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."

The 3 Most Important Decisions of Your LIfe!

A friend of mine's parents have been staying with me during the 59th General Conference Session of Seventh-day Adventist being held here in Atlanta until July 3rd.  While Sunflowers and I were sitting down at the dining room table they returned from one of the meetings and the husband started talking about what he learned early in his life  - the three most important decisions you will make in your life.  I thought they were profound and I thought I would list them here.

1.  Give your heart to the Lord
2.  Decide on a vocation
3.  Attaining a wife or husband

He spoke of how the first would guide the second and third  The second is important to minimize drama when you attain the third.