25 February 2009
Letter to NAACP on Cartoon Depiction
NAACP, I definitely stand behind you all on this issue. The cartoonist and the editorial staff made an extremely poor judgment to post such a racial insensitive. A publication such as this further divides America and opens the wound of racial degradations. This thoughtless act should not be tolerated, jokingly or not. It has been America's goal for some time for blacks and whites to rise above the hurtful separating times to become a beacon of hope for the next generation. Please America: we can do better; we want to reach a new tide of positive expectations.
Texas Giant
About two years ago, a friend and I decided on taking a last minute trip to an amusement park. He was surprised when I told him that I had never been on the Texas Giant. With much anticipation, our first course of action when we arrived was to get on the big high-rise. Waiting in line, I remember my heart was beating so hard that it could have jumped out at any moment. The thought of going up over 140 feet in the air, on wood, was scary. Therefore, I asked to sit closer to the back.
The relevance of this ride in comparison to life is that often times, we have slow ups -- the challenges or situations that we avoid because they appear minor but eventually blow up in the end. Then, there are the fast downs -- when obstacles appear to be stacked on top of the other and the only alternatives that seems hopeful are: to quit, give up everything and walk away, throw a self-tantrum or to quit. Then, the side-to-sides are the opportunities that looks promising one day and then all of a sudden, swift change occurs without adequate notice. Finally, the rollercoaster was rather bumpy with heavy shakes. Hmmm. Sounds similar to life, right?
This proved to be one of the most interesting rides because when I got off the Texas Giant, I had a massive headache; one that I had never experienced before. The odd part is that the headache lasted for only a few minutes. The small pain that I felt then equates to natural struggles that appear hopeless in the moment, but once surviving what seems insurmountable, the growth, laughter and simple experience makes life all the more enjoyable. Now I'm thinking... I just can't wait until opening day on February 28th, so that I can hop onto the Texas Giant and experience in 3 minutes what life sometimes feel like.
*knockout*
The relevance of this ride in comparison to life is that often times, we have slow ups -- the challenges or situations that we avoid because they appear minor but eventually blow up in the end. Then, there are the fast downs -- when obstacles appear to be stacked on top of the other and the only alternatives that seems hopeful are: to quit, give up everything and walk away, throw a self-tantrum or to quit. Then, the side-to-sides are the opportunities that looks promising one day and then all of a sudden, swift change occurs without adequate notice. Finally, the rollercoaster was rather bumpy with heavy shakes. Hmmm. Sounds similar to life, right?
This proved to be one of the most interesting rides because when I got off the Texas Giant, I had a massive headache; one that I had never experienced before. The odd part is that the headache lasted for only a few minutes. The small pain that I felt then equates to natural struggles that appear hopeless in the moment, but once surviving what seems insurmountable, the growth, laughter and simple experience makes life all the more enjoyable. Now I'm thinking... I just can't wait until opening day on February 28th, so that I can hop onto the Texas Giant and experience in 3 minutes what life sometimes feel like.
*knockout*
07 February 2009
Will.i.am
This has to be the greatest song I've heard. Will.i.am did a fantastic job gathering these high-profile celebrities to produce such a song for the time. I am still getting goose bumps! See for yourself:
28 January 2009
72,300 (and growing) *knockout*
If you have been following the weather, you will know that there is a little ice on the roadways here in Texas and a lot worse up north. Well, yesterday morning, I woke up around 7:15 and turned on the television to see if our university was closed for work. Expecting to get back in the bed, I went to our universities’ webpage and sure enough – nothing was cancelled. My immediate reaction was “Damn, every other school is out.” Then, I was quickly reminded of a headline that I watched on CNN the day prior that read “72,300 lost jobs in 1 day”. Then yesterday, I read that another 8,000 jobs were cut. Hundreds of thousands of people have no source of income. These thoughts alone forced me to quit the complaining and get ready for work. I even messed up trimming my mustache.
The situation of people losing their jobs is turning from a recession to a depression. Businesses from Texas Instrument, Target, Home Depot to Microsoft… just to name a cutting back as consumer confidence is slashed. The economy is failing at a fast pace, there’s a mortgage crisis, from Wall Street to Main Street… this is bad, y’all. Now, I’m listening to reporters say that the situations are going to become bleaker before the healing starts. There are already millions of workers without employment. This will create an uphill challenge for them to find work. I’m not an economist, but no source of income equates to less money being spent to stimulate the economy – which further increases the number of companies forced to lay people off and more homes foreclosed.
Let’s be prayerful for those who are just graduating college seeking employment and those who were laid off.
*knockout*
The situation of people losing their jobs is turning from a recession to a depression. Businesses from Texas Instrument, Target, Home Depot to Microsoft… just to name a cutting back as consumer confidence is slashed. The economy is failing at a fast pace, there’s a mortgage crisis, from Wall Street to Main Street… this is bad, y’all. Now, I’m listening to reporters say that the situations are going to become bleaker before the healing starts. There are already millions of workers without employment. This will create an uphill challenge for them to find work. I’m not an economist, but no source of income equates to less money being spent to stimulate the economy – which further increases the number of companies forced to lay people off and more homes foreclosed.
Let’s be prayerful for those who are just graduating college seeking employment and those who were laid off.
*knockout*
24 January 2009
Pics from D.C.
Between Lionel and I, we took over 500 pictures. Most were of the crowds, the different bands and buildings. This is by far the most amazing trip that I have ever taken. There were people from all corners of the globe gathering in one city to witness the first African-American assume presidency of this great nation. I am truly convinced that under President Obama's administration, we will have a new level of service, we will reclaim our rightful standing in the world, and afford opportunities for advancement for all Americans. This is a new day, as President Obama often mentions. I am excited to be able to witness such an amazing "new day". *knockout*
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blogs from the inauguration
these are blogs from the inauguration... unfortunately, i wasn't able to post them in real-time.
inauguration update (8:07 AM - 1/20/2009)
Been standing in the national mall for about 3 hours now. My hands are friggin freezing while typing this. My toes are so cold that they are starting to burn. There are huge jumbo trons setup all across the mall. Snippers are positioned atop of buildings. We are watching the replay of the concert. Folks are mad. The crowd is swelling. Hands hurt... will update when get on train. *knockout*
4:57 lane (4:57 AM - 1/20/2009)
So we are waiting to turn into the metro line. There are sooooooooo many cars in front of us. Mind you, it is 4:57 in the a-m. I can only imagine the congestion on the rail itself and the shoulder room only at the rail station. Lionel and I are listening to some good ole fashion gospel music. This car line is like mad crazy. I need me a venti white chocolate mocha with a tripple shot from Starbucks right about now! I'm trying to get adjusted to the mobile blogging. About to catch a few zzzzzz's while we wait in this long car line. *knockout*
4 o'clock (4:00 AM - 1/20/2009)
So, it's four o'clock. Literally. I'm laying on my back, listening to Roland Martin and Soledad O'Brien on CNN at a forum at Howard University. I am about to freshen up and be out the door by 4:15 to be on the metro rail... *knockout*
inauguration eve (11:00 PM - 1/19/2009)
i'm sitting here and it's midnight. in less than 4 hours, i'll be preparing to head to the national mall to witness president obama assume the duties of the highest office in the nation! the excitement here in dc is building by the second. i'm extremely exhausted from a long day. i'll start mobile blogging and will put up some pictures and videos from this trip as soon as i find the time.
oh, and if you were watching cnn today, you would have saw me "acting up" while soledad o'brien was interviewing dr. king's son!*knockout*
inauguration update (8:07 AM - 1/20/2009)
Been standing in the national mall for about 3 hours now. My hands are friggin freezing while typing this. My toes are so cold that they are starting to burn. There are huge jumbo trons setup all across the mall. Snippers are positioned atop of buildings. We are watching the replay of the concert. Folks are mad. The crowd is swelling. Hands hurt... will update when get on train. *knockout*
4:57 lane (4:57 AM - 1/20/2009)
So we are waiting to turn into the metro line. There are sooooooooo many cars in front of us. Mind you, it is 4:57 in the a-m. I can only imagine the congestion on the rail itself and the shoulder room only at the rail station. Lionel and I are listening to some good ole fashion gospel music. This car line is like mad crazy. I need me a venti white chocolate mocha with a tripple shot from Starbucks right about now! I'm trying to get adjusted to the mobile blogging. About to catch a few zzzzzz's while we wait in this long car line. *knockout*
4 o'clock (4:00 AM - 1/20/2009)
So, it's four o'clock. Literally. I'm laying on my back, listening to Roland Martin and Soledad O'Brien on CNN at a forum at Howard University. I am about to freshen up and be out the door by 4:15 to be on the metro rail... *knockout*
inauguration eve (11:00 PM - 1/19/2009)
i'm sitting here and it's midnight. in less than 4 hours, i'll be preparing to head to the national mall to witness president obama assume the duties of the highest office in the nation! the excitement here in dc is building by the second. i'm extremely exhausted from a long day. i'll start mobile blogging and will put up some pictures and videos from this trip as soon as i find the time.
oh, and if you were watching cnn today, you would have saw me "acting up" while soledad o'brien was interviewing dr. king's son!*knockout*
19 January 2009
inauguration eve
i'm sitting here and it's midnight. in less than 4 hours, i'll be preparing to head to the national mall to witness president obama assume the duties of the highest office in the nation! the excitement here in dc is building by the second.
i'm extremely exhausted from a long day. i'll start mobile blogging and will put up some pictures and videos from this trip as soon as i find the time.
oh, and if you were watching cnn today, you would have saw me "acting up" while soledad o'brien was interviewing dr. king's son!
*knockout*
07 January 2009
Coutdown to Change
This is almost surreal.
As I prepare to buy more wintery clothes for the inauguration to witness this historic moment in D.C., I am waiting for someone to awake me from this dream! Reading an article on CNN and watching the pictures of President-elect Obama step off the Air Force One aircraft, I almost cried. It is more than just PE Obama being a black man. His inspirational story of coming from a family whose father left him, grandmother struggled to raise him – using social services at one point and rising to earn a first-class education at Harvard; going on to become a representative, then senator and now the newly elected president of this nation… simply amazing.
I am counting down to change. We have only 13 more days!!!
As I prepare to buy more wintery clothes for the inauguration to witness this historic moment in D.C., I am waiting for someone to awake me from this dream! Reading an article on CNN and watching the pictures of President-elect Obama step off the Air Force One aircraft, I almost cried. It is more than just PE Obama being a black man. His inspirational story of coming from a family whose father left him, grandmother struggled to raise him – using social services at one point and rising to earn a first-class education at Harvard; going on to become a representative, then senator and now the newly elected president of this nation… simply amazing.
I am counting down to change. We have only 13 more days!!!
03 January 2009
Turnaround
Watching the playoff game between the Chargers and the Colts reminded me of how life can be. The Chargers started the season off with a meager 4-8 record. Tonight, with about thirty seconds on the clock, Nate Kaeding, kicked a field goal to tie the game and led them into overtime. The Chargers, facing a team with a quarterback who was named MVP for the third time and their very own running back Ladainian Thomson faced with groin injuries – who sat out the entire second half - they were all but counted out. They managed to surprise the Colts in the opening playoff game and came out on top. In this AFC playoff game, the Colts taught us all a life lesson: although we might be faced with an uphill journey with situations mounting; through hard work and perseverance we can make a dramatic turnaround.
*knockout*
29 December 2008
Lipstick
2008 has been one heck of a year. So much has happened, literally. The month of December, alone, was one of the toughest times. Generally, at the end of the year, many people contemplate how things will be different in the New Year. It amazes me that the day, month and year changes, but situations remain the same... having a hard time dealing with a break-up on December 31st? Well, on January 1st of the new year, more likely than not, those same sentiments exist.
This year, I felt liberated by some things of my past; however, I do not feel one-hundred percent free. I am slowly starting to embrace who I was created to be. This has been a huge transition in many regards - taking off the mascara, lipstick and makeup to reveal the blemishes, scars and scratches. I have been able to be more transparent since taking off the concealing mask.
The beginning of the year went seemingly perfect. I was in a relationship that I thought would last forever, surrounded by incredible friends and family, working in a position for a couple of months that I thought would eventually be my dream job and having a blast living. Things suddenly made a turn once life revealed herself through major disappointments and setbacks. I endured a tough breakup, made a career altering decision, changed friends and was forced to accept the truth that life can catch us off guard - even if we are prepared to deal with the harsh reality of pains, sicknesses or distractions. Instead of standing up to some of the situations head on, I chose to resort to alcohol. She became my best friend. Well, second to partying. I slowly felt the convictions of deciphering between right and wrong slip out the back door. People who I envisioned a lifetime of happiness with left me in below freezing temperatures without any clothing. I lost my identity of who Kendrick was. I found myself having to redefine, reduce, make constant assessments and restructures to find what truly made me happy - all of which I still struggle with to this day.
In a management class last semester, I read this article about the famous late J.C. Penney. He was quoted as saying: "You cannot build a solid, substantial house with decayed planks, no matter what kind of a veneer is put over their rottenness." Although he was referring to employees using ethical techniques, I often reference this quote in essence of reminding myself that life happens. Instead of trying to cover up blemishes or live a fairytale, I make it a priority to address situations without reservations. This reminds me of a time when a friend told me about a dream he had a few weeks ago. He mentioned that he was playing the role of a personal assistant to a famous singer. During the singer's performance, out of nowhere, a man came out with a black curtain to cover the show. The singer ran off stage. While people were trying to keep her calm in the greenroom, she grabbed her makeup bag and told those around her, "I'm not letting this guy ruin my show; I'm putting my lipstick back on and I'm getting back out there." So for this upcoming year, reflect on life obstacles that almost kept you from performing. Perhaps it wasn't a person with a black sheet interrupting your singing to a sold out crowd, but negative thinking people, a failed relationship, a financial crisis, a layoff or other temporary setbacks. I encourage you all to get your makeup bag, put your lipstick back on and stay in the game of life!
*knockout*
This year, I felt liberated by some things of my past; however, I do not feel one-hundred percent free. I am slowly starting to embrace who I was created to be. This has been a huge transition in many regards - taking off the mascara, lipstick and makeup to reveal the blemishes, scars and scratches. I have been able to be more transparent since taking off the concealing mask.
The beginning of the year went seemingly perfect. I was in a relationship that I thought would last forever, surrounded by incredible friends and family, working in a position for a couple of months that I thought would eventually be my dream job and having a blast living. Things suddenly made a turn once life revealed herself through major disappointments and setbacks. I endured a tough breakup, made a career altering decision, changed friends and was forced to accept the truth that life can catch us off guard - even if we are prepared to deal with the harsh reality of pains, sicknesses or distractions. Instead of standing up to some of the situations head on, I chose to resort to alcohol. She became my best friend. Well, second to partying. I slowly felt the convictions of deciphering between right and wrong slip out the back door. People who I envisioned a lifetime of happiness with left me in below freezing temperatures without any clothing. I lost my identity of who Kendrick was. I found myself having to redefine, reduce, make constant assessments and restructures to find what truly made me happy - all of which I still struggle with to this day.
In a management class last semester, I read this article about the famous late J.C. Penney. He was quoted as saying: "You cannot build a solid, substantial house with decayed planks, no matter what kind of a veneer is put over their rottenness." Although he was referring to employees using ethical techniques, I often reference this quote in essence of reminding myself that life happens. Instead of trying to cover up blemishes or live a fairytale, I make it a priority to address situations without reservations. This reminds me of a time when a friend told me about a dream he had a few weeks ago. He mentioned that he was playing the role of a personal assistant to a famous singer. During the singer's performance, out of nowhere, a man came out with a black curtain to cover the show. The singer ran off stage. While people were trying to keep her calm in the greenroom, she grabbed her makeup bag and told those around her, "I'm not letting this guy ruin my show; I'm putting my lipstick back on and I'm getting back out there." So for this upcoming year, reflect on life obstacles that almost kept you from performing. Perhaps it wasn't a person with a black sheet interrupting your singing to a sold out crowd, but negative thinking people, a failed relationship, a financial crisis, a layoff or other temporary setbacks. I encourage you all to get your makeup bag, put your lipstick back on and stay in the game of life!
*knockout*
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