This may seem like a rhetorical question to some and may seem abrasive to others. But I've been wondering now for awhile -- do thugs really grow old? I mean, I have images of Flava Flav at 80 straining to hold up a clock that no longer ticks on a neck riddled with wrinkles sharing a toothless grin as he wheezes "Yeah Boyyyy!" to a crowd of equally aged folks waving canes and shaking walkers or popping wheelies in their Hover-Rounds. Ok, maybe I took that way too far.
I guess I've reached a point in my life where I'm so in-tuned with family and professional (translation - career) growth that it's hard to fathom any one else being complacent in these areas. Those who have "arrived" are constantly striving for more, so it's logical to think that we're all striving as much as possible. That said, it's hard to see a man upwards of 40 dressed in "thug gear," speaking improperly waiting for "whatever" to happen.
Now before you begin to get your Politically Correct Panties bunched up, read on. Sure, we all have down time. I'm sure the VP of the bank has to mow his lawn, the attorney goes to Dave and Buster's with his kids, the accountant fixes his mom's TV, the mailman helps his dad in the basement and sometimes the working man just wants to chill with men his age (I think they call it bonding LOL). There are tons of reasons to take off the shirt and tie. There are even reasons to take off the polo and loafers and even the Dockers. But these are not the men I'm talking about.
I'm talking about the men who get up at 1pm and put on their Michael Jackson RIP T shirt that's 3 sizes too big, shorts that hang to their ankles and Tims just to stroll outside on the porch and talk to their boys. I'm talking about men who say they are going on job interviews with furry braids and dirty nails, a back pack filled with CDs and repeatedly saying "know what I mean youngsta."
If you're getting a bit upset at what I'm saying, stop and think. It could be for one of the following reasons. If so, there are certain actions you can take to make yourself feel better.
1. This description fits you. Option A - accept yourself and adopt a drive to do better. Option B - be yourself.
2. This description shows I'm biased. Option A - recognize that this is my blog and enjoy my opinions. Option B - Close the window and read something else.
3. This shouldn't be said. Option A - Are you kidding? How are we to overcome if we don't discuss our outcome? What was the point of slavery eradication and civil rights and ... well, what's the point of anything if we're going to continue wallowing in stupidity? So get over yourself, close the window and read something else. Option B - See Option A.
In a society where laid back is overwhelming mood and come as you are is acceptable, many have forgotten that your appearance affects your attitude which affects your altitude. So, what do we do next? In a phrase, grow up. Time to let go of the "look" that's ok in the hood. Time to hang up the lingo and lead by example. That means fathering your children, working and reading and giving back in your community. I know, that sounds like a lot to lazy thugs. But what's the alternative? A 75 year old with a furry Kangol and a dooky rope with gold fronts on the two teeth he has left and a four finger ring on his arthritic hand rolling down the street in a chromed out wheelchair with spinners and an iPod with speakers on his lap yelling "you kids don't know nothing 'bout this here!"
I can't handle it.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Monday, June 6, 2011
Blog #2 - Too Far Removed...
Why is it that we think we can sit around and discuss the actions of others as if our lives are visions of perfection?
Sure, a minister has had sex with boys, a celebrity has a love child, another politician has sent out pictures on the internet. Ok, so? Are they NOT human? Have we never done anything that we are not so proud of or was it so long ago that we've been absolved by those around us and can feel justified in pointing fingers at others who fall? What happened to loving our fellow man?
This, in my mind, is the epitome of judging; throwing stones when your house is not only made of glass but also built on shaky ground.
Q: Should Weiner resign?
A: For what? At what point did he show that he was no longer competent enough to perform his job duties? At what point did he abuse funds/time to participate in his private acts? Is he a perv -- sure. But that doesn't mean that whoever elected him is not getting what they wanted.
Q: Should he be reprimanded?
A: Definitely. It was an immoral act for someone in his office. I do believe it's ok to hold certain people to a bit of a higher standard but to get twisted out of shape when they show that they are as normal as you and I is going just a bit too far. If you worked at McDonald's and this happened to you, would you lose 1st Fry position? Think about it. Should he have lied? No, but he's a politician so was the truth ever really expected.
Do not misunderstand me, I don't deem his actions proper or necessary. But I am not petitioning for his resignation nor joining the ethical/morality lynch mob. This is the state of our society nowadays. I'm sure we've all got some very real skeletons in our virtual closets. A whole bunch of us surf the web and chat on FaceBook during work hours from work on work machines, etc. And that's stealing from our jobs. At night even, when the kids and spouses and families should have our undivided attention we're playing AngryBirds and Tweeting. So maybe before sounding off about the rights and wrongs about a person, without all of the facts involved, we should listen, reason and empathize with them. Who knows when our 15 minutes will come.
Sure, a minister has had sex with boys, a celebrity has a love child, another politician has sent out pictures on the internet. Ok, so? Are they NOT human? Have we never done anything that we are not so proud of or was it so long ago that we've been absolved by those around us and can feel justified in pointing fingers at others who fall? What happened to loving our fellow man?
This, in my mind, is the epitome of judging; throwing stones when your house is not only made of glass but also built on shaky ground.
Q: Should Weiner resign?
A: For what? At what point did he show that he was no longer competent enough to perform his job duties? At what point did he abuse funds/time to participate in his private acts? Is he a perv -- sure. But that doesn't mean that whoever elected him is not getting what they wanted.
Q: Should he be reprimanded?
A: Definitely. It was an immoral act for someone in his office. I do believe it's ok to hold certain people to a bit of a higher standard but to get twisted out of shape when they show that they are as normal as you and I is going just a bit too far. If you worked at McDonald's and this happened to you, would you lose 1st Fry position? Think about it. Should he have lied? No, but he's a politician so was the truth ever really expected.
Do not misunderstand me, I don't deem his actions proper or necessary. But I am not petitioning for his resignation nor joining the ethical/morality lynch mob. This is the state of our society nowadays. I'm sure we've all got some very real skeletons in our virtual closets. A whole bunch of us surf the web and chat on FaceBook during work hours from work on work machines, etc. And that's stealing from our jobs. At night even, when the kids and spouses and families should have our undivided attention we're playing AngryBirds and Tweeting. So maybe before sounding off about the rights and wrongs about a person, without all of the facts involved, we should listen, reason and empathize with them. Who knows when our 15 minutes will come.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Blog #1 - What Really Matters...
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....
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 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?
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