What's black and white but not read much anymore? If you said newspapers then you not only remember the old riddle but also the fact that many are going bust.
Brief disclaimer: I usually do extensive research prior to blogging (one reason that it takes me awhile to do it), but have decided against that. After all, a blog isn't a scientific paper. That said, please do not expect the exact facts, figures, quotations, etc. that you have grown to know and love. There will be plenty of guestimates and a whole lotta conjecture.
Who reads the paper anymore? We get a free, compact version of it on the subway but is it effective? Are we just wasting trees and paper? Is there anything interesting anymore? We can read our news online or watch news channels that stay on around the clock or even rely on our friends on FaceBook. Who is still around to waste time devising catchy headlines and bargaining about what goes "above the fold"?
I'll admit that I never was a heavy newspaper reader -- cover to cover NAH! -- but I appreciate certain sections. I don't know what to do without book reviews or the weekender or the letters to the editor. The Op-Eds are always interesting and I find something new to learn in the Obits as well. Yeah, that may be morbid but at least I'm reading.
I wish there were something I could do to save our nation's newspapers. A part of me feels like this is just life, the growth and change that we all must face as we get older. That whole "out with the old, in with the new" mentality. Maybe I'm just old enough to have something I'd like to hold on to without a care about all the new-fangled gadgets. I don't want to read the paper on my Kindle or my iPad or even online. But, what really matters....
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
40 Adventures Before 40
At the close of another birthday celebration, I realize that I'm barely 365 days away from 40. Wow! Whatever shall I do? Well, I've decided to enjoy a Disney cruise for my 40th birthday but there are quite a few other things I want to enjoy on the way there. So, here goes -- I'll keep you posted.
- Blog once/week
- Rock Climbing Wall
- Make a quilt
- Jump off cliff at Rick’s Café
- Read the Bible
- Indoor Water Park
- Meditate
- Extreme Stock Car Driving
- Complete writing a novel
- Hot Air Balloon Ride
- Send a secret to PostSecret
- Kayak Tour
- Try Yoga
- Monument Photo Safari
- Join a book club and attend meetings
- Indoor Karting
- Belly dancing class
- White Water Rafting
- Complete design boards
- Glass Fusion
- Hot Stone Massage
- Diabetes – get involved and Step Out event
- Pottery
- Hang Gliding
- Lighthouse Tour Cruise
- Seaplane Adventure
- Discovery Helicopter Flight
- Murder Mystery Dinner
- Broadway Show
- Jet ski riding
- AIDS Walk
- Finish a puzzle book
- Complete writing a play
- 100 snapshot challenge
- Relay for the cure
- Complete scrapbook
- Plant a tree
- 200 sit-ups challenge
- 50 questions to free your mind
- Write about these experiences.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Women Leading the Future
Washington, DC -- a town of constant activity. Usually politically motivated, natives and transplants have many other issues that resonate deep within and fuel their the passions that encourage change. Along with health and wellness, financial stability and career success, women's issues are very high on this list. And today, against the backdrop of races and talks and tourism, Ladies DC teamed with the UN Foundation to host its first Women's Conference.
Some impressive and powerful women were requisitioned to encourage the ranks of optimistic and ambitious women who look to follow and/or trail-blaze in the fast-approaching future. In attendance were Joan Amble of American Express, Noura Salmon of Interactive Computer Training, Jessie Hrivnak of VisionQuest Health, Margie Warrell an Author and Executive Life Coach, Katherine Tallmadge of Personalized Nutrition, Pat Mitchell of PBS, Liz Chadderdon, Paula Jagemann, Becky Lee, Hope Gibbs, Joanna Robinson, Jean Marie Davis, Shira Toeplitz, Elizabeth Gore, Selina Hayes, and Nicola Green.
Recurring themes throughout the day included courage and confidence, passion, the importance of relationships, speaking up "with bravado" and helping other women, which is the motivating mantra of Ladies DC -- women helping women. The entire day had a sisterly vibe -- older sisters giving advice to their starry-eyed younger sisters, acting as role models eager to help with growth and development in several key areas. These younger sisters not only wish to follow in their footsteps but also look up to them and even get emotional during introductions as did Lindsey Mask, Ladies DC founder, while speaking about Pat Mitchell who stated that Joan Amble had previously given her speech and proceeded with off-the-cuff remarks.
All in all, this was an awesome experience for me, the DC native with a book of unused ideas, on the cusp of my annual 30 days of self reflection. The one best piece of advice for me -- Unyielding Integrity: don't compromise who you are to get what you want. I feel empowered, encouraged, confident and capable of conquering the world and I hope to help other women along the way.
Some impressive and powerful women were requisitioned to encourage the ranks of optimistic and ambitious women who look to follow and/or trail-blaze in the fast-approaching future. In attendance were Joan Amble of American Express, Noura Salmon of Interactive Computer Training, Jessie Hrivnak of VisionQuest Health, Margie Warrell an Author and Executive Life Coach, Katherine Tallmadge of Personalized Nutrition, Pat Mitchell of PBS, Liz Chadderdon, Paula Jagemann, Becky Lee, Hope Gibbs, Joanna Robinson, Jean Marie Davis, Shira Toeplitz, Elizabeth Gore, Selina Hayes, and Nicola Green.
Recurring themes throughout the day included courage and confidence, passion, the importance of relationships, speaking up "with bravado" and helping other women, which is the motivating mantra of Ladies DC -- women helping women. The entire day had a sisterly vibe -- older sisters giving advice to their starry-eyed younger sisters, acting as role models eager to help with growth and development in several key areas. These younger sisters not only wish to follow in their footsteps but also look up to them and even get emotional during introductions as did Lindsey Mask, Ladies DC founder, while speaking about Pat Mitchell who stated that Joan Amble had previously given her speech and proceeded with off-the-cuff remarks.
All in all, this was an awesome experience for me, the DC native with a book of unused ideas, on the cusp of my annual 30 days of self reflection. The one best piece of advice for me -- Unyielding Integrity: don't compromise who you are to get what you want. I feel empowered, encouraged, confident and capable of conquering the world and I hope to help other women along the way.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Finding My Purpose, Living My Dreams
I feel like the person I am and the person I want to be are drifting further and further apart. I feel I haven’t been making the kind of memories that will make me smile years after I've hung up my high heels, buried my organizer in a dusty attic and ditched my BlackBerry for a porch rocker in the sunset of my life. How did this happen? This was my year to Live on Purpose, wasn't it?
In the first 3 months of this year, I feel I’ve been doing everything except focusing on my purpose. Something has to change. I almost feel I’m having an epiphany. I recently read somewhere that “only when life is difficult, are we challenged to become our greatest selves.” While thinking about that statement I asked myself, why wait for the difficult time when I can start now.
That said, a sista is back on track – no longer a talker but a doer. I have a career to build, volunteer work to continue and writing to do. It is my mission to make myself the person I wish to be in every way. Are you who you want to be?
Don’t Wait!
Start on your dreams, your impulse,
Your longings, your special occasions today.
Because this is your moment. – Mary Anne Radmacher
Start on your dreams, your impulse,
Your longings, your special occasions today.
Because this is your moment. – Mary Anne Radmacher
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
A Beautiful Thing...
So, I went to a poetry Open Mic event at a church this weekend (thanks Shar for the invite) and thoroughly enjoyed myself. I was struck by the open-ness of the men -- yes, MEN -- who put their hearts on paper, poured their emotions on our anxious ears. WOW! I'm still in awe as I reminisce. We were also entertained by a young saxophone player -- very talented and awe-inspiring. Not to take anything away from the ladies who shared as well, I know that I can hardly wait for the next event.
To top it off, I went to the Grand Opening of The Cave, a multi-media environment for the community, powered by the church. What an idea! I'm thrilled to enjoy such activities. All in all, this was a beautiful, creative, and fun weekend. Who knew?
To top it off, I went to the Grand Opening of The Cave, a multi-media environment for the community, powered by the church. What an idea! I'm thrilled to enjoy such activities. All in all, this was a beautiful, creative, and fun weekend. Who knew?
Monday, January 17, 2011
Free At Last...
On this, another commemoration of one of the voices of the Civil Rights era, I sit in reflection. I think of how far we've come and how far we have yet to go. I question those who think we've achieved the dream simply because Barack Obama sits in the White House. Last I checked, that wasn't Dr. King's dream.
The very essence of his dream rested on a platform of color-blindness -- a means of seeing an individual, not a race, nationality or creed. Our President is not the shining example of America being color-blind because to speak of him, especially in the Black community, is to wear a symbolic badge of pride as if we came together as a country and chose the right person for the job.
I'm shaking my head and thinking about my own dreams. My dream is also deeply rooted in the American dream as well as intertwined also with Dr. King's. I'll share it with you.
In my dream, we'll be able to turn on our televisions and choose from several programs about us that aren't comedies with great sound and visual quality. In my dream, we'll be able to flip through our magazine and see images that reflect our true selves as well as families and houses with yards and children and pets.
In my dream, we'll be able to browse for books at our local bookstore and find they are integrated with the Classics. In my dream, our children will apply for passports alongside registering to vote at 18 and will use both accessories as windows to the world that awaits them.
In my dream, we will take responsibility for our actions, our children, our households and stop begging for a piece of legislature to give us what we are due. In my dream, we will set examples for our young people to follow so that we aren't telling them what's good for them but leading the way.
In my dream we will be the ones to set the example of color-blindness and truly love our neighbors. In my dream, we will not only sing the words of that old Negro spiritual, Free at Last, but we will be doing what we're really free to do.
The very essence of his dream rested on a platform of color-blindness -- a means of seeing an individual, not a race, nationality or creed. Our President is not the shining example of America being color-blind because to speak of him, especially in the Black community, is to wear a symbolic badge of pride as if we came together as a country and chose the right person for the job.
I'm shaking my head and thinking about my own dreams. My dream is also deeply rooted in the American dream as well as intertwined also with Dr. King's. I'll share it with you.
In my dream, we'll be able to turn on our televisions and choose from several programs about us that aren't comedies with great sound and visual quality. In my dream, we'll be able to flip through our magazine and see images that reflect our true selves as well as families and houses with yards and children and pets.
In my dream, we'll be able to browse for books at our local bookstore and find they are integrated with the Classics. In my dream, our children will apply for passports alongside registering to vote at 18 and will use both accessories as windows to the world that awaits them.
In my dream, we will take responsibility for our actions, our children, our households and stop begging for a piece of legislature to give us what we are due. In my dream, we will set examples for our young people to follow so that we aren't telling them what's good for them but leading the way.
In my dream we will be the ones to set the example of color-blindness and truly love our neighbors. In my dream, we will not only sing the words of that old Negro spiritual, Free at Last, but we will be doing what we're really free to do.
Monday, January 10, 2011
One Year Ago Today...
I've been clean for a year. Yep! No Fibroids! What? You didn't know? Well, let me tell you what a difference a year makes.
I'm not sure how much you know about fibroids but it's a condition, not a disease, that affects 3 out of 4 women -- many of them Blacks. It's not always easy to tell since the symptoms vary. I, thankfully, had no pain but I suffered from inconsistent periods that were sometimes extremely lengthy as well. I know, way too much for TV! Anyway, after finding out what the problem was and finding ways to deal with it -- mainly birth control -- it only got worse as I grew older.
So in late 2008, my doctor suggested three procedures. Be clear on this: nothing cures fibroids. There are treatments to work around them, shrink them and/or remove them. That said, I was offered uterine artery embolization (Google it), myomectomy (where they cut you across your abdomen and remove the fibroids with a chance that they will return) and hysterectomy. I chose hysterectomy.
Gasp! Really? Yes, really. It was a medical decision that worked best for me based on where I am in my life and how I plan to live the rest of it. Not to mention that the other procedures don't guarantee that there will be NO reappearance of fibroids. The procedure was laproscopic, I had the best surgeon in the world (GW rocks!) and again, I'm celebrating a great year!
Why am I sharing all of this information? You know I'm not the personal-info-sharing kinda girl, BUT...
I've learned a lot in this year. I lost my job, gained a certificate (Paralegal), traveled a bit, made some new friends and purged some old ones, re-connected with some folks and celebrated and mourned with others. I've got a great family network and have learned to lean on others (yeah, hard lesson there). This has been a year of re-dedication and self-reflection and I'm a better ME because of it. Maybe by sharing, someone else can be uplifted or will know that better days are coming. Maybe someone will now understand while I smile and keep it moving -- no worries, no grudges. Maybe, and this may sound selfish but just maybe, I just wanted to put it out there.
I'm living my life ON purpose!
I'm not sure how much you know about fibroids but it's a condition, not a disease, that affects 3 out of 4 women -- many of them Blacks. It's not always easy to tell since the symptoms vary. I, thankfully, had no pain but I suffered from inconsistent periods that were sometimes extremely lengthy as well. I know, way too much for TV! Anyway, after finding out what the problem was and finding ways to deal with it -- mainly birth control -- it only got worse as I grew older.
So in late 2008, my doctor suggested three procedures. Be clear on this: nothing cures fibroids. There are treatments to work around them, shrink them and/or remove them. That said, I was offered uterine artery embolization (Google it), myomectomy (where they cut you across your abdomen and remove the fibroids with a chance that they will return) and hysterectomy. I chose hysterectomy.
Gasp! Really? Yes, really. It was a medical decision that worked best for me based on where I am in my life and how I plan to live the rest of it. Not to mention that the other procedures don't guarantee that there will be NO reappearance of fibroids. The procedure was laproscopic, I had the best surgeon in the world (GW rocks!) and again, I'm celebrating a great year!
Why am I sharing all of this information? You know I'm not the personal-info-sharing kinda girl, BUT...
I've learned a lot in this year. I lost my job, gained a certificate (Paralegal), traveled a bit, made some new friends and purged some old ones, re-connected with some folks and celebrated and mourned with others. I've got a great family network and have learned to lean on others (yeah, hard lesson there). This has been a year of re-dedication and self-reflection and I'm a better ME because of it. Maybe by sharing, someone else can be uplifted or will know that better days are coming. Maybe someone will now understand while I smile and keep it moving -- no worries, no grudges. Maybe, and this may sound selfish but just maybe, I just wanted to put it out there.
I'm living my life ON purpose!
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