Young Jeezy - Everythang

Some songs just have that catchy beat. That rhythmic line that makes your head bounce without notice. Young Jeezy really tells the story of how life was once hard and rough, but he was able to triumph through challenges. Whether your bio is identical to the lyrics in "Everythang," or if you had all that you needed growing up, at one time or the next, we have all had a struggle.

Driving into work and hearing this song, the first thing that I thought was - wow ... life is really uneasy for some and easier for others. Nonetheless, it's the reminder of the uneasiness that helps us to be more appreciative of the successes in life. Here's "Everythang."

Younger folk

Taking a look at today's youth, I find myself asking: how do I reach and connect with this generation?

Growing up the youngest of two older brothers, my mother sheltered me from some things. When I went off to college, the experimental side of me came out. Although there is no practical step-by-step manual to training or raising children, it makes me wonder and rather nervous about teens and peer pressure.

I have three younger cousins that mean the world to me.  Without appearing to be too involved in their lives or intrusive, when is it appropriate to correct them -- while trying to understand the pressures that they are under?  Without being too judgmental, when do I step in and when do I pull back?  How do I meet them where they are and guide them in the direction that seems to be right without them rebelling?  Do I allow them to make mistakes and then hope that they learn from the consequences, or am I to be transparent by exposing my mistakes to them and pray that they walk away not wanting to engage and indulge in certain things that could be disastrous to them?  Am I wrong for wanting the best for them? Or do I allow life to hit them (as it surely will) and allow them to gain wisdom and insight from their valley experiences?

Whoever said that life was intended to always work in your favor was dead wrong!

Over the past couple of weeks, I have experienced some major internal defeats. Do I claim them as blows? Well, I can only accept the reality of the situations, right?

Accepting the circumstances at face value is important. Failing to recognize these obstacles will only lead to living a life that is not genuine. Or as I was growing up, we would call it fronting. Nowadays, I think the intellectual folks call it being pretentious!

Life has a weird way of placing a mirror right in my face and causing me to stare at my true self … for hours! Even when I try to hide or run away from those idiosyncrasies, I am often reminded of just how human I am.

By being truthful with myself, I am better able to handle the challenges and put together a strategy to come out on top; one that will be victorious. I’ll look back on these recent encounters and smile knowing that I almost counted myself out, but before I gave in, I got up and looked up!

Memorial Day (kinda late)

What happens when you spend so much time in life trying to prove to people who you are by being someone that you really are not? It is time wasted. Be yourself. Enjoy who you are. You are uniquely created. There is no one like you. Your DNA is set a part, and there is no replica of your identity. That is amazing.

So as you take on this today, the Thursday of the Memorial Day holiday week, memorialize any fallen identities and take on a new identity of walking in truth and purpose. There is nothing more enjoyable than living an authentic life.

Major shout out to those who have sacrificed their lives so that our country can continue to be the greatest place on Earth.

It's Friday

The greatest workday ever - Friday!!

Looking back, I was stretched this week. From participating in trainings to training my own department. Things were a bit hectic.  Needless to say, I am rather ecstatic that the weekend is among us.

I woke up this morning watching YouTube videos. What better way to start off the last day of the week?  The Sweet Brown sensationized videos have me in a great mood.

Hope everyone has a ((productive)) Friday!

President Obama's announcement and the black church

America continues to witness history.

This week alone was historic.  For the first time ever, a sitting U.S. President unequivocally endorsed gay marriage.  In an interview with ABC's Robin Roberts, President Obama said, "I've been going through an evolution on this issue...it is important for me to go ahead and affirm that -- I think same-sex couples should be able to get married."

Social media went into a frenzy with everyone weighing in on the historic announcement.  My timeline on Facebook and Twitter -- especially -- had status messages that either placed their stamp of approval on the president's decision to publicly support gay marriage and others chose to denounce this by invoking their extreme religious beliefs into the dialogue.

While some might heavily oppose gay marriage, what is not surprising is that recent polls continue to show that public opinion regarding gay marriage is shifting. The Public Religion Research Institute released a report, last year, which reveals that 44% of younger evangelicals favor gay marriage. In addition to this evidence, a Pew research poll shows that 51% of black people support gay marriage -- up from 33%, in 2004.  This is a dramatic shift considering that back in 2004 alone, 12 states galvanized and passed identical legislation that defined marriage as the union of a man and woman.

President Obama continues to show leadership in the face of his adversaries by promoting tolerance and acceptance of our fellow brothers and sisters.  These simple gestures that are the pinnacle of the foundation of Christianity, is often overlooked and overshadowed by hatred when it comes to uplifting the gay community.  A religion that bases itself on the very essence of encouraging their followers to love their neighbor as their self and to exude love as Christ displays -- has a weird way of having spiritual amnesia when it comes to this subject matter.

For black people, especially, who have been the victims of oppression for so long, we often shun those who are uniquely different. However, it is worth pausing and congratulating the bravery of several blacks who have spoken out in favor of gay marriage.

Beginning with Julian Bonds, the former chairman of the NAACP -- who has been a staunch supporter of gay marriage, said it best in 2007: If you don't like gay marriage, don't get gay married.  Bonds support extends far beyond the speech that he gave.  He went as far as boycotting the funeral of the late Coretta Scott-King, who advocated rights for gays and lesbians, because the King's kids decided to have her funeral at Bishop Eddie Long's church -- who at the time Bishop Long was outspoken against the rights of gay people. 

Next, one of my all-time favorites - THE Reverend Al Sharpton, who is a preacher and activist -- and a supporter of marriage equality.  It is black leaders like Sharpton who should continue moving the discussion along and encourage church leaders and goers, alike, to embrace and tolerate gay marriage.

It is an absolute embarrassment for the black church leaders to congregate on conference calls immediately after the president rendered his verdict in a decision that affects several pew members to discuss how they will align their sermons for this upcoming Sunday.  When was the last time preachers met to agree on a similar sermon subject that continues to erode blacks: sex before marriage, adultery, DL, unemployment ... and the laundry list continues?

This is the very reason that I absolutely will not attend a church that Sunday after Sunday preaches the do's and don'ts of the Bible.  There is so much to life than to live in a confined box that places a label and underhandedly inject hatred towards a particular group of people.

Black preachers -- do better!

Below is an e-mail response I wrong on Pastor McKissic's blog on his stance of what President Obama said. 
------------------

President Obama stood with courage by endorsing marriage equality.
 
What upsets me the most is that the religious right continues to drown the conversation of gay marriage by constantly invoking their radical and extreme views of distancing a particular group of people.  Instead of fighting about who's right and wrong, find yourselves being on the right side of history by encouraging and supporting those who are different from you.  Indeed, we will not all agree on the same thing -- which is a great thing.  However, please do not judge me because my sins are different than your sins.  Truely, there is something that keeps you up at night.
 
The preachers who pick and choose about what to preach against continues to divide the church.  This creates separation and removes those who are simply attending service to receive an uplifting and edifying word.  As the younger generation steps out and embrace people for being people -- regardless of who they choose to find themselves in love with, I predict that the church's voice will become mute.  The sure fact of the aforementioned comes from a religious survey that indicates 44% of younger evangelicals accept gay marriage.  When the church is no longer a priority in the average American's life, I will fault nobody but the church itself.  A relationship and conversation with God trumps any individualized opinion that a preacher has on any subject matter.

A quick catch up

It seems like the last few months have been going at full speed, and I am barely able to keep up.

So what is new?

Let's start with the latest and go backwards.  Two days ago, I celebrated my twenty-sixth birthday!  At that time, I paused and reflected on my accomplishments during the first quarter of my life. Then, I contemplated on the what-ifs scenarios...truly, there were so many! Lastly, I rejoiced on the negative could-ofs that did not occur. Before continuing, it is worth noting that life will cause you to either grow up or give up. Through life's ups, downs, triumphs, defeats, setbacks, comebacks, highs and lows -- I've decided to take the grow up route!

Because my mother has been a strong supporter throughout my life, I felt the need to let her in on my life. She's been one who I could call, text or e-mail just to talk to, complain to, argue with or keep me company in a boring moment, and I did not want to commence another birth year without letting her in on what makes me Ken.  I challenged myself to be forthcoming with her. Afterwards, I felt so much better because her simple response was that she loved me and that she would go through any trial with me. It was refreshing to know that my mother placed her strong beliefs in the corner to show love to her youngest son. True love!

For some time, I have been unable to breath because of enlarged tonsils.  I visited an ear/nose/throat speciliast in early April, and he recommended that I immediately have them removed.  So in the later part of April, I had a tonsillectomy. Immediately after the procedure, I thought I was dying ... literally. I have never felt that much pain before in my entire life. Needless to say, yesterday was my first day back at work. I am 97% well, my breathing is 110% better, and I am getting some of the best sleep known to man!!

As I prepare to take life head on with the numerous things that are not within my control, I lean and rest on my faith - knowing that with the Creator's help, I can withstand any uncomfortable challenge that is presented. The good part is -- you can too!!!

Be sure and watch ABC's Good Morning America on tomorrow as President Obama sits down in an interview with Robin Roberts and tell Americans that he favors marriage equality!

that struggle that keeps you humble. it keeps you contstantly praying and fasting. it keeps you rooted and grounded. it's a stronghold that just won't let go. at every turn, you're reminded.

therefore, i'm just going to start the day off with singing, "in all things..."

that moment when your struggle becomes your addition.

That moment when you wrestle with fitting in or standing out.
That moment when you feel like it's the end of the world, but it's actually just beginning.
That moment when you feel accomplished and defeated.
That moment when the sentiments of your heart echos the pain of your past.
That moment when you set a goal and reached it.
That moment when you gave up and later got back in the race.
That moment when you prove your critics wrong.
That moment when you hold onto a secret for 6 years.
That moment when writing becomes therapeutic.
That moment when you hurt but keep smiling.
That moment when your father is in the fight for his life.
That moment when you resort to drinking to cope with life's challenges.
That moment when you focus in and it's still blurry.
That moment when you smile.
That moment when you cry.
That moment when life is going great.
That moment when you've made up your mind to press on.
That moment when you call your best friend and y'all talk for hours about nonsense.
That moment when the crooked line appears straight.
That moment when you're at peace.
That moment when you pass through the storm.
That moment when you look back and wonder, "How in the hell did iGet through that shit?!"
That moment when reality stares you in the face.
That moment when your struggles are just that - struggles.
That moment when you give your all.
That moment when you're living your best days.
That moment when nothing else matters.
That moment when you're unable to sleep.
That moment when you depend on the very essence of science.
That moment when music becomes your romance.
That moment when you scream and it doesn't even hurt.
Oh...the moments of life!!!

Hazing

Hazing has grabbed national attention again.  This time, it is an undergraduate chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. on the campus of the University of Florida that is the center of the controversy.

The national chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha has issued a cease and desist order - preventing the undergraduate chapter from conducting official fraternity business and UF has temporarily suspended the chapter.

This all comes three months after the hazing death of Florida A & M University band member, Robert Champion, who was severely beaten.

The latest waves of hazing incidents that are plaguing college campuses across the nation is nothing new.  Recall the hazing incident during "Hell Week" at Chico State University in February 2005 that resulted in the death of 21-year old Matthew Carrington.  Gabriel Maestretti, who was charged with a felony in Carrington's death, testified:  I did what I did out of a misguided sense of building brotherhood, and instead I lost a brother. I will live with the consequences of hazing for the rest of my life.  My actions killed a good person, and I will be a felon for the rest of my life, and I'll have to live with that disability, but I'm alive and Matt's not (Korry, 2005).

In Carrington's case, his fellow brothers left him dying as he had a seizure and collapsed.  They further failed to notify emergency personnel within a timely manner, which resulted in his death.

Do brothers subject one to such inhumane treatment that they are literally left breathless?  Is that true brotherhood?

Colleges face an uphill challenge of eradicating this potentially deadly mentally.  Fraternity and sorority members are considered "paper" if they join the organization by forgoing the process of being hazed. In some chapters, "paper" members are often distanced and are perceived as "not being made," or having subjected themselves to the ridicule of being slapped, punched, beaten or humiliated by their prophyte, who is an older "made" member. 

On the Omicron Xi chapter's website of Phi Beta Sigma, the writer gives pros and cons of a "paper" member versus a "real" or made member.  The writer distinguishes the positives of being "made" as: establishes a brotherly/sisterly bond amongst line pledges, initiates learn history of the fraternity or sorority from a perspective other than books; a written test, and pledge lines work together as one entity instead of on an individual basis.  The writer continues by listing the negatives as: wood, the obvious destruction of your cumulative grade point average, and being on call at all hours of the night (24/7).

Hazing definitely has been on the forefront of college administrator's minds.  The problem is that the culture of hazing is deeply engraved as the proper process of gaining entrance into a sorority, fraternity or band that the likelihood of eliminating this altogether is not possible.  What administrators can do is levy stiff punishments against organizations that are found negligent with contributing to acts of hazings, completely ban fraternities and sororities at the undergraduate level or implementing campus-wide initiatives on recognizing, refraining from and reporting hazing incidents.

Election Season Heating Up

Everyone has their eyes set on Iowa. Many conservative voters are looking to see which Republican hopeful will come out the winner in tomorrow's caucuses.  Final polls leading up tomorrow's votes indicate that Mitt Romney and Ron Paul are at a statistical dead heat.  With younger voters leaning towards Paul, this race is clearly anyone's game.

CNN reports that Rick Santorum, who was all but counted out, has recently surged in the polls and might even come out on top.  According to the latest polls, he's tracking 3rd place.

But how will Iowa vote?  Why is Iowa so important?

The person who takes home the win in Iowa will have plenty of momentum going into the next battleground state, New Hampshire.

Newt Gingrich's campaign was on life support back in the summer after several staffers quit because they didn't agree with how he was running the show.  However, Gingrich gained much needed momentum after sexual harassment allegations surfaced on former front-runner Herman Cain.  Cain's alleged past came to haunt him - which eventually caused Cain to suspend his campaign.

Gingrich, who was once ahead in the polls, has already claimed defeat in Iowa due to the increased attack ads that are airing in the state by his opponents. They are using his past infidelities and two divorces to their advantage.  One of Gingrich's separation is rumored to have occurred while his former wife was hospitalized, recovering from surgery; although her daughter has refuted this.

Gingrich, who originally planned to take a more positive spin on the other contenders is quickly learning that in politics anything is fair game (although he's no newbie to politics). So he and his staff would be wise to rethink their positive strategy going into New Hampshire against those who are fighting to become their parties' next nominee.

This race has been really interesting, and needless to say, I'll have my popcorn and remote control in hand tomorrow waiting to see how Iowans cast their votes!

2012

Around this time of the year, most people are pausing to reflect on the past year.  Perhaps there are memories of a death, birth, lost relationship, graduation, promotion, setback, diagnosis, divorce, marriage, legal issue or an accident.  Whatever the case might be, we set aside precious time to list what we expect from the new year.  The things that we won't be dragging into a new year. The things that caused us to fall short, we often replace with a clause that the future year is going to be better.  Some often quote the cliche "this is gonna be my year." Some are destined to make wiser decisions. The person who struggled with failing is probably writing that mistakes that occurred in 2011 won't happen next year.

Perhaps you're using a laptop, iPad, notebook pro or taking to Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Wordpress, Blogspot or Xanga to pen your resolutions. Some are taking the old fashion route of writing their thoughts and feelings into a diary or journal...or the older person is somewhere writing their desires on a single index card and posting this in their bathroom mirror.

Whatever the case might be, new year's resolutions is nothing new.  Penning them the days leading up to a new year gives us that motivation of how we anticipate a new beginning.  A time to right the wrongs of the past because the excitement from the calendar change brings a sense of hope. A time to start afresh. Something new. 

New.

New idea.  New start.  New birth.  New challenge.  New career.  New friendship.  New opportunity.  New struggle.  New education.

Whatever your new is, make them reasonable. Give yourself a timetable to accomplish them.  Map out a plan of how you will reach the goal. Set checkpoints to revisit your resolutions.  Often, you might have to revise or rewrite them completely.  Trust me - once the joy of the new year fades, you'll need to find something to reignite the motivation of staying the course.

Good luck in your journey in 2012!!

Gym Lesson

While working out tonight, I noticed a heavier set lady struggling to use one of the machines. As I approached her to assist, she mumbled, "Today is my first day back in the gym. I don't know how this equipment works, and I just can't do it. I'm not ready!" At that very moment, I began to explain to her how the machine worked. I also told her, "You can do it. Do as many as you can, and each time you come in - just do more. Before you know it, you'll be fitted in no time."

This lady had no idea that as I was encouraging her, she was ultimately speaking into my life.  See -- frustration often shows its face at the most inopportune times in my life. At the moment when I have made that firm commitment to pursue a goal that I have longed to reach, doubt appears out of nowhere and leads to an embraced rejection. The very thought of failing creeps in and often replaces the thirst of believing that I can conquer the vision that I once held so dear to me.

"Do as many as you can."

Those were the words that I uttered to the lady once she became familiar with properly maneuvering the equipment. Although she did only 3 reps, her radiant smile was admirable. It was clear that she was excited and content with her minor success.

How many times do I pause and reflect on the small things that I accomplish in life? Or do weep and complain about what I have not obtained?

In my #GymLesson, I took away two thoughts -- become more appreciative of those minuscule successes and to not give up on the end at the beginning!

Gaining wisdom

That awkward moment when maturation sets in and I recognize that turning the other cheek reaches far greater than revenge.

On last week, I encountered a situation that was quite upsetting.  My initial reaction was to get to the bottom of the misunderstanding and immediately rectify the wrong. Being filled with emotions, I could not stop thinking of how someone could take something so simple and multiply it to create unneeded chaos.

Although I wanted to ensure that everyone was on the same page about the incident, something inside of me would not allow me to address the situation.  I am telling you -- it was extremely hard to remain quiet and not confront the happening. My mind kept replaying the incident, and the small voice inside of me continued echoing that if I stood idle and kept silent then what was broadcast must have some validity to it.  It is a terrible thing when my mind goes into constant thought!

Nonetheless, the lesson I learned by keeping still is that the truth will always prevail.  In times past, I would have definitely tried seeking retaliation.  But it is a sure thing to smile and accept the fact that life often creates teaching opportunities.  Whether being willfully or forced into those moments, the greater part is the trial by fires that allow me to put into action the things that I have been taught to see if there is any authenticity to it!

thinking

it's those small things that we take for granted: job, health care, good health, food, water, shelter, access to obtain a quality education, freedom to worship/speak, family and the list goes on.

... a day of reflection.

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keep fighting

it hit me.

at that moment, i began to lay the framework, but reality set in. i got discouraged and began to doubt the vision. but i promise you - i was only doing everything that i saw. for some time, i struggled and cried and wondered how i would make it happen. a part of me wanted to let someone know ... anyone that would listen. however, the still small voice inside of me wouldn't let me speak of it. i'm telling you - it was a fight ... many late nights, tears of uncertainty, challenging the purpose, how it would be received and whether it would make a difference. i didn't know what to do because everything was working against me.

i wanted to take the easiest way out and give up on what i saw.

... but that extra push came right in time! i was sitting in my hotel room listening to a podcast. i can only remember a few words that he uttered, "keep fighting." so simple. yea, i know. but that was all i needed to hear at that moment in time. often, we try to come up with an elaborate speech and fail to get the point across.

so as i look at this new challenge that has presented itself before me on this windy friday, all i can revert back to is those two simple words: keep fighting.

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dear God

i am so conflicted right now. my life is a direct contradiction, and i feel so convicted. please God, arrest my desires and release your unfailing strength. when my will is to say yes, give me that courage to boldy walk away. i know what's right, but i often find myself doing otherwise. give me the spirit to chase after u - even when it's unpopular. allow my personal conversations with you reflect my outter living. help me to deny my selfish ways and grow closer to you. this walk is not easy, and i find myself being pulled further away from you. God, i realize that i need you. amen.

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rough week

this week has been one of a kind.

i received a call from my mom letting me know that my cousin was found at the bottom of the pool in a drowning death. then, i spent nearly 2 days in the E-R with breathing issues and tosilitis.  whew!  can this week be over already?!

this sickness has really taken a toll. for the most part, i've been confined to one area, drentched in sweat and barely able to speak.  this is something that i wouldn't wish on my worst enemy ... talking about a bad feeling!

i feel really bad that i haven't been able to spend time with my family during this loss, but it is amazing to listen to how everyone has pulled together to get through this as one.  that's why i love my family!!

world's vision

have you ever stopped to compare your life to someone else's? perhaps you realize that you are not as popular on the social scene as the next, or does not make as much money as another. what about being stuck in a dead-end job and the person next to you appears to be moving seamlessly forward in their career? or the best friend who has been in a promising relationship and the final stage is for him to ask her father for her hand in marriage -- all the while you cannot even get asked on a date! no, what about having older brothers who have children and you battle an inner demon of being gay and your parents constantly harass you about grandchildren?

life has a weird way of reminding us of how human and often un-human we are. wrestling with the very idea that we are different but yet equal is quite contradictory in itself. nonetheless, we push forward throughout life and embody many characters of who we are. on the one hand, display window #1 depicts that all is well. then, with those who we are comfortable with, we share our true hurts, cares and worries. because of course we were raised that "what goes on in this house stays". it is no one's business of what experiences that might present themselves. we were taught to be a man and not cry.  afterall, it is a man's law violation to cry or have emotions -- all the while, if those tears are not shed, the steam builds and could possible create a stronger rage once it is released. troubling, huh?

next, there is the moral barometer that society has established that some expects us to live by. but in all honestly, it is often easier and convenient to live without those established norms. yep, life is f'n awkward! that outer appearance often does not mirror how one feels on the inside. throughout different stages in life, you were taught to embody the personality of a king -- although you have, and continue, to deal with insecurities, financial hardships, depressions, past molestations, let downs, low self-esteem and even hidden addictions. then to only be presented with a book of rules that was translated by a man that tells us what we should strive towards. the book that contradicts itself. on sundays, it appears to be one the best books ever written, but by monday when confronted by challenges - everything that was taught from the previous day becomes mute. the sentiments of our hearts feel that what sounded grand becomes too unobtainable. 
... only to discover that you did not develop into this creature overnight. it started in childhood. whether it was growing up and participating in a sport's league that your parents signed you up for that you didn't want to be a part of to being dropped off at recital - knowing good and well that you had no interest in the arts.

so is life.

what i have discovered that it is perfectly okay to be at a point of leading a life filled with many oxymorons. this allow others to recognize that we all have those things that we would rather not address. which often correlates to that transparent lifestyle where we are not afraid to ask for help ... that pride-removed character that removes the embarrassments of admitting those shortcomings, mistakes, weaknesses or mishaps.

i long for a generation that allows everyone the opportunity to place their very life on a stage where we are all free from judgment. what a world that would be?!

significant tear

epitome of the struggle that is pressing
trial that seems so excruciating
sorrows that lie deep within but is naked to the eye
invisible pattern that is constantly traced
lost in an uncomfortable environment
solace in the fact that all is well
constant reminders that tragedies are a knock away
dignity to walk in boldly but unable to mentally possess the stature that is exhibited
confident but unsure
image and the reminder
scares and bruises that keep the knee planted to the ground
dark clouds that hides in the shadows of the sun
tears that slowly fade into an area that erases the past hurts
cry that brings memories of abuse and neglect
feeling of being left alone in a one-way deserted island
monstrous frown that pierces the depths of the emotional tissue
nothing but yet walking away conquering
without and plentiful
t h e   d r o p

... after this comes victory!

Whitney's back in rehab.

CNN is reporting that her publicist confirmed that she voluntarily entered an out-patient rehab program.

While it makes my heart sink to learn that she is battling a terrible addiction, it brings me courage to know that she had enough strength to seek additional treatment.

I have never had to face being addicted to drugs or alcohol, but I do have other personal struggles that I deal with. Back in February, I wrote a blog on addictions. Here goes:

February 5, 2011:

My vices have a weird way of reminding me that I am human.

These few struggles get the best of me. No matter how well I convince myself that I won't engage, indulge or perform, I somehow find myself constantly entertaining. Sometimes I wonder if I actually have the will power to say no. In the midst of the tug or war, I lose focus on the pull and succumb to the pressure. It's equivalent to an addict who's fighting the hard fight of giving up drugs. Wait - but they are addictions. Not drugs, though!

No matter how much I want to surrender and have a yes, my flesh gets weak and says otherwise. No way am I making excuses to the constant falls; I just want to finally admit and accept the fact that I can no longer change this on my own. So much so, I've began to embrace and accept it as reality. Man, this is so weird.

When I want to follow forward, it seems like I push backwards. Every "Yes" has a way of turning into a "maybe" or "later". The "I won't do this no more" often results in a "I want more and I can't live without". I just need some help!

I've admitted, accepted ... I just need some action to fall forward.

Before I hit the streets to run these 13 mi, happy birthday to me!

I am finally 25. This really hit me when my parents called to bid me a great day at 4 this morning. Although I didn't answer, their intent was well received. They tried calling me at the time I was born. Sorry, I was knocked out!!

Reflecting on this last year, I realize that I am still a kid at heart. I'm not sure why I was rushing to complete undergrad and grad schools so fast. More now than ever, I find myself enjoying a great drink, partying and being around great company. I guess it's true when mom said, "You'll understand it later. Keep on living!" (Why was I so rebellious?) I say this because she would tell me to slow down and enjoy life. Perhaps I was on the fast-track because I felt the moment would slip away if I didn't cease the opportunities ... not sure.

While I find myself wanting to have a good time, I now have to be cognizant that I have a lot more obligations, proteges looking up to me and have to protect the advancement in my career. I'm super excited to be surrounded by great coworkers, an amazing boss, caring mentors, and patient friends - who are all my strongest advocates.

Going into the next quarter of a century, I definitely want to work on framing myself as humble, less shy and living on purpose.

Leaving you with this video...

Sally Kern: 2011's face of racism and sexism

Sally Kern, a republican representative in Oklahoma let us have it! She told us just how she felt about blacks and women.

While debating a constitutional amendment to strip affirmative action in Oklahoma, Kern said, “We have a high percentage of blacks in prison, and that’s tragic, but are they in prison just because they are black or because they don’t want to study as hard in school? I’ve taught school, and I saw a lot of people of color who didn’t study hard because they said the government would take care of them.”

And she did not end. She went on to say, “Women usually don't want to work as hard as a man... women tend to think a little bit more about their family, wanting to be at home more time, wanting to have a little more leisure time.”

Two days ago, members within the OK House voted, 76-16, to reprimand her, while others are calling for her to step down.

I find it very interesting that we are still dealing with issues of racism – especially coming from the wife of a preacher. Besides being a racist and sexist, she is very much homophobic, too! Back in 2008, she said that gay people were more of a threat than terrorists. Huh? Where did she get this from?

Kern is not new to politics. She has been in office since 2004, and she is currently serving her fourth term. This means that for four consecutive times when Oklahomans went to the poll, the majority decided to vote for her. Do people really subscribe to her beliefs?

#PrayingForOklahoma

First Lady