About 6 years ago, I was diagnosed with eczema by a physician. Years before I was told by my dermatologist that is was contact dermatitis. I'll make it plain; for about the last 10 years I have been suffering severely with this skin irritation on my hands and wrists. It involves just my hands and wrists and itches in a way that is indescribable. At one point it was so bad it discolored my hands leaving them an ashy black (literally charcoal colored) and covered in tiny blisters. I had no clue what was causing it and searched high and low for a treatment. After the first five years of dealing with it and no successful treatments under my belt, I was given a cream called Elidel. This cream seemed to be the perfect treatment. It soothed the itch, which I can tell you was by far the worst part and it also took away the discoloration for the most part. A few years later, I learned that Elidel was being investigated for possibly causing cancer. I'm sure you understand how I felt about that. I immediately discontinued the treatment and sought an alternative. I have tried many different home remedies such as Vitamin E and Aloe Vera, but none of them have had the effect that Elidel provided. In this last year I have been on a quest to truly find out what caused this irritation and how fix it myself. After many books and internet pages read, I think I may have found my holy grail. Today I opened one of my many email messages and there was an article that mentioned a chemical substance called linalool, present in shampoos, that could be linked to the exacerbation of eczema. I always read articles about eczema in hopes to find a better treatment. Little did I know that this one little word, linalool, would lead me to find the possible cause of my own irritation. Linalool is present in just about everything I use, from skin care to cleaning products. It is a terpene alcohol that occurs naturally in various spice plants and flowers and is used in many products for its spicy, flowery scent. Using its synonyms (too many to name), I searched all of my household items and found that 90% of everything I use have this chemical. Imagine my surprise. My first thought is why did it wait so long to show up, if I really am allergic to this chemical that is so prevalent in everything. My deduction is that it really didn't show up until I was using so many of the items on a daily basis. As a mom and a wife, my daily life is filled with these products, most times more than twice a day. Even with hand washing, it is nearly impossible to avoid the linalool, which is present in many common soaps and hand creams. Armed with this knowledge, I am on a mission. It's going to be hard to let go some of some of the products that have been staples since my children were babies, but for the sake of my skin health, I have to do the work. Time to go au naturel-linalool free with my cleaning products as well as my skin care products. I am so happy to have gotten that email which prompted my subsequent search. Now for some research on linalool free products....To be continued....
I came across a story about a man, Desmond Hatchett, who fathered 21 children with 11 different women. Is this a crime? In my opinion it is a crime, a crime against the children. If this man knowingly procreated with these women it shows neglect and a complete lack of responsibility. There was no regard for the future support, mental and physical, of these children. The cost to support 11 children in this day and age is astronomical. How can this man possibly provide support for all of these children in any form? The laws that have been enacted to ensure monetary support will inevitably fail these children if this man follows the current trend. Most men that are forced to pay child support and are unable, are placed in prison. This practice, which I find completely asinine, marks the beginning of a vicious cycle. Man gets job, man pays support, man loses job, man can't pay support, man goes to jail, man in jail can't provide support. Who loses in this scenario? The children. The number of unsupported children in this country grows daily with taxpayers typically left holding the bill. How do we stop this number from growing? I am at a loss. Most schools give sex education, but if it isn't put into practice, what can you do? I wish that people were smarter about their choices. Even though I feel nothing short of repugnance for this man, Desmond, I can't hold him solely at fault. The women who mothered these children are not without accountability. We are human, therefore, not above fallibility. However, with the rising rates of STD's and unwanted pregnancies published daily, these women could have been a lot more careful about their choices. Their choice to have unprotected sex with this man clearly shows a level of disrespect for themselves, but now their offspring. My sincere hope is that we, as a people, become wiser and more vigilant in our choices. Our nation's children don't deserve the blatant disrespect and disregard that was obvious in the case of Desmond Hatchett. Wake up America. Listen. The knowledge is out there, if you choose to accept it.
Though my readers are few, I do apologize for the short hiatus. For a brief moment, I lost my inspiration. It seems that as soon as I actually completed the task of getting this blog together, my brain went on pause. I love to write, in fact, I do it everyday. It may be a short poem, a journal entry, a long poem, or just the thoughts that spill out of my brain onto paper. In this last few weeks, my writing has become, in my opinion, very uniform. Don't get me wrong, uniform is okay, but not up to my own personal standards. I endeavor to do things all the way, never half way. As I get myself back in gear, I hope to give you some interesting things to read, some useful information, and hopefully some very engaging fiction. I enjoy all comments and hope you will subscribe.
For some, basketball is a way of life. The sounds I hear while watching invoke a sort of nostalgia. Listening to bounce of the ball, the squeak of the well worn sneakers, the barrage of boasting and braggadocio, as one lay-up blends into the next takes me back to my days as a child. Back when I would ask "Mom, can I go outside" in my most angelic voice, met with the eager, yet reserved response, "Yeah, go ahead on". Back when the the people of the WP would flock to watch the amateur "Dr. Jays", "Magics", "Kareems", "Worthys", and sometimes even a few "Birds" teem across the asphalt court. A court that symbolized a bit of freedom-their small piece of the dream. I sit today watching new versions of those now retired players mixed in with many of the latest stars of the paint--The "Barkleys", "Jordans", "Shaqs", and "Pippens" along with the "Lebrons", "Wallaces", "Wades" and many others. I am filled with awe and amazement of the talent that has gone unnoticed by NBA greats. It pleases me to sit under an afternoon sun, enjoying this familiar past-time, wind cool against my face, sounds soothing my ears (the ball bounce is almost like a rhythmic drum beat), Damn, do I love the springtime!!!!!!!!!!!
Sleep, my darling, restful sleep, oh how I miss you!!! From time to time I must deal with sleeplessness. It is sporadic, but still a pain in rump. Who knows what causes it, I have just learned to work through it. Now that I have become a part of the blogging community, chances are, this will be where my sleepless nights will be spent. This morning's (It is now 3:30am) sleepless blog will introduce you to a few of my favorite gadgets. By no means am I a gadget or electronics junkie; I just have a few things, old and new, that I feel are essential to my well being. (and those around me..LOL)
First and foremost is my laptop: Gateway MD7309u Notebook Technical Details * Intel Pentium T4200 2.0GHz * 15.6" LCD Widescreen * Includes 3GB DDR2 and 250GB HD * Also includes DVD±RW/CD-RW / webcam / Windows 7 Home Premium This is my lifeline to the world. I am not a TV watcher, so the internet is where I learn about what is really going on in the world. It may not be the best on the market, but for me it is the best!!! Thumbs up to Gateway!!
Next is my beloved digital camera: Kodak EasyShare C180 10.2 megapixels Nothing fancy but the color, but it has the features that I desire and does not require a degree in electronics to figure it out. It goes where I go. I think I must have been photographer in another life!!! I think I shall change my middle name to Kodak---LOL
My next must-have-on-hand-at-all-times gadget is my 2GB memorex traveldrive: I should probably upgrade to something larger, but this little beauty has been my friend for a while now. It is actually attached to my keys, so it is truly with me at all times. It seems that whenever I visit someone, I always end up getting pictures from them via the computer. It saves them the trouble of printing them and me the guilt for losing them after. It also has served me well for college. Many papers have been written from the research saved on this flashdrive. I owe my 3.85GPA (should've been a 4.0-curse you advanced Chemistry B+)to Memorex traveldrive!!!
Last, but certainly not least is my trusty ZEN stone mp3 player:
This little guy has been with me for almost three years. It's compact, rechargeable, dependable, and didn't cost me an arm and leg. I have logged probably 5000 miles listening to my ZEN stone....for me it is enough.
Anywho, now you know the gadgets that get me through my days...and my sleepless nights!! Oh my dear sleep, you have returned, how I've missed you----->>>>
Okay, so I decided to start this blog the other day on whim. Now I am faced with the looming question, What do I blog about?? My inconsistent web searching has lead me to the realization that my mind is everywhere. One day I am reading about metaphysics, the next researching constitutional law, and after that the possibilities are endless. Following other bloggers has been easy, I find one I like and I follow. However, creating a blog that someone will want to follow has been quite a task. For now I have decided that whatever is on my mind will be whatI blog about. Today, for instance, I watched a number of youtube videos that touched my soul.
A long time ago, I decided, I never wanted to be handled by the laws of justice. This video solidifies my reasoning for such. I can't imagine what the Scott sisters must be going through. How does one deal with the fact that they will spend the rest of their lives in jail for 11 dollars??? I understand that they were involved in a crime, but life for something so petty, come on, really??? The fact that John Gardner received so little time for his crime makes my blood boil. In what reality does the theft of $11 rate a higher sentence than rape, molestation and murder?? Sadly, this isn't something from the Twilight Zone, it is part of the ever evolving evil that is our reality. My goal, now that I have become aware of the sisters' case, is to become a part of the campaign to free them. The information on the internet is limited, but I will do every and anything in my power to further this cause. Any info provided from others is greatly appreciated.
This is another video from my search today that I feel it is important to share with the blogger world. Thanks to my sister Vibeasia (this video is on her youtube page) I sat and really listened to the words this sister spits on this song. Lauryn Hill has always been on my list of favorite artists, but this song initiated a new level of respect for her. The lyrics of this song made me think, will they make you do the same???---->>>
"Mystery of Iniquity" By Lauryn Hill
It's the mystery of Iniquity... Said it's the misery of Iniquity... Said it's the history of Iniquity... Oh, When it all... All falls down... Telling you all... It all falls down
Children... Eat your bread Little children... Eat your bread Cuz it all... All falls down... Telling you all... It all falls down
Yo! Ya'll can't handle the truth in a courtroom of lies Perjures the jurors Witness despised Crooked lawyers False Indictments publicized Its entertainment...the arraignments The subpoenas High profile gladiators in bloodthirsty arenas Enter the Dragon Black-robe crooked-balance Souls bought and sold and paroled for thirty talents Court reporter catch the surface on the paper File it in the system not acknowledged by the Maker Swearing by the bible blatantly blasphemous Publicly perpetrating that "In God We Trust" Cross-examined by a master manipulator The faster intimidator Receiving the judge's favor Deceiving sabers doing injury to they neighbors For status, gratis, apparatus and legal waivers See the bailiff Representing security Holding the word of God soliciting perjury The prosecution Political prostitution The more money you pay.. the further away solution Legal actors Babylon's benefactors Masquerading as the agency for the clients Hypocritical giants Morally non-compliant Orally armed to do bodily harm Polluted, recruited and suited judicial charm And the defense isn't making any sense Faking the confidence of escaping the consequence That a defendant is depending on the system Totally void of judgment purposely made to twist em' Emotional victim blackmailed by the henchmen Framed by intentions Inventions whereby they lynch men Enter the false witness slandering the accused Planting the seed openly showing he's being used To discredit, edit, headed for the alleged Smearing the individual fearing the unsuspected Expert witness (the paid authority) Made a priority to deceive the majority Of disinterested peers Dodging duty for years Hating the process waiting to be returning to their careers Do we expect the system made for the elect To possibly judge correct? Properly serve and protect? Materially corrupt Spiritually amuck Oblivious to the cause Prosperously bankrupt Blind leading the blind Guilty never defined Filthy as swine A generation pure in it's own mind Legal extortion Blown out of proportion In vain deceit The truth is obsolete Only two positions: Victimizer or Victim Both end up in destruction trusting this crooked system Mafia with diplomas keeping us in a coma trying to own a piece of the "American Corona" The Revolving Door Insanity every floor Skyscraping, paper chasing What are we working for? Empty traditions Reaching social positions Teaching ambition to support the family superstition? When the Son of Perdition is Commander in Chief The standard is Thief Brethren can we candidly speak? Woe to the men Trusted in the chariots dem' Leaning on horses They run their intellectual sources Counterfeit wisdom creating the illusion of freedom Confusion consumes them Every word they speak it turns them out really white Internally they absent of light trapped in the night and bonded to the Cain of the night Under the curse Evil men waxing more worse Faxing the first Angelic being cast to the earth It's time for rebirth Burnin up the branch and the root The empty pursuits of every tree bearing the wrong fruit Turning me ill Let him who stole, no longer steal Oh it's real Surrender for Jehovah is real How long will you sleep Troubled by the thoughts that YOU keep The idols YOU heap Causing the destruction you reap Judgment has come Find it and return to the One Abandon the flesh Self-interest: Broadway to death Pride and the Greed Hide and subdividing the seed The knowledge of Good and Evil is what caused us to lie Caused us to die Let your emotions be crucified Renounce all your thoughts Repent and let your mind be re-taught You'll find what you sought...was based on the deception you bought A perception of naught Where the majority remains caught
Loving a lie Not realizing in Adam, all die
Loving a lie Not realizing in Adam, all die
Loving a lie Not realizing in Adam, all die
Loving to lie Not realizing in Adam, all die
It's the mystery of Inequity Said it's the history of Inequity Said it's the misery of Inequity When it all... All falls down I'm telling you all... It all falls down
Last night I realized how little I exercise. What I was doing is not enough. I decided to put a new plan into action today. I just finished a 20 minute walking workout (Leslie Sansone)and also a 10 minute hip hop abs workout. (Shaun T)My body is angry right now but that's okay. I am going to do a small workout later on today, so I don't lock up. It's time for me to get back to the old me. I was always athletic, it just seemed to be less important after I had my family. Now, it's time to put myself at the top of the list again. As I get older, the more I realize how important each day is. I want to enjoy it without the restraints that my weight has placed on me. Time to kick it into high gear and get 'er done!!!! today is day 52 of my 100 day challenge---Let's see how far I can get in 48 days!!I know I won't get to that cute size 10 from 1997 (pictured on the left) by then, but I can get a step closer to it!!
The original written by Shuggie Otis for his 1972 album Freedom Flight, sung by The Brothers Johnson. I am quite partial to this version of the song, simply because it is what I know. Although I am a huge fan Quincy Jones, my feelings for Akon are ambiguous at best. His singing style reminds me of someone else, leaving me with the thought that he is unoriginal. I would not go as far as saying he is without talent. He has a niche in the market just as many others do. His creativity does shine at times, which in turn has made him hugely popular. My son is one of his biggest fans. In comparing the two songs, I feel that this was an interesting remake of an already great song. I won't hate it and I don't love it. On a scale of 1 to 10, I'd give a 6. Big ups to Akon and QUincy Jones for their collaboration. I might not be the biggest fan of the song, but I love to see my brothers keeping the bond--♫♪♥
Was it mere coincidence that Lena Horne was on my mind today? I watched an episode of one of my favorite shows from my youth, A Different World, the other night and she was the main focus of the show. After watching, I decided that I did not know enough about her life and who she really was. I must admit that prior to that show, my only true knowledge of Ms. Horne was that she was the ultimate idol of yet another television character, Fred Sanford of TV's Sanford and Son, played by the late Redd Foxx, and that she sang the song "Stormy Weather". As a young woman, it pains me that I don't know a lot about those strong women that braved this world long before me. I am on a quest now. I want to know more, and would like for the knowledge of these women to be a part of my life. I will learn about them, because I must, not because of their deaths.
Today we lost a queen...she may be gone from our sight, but she lives on through music and film. Rest in peace Ms. Lena Horne June 30, 1917 – May 9, 2010♥
What can I say...blogging has been on my mind for a while now, but I just didn't put the plan in motion. Thanks to newly found old friend I was hooked up to this site (Thanks Mr. Love!!). This will be a place for me to express my inner most thoughts, ideas, and feelings. I will also be offering advice and giving information about things that are important to me. Feel free to post comments!!
