It was great to be in an intellectual environment ( guess that is why I enjoy school)  with people that are dedicated to their field and have a passion for it.  I did get to visit a little of San Antonio.  My hotel was next to the Alamo so I visited that and the Riverwalk.  Here are some pictures

 I thought this tree was really cool, you see it as you entire the Alamo

Almost Wordless Friday Night Dinner Picture ( a week late)

a Veggie Loaf (not so great), mashed red potatoes, green peas  and wheat rolls

My Holiday Decorations

My holiday decorations consist of the Pottery Barn Reindeer collection which I add to each year after Christmas when it goes on sale plus my discount.  You all know how I like a well decorated table hence why this is my only decorations.  We shall see what I add to the collection after the holiday.  They have not come out with the 2010 chime ornament, it has not been released as of two Sunday's ago when I worked last.  I will check in this Sunday!

Salvador Dali

The first Saturday of each month the High Museum is free for Fulton County residents.  I take advantage of this opportunity every time they have a new exhibit.  And this time the exhibit of note is the Salvador Dali.  Initially, I did not think I would like the exhibit but then as I saw more of his work I began to be more and more impressed.  The print above I found most impressive and unfortunately this image does not capture the complete detail of the picture and it semblance to a human skull.  The exhibit does a good job it if you are in Atlanta or every have the opportunity to see his work please go see it. 

Baldwin Locks

A few years ago when I bought my house I needed to change the locks and I knew I wanted something unique.  So off I went investigating  and I came upon the lock below.  It was kind fo expensive along with the bolt lock that I needed to buy to match the finish and the look I was gonig for and I had to buy two sets one for the front door and one for the back.  Well about a month or so ago the one in the front of the house starting feeling lose.  Initially my stepdad who is a fix it came over and fixed it,  it worked for a while but then it started feeling lose again to the point where the complete handle just fell off the door and that is when I decided  to call Baldwin Locks and see if they can send me the official part to fix it, I was more than willing to pay for it because it would be cheaper than replacing the lock and I really wanted this lock.  They sent me what they thought I explained I needed.  Unfortunatley it was not correct, then I called back and asked for the screws, they sent the wrong screws.  I said to myself there has to be a better way for me to explain what is wrong with my lock, and that is when I decied to take pictures with my beautiful Iphone and I emailed them to Baldwin and two days later I had a whole new lock set.  Kudo to Baldwin not just for the lock but for the awesome customer service.  You have a loyal customer for life!!!

Thanksgiving recap

My Thanksgiving was good. Overall I am thankful for the place I am in my life which has only been accomplished by God's grace. The last few weeks I have been thinking a lot about how I am really in a happy place that has resulted in part because of the amazing family and friends God has put in my life, you all are the best. I am at a one of many sweet spots to come in my life! I felt this picture of Patches says it all!!!

Susan Stamberg Cranberry Relish

Well I made the infamous Susan Stamberg Cranberry Relish tonight.  I have not tasted it I will wait till  tommorow.  However I did want to share a picture of it and provide the link for you to get the history of it.  If you listen to NPR you already know the story. 

Wordless Election Day Tuesday

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Well it is October and of course if it Breast Cancer Awareness Month and all things Pink.  A few weeks ago I watched a Sunday night football game with a friend (who thought he would never wear pink no matter how much he loved the TaTa's (see below)  but be assured I had him in pink within 7 days (yes I am that good, LOL.  I diegress back to the football game, all the players seemed to have on something pink.  I thought that was very AWARE of the NFL to encourage the players to wear pink in support of breast cancer. 

I did not want the month to past without me highlighting some really cool breast cancer campaign messages ( social marketing is something I enjoy seeing)  put out by the  American Cancer Society and the Komen Foundation.  Here we go;

Great Breast, Great Responsiblity ( my all time favoriate from a few years ago)

Save the TaTa's ( I actually do not like this one so much but it hits a target audience just not me)

I am the cure (sometimes my behavior can prevent disease by taking preventative measures and participating in screening)

Sabbath Lesson Really Sabbath School Lesson for Me

The week ending Friday, October 22nd the Sabbath School lesson was on Friendship highlighting the friendship of David and Jonathen (found in I Samuel 14 - 21).  It is an awesome story of friendship.  The lesson last week made the following statement that has stuck with me "true friendship is a completely voluntary relationship."  That is so simple but was profound to me.  Unlike family, I choose my friends, I choose to call, I choose to spend time with them , I want them in my life.  There was a time in my life where I felt I did not have True Friendship, I can say today God has given me true friendships that embodies John 15:13 "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."

Friday Night Dinner

It is a tradition in my family at Friday Night Dinner that we play Scrabble.  I am not the best player and can trully say I rarely win, I doubt I have won a game this year.  However thanks the Scrabble App that I added to my Iphone I won this Friday Night.  I decided to share a picture of the winning game!!!

Testing posting from iPhone

Successfully posted from iphone

OOoopppsss - I am long over do for a post!

A post is long over due.  I am trying to see what the highlights have been in the last few weeks.  The most memorable because it affects me everyday is that my Blackberry 8820 that I have had for years was laid to rest.  Unfortunately, it died before I got all of my information out of it.  You would think since I have had it so long and because my first 8820 was stolen that I would have backed it up, well I did not.  I was forced to rush (yes rush I cannot be without a phone) to AT&T on a Friday afternnon is buy the infamour Iphone, as  result I have become an instant APPLE lover!!!  I enjoyed my 8820 however I can see how the Iphone was made for the user.  I was impressed. 

I did not participate in the Triathalon on October 3rd that I had been training and planning for for months.  I went to pay for it and it had sold out.  I had never heard of a race selling out but it did.  However I went right ahead and paid for the opening Triathalon in June 2011 and my friend Joseph is going to particpate with me. I am excited about that.  It should be fun.  I am still running, biking and swimming.  I think I will give up swimming until February for now.  The hardest thing about working out is my HAIR.  yes my hair, not the torcher my knees take with running or the tightness in my thighs experience from biking but my HAIR.  My hair is not permed as you  know and when it get wet from sweat or water from the pool it is a a nice size bush.  It is braided now but that will change in a few days and I will have my favorite hair style of all, pressed as seen here.  This is really manageable and I think it is pretty on me.  The only glitch is I cannot sweat, which means I cannot work out as hard as I have been.  I will continue biking and do a ever so brisk walk/light run.  We shall see.  I have been praying that I would grow to love running.  It is happening slowly and I do not want to detour the growth. 

School is school.  When i think about it it saddens so I try not to so much.

Work is work. and I trully enjoy my job and as I say all the time I would do what I do for free!!!

I will try to do better about posting.  I am going to commit to once a week.  Let's see how I do!!

Sabbath Picture

Well today I came home from church and walked Patches and then I looked to the right on the porch and I noticed this baby bird with it mouth wide open as if dehydrated or yelling for help.  He allowed me to touch it and Patches to sniff it,  I controlled Patches proximity not knowing how she would react since most birds in the park she attempts to chase.  I poured water on the bird and the mouth stayed open and then I poured more and then it closed a little. I went in the house and left Patches and grabbed my camera.  As I looked a little closer to take my picture I realized the birds feet were caught between the boards on the porch which are probably still a little sticky from paint. I ever so slighted lifted the body of the bird up and it flew away before I could get another pictures however I do appreciate the ability to get this one

My House Painting Completed - Wordless Thursday

My Labor Day Weekend 2010

My Friday morning started off with me packing up all the shoes in my closet that I have not worn in at least a year which was about 20 pairs.  The inspiration came from reading this blog about decluttering ones life. I put everything in a bag and headed out to my car to find this awaiting me

Some time during the night someone attempted to break into my car which necessitated this

Yes the police ( I actually knew the policewoman she and I grew up at the same church) came, filed a report and took fingure prints to identify the culprit and because the thief so graciously destroyed my ability to enter the car using the actual key and my remote access that necessitated this

Yes my car had to be towed to a body shop on a Friday entering into a holiday weekend.  Which also meant I needed to get a rental car which resulted in me getting this

Yes nice rental with only 18 miles on it.  Unfortunately because of the whole incident my plans for the weekend changed and I cannot make real use of a rental but I am going to see what I can do since I have the car till next Friday.  I am thankful I have insurance and that my car is relatively unharmed.  This was my Friday we shall see how the rest of the weekend unfolds

the best Mock Tuna Salad EVER!!!

I found this recipe on Whole Foods website and it is the best Mock Tuna Salad.  I love that it is not made with any mayo substitute, I made the salad below.  I have listed the recipe for your convenience.  Enjoy

Ingredients


1 cup sunflower seeds

1 cup raw almonds

1/3 cup finely chopped celery

1/3 cup finely chopped pickles

1/4 cup finely chopped red onion

2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill

2 tablespoons maple syrup or agave nectar

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 teaspoon kelp granules

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon sea salt



Method

Put sunflower seeds and almonds into a large bowl, cover by 2 inches with water, cover and set aside at room temperature to let soak for 10 to 12 hours; drain well.



Pulse sunflower seeds and almonds in a food processor until very finely chopped, scraping down the sides of the bowl as you go. Transfer to a large bowl and stir in celery, pickles, onions, dill, maple syrup, lemon juice, kelp, pepper and salt. Serve immediately, or cover and chill until ready to serve.



Nutrition

Per serving (about 1/2 cup): 400 calories (290 from fat), 32g total fat, 2.5g saturated fat, 0mg cholesterol, 370mg sodium, 22g total carbohydrate (7g dietary fiber, 8g sugar), 14g protein

Invictus - Nelson Mandela's Encouragement

Out of the night that covers me,

Black as the pit from pole to pole,

I thank whatever gods may be

For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance

I have not winced nor cried aloud.

Under the bludgeoning of chance

My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears

Looms but the Horror of the shade,

And yet the menace of the years

Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,

How charged with punishments the scroll,

I am the master of my fate:

I am the captain of my soul

Wordless Sunday

Public Health Social Marketing Messages

If you know me well you know I totally ENJOY really cool public health social marketing campaigns.  I have decided to start a series highlighting what I believe is great messages.  I visited one my jobs partner agencies the other day and they do a lot of work in HIV/AIDS.  The executive director gave me her business card and I just happen to flip it over and it stated the following

What does HIV look like?

It may look like you!

I told her that took me  back a little and I that is hard to do.  But I love that it did.  It reminded me that AIDS does not have a look.  Get tested and use condoms was the take away.  What is your take away?

Five Stages of Grief

Elisabeth Kubler-Ross developed the five stages of grief.  I believe these phases can apply to other elements of life besides grief over someone's death but also grief over the end of a relationship, a move away from family and friends or just a transition in one's life. 

5 Stages

1.  Denial
2.  Anger
3.  Bargaining
4.  Depression
5.  Acceptance

The key is not to get stuck in any of the first 4 stages.  That can be hard but we have to try!!!

How to be Alone?

I thought this video was pretty cool and thought I would share it with you all!!!

Education and Voting

I have a friend that always says the two most important things we can do is pursue an education and vote.  His basis for that position is that those are the two things that people fought and died to stop blacks and women from getting an education and casting their vote.

And as we know these are powerful tools.  I think specifically about the ability to read.  Knowing how to read is empowering.  When you are able to read people are less likely to take advantage of you.  This came to a head for in the midst of something I am currently experiencing.  People assume you do not know your rights and that you will believe what you are told.  Thankfully I am an investigator and partly skeptic of people thu I am always looking for documentation and documenting. Reading is so powerful and I love it!  I am steadily building my library.  Someone once said the best thing to do to hid information is put it in a book, Do it, bring it on I will find it!!!

Wordless Picture of Great Friendship - Thanks Symet

Sabbath Lesson for Me

Well today's lesson as always was learned even before the pastor got up to speak.  It was the children's story.  The speaker spoke of telling the truth and how you cannot build relationships on stories (lies are what we adults call them). 

The second lesson was taught when the pastor did stand up.  He spoke of Samson and Delilah (Judges 13 - 16).  Samson was raised to be of service to God and Delilah was raised to be Samson's destruction.  He bought it home to me when he stated that God has a purpose in my life and Satan has a purpose for my life.  Decisions I make follow one of those purposes, I realize a few that I have been making were not following God"s .  Father give me the strength to follow the purpose you have for my life and the faith to believe you will do what you have promised. 

Wordless Friday Night Dinner

Quotable Quote

I was introduced to a running website this week in prep for my big triathlon in October.  They had the following quote on it and I thought I would share it.


“Seventy percent of success in life is showing up.”

-Woody Allen

Wordless Thursday

Wordless Sunday II

Wordless Sunday

Triathlon - Do you want to join me?

Well I have officially decided to prepare for my first triathlon. It has been something I have wanted to do for years ever since seeing the Ironman on television growing up.  I will be participating in the Lake Lanier Island Triathlon on Sunday, October 3rd.  A part of me is kind of scared to say that out loud or in writing what if I totally fail but then I am encouraged because my biggest challenger is me ( I am not racing against anybody but my previous time).  I just have to try and that is an accomplishment in itself.  So I will

Swim 400 yards then

Bike 13 miles then

Run 5 K then

thank God I finished!!!

Quotable Quote

Over the past year I have been introduced to a number of people who are pretty successful in their chosen fields.  And they each mentioned that when you reach a certain point in your career you will not apply for jobs, people will offer them to you without even an interview your reputation will proceed  you.  I think that is pretty awesome.  I look forward to that day.  I was on a blog that I follow and found the following quote that I thought worthy of sharing related to that idea.

"If you're really that good, other people will do your bragging for you."